The Secrets Behind Songs That Make You FEEL Something!

This is the Q&A from Episode 6, where we answer a great listener question: What parts of songs really bring out emotion for us? We dive into how little imperfections, unexpected arrangement choices, and second verse magic often create the biggest emotional moments. From the charm of old vinyl records to how we approach mixing to enhance the feel of a song, we share what moves us — and how we try to bring that same energy into the music we work on.

📢 Join the conversation!
What’s the next piece of gear you’re planning to buy?
Tell us how you’re building your home studio—one smart choice at a time.

Got a question for a future episode?
🎧 We’d love to hear from you!
📩 Submit your question here: Form Link
We’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

Building a home studio can feel like navigating a never-ending gear jungle. Mic? Interface? Preamp? Cables? What should you actually buy next—and what can wait?

In this episode, Chris and Steve walk through how they’d prioritize studio gear purchases if they were starting from scratch today. Whether you're working with a tight budget or just got some surprise "mom money" 💸, we’ll help you figure out what makes the biggest difference in your sound—and what’s just hype.

From entry-level mics to multi-thousand-dollar preamps, this one’s packed with real-world advice, gear suggestions, and plenty of laughs.

✅ What gear actually improves your sound the most.
✅ Why the microphone is still king—yes, even over your preamp.
✅ How to think about gear upgrades as your needs evolve.
✅ When two budget mics beat one expensive one.
✅ What to look for in an interface (hint: it's not just converters).
✅ Cables: where to save, where to spend (and where not to care).

📌 Dynamic vs. Condenser Mics: What to buy first—and why.
📌 $200 vs. $2,000 mics: Is the gap still worth it in 2025?
📌 The Case for Building a "Mic Locker" One Piece at a Time.
📌 When Renting Gear Is Smarter Than Buying.
📌 Cheap Cables, Expensive Connectors: Chris’s take on budget signal chains.
📌 Preamp Personalities: How one guy’s "dream sound" is another guy’s regret.
📌 Interface Buying Guide: How to choose one that fits your workflow.
📌 Monitoring & Headphones: When to skip monitors and just go closed-back.
📌 The Real Game-Changer: Learning the gear you already own.

🎙️ “Should I get one great preamp or two budget ones?”
🎙️ “Do converters still matter as much as they used to?”
🎙️ “Can I get professional results on an entry-level interface?”
We dive into these questions and more throughout the episode.

Don’t fall into the trap of chasing gear for the sake of gear. Learn what really makes a difference for your specific setup, buy intentionally, and remember—it's better to master a $150 mic than to misuse a $1,500 one.

What’s the next piece of gear you’re planning to buy?
Tell us how you’re building your home studio—one smart choice at a time.

🎧 We’d love to hear from you!
📩 Submit your question here: Form Link
We’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

Recording drums in a small studio can feel like a mix of science, art… and sometimes total chaos. So how do you get great drum sounds without a million-dollar room or a warehouse full of gear?

In this episode, Chris and Steve break down their drum recording philosophy—covering everything from choosing the right kick and snare to getting creative with room mics (including one placed in the bathroom!). Whether you're working with a full kit or just a couple of mics, this episode is packed with real-world tips and personal studio stories.

You'll hear how we approach everything from mic placement to room treatment, the gear we use, and the philosophy behind why we record the way we do.

Oh—and yes, we do talk about the legendary butt-shaker for the drummer’s throne. Don’t worry, it all makes sense in context. 😄

✅ Why the drummer matters more than the drum kit or mic locker.
✅ The performance-first mindset that shapes our drum recording.
✅ How to record drums in a small room without sounding small.
✅ Why we sometimes use a bathroom mic for natural ambiance.
✅ What to prioritize when you’re limited to just a few inputs.
✅ How shell materials, drum heads, and mic choices affect tone.

📌 Chris’s Bathroom Mic Trick: How a washroom became his favorite "room mic."
📌 Session vs. Loud Drummers: Why playing dynamically matters more than you think.
📌 Kick vs. Snare: What’s the most important part of the kit?
📌 Old Pearls & Cheap Kits: Why expensive drums don’t always sound better.
📌 Recording in Tight Spaces: How Chris adapted his studio setup with hallway and stair mics.
📌 Steve’s Live Room Take: Why he prefers tight recordings with reverb added later.
📌 The “Talkback Mic That Made the Mix”: A happy accident that became a drum room staple.
📌 Glyn Johns & Classic Techniques: Do they still work for modern productions?

🎙️ “What exactly do you send to the mastering engineer? One stereo file or stems?” Chris and Steve break down the difference—and when sending stems might actually be the right move.

🎙️ “What level should I send my mix to mastering?” We talk about limiter use, mix bus gain staging, and why peaking digitally is never a good idea.

You don’t need a massive space or expensive gear to get great drum sounds. Start with a great performance, make smart choices with your mic placement, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your environment—even if that means putting a mic in the bathroom.

📢 Join the conversation!

How are YOU recording drums in your home studio? Have you tried unusual room mic setups? Share your approach in the comments!

We love hearing from you!
If you have a question about mixing, recording, mastering, or home studio gear, send it our way.

📩 Submit your question here: Form Link
We’ll do our best to answer as many as possible in upcoming episodes!