Mix engineers have battled this question for decades: headphones or studio monitors—who reigns supreme? In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody slice into the science, psychology, and practicality of monitoring. Whether you’re mixing in a treated control room or a spare-bedroom studio, knowing when to trust your ears (an…

When you hit play on a track, should it sound like you — unmistakably branded with your sonic fingerprint — or should it morph seamlessly into whatever the song demands? In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody dive headfirst into one of the most polarizing debates in audio engineering: the “signature sound” dilemma. For …

Part 2 of: What do Guitar Hero, blockbuster video game soundtracks, and a stack of epic TV scores all have in common? The unmistakable sound of Steve Ouimette. In this continuation episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with the guitarist and producer whose riffs have been quietly shaping your playlists, your binge-watching…

What do Guitar Hero, blockbuster video game soundtracks, and a stack of epic TV scores all have in common? The unmistakable sound of Steve Ouimette. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with the guitarist and producer whose riffs have been quietly shaping your playlists, your binge-watching marathons, and maybe ev…

On the surface, panning and pan laws might sound like the driest topic in the world—but if you care about making mixes that translate everywhere, you can’t afford to ignore them. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a deep dive into the mechanics and the myths of stereo placement, with their usual mix of expertise, hu…

Confession time: how many compressor plugins do you actually need? One? Two? Six? Let’s be real—you probably have a “go-to” compressor and five others you bought during a flash sale because someone on YouTube said it was life-changing. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Chris and Jody are right there with you in this week’s episode of Inside the Record…

Who says distortion is just for shredders in leather pants? This week, Chris & Jody are here to spill the beans on how creative distortion in mixing can spice up any track. Think of it like hot sauce: a little goes a long way, but sometimes you just want to drench everything. They start by serving up the obvious—guitar tones that roar and scream—bu…

Apple’s MainStage is more than a shiny logo—it’s a performance powerhouse. In this episode, Chris & Jody break down why MainStage is the unsung hero of live rigs and home studio gear alike. From navigating its role as a flexible plugin host to uncovering hidden features in studio gear, they cover how this tool streamlines touring setups and enhance…

What’s it really like to make a living behind a drum kit? Chris & Jody corner Christopher Allis and get the dirt—from his first bash at the skins to rubbing shoulders (and sticks) with big-name acts. Expect road stories, studio quirks, and a few laughs about the less glamorous side of the music grind. This is Part One of the chat, and it’s loaded w…

Duck. Breathe. Pulse. Repeat. The beat hits, and everything else steps aside. In this episode, Chris & Jody journey into the hidden choreography of sound—where one signal controls another, and side-chaining becomes more than a trick. It becomes feel. What starts as a lesson in DAW setup and MPC Live integration quickly morphs into a deconstruction …

Referencing Your Way to a Better Mix In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the power of reference mixes—why they’re essential tools for mixers and how to use them effectively in your workflow. From understanding tonal balance to making better decisions about EQ, compression, and stereo width, reference tracks can…

How to Stay Productive During Studio Downtime What should you be doing when the session calendar is quiet and the console isn’t lit up? In this insightful and entertaining episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into 3 essential categories of activities to help you stay productive when you're not tracking, mixing, or mastering f…

10 Common Mastering Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Mastering isn’t just about loudness — it’s about finesse, clarity, and translating your mix to every playback system. In this enlightening (and slightly irreverent) episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody walk you through 10 of the most common mistakes made by beginner and intermedia…

Deadlines don’t care how creative you're feeling—so Chris and Jody are jumping into the fast lane with an episode all about navigating tight studio deadlines. Whether it's last-minute sessions, surprise client changes, or an unexpected "we need it yesterday" scenario, the guys share their real-world strategies for staying productive under pressure.…

Corrective EQ vs Sweetening EQ: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive headfirst into the often-blurred line between corrective EQ and sweetening EQ — and why understanding the difference can elevate your mixes from passable to polished. Corrective EQ: What exactly qualifies as “…

Music Theory in the Studio: Must-Have Skill or Creative Buzzkill? Should every musician or producer know music theory? Is it a necessary tool or an outdated gatekeeper? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle one of the most debated questions in modern production: does knowing music theory actually help in the studio—o…

How to Hear Compression: Training Your Ears to Master Dynamic Control Compression—it’s one of the most powerful tools in your mixing arsenal. But if you’re not sure what you’re actually hearing, it can just as easily confuse as it can enhance. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody open up the signal chain and break down exa…

