Ep11 - The Vocal Chain Deep Dive: From Raw Takes to Radio-Ready
Studio Stuff Podcast #11 | The Vocal Chain Deep Dive: From Raw Takes to Radio-Ready
Alright, we’ve recorded the vocals. Now what? In this episode, we’re diving into what comes after the red light turns off—editing, tuning, clip gaining, EQ, compression, automation… all the good stuff that takes your vocals from "usable" to "undeniable."
We’re talking about our start-to-finish vocal mixing workflows—from first comp checks to final automation passes. You’ll hear how we prep vocals for pitch correction, when and why we bounce tracks, what our go-to compressor chains look like (hint: they’re stacked), and how to know when not to touch anything at all.
Plus, we answer a listener question about working with MIDI drums and when to commit those tracks to audio.
You’ll Learn:
Why clip gain can make or break your vocal mix
How we approach pitch correction manually (and why we avoid the "auto" button)
The vocal chain order we actually use—and how we layer EQ and compression
Why sometimes less processing is the right move
When to leave the VST drum processing on… and when to nuke it
Topics & Stories:
Our favorite channel strip tools and vocal compressors
Chris’s take-your-pill alarm goes off mid-recording
Why Steve buckled a CL1B into the passenger seat of his car
The truth about "nonsense plugins" and when we finally let them go
Mixing vocals with your speakers turned way down
Listener Q&A:
Shoutout to Jim Kelly from Kilkenny, Ireland! We tackle his question about routing and processing MIDI drums—and how we decide whether to use the plugin processing or start from scratch.
Final Takeaway:
There’s no one right way to mix vocals—but there is your way. The key is to make intentional choices and always ask: "What serves the song?"
👉 Got a question for us?
📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.
Studio Stuff Podcast #10 | The Art (and Chaos) of Recording Yourself at Home
This week, we’re turning the mic around—literally.
Chris and Steve explore what it’s really like to record vocals on your own, in a home studio setup where you’re the singer, engineer, and producer… all at once. From gear choices and room noise to workflow hacks and accidental plumbing victories, this episode is both practical and painfully relatable. If you’ve ever chased the perfect take while dodging noisy kids, furnace hums, or the neighbor’s lawnmower—this one’s for you.
Self-recording is equal parts freedom and frustration, but with the right mindset (and a bit of creativity), it can also be incredibly rewarding.
You'll Learn:
How to choose the right mic when recording yourself
Why committing effects while tracking can actually be freeing
Tips for building a self-recording workflow that won’t kill your vibe
How to control tone with mic distance and positioning
Ways to deal with room noise, family noise, and fan noise
Why using two different mics for lead and background vocals can help your mix
How to stay creative (and sane) while recording solo
Topics & Stories:
The reality of tracking vocals in a non-soundproofed house
What to do when your perfect take is ruined by kitchen chaos
Using mic position and off-axis techniques to tame harshness
The joy of experimenting when no one’s watching
How Chris’s plumbing failure turned into a vocal tracking lesson
Workflow hacks: wireless control, DAW shortcuts, and phone/tablet remotes
Using different mics—or even different mic angles—for variety in background vocals
Why your forehead might actually sound great (don’t ask)
Embracing late-night sessions and finding the quietest window to record
Dealing with the curveballs of self-engineering: distractions, delays, and duct-taped mic tricks
Listener Q&A:
Lyndon Aguilar from Manila asks: “Can you mix with closed-back headphones without using any of the AI sound-reference tools?” Chris and Steve unpack the pros and cons, when they’d use them, and why headphone EQ (with or without emulation) makes a big difference—especially outside of the studio.
Final Takeaway:
Recording yourself is a creative playground—messy, unpredictable, but full of freedom. Set up a workflow that inspires you, control what you can, and embrace the rest. Some of your best takes will come from the most unexpected moments.
🎧 Ready to capture pro-quality tracks—without upgrading your gear?
Pro Home Recording with Cubase shows you how to get clean, polished recordings using the tools you already have.
From setting up Cubase properly to recording vocals, drums, guitars, and more—this course gives you a clear, step-by-step workflow that saves you hours of frustration and makes your tracks easier to mix.
➡️ Start recording like a pro with the tools you already own. Check out PRO HOME RECORDING WITH CUBASE
📢 What’s your biggest struggle when recording yourself?
Let us know in the comments or tag us on socials—we’d love to hear from you!
🎙 Submit Your Question:
Got a question for a future episode?📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.
--------
23:15
Ep09 - Recording Vocals is More Than Just Hitting Record
Studio Stuff Podcast #09 I Recording Vocals is More Than Just Hitting Record
This week, we (Chris and Steve) are diving into one of the most emotional and surprisingly complicated parts of making music—recording vocals. It all started with a delayed omelet and a questionable bathroom comment, but somehow we ended up exploring everything from mic choice to the psychology of singers. If you’ve ever hit record and wondered why something felt off, this episode’s for you. It’s not just about capturing a voice—it’s about creating the right vibe, building trust, and knowing when to step back or push forward.
