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Studio Stuff

by Chris Selim & Steve Dierkens

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.

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Episodes

  1. Ep 51 - When Your Ears Fool You: Why Mixing Gets Harder the Longer You Work

    Studio Stuff Podcast |When Your Ears Fool You: Why Mixing Gets Harder the Longer You Work Ever notice how you can hear everything that's wrong with your mix in the first 30 seconds, but after working on it for a while, those problems seem to disappear? You're not imagining things! And if you've...

  2. Ep 50 - The Mix Sounded Worse Loud… Here’s Why!

    Studio Stuff Podcast | The Mix Sounded Worse Loud… Here’s Why! Your mix sounds great at a normal listening level. Then you turn it up—and suddenly the reverb feels too loud, the cymbals sound harsh, and the low end starts taking over. So, does that mean the mix is bad? In this episode, we’re...

  3. Ep 49 - Serve The Song: Cutting Parts Without Crushing Egos

    Ep 49 - Serve The Song: Cutting Parts Without Crushing Egos Two listener questions, two real studio problems this week. First up, what happens when a mix has too many great ideas competing for the same space, and how do you tell someone their part has to go without bruising their ego? Then we get...

  4. Ep 48 - The Great Preamp War: Why Both Sides of This Viral Video Drama Are Actually Right

    The Great Preamp War: Why Both Sides of This Viral Video Drama Are Actually Right So a video dropped last week and the whole audio world lost its mind. You know the one. A long, seriously impressive comparison of cheap interface preamps against a Neve-style preamp, ending with the verdict that...

  5. Ep 46 - Why Your Limiter Hates Your Drums (And How We Fix It Upstream)

    Your drums sound massive on their own, then they hit the mix bus and the limiter starts fighting back. In this episode we tackle a great listener question about keeping kick and snare transients under control so they don't trigger your limiter and squash the life out of your mix. We get into the...

  6. Ep 47 - Staying Sharp in the Studio: Sleep, Food, and the Truth About Being Productive

    Studio Stuff Podcast #47 | Staying Sharp in the Studio: Sleep, Food, Panning, and Everything In Between It started with Chris being half asleep on a phone call. And somehow that turned into one of our more useful conversations. This episode is about what it actually takes to stay sharp in the...

  7. Ep 45 - Your Smartphone Knows Your Mix Has a Problem, Do You?

    Studio Stuff Podcast #45 | Your Phone Knows Your Mix Has a Problem. Do You? We get into three listener questions this episode, and at least one of them might change how you check your mixes going forward. The first question comes from Northern California, and it is one we have probably all...

  8. Ep 44 - Stop Choosing Mics Based on Price (Do This Instead)

    Studio Stuff Podcast #44 | Mic Shootouts, Genre Comfort Zones, and the Music We Love Mixing You've got two mics, one singer, and a session to run. Which one do you reach for? In this episode, we dig into that exact scenario, starting with a great question from Johnny in Denmark. He's got a Rode…

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  9. Ep 43 - The Da Vinci Problem: Knowing When to Let Go of Your Mix

    Studio Stuff Podcast #43 The Da Vinci Problem: Knowing When to Let Go of Your Mix You've been in the mix for hours. It sounds pretty good. You think it sounds pretty good. But you keep going back in, tweaking, adjusting, making that one last pass. Sound familiar? In this episode, we dig into the...

  10. Ep 42 - Mixing, Mastering, and the Mindset That Separates Them

    Studio Stuff Podcast #42 | Mixing, Mastering, and the Mindset That Separates Them You finish the mix, you're happy with it, you slap Ozone on the master bus... and now what? Do you keep tweaking? Do you bounce and walk away? Do you send it somewhere? One listener question about Tonal Balance...

  11. Ep 41 - NS-10 Translation in 2026: Emotion, Mixing, and What Actually Works

    Studio Stuff Podcast #41 | NS10 Translation in 2026: Emotion, Mixing, and What Actually Works What does emotion in music actually mean? And does your mix have to make someone cry to count as art? We got a comment on our Angine de Poitrine episode that sent us down a rabbit hole, and we're not mad...

