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

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 collaborating across the globe, a producer prepping tracks for a mix engineer, or someone just trying not to embarrass yourself on a licensing call—this episode helps you sound like you actually know what you're talking about.

Learn:

And of course, expect the usual helping of nonsense, some studio banter, and a few Friday Finds worth checking out.

So if you’ve ever hesitated mid-email wondering "Wait… is this a stem or a multitrack?" — this episode is for you.

#MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixingTips #RecordingStudio #HomeStudio #MultitracksVsStems #CollaborativeRecording #StudioWorkflow #ProAudio

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 important questions:

Does every song really need that new effect, plugin, or instrument?

They’ll break down the psychology behind gear purchases, how to integrate new tools effectively, and when it’s time to resist the urge to throw the kitchen sink into your mix.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without some nonsense, unexpected tangents, and a Friday Find or two.

So if you've ever wondered whether that new compressor is a game-changer or just another dust collector, this episode is for you.

#MusicProduction #AudioGear #HomeStudio #MixingTips #InsideTheRecordingStudio #StudioLife #GearObsession #AudioEngineering #NewPlugins #ProAudio

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 their sonic shovels and start digging deep into the frequency trenches of the electric bass. Whether you’re a producer, engineer, musician, or bedroom mix wizard, this episode is packed with tips and tricks to help you sculpt the bass sound you've been chasing.

Breaking down the frequency zones. From the sub frequencies that shake the room to the low mids that can muddy the mix—and even the elusive "air" frequencies—Chris and Jody walk you through the entire EQ landscape.

When to cut, when to boost, and why. Not every bass track needs the same treatment. You'll learn how to spot the problem areas and when to tighten things up or let them breathe.

How your bass interacts with the rest of your mix. EQ is not a solo mission—it’s about making your bass play nice with drums, guitars, vocals, and everything else.

Plus: Don’t miss the signature segment, Friday Finds, where they share new gear, tools, or resources worth checking out. And of course, expect a sprinkle of nonsense to keep things fun.

So if you've ever asked yourself, "Why does my bass sound muddy, flabby, or lost in the mix?"—this episode is your roadmap to clarity.

#BassEQ #MixingTips #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #InsideTheRecordingStudio #HomeStudio #MixingBass #RecordingPodcast #EQBasics #ProAudio