You'll Learn:
Why vocal performances are more emotional than technical
The importance of preamp vs. microphone selection
Tips for managing compression and monitoring while tracking vocals
The real reason some singers soar while others sink
Why your talkback mic can make or break a performance
How to manage singer "maintenance" and build trust
When and how to comp and pitch-correct vocals
Topics & Stories:
Chris and Steve’s breakfast saga and the birth of the phrase "You go boy"
The magic of choosing the right mic (and why it’s often not the most expensive)
Monitoring secrets: how much vocal in the cue mix is too much?
Why compression (recorded or not) can boost singer confidence
Real talk about tracking reverb for singers
Singer psychology: understanding pitch problems, fear, and vocal fatigue
Why first lines matter most—and why they’re often recorded last
Manual pitch correction workflows and the value of comping immediately
Studio pranks, honesty, and the art of talkback diplomacy
Listener Q&A:
Andy Tullus asks: "When using drum samples, should you try to find ones that are tuned to the original drums? Does it matter?" Chris and Steve unpack their philosophy, focusing less on pitch and more on character, vibe, and the "woof woof" vs "ping ping" factor.
Final Takeaway:
Vocal recording is about building trust, emotional safety, and giving the singer an environment that brings out their best. The gear matters—but how you guide and respond to the performance matters more.
🎧 Want to take your vocal recordings even further?
If you're ready to craft pro-level vocal mixes using only the tools in Cubase, check out my course: The Ultimate CUBASE MIXING Masterclass This course was made to help home studio folks like you take the guesswork out of mixing vocals and finally feel confident hitting export.
📢 Join the conversation!
What’s your biggest challenge when recording vocals? Drop your thoughts below or tag us on socials!
🎙 Submit Your Question:
Got a question for a future episode? 📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.
--------
35:36
Ep08 - What If Analog Gear Isn’t About the Sound at All?
Studio Stuff Podcast #08 What If Analog Gear Isn’t About the Sound at All?
Chris and Steve kick off this episode with some laughs and lighthearted banter about Fahrenheit vs. Celsius and the quirks of 24-hour time—but things quickly take a turn into one of the most honest and overlooked conversations about analog gear: what if it’s not just about the sound?
This episode dives into the emotional and tactile side of using analog hardware, exploring whether the real appeal is how it feels rather than how it sounds. Plus, for the first time ever, they bring a listener (and friend!) on live to join the discussion.
You’ll Learn:
✅ Why analog gear still brings joy—even when digital sounds just as good✅ The "psychology of the knob" and how physical gear can change your workflow✅ Why "pleasure" might be a more important reason to use analog than we admit✅ Chris and Steve’s favorite toys (not just tools!) in their studios✅ Simple, real-world practices to get better at mixing every day
Topics & Stories:
Fahrenheit vs. Celsius, 24-hour clocks, and the struggle is real
Sebastian's question: Is analog about sound or pleasure?
Why touching a knob just feels different (and why that matters)
Steve’s years with an SSL console—and why it’s now in storage
Chris’s controller setup and the joy of not rolling around on a carpet
What would you do if your mom gave you money for a big studio day?
Listener Kyle calls in from his car (or maybe his new home?)
The most fun pieces of gear we own—and why we love them
Favorite mixing routines and how to actually practice mixing like a musician
Why reverse-engineering a snare can make you want dinner and cry
Final Takeaway:
Analog gear isn’t always about the audio quality. Sometimes, it’s about joy, inspiration, and the feeling of being connected to the process. And maybe—just maybe—that’s enough.
📢 Join the conversation!
What’s your take on analog gear—do you use it for the sound, the feel, or both?
Drop your thoughts below or tag us on socials! We'd love to know what gear brings you the most joy in the studio.
🎧 Got a question you want answered on the podcast?
We’d love to hear from you!📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.
--------
22:56
Ep07 Q&A - Do You Trust your Studio Monitors or AirPods?
Do You Trust your Studio Monitors or AirPods? Studio Stuff Podcast | Q&A Episode 7 When do you call a mix finished? In this Q&A episode, we answer a question from Marshall in Dallas: “Do you trust your monitors, or test it on other systems before sending it off?” We get into our own habits—like why the car isn't always the gold standard, how AirPods became the new "real world" reference, and why taking a break (and turning off your screen!) might be the most powerful mix move of all.
The Studio Stuff Podcast is your go-to home studio hangout, where music production, mixing, recording, and mastering meet real talk, practical advice, and the occasional lousy jokes. Hosted by Chris Selim and Steve Dierkens, this isn’t a dry, technical lecture—it’s a laid-back, no-BS conversation about making great music with the gear you actually have.
Expect real-world insights, gear, and technique debates, plugin obsessions, and plenty of laughs along the way. Plus, we love hearing from you! Send in your questions, and let’s figure this whole studio stuff thing out together.
México