  12. Ep 40 - The Omelet Crisis and How Many Reverbs You Actually Need

    Studio Stuff Podcast #40 | The Omelet Crisis and How Many Reverbs You Actually Need Alright, the steak omelets are gone and the vibes are… fragile. But despite the breakfast tragedy, we’re digging into a topic that separates the bedroom demos from the pro records: Reverb. Specifically, are you...

  13. Ep 39 - The Music AI Can't Touch - And It's Going Viral

    Studio Stuff Podcast #39 | The Band That Broke the Internet (And What It Means for You) We lost the Denny's steak omelet. But we found hope for music. There's a band from Quebec called Angine de Poitrine, that stopped us mid-conversation and made us ask a question we hadn't thought to ask in a...

  14. Ep 38 - Visual Mixing Tools in 2026: Smart Shortcut or Dangerous Crutch?

    Studio Stuff Podcast #38 | Mixing With Your Eyes: Visual Tools, Meters, and the Mix Bus Limiter Debate Can you actually mix with your eyes? Should you? We're diving into one of those conversations that sounds like it has an obvious answer, until you really start pulling it apart. This week, we're...

  15. Ep 37 - Third-Party Plugins vs Tim Tams | Which Actually Improves Your Mix?

    Studio Stuff Podcast #37 | Third-Party Plugins vs Tim Tams: Which Actually Improves Your Mix? Do you really need third-party plugins to make a professional mix… or are stock plugins already doing more than enough? In this episode, we dig into one of the biggest mindset traps in modern mixing:...

  16. Ep 36 - Headphones vs Speakers: What We Trust for Better Mix Decisions

    Studio Stuff Podcast #36 | Headphones vs Speakers: What We Trust for Better Mix Decisions Is mixing on headphones actually reliable? Are speakers still the gold standard? In this episode, we get into the real-world pros and cons of both after spending more time going back and forth between the…

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  17. Ep 35 - The REAL Reason Vintage Type Plugins Feel “Better”

    Vintage gear is everywhere again… except most of it isn’t gear anymore. It’s emulations. It’s GUIs. It’s “1176” written on a screen with knobs that make our brains feel safe. In this episode, we dig into why producers in 2026 still chase the vintage sound, whether it’s actually about audio… or...

  18. Ep 34 - Home Studio vs Pro Studio in 2026: Room, Gear, or Engineer?

    Home studios have never been more powerful. Cheap gear is better than ever, plugins are ridiculous, and you can make real records on a laptop. But commercial studios still have something you can’t always fake: space, acoustics, and the kind of “big room” recording that makes drums feel like…

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  19. Ep 33 - Gain Staging, Buses, and Headroom: The Boring Stuff That Makes Mixes Feel Pro

    You know that moment where your mix feels great… until you look at the master bus and it’s basically a nuclear explosion? Yeah. This episode is all about avoiding that trap while you’re mixing—so mastering doesn’t turn into “how hard can I slam this limiter before it breaks?” We answer three...

  20. Ep 32 - Back Then vs Now: Did We Lose “Pro” Recordings?

    Studio Stuff Podcast | Back Then vs Now: Did We Lose “Pro” Recordings? Everyone loves the idea that “back in the day” recordings were more professional. Big studios, serious engineers, real consoles, musicians who rehearsed, and fewer tools to hide behind. But is that actually why those records...

  21. Ep31 - Do Mixing Consoles Still Matter in 2026?

    We started this episode the way all professional audio conversations begin… by accidentally starting a mini civil war at breakfast over hash browns. Then we pivot into two really solid listener questions: one about whether a mixer still matters in 2026 (and what it can actually do for you in a…

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  22. Ep30 - AI in the Studio: What’s Useful, What’s Weird, What’s Coming

    AI is no longer a “someday” conversation. It’s already baked into tools we use, workflows we rely on, and decisions we’re making in the home studio, whether we call it AI or not. In this episode, we break the whole thing down like producers, not philosophers. Where does AI actually help? Where…

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  23. Ep 29 - Fix, Control, Enhance: The Vocal Framework Your Mix Is Missing

    Alright… let’s talk about the question we hear constantly: “How many plugins do you use on a vocal chain?” Because the real answer isn’t a number. It’s a mindset. In this episode, we zoom out and talk about the categories of vocal processing that actually matter: fixing what’s broken, controlling...