The Power of Sidechaining: How to Add Movement, Clarity, and Energy to Your Mixes You’ve heard the pumping effect. You’ve felt that bounce in the low end. But do you really understand how sidechainingworks—or all the creative ways you can use it? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the world of sidechaining…

Ever had someone say, “This mix just needs a little more warmth,” and wondered what that actually means? Or maybe you’ve tried to get that rich, analog vibe in your digital mix and ended up with something that just sounded... dull? In this cozy, mojo-filled episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the art (and science) of g…

Mid-Side EQ Demystified: Clarity, Control, and Stereo Sorcery Ever feel like your stereo mix is wide but just… not right? You might be missing one of mixing’s most underrated tools: Mid-Side EQ. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody wade into the murky but magical waters of Mid-Side EQ, unpacking the science, the strategy, …

Organized Audio: Mastering File Management & Delivery in the Studio Let’s be honest—file management isn’t glamorous, but it can be the difference between a smooth project and a full-blown data disaster. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the often-overlooked (and frequently dreaded) topic of file management and de…

Mastering the Craft: A Conversation with Reuben Cohen In this must-hear episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with the legendary Reuben Cohen—mastering engineer to the stars—for a deep, insightful, and occasionally hilarious conversation about music, business, and sonic obsession. From humble beginnings to mastering some o…

De-Essers: The Unsung Heroes of Smooth-Sounding Mixes It’s not flashy. It’s not fun. And let’s face it—nobody gets excited about a de-esser. But when sibilance strikes or harshness creeps in, this humble tool can be the difference between a professional-sounding vocal and a wince-worthy one. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and…

Clean Tracks, Clean Mixes: How to Prep Your Multitracks Like a Pro Before a mix can shine, the raw materials need some serious TLC—and that’s exactly what this episode is all about. Join Chris and Jody as they dive into the often overlooked—but critically important—process of prepping multitrack sessions for mixing. Whether you're the recording eng…

Moving the Faders: How Track and Region-Based Automation Can Transform Your Mixes Automation: it’s not just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce behind some of the most immersive mixes you’ve ever heard. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the power of track and region-based automation, showing you how t…

Finding the Sweet Spot: Why Headroom Matters in Your Mixes You’ve likely heard the term headroom tossed around in audio circles—but how well do you actually understand it? In this week's episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive head-first into the often-overlooked (yet wildly important) topic of recording headroom. They break dow…

What exactly is the difference between stems and multitrack files—and why does it matter when you're sending a session out into the world? In this knowledge-packed episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unravel the often-confused terms and workflows behind project sharing in modern music production. Whether you're a solo artist coll…

Shiny New Gear: When to Use It & When to Hold Back We’ve all been there: You finally get your hands on that shiny new plugin, synth, or piece of outboard gear, and suddenly… you want to use it on everything. But should you? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody wade through the muddy waters of gear obsession to answer some …

Dialing in the Low End: EQ Secrets for a Better Bass Mix When it comes to crafting a solid, powerful mix, few things are more important—or more misunderstood—than EQ'ing your bass tracks. It's the heartbeat of your production, and getting it wrong can sink an otherwise great song. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody grab …

Getting the perfect vocal take isn’t just about talent—it’s about technique, positioning, and knowing how to work the mic. Whether you're tracking in a pro studio or recording in a DIY setup, mic distance can make or break your vocal mix. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the art and science of mic positionin…

Chris and Jody wade into the murky depths of audio masking—a sneaky culprit that can turn your mix into a muddy mess. If your instruments are fighting for attention and your mix feels cluttered, this episode is for you! We’ll explore: What is audio masking? The science behind why some sounds disappear in a mix. Which instruments are the usual suspe…

Ready to settle the score between drum programming and live drums? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the pros, cons, and surprising secrets of both worlds. From the unmistakable human feel of live drums to the precision and creativity of programmed beats, we explore: Which music styles thrive with live dr…

In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive headfirst into the art (and occasional disaster) of layering similar instruments in a mix. When done right, layering can add depth, texture, and power—but when done wrong, you’re left with a cluttered, phasey mess that no amount of EQ can fix. We’re tackling: Synths – Can stacking …

In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take on a critical piece of every mix—the kick drum. Whether you want deep, chest-thumping lows or a sharp, defined attack, EQ is the key to making your kick sit right in the mix. Here’s what we’re breaking down: Fundamental Low End – How to shape the bass for power without turning your…

