Studio Stuff

Chris Selim & Steve Dierkens
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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.

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

    2 DAYS AGO

    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 great listener question about routing: should your FX sends (like drum reverbs) return to the drum bus or go straight to the mix bus? Huge thanks to Audient Audio for supporting the show 👉 https://audient.com   You’ll Learn: The benefits (and risks) of “mixing as you go” while recording When we hit RESET at mix—and the few things we keep from the rough How to build a recording template that sounds good with low latency Why cue-mix psychology matters: give performers what helps them sing/play better FX routing 101: returning sends to the instrument bus vs straight to the 2-bus A simple VCA workaround if your FX aren’t following bus automation   Topics & Stories: Chris finally mounts the studio panels (they’re straight, which means… outside help 😅) Tracking with performance-defining delays (hello, The Edge) Steve’s take: compression/reverb in the cans can mess with feel (for some artists) Jazz vs pop/rock: when we skip the drum bus—and when we go tight/together Templates that won’t choke your session during tracking, but scale for mixing Sponsor shout: Audient’s ORIA Mini gets a mention   Listener Q&A: Shoutout to Neil Higgins! His question: “Should my FX sends return to the instrument bus (e.g., drums) or straight to the mix bus?” Short answer: Both can work. If FX return to the drum bus, they’ll ride and pump with drum-bus processing and automation—tighter, more cohesive. If they go to the mix bus, they’ll bypass drum-bus processing—often more open and independent. Choose by ear; a VCA pair (drum bus + drum FX) can keep automation in lockstep when split.   Final Takeaway: There’s no single “correct” starting line for a mix. Be intentional: track with enough vibe to inspire, then decide whether to reset or build on it. For FX routing, pick the path that best serves how your buses are processing—and how you want elements to move.   👉 Got a question for us?📩 Submit it here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

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

    2 OCT

    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 legitimately sound different. We also share practical A/B methods you can try today and a slick Cubase Control Room trick to solo just your reverb return.   Special thanks to our sponsor, Audient.   You’ll Learn: Why expectation bias and visuals can trick your ears How to set up blind A/B tests that actually help you decide Why an “original” vs a “clone” isn’t a morality tale—it’s a tool choice How two of the same analog units can diverge over time A fast Cubase Pro method to hear only your reverb return   Topics & Stories: Coffee, wine… and why blind tastings map perfectly to audio Watching meters vs. trusting first impressions A/Being hardware vs. plugins without knowing what’s playing The “nowhere bus” vs. Control Room Listen (L) in Cubase Why arguing online about $129 plugins is a waste of studio joy Big thanks to Audient Audio (iD interfaces + ASP preamps) for powering real-world sessions   Listener Q&A: “In Cubase, how do I solo the FX reverb return without hearing the dry source?” Cubase Pro Control Room method: Use Listen (L) on the FX channel and set Dim to 0 in Control Room so only the FX return is heard. Alternate approach: Advanced routing (e.g., a “nowhere”/mute bus workflow) to isolate returns without breaking send balances.   Final Takeaway: There’s no universal “best”—only what serves the track. Blind test more, stare at the meters less, and let your choices be intentional.   👉 Got a question for us?📩 Submit it here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

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

    12 SEPT

    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 learning? And how do you keep your mixes translating on cars, phones, earbuds, and studio monitors without chasing your tail? We also answer a listener question about mixes that sound muddy or tinny on different systems, and lay out a quick, repeatable translation check using references you already love.   Special thanks to our sponsor, Audient. We’ve been leaning on the iD-series interfaces lately: clean when you want it, pushable when you need it.   You’ll Learn: The real value of technical knowledge, and where it stops helping Ear training that actually speeds up your mix decisions A 10-minute translation test you can repeat every mix How to use references on each system before judging your own mix Why “enjoy the journey” is more than a motivational poster in the studio   Topics & Stories: Andrew Scheps vs. “feel-first” mixers - two valid paths to great results Harman curves, compression “definitions,” and the limits of theory Plugin Doctor curiosity vs. productivity The car test (done right): know the system before you judge the mix Gearspace nostalgia and why we avoid unproductive debates   Listener Q&A: “My mixes don’t translate. They’re muddy on one system and thin on another.” Our take: start with references on each system, then compare yours. Know your playback rigs (car, living room, headphones) by listening to pro mixes first, then A/B to gauge if you’re truly off, or just unfamiliar with the system.   Final Takeaway: Learn enough to move faster, train your ears relentlessly, and keep asking, “Does this serve the song?” Translation comes from knowing your systems and using references, not buying a new pair of speakers.   👉 Got a question for us?📩 Submit it here: Form Link We’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

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

    5 SEPT

    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 curve, how calibration really works, and how psychoacoustics shape what we think we’re hearing, especially in the low end. Plus, Rok explains the differences between driver types, the role of crossfeed and room emulations, and whether Atmos mixing on headphones is truly possible.   You’ll Learn What “flat” response really means (and why there’s no single standard) Why calibration matters for translation between pairs Dynamic vs planar drivers—and how they affect distortion and bass How referencing trumps tools when mixing on headphones Why our body experience changes how we hear low end Whether crossfeed and room emulation plugins are worth committing to How Atmos mixing on headphones is already happening   Topics & Stories From foam Walkman pads to pro studio cans The rise of headphone mixing in home studios “Flat according to what?”—the scientific tolerance range Unit-by-unit calibration explained (and why OLLO does it) Crossfeed as a way to “move out of the sweet spot” Bass perception, body memory, and translation struggles The future: Atmos on headphones and beyond   Listener Q&A Q: Should I commit to crossfeed/room emulation plugins? A: Use them like virtual “movement checks.” They’re not essential, but if they help you build trust in your balances, they’re worth trying.   Final Takeaway “Flat” is not a single curve. It’s a range. The key is choosing trustworthy tools, referencing a lot, and learning what your headphones are telling you, so your mixes translate everywhere.   👉 Got a question for us? 📩 Submit it here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