  24. Ep 28 - Before You Buy Another Plugin, Ask This One Question

    We started this episode sipping tea and joking around… and somehow ended up in a full-on therapy session about plugins. A listener comment kicked it off: “Sometimes it feels like I spend more time buying and setting up plugins than making music.” Yep. Been there. So we unpack where that urge…

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  25. Ep 27 - The 1 Reverb Rule That Changes the Whole Mix

    What happens when 17 mixers take the exact same piano-and-vocal song… and all make different reverb choices? In this episode, we break down a recent Mixdown Coaching Community mix challenge where one vocal reverb decision, or a tiny change to piano tone, completely shifted the emotion of the…

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  26. Ep 26 - Mix Bus Magic: Why We Compress, Tape, Limit… and When Not To

    We get asked this a lot: “Why put stuff on the mix bus?” Today we unpack the why and the how—from gentle bus compression that makes tracks move together, to tasteful EQ and tape for mojo, to mixing into a limiter for vibe without boxing in the master. Then we tackle Demo Syndrome—when clients…

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  27. Ep 25 - Studio Slang Decoded: What “Depth,” “Glue,” and “Vibe” Actually Mean

    We all say it: “It’s muddy.” “Needs glue.” “Give it more space.” But what does that actually mean in practice? In this episode, we translate the most common mixer speak into specific moves you can make today, then answer a listener question on adding space without using reverb. You’ll Learn…

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  28. Ep 24 - Stop Inconsistent Mixes – Make Your Album Flow

    Ever finish an album and realize every song sounds… just a little different? Yeah... we’ve all been there. In this episode, we dig into how to keep a full record sounding cohesive without killing the vibe or getting lost in “template land.” We share our real-world album mixing workflow: how we...

  29. Ep 23 - Mix as You Go vs Start Fresh: Where Does Mixing Really Begin?

    Ever record with delays, reverbs, and panning to “get the vibe,” then wonder if you should wipe the slate clean before the final mix? In this episode we unpack where the mix actually begins—during tracking or at mixdown—and how we decide what to keep, what to reset, and why. Then we answer a…

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  30. Ep 22 - The Placebo Effect in the Studio: Are Your Ears Lying to You?

    We’ve all felt it: you see the fancy meter, the iconic logo, the higher price tag—and suddenly it “sounds” better. This week we unpack placebo in the studio: how visuals and expectations shape our judgment, why blind tests change everything, and why different versions of the “same” unit can...

  31. Ep 21 - The Mixing Debate: Science vs. Feel—Which One Actually Wins?

    Do You Really Need Audio Theory to Mix Great? Some of us love the graphs. Some of us love the vibe. In this episode, we (Chris & Steve) talk about the sweet spot between technical knowledge and practical decision-making. How much theory do you actually need? When does ear training beat book...

  32. Ep 20 - “Flat” Headphones: What It REALLY Means - with Rok Gulič (OLLO Audio)

    Everyone talks about “flat” headphones for mixing… but what does flat actually mean? In this episode, we sit down with Rok Gulič of OLLO Audio to unpack the myths and realities behind flat response, low end, calibration, and translation when mixing on headphones. We dive into why “flat” isn’t one...

  33. Ep 19 - The Most Powerful Tool in Your DAW

    Studio Stuff Podcast #19 |The Most Powerful Tool in Your DAW Automation: it’s more than fader rides, it’s storytelling. In this episode, we’re unpacking how automation evolved from a handful of engineers riding faders on an analog desk to today’s unlimited possibilities inside the DAW. And more...

  34. Ep 18 - Live Sound vs Studio Mixing: What We’ve Learned From Both Worlds

    Studio Stuff Podcast #18 | Live Sound vs Studio Mixing: What We’ve Learned From Both Worlds Some of us are at home in a controlled studio, tweaking every detail until the mix is just right. Others thrive under the pressure of a live show, mixing on the fly in front of thousands. We’ve done both —...

