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 exactly how to train your ears to hear what compression is doing. Whether you’re a beginner trying to grasp the basics or a seasoned engineer looking to sharpen your perception, this episode delivers practical insights you can use right away.

 Inside this episode:

Expect plenty of real-world advice, go-to tactics Chris and Jody use in their own sessions, and—as always—a dose of Friday Finds and some entertaining studio nonsense.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of compression’s role in your mix—and the confidence to use it to your advantage.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio

#CompressionTips

#MixingTechniques

#AudioEngineering

#LearnCompression

#MusicProduction

#DynamicControl

#HomeStudioLife

#FridayFinds

#MixingMastery

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, demystifying this essential mixing technique and sharing the smart, subtle, and sometimes surprising ways they use it to bring their mixes to life.

Whether you're using it to duck the bass under the kick, tame reverb tails, trigger FX, or create pulsing rhythmic movement, sidechaining is more than just a trend—it's a mixing power tool.

In this episode:

Plus, you’ll hear Chris and Jody’s go-to plugins, real-world applications, a fresh round of Friday Finds, and of course, some unfiltered nonsense along the way.

Whether you're a seasoned producer or just getting your hands dirty in your first DAW session, this episode gives you the tools to sidechain with confidence—and purpose.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio

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 getting warmth in your mixes—from the tools they trust to the techniques they use every day.

We’re talking about that sonic something that makes a track feel full, smooth, and alive—without losing clarity. Warmth isn't about cutting all the highs or slathering tape emulation on every channel. It's about intentional tone-shaping, and in this episode, you’ll learn where to find it and how to apply it (without overcooking the mix).

In this episode:

Plus, this week’s Friday Finds delivers more audio goodies to fuel your obsession—and yes, there's the usual dose of nonsense we all secretly love.

Whether you're chasing vintage vibes or just want your mixes to sound less cold, this episode will help you heat things up the right way.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio

#WarmMixes

#MixingTips

#AnalogVibe

#MusicProduction

#AudioEngineering

#MixingMojo

#ProAudioGear

#TapeSaturation

#StudioLife

#FridayFinds

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, and the occasional sonic mishap behind this powerful mixing technique.

🎧 Inside this episode:

Whether you’re trying to tighten up a muddy low end or add air to the sides without wrecking your mono compatibility, this episode has actionable tips you can use right away.

And yes, there’s also this week’s Friday Finds and some completely unrequested but always entertaining nonsense to balance out the signal chain.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio #MidSideEQ #MixingTips #AudioEngineering #StereoImaging #MusicProduction #EQPlugins #HomeStudioLife #MixingMastery #FridayFinds

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 delivery workflows in audio production. Whether you’re working solo in a home studio or collaborating with clients around the world, getting your digital house in order is crucial.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Plus, Chris and Jody share real-world file fails (yes, it’s happened to all of us), some tips for client communication, and—naturally—a bit of nonsense and studio banter to keep it entertaining.

Don't forget to check out this week’s Friday Finds for gear or tools that might just make your file-wrangling life easier.

Whether you're a freelancer, studio assistant, or full-time audio pro, this episode will help you clean up your workflow, impress your clients, and sleep better knowing you won’t lose that perfect take.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio #AudioProduction #FileManagement #MixingWorkflow #AudioDelivery #MusicProductionTips #StudioLife #ClientCollaboration #FridayFinds #HomeStudioWorkflow

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 of the biggest songs of the last decade, Reuben shares how he turned his passion into a career, how he built his mastering business from the ground up, and why keeping your ears sharp and your vision clear is the key to longevity in the industry.

🔥 In this episode:

And yes—there’s this week’s Friday Finds, and as always, it’s not unlikely that a bit of nonsense will sneak into the conversation.

Whether you’re a producer, engineer, or just a fan of great music and great minds, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and industry wisdom from one of the best ears in the game.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio #ReubenCohen #MasteringEngineer #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #SoundtrackMastering #ProAudio #MixingAndMastering #FridayFinds #RecordingStudioLife

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 Jody take a non-sexy but absolutely necessary dive into the world of de-essers—what they are, why they matter, and how to wield them like a pro.

🎙️ You’ll learn:

This episode is perfect for anyone who’s been surprised by a sharp “S” in playback—or who just wants to make their mixes more polished and listener-friendly.

As always, expect a bit of nonsense, a lot of insight, and a new favorite from this week’s Friday Finds. Your ears (and your clients) will be happier for it.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio #DeEssers #MixingTips #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #VocalMixing #SibilanceControl #ProAudioTools #MixingEssentials #FridayFinds #HomeStudioLife

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 engineer handing files off to a mix pro or the one doing both jobs yourself, this episode walks you through the smart, efficient steps to get your session mix-ready.

From editing and organizing to naming conventions and audio cleanup, discover how Chris and Jody tackle:

You’ll also hear tips on gain staging, consolidating files, and setting your mix up for success—plus a few thoughts on what NOT to do when prepping your stems. And as always, there’s a healthy splash of studio nonsense and this week’s Friday Finds to keep it fun.

If you’ve ever sent—or received—a mix and thought “What is this chaos?”... this one’s for you.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixPrep #AudioEngineering #MultitrackMixing #RecordingTips #MixingEngineer #TrackCleanup #SessionOrganization #MusicProduction #HomeStudioTips #FridayFinds #ProAudioWorkflow

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 to breathe life, movement, and personality into your productions—without lifting a finger (well, maybe just a fader or two).

From subtle volume swells to dramatic panning shifts and time-based effect tweaks, automation allows you to sculpt emotion into your audio with pinpoint precision. Whether you're building energy in a chorus, taming an unruly synth, or automating plugin parameters like reverb, EQ, or delay for added dimension, this episode is packed with practical tipsand creative workflows you can start using today.

You'll learn:

As always, expect a little studio banter, a dash of nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds—because great gear and clever tips go hand in hand.

So whether you’re mixing in a pro studio or your bedroom setup, this episode will help you take full control of your sonic universe.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixingTips #TrackAutomation #MusicProduction #RegionAutomation #DAWWorkflow #AutomationInMixing #AudioTips #HomeStudioLife #MixingEngineer #MusicTech #FridayFinds

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 down what it is, why you should care, and how hitting the “sweet spot” of headroom can make all the difference when it comes time to master your mix.

🎛️ In this episode:

Whether you're a home studio enthusiast or a seasoned engineer, this episode helps you level up your gain staging game—without any of the math headaches.

Oh, and yes—there’s the usual dose of studio nonsense, along with this week’s Friday Finds that you won’t want to miss.

#InsideTheRecordingStudio #MusicProductionTips #AudioHeadroom #Mixing101 #GainStaging #RecordingStudioLife #MasteringPrep #HomeStudioTips #MixingEngineer #FridayFinds #AudioNerdsUnite