This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody step into the ring for a battle of the workflows—Channel Strips vs. Individual Plugins! Ever wondered if you should streamline your mix with an all-in-one channel strip or go full mad scientist with a chain of individual plugins? We’re diving into: What exactly makes up a channel strip, and h…

NAMM 2025 has wrapped, and Chris and Jody are here to break down all the must-see gear, jaw-dropping innovations, and biggest surprises from this year’s show! From the excitement of Global Media Night to the hottest new releases in guitars, drums, audio interfaces, and software instruments, this episode is your all-access pass to everything we saw …

In this episode, Chris and Jody tackle the art of EQ’ing acoustic guitars to perfection. Whether you’re looking to add warmth, clarity, or sparkle to your tracks, this episode covers practical tips and creative ideas to help your acoustic guitar recordings shine. What’s on the agenda? Taming the low end for a clean, controlled foundation. Smoothing…

Chris and Jody dive into one of the most common challenges in mixing: muddy mixes. Whether you’re struggling with unclear vocals, undefined instruments, or a mix that just feels too cluttered, this episode has you covered. Here’s what you’ll learn: How your arrangement choices can set the foundation for a cleaner mix. Tips for managing dynamics to …

Chris and Jody dive into one of the most versatile tools in a mix engineer’s arsenal: delay. Whether you’re looking to add depth, space, or a touch of magic to your vocal tracks, this episode is packed with tips and tricks to help you get there. Here’s what’s on the table: The art of using unsynced delays to create unique vocal effects and make voc…

Chris and Jody welcome the creative powerhouse himself, Venus Theory (aka Cameron), for a lively and inspiring 90-minute interview. From his mythical beginnings on Mount Olympus (okay, maybe not quite) to becoming a sought-after name in the music and creative community, Venus Theory’s story is as unique as his music. In this episode, you’ll discove…

Crank Up the Punch: 5 Strategies for Better Mixes Ready to make your mixes pack a serious punch? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle five practical ways to give your recordings that extra oomph. Whether you’re a musician, a hobbyist, or a seasoned engineer, these tips will get your tracks sounding tighter, fuller, …

In this episode Chris and Jody team up for a deep dive into the world of reference tracks—essential tools for both music production and songwriting emulation. What exactly are reference tracks, and how can they elevate your creative process? Chris and Jody share their personal approaches to using them, shedding light on how these tracks can inspire…

This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the game-changing concept of using reference mixes to guide your mixing process. Why is referencing so essential? Whether you're a beginner trying to get your bearings or a seasoned engineer fine-tuning your sound, reference tracks can act as a compass for creating professional, po…

Unlock the Power of Parallel Compression: Tips, Tricks, and Scheps Secrets Ready to add some serious punch and polish to your mixes? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we dive deep into parallel compression—aka "New York Style Compression"—and how it can take your tracks from flat to fabulous. First, we’ll break down the basics: what i…

Chris and Jody are back with a listener-inspired episode, diving into the art of time management and effective studio scheduling. Whether you’re juggling multiple sessions or trying to fill gaps in your calendar, they’ve got you covered. Learn how to maintain a steady workflow without burning out, avoid the dreaded scramble for new projects, and st…

In this insightful and entertaining episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the essential concepts of corrective EQ and sweetening EQ. Ever wondered what sets these two approaches apart? They’ve got you covered! Discover how corrective EQ helps fix problem frequencies and how sweetening EQ adds the magic touch to elevate y…

In this no-nonsense episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody get straight to the point with five essential workflow tips designed to save time and keep your clients coming back for more. Whether you're working in a professional studio or a home setup, these practical strategies will help you cut inefficiencies, stay organized, and mak…

In this episode Chris and Jody tackle two powerful tools in every engineer's arsenal: multi-band compressors and dynamic EQs. They break down the mechanics behind these dynamic processors, clarify the key differences, and share expert tips on when to reach for each in your mix. Whether you’re looking to control specific frequency ranges or give voc…

Ever wondered if your sessions will be accessible decades from now? In this insightful and practical episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the essential steps for archiving DAW sessions that can stand the test of time. Join the conversation as they share must-know tips on what elements to archive, smart organization stra…

In this friendly yet informative episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into practical steps that musicians can take in their home DAW sessions to make mixing easier and more effective for engineers. If you've ever wanted to hand over cleaner, more organized tracks to your mixing engineer, this episode is packed with insights j…