  35. Ep17 - Are You LAZY or Just Working SMART in the Studio?

    Studio Stuff Podcast #17 | Good Lazy, Bad Lazy: What We Skip in the Studio (And Why) We all have those things we should do in the studio… but don’t. In this episode, we’re getting real about the habits we tend to skip—not because we don’t know better, but because sometimes it’s just easier (or...

  36. Ep16- Stop Chasing the 'Perfect Mix' - Start Doing THIS Instead

    Studio Stuff Podcast #16 | Stop Chasing the 'Perfect Mix' - Start Doing THIS Instead Mixing is a bit like golf. You never really win—you just keep playing, keep tweaking, and (hopefully) keep getting better. In this episode, we’re diving into that idea: the journey of mixing as a constant…

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  37. Ep15 - Fake Band, Real Streams: Is AI Stealing the Spotlight?

    Studio Stuff Podcast #15 | Fake Band, Real Streams: Is AI Stealing the Spotlight? What happens when a band doesn’t exist… but they chart on Spotify anyway? In this episode, we dive into The Velvet Sundown—a band that’s racking up serious stream counts, releasing album after album, and might not...

  38. Ep14 - If We Could Give One Piece of Advice to Our Younger Selves

    Studio Stuff Podcast #14 | What We'd Tell Our Younger Selves About Mixing, Gear & Music Theory If you could go back in time and give advice to the younger version of yourself—the one just starting out in music production—what would you say? In this episode, we get honest about the lessons we...

  39. Ep13 - The Buses Tricks That Could Change Your Mixing Game!

    Studio Stuff Podcast #13 | Buses, Sends & Mix Flow: Inside Our Routing Workflow If you’ve ever looked at your DAW session and thought, “Where is everything going?”—you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re untangling the spaghetti of buses, groups, sends, and routing strategies that make up our…

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  40. Ep12 - Parallel Compression, Slapback & Secret Sends: Our Vocal FX Setup

    Studio Stuff Podcast #12 | Parallel Compression, Slapback & Secret Sends: Our Vocal FX Setup We’ve talked recording, comping, editing… and now we’re wrapping up our vocal series with the good stuff—parallel compression, slap delays, long reverbs, throw delays, saturation, and all the FX that give...

  41. 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 We also dig into how we treat doubles, how we automate delay times, and the FX we put on a bus that nobody talks about… but should. 🎧 Plus, we answer a great listener question about how to stay objective when...

  42. Ep10 - Self-Recording Vocals at Home: Tips, Fails & Funny Truths

    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…

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  43. 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...

  44. 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...

  45. 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…

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  46. Ep07 - Mixing Drums, Time-Align Debate & Poor Hi-Hats

    Mixing Drums, Time-Align Debate & Poor Hi-Hats | Studio Stuff Podcast #07 Drums are the heartbeat of a track—but getting them to feel right in the mix? That’s a whole other story. In this episode, we (Chris and Steve) pick up where we left off in Part 1 and dive deep into the art of mixing drums....

  47. Ep06 Q&A - The Secrets Behind Songs That Make You FEEL Something

    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...

  48. EP06 - What Should You Buy Next for Your Home Studio?

    What Should You Buy Next for Your Home Studio? | Studio Stuff Podcast #06 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...

  49. Ep05 - Kick, Snare, and Bathroom Mics: Our Drum Recording Philosophy

    Kick, Snare, and a Bathroom Mic: Our Drum Recording Philosophy | Studio Stuff Podcast #05 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…

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  50. Ep04 - When is a Mix Done?

    When Is a Mix Actually DONE? | Studio Stuff Podcast #04 Mixing a song feels like an endless loop sometimes—you tweak, adjust, listen again, and suddenly, you're back at square one. So, how do you actually know when a mix is finished? In this episode, Chris and Steve dive deep into the…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.

HOSTED BY

Chris Selim & Steve Dierkens

CATEGORIES

music arts education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Studio Stuff have?

Studio Stuff currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Studio Stuff about?

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...

How often does Studio Stuff release new episodes?

Studio Stuff has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Studio Stuff?

You can listen to Studio Stuff on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Studio Stuff?

Studio Stuff is created and hosted by Chris Selim & Steve Dierkens.
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