    25 min
  5. Ep 19 - The Most Powerful Tool in Your DAW

    22 AUG

    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 importantly, how we use it every day to make music feel alive.    You’ll Learn: Why automation is the most powerful creative tool in your DAW How clip gain changes the entire mix before you even hit a compressor When to automate faders, plugins, EQ, panning, and when not to Why subtle automation moves create emotion listeners can’t even explain How presets and “happy accidents” can spark inspiration   Topics & Stories: The wild days of four people mixing on the same console at once Our favorite creative uses of delay throws, panning tricks, and EQ rides When automation makes a part feel like a hook Over-automation: what it sounds like and how to avoid it The steak and salt analogy (why sometimes less is more) Plugin presets that sparked whole new creative directions   Listener Q&A: Shoutout to Ken from YouTube for sparking our talk about plugin presets and experimenting as a way to stay creative in the studio.   Final Takeaway: Automation isn’t about showing off, it’s about serving the song. When used with intention, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to make music emotional, dynamic, and unforgettable.   👉 Got a question for us? 📩 Submit it here: Form Link We’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

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

    15 AUG

    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 — and in this episode, we’re unpacking the lessons each world has taught us. From corporate gigs to church productions to mixing album release shows, we share the wins, fails, and “MacGyver” moments that shaped our approach to mixing. You’ll hear why live sound engineers make faster decisions, how studio habits can make live shows more emotional, and why the best mixers often straddle both worlds.   You'll Learn: How to stay calm under pressure when gear fails mid-show Why quick thinking is a survival skill for live sound Studio automation tricks that bring life to live mixes How in-ear monitoring and click tracks changed the live game Why “perfection” means something different on stage than in the studio   Topics & Stories: Chris’ church gig blackout disaster Steve’s take on managing band trust in fast-turnaround soundchecks Riding faders live like an instrument Bringing studio plugins to live shows (yes, really) Why wedges were the old enemy — and how in-ears saved the day   Final Takeaway: Live sound and studio mixing aren’t rivals — they’re complementary skills. The best engineers borrow from both worlds to create mixes that connect emotionally and translate in any environment.   👉 Got a question for us? 📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

    38 min
  7. Ep17 - Are You LAZY or Just Working SMART in the Studio?

    26 JUL

    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 smarter?) not to. We’re talking about “studio laziness” in all its forms—from forgetting to print stems to dodging analog gear setup. The question is: when does it cross from saving time to causing problems later?   You'll Learn: Why we often skip printing stems… and how it bites us later The old plugin problem: why we keep them and when we finally let go Why setting up analog gear feels like going to the gym The truth about plugin presets (and whether we tweak them or not) Why finishing that song might not be laziness—it might be something deeper Topics & Stories: Armenian basturma and garlic tailpipes 🤢 Dom Sigalas in yellow (if you know, you know) Our folder and file organization quirks How Cubase folders and macros help (or don’t) VCA groups vs Busses: a follow-up listener Q&A Listener Q&A: Shoutout to “Popular Beat Combo” for the great question about VCA routing and keeping relative levels intact. We break down how it compares to using busses and why it still matters.   Final Takeaway: Sometimes “lazy” is just being efficient. But other times… it might be procrastination in disguise. The key? Know when you’re avoiding something that really matters—and fix it before it fixes your mix.   👉 Got a question for us? 📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

    32 min
  8. Ep16- Stop Chasing the 'Perfect Mix' - Start Doing THIS Instead

    11 JUL

    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 evolution rather than a race to perfection. We talk about our ever-changing templates, plugin chains that never stay put, and how our listening habits—and even what we listen to for fun—shape our mixing approach over time. You’ll Learn: Why your template will always be “almost right” How plugin choices evolve (and why your old favorites might not come back) The emotional side of mixing—and how to chase “feel” over “flawlessness” Why the best mixes sometimes come by accident What it means to truly enjoy the journey in your studio work Topics & Stories: The Denny’s breakfast that saved our morning (again) How Steve broke up with his UAD rig for a portable template Chris’s revelation that his bass is always pink Golf metaphors, left-handed rental clubs, and the weird mix of failure and joy Version 2 mixes vs. Version 53… and why the earlier one often wins Listener Q&A: How loud should you crank a guitar cab when miking it up? We break down how to find the amp’s sweet spot, why volume isn’t everything, and how to get the tone you actually want—before the mic even hears it. Final Takeaway: You may never “arrive” as a mixer—and that’s okay. The real win is in evolving, enjoying the process, and learning to love the funny little moments that make your mixes feel alive. 👉 Got a question for us? 📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

    32 min
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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 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Selim & Steve Dierkens
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Studio Stuff

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