Recording Studio Rockstars

Ever wonder how professionals handle hi-hat bleed, gear tweaks, or the quirks of vintage mics? Today, we dive into Joe Costa’s extensive experience with microphone selection, gear modifications, and practical studio techniques that keep sessions flowing smoothly.
My guest today is Joe Costa, a Nashville-based engineer and mixer with over 30 years of experience working with artists including Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles, and more. We’ve featured Joe before, but this episode digs into his hands-on approaches to troubleshooting gear, managing bleed, and making interesting upgrades to classic equipment. Whether you're in a home studio or a professional space, Joe’s willingness to experiment and his knack for problem-solving offer valuable insights.
We discuss how Joe handles hi-hat bleed issues using caps and the Oxford drum gate, different mic choices for vocals and guitar, and how he even mods vintage gear like Neve and API preamps for optimal sound. Plus, Joe shares how he approaches workflow with templates, session recalls, and how he balances volume, speakers, and ear fatigue - all grounded in real-world studio experience without hype.
If you’re looking for pragmatic solutions, real-world studio tips, and the confidence to tweak your gear to fit your needs, this episode is packed with value.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/
https://www.native-instruments.com
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount!
Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2IwgcKoeNTg5lBB9mOJn8r?si=b4d6baf027ba4525
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/584

What does it really mean to see music as color and shape - and how can synesthesia influence your approach to mastering?
My guest today is master mastering engineer Mat Leffler-Schulman, whose unique experience with chromesthesia offers a fascinating window into how sensory crossover shapes sound decisions. From Baltimore roots to Grammy-winning projects, we dive into the sensory side of audio that blends artistry and analysis. We got into how his synesthetic perspective impacts mastering, the role of visual perception in mixing and EQ, and how embracing personal sensory experiences can expand our listening and production skills. Plus, practical insights on room setup, gear choices, and how to stay flexible in an ever-changing industry.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount!
Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/mat-leffler-schulman-the-engineers/pl.4802e2244bf34aa59de1d00da6581531
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/583

What does it really take to get your music heard if the algorithms might be working against you?
My guest today is Nathan Dohse, a Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and founder of Eager. He has worked across genres, helping artists build long-term creative projects and navigate the complexities of release strategies in a digital age.
In this episode, Nathan and I unpack the realities of making and releasing music in today’s landscape. We discuss the importance of thinking beyond a single song and how building a strategic approach - whether through release timelines, social media, or leveraging data - can create sustainable growth. Nathan shares his insights on the role of branding, the pitfalls of marketing, and the value of authentic, entertaining content. We also dive into practical tools like AI, how to manage metadata, and the significance of maintaining the integrity of your creative process while using new technologies. This is a straightforward, no-hype discussion rooted in real experience about what it really takes to get noticed and stay relevant in the streaming era.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount!
Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZhT7UiKVU8Q2NrfpyB0jp?si=HhpgQDFgRLaGiyQPtFOJMQ
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/582

Ever wonder how busy professionals juggle producing music, creating social media content, and staying sane?
Today, I sit down with Nashville-based producer, engineer, and content creator Brittany Rogers to explore the art of balancing work, art, and self-care. Brittany shares her journey from math nerd to Nashville studio pro, how she uses content to build her career, and practical tips for managing burnout, staying inspired, and making impactful industry connections.
Whether you're an artist, engineer, or hobbyist, her insights about intentional workflow, storytelling, and self-compassion are pure gold.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount!
Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lp2Zy4KJkQr6vpBve0wH1?si=1mRgPl8wTii7ZG6eC95OJQ
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/581

Ever wondered how a PhD in acoustics shapes a producer’s approach to mixing and recording? Or how to navigate the complexities of DAWs, virtual instruments, and imagery in the studio? This episode with Dmitry Taranov pulls back the curtain on tech, studio workflows, and cultural insights that can elevate your recordings.
My guest today is Dmitry Taranov, a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and educator with a PhD in acoustics and sound engineering. With over 20 years of experience across genres and a background working on AAA game soundtracks and collaborations with Grammy-nominated composers, Dmitri shares practical wisdom rooted in science and real-world practice. We talk about his journey from Russian folk instruments to mastering digital tools, and how he applies this knowledge to help students and pros alike.
In this episode, Dmitry dives into his favorite DAWs, including Cubase’s MIDI strengths, and explores the art of physical modeling versus sample libraries. He discusses the subtleties of room acoustics, digital re-miking techniques, and the importance of tracking good source sounds to avoid over-reliance on plugins. Plus, he shares insights into recording traditional Russian instruments, the differences between vintage and modern gear, and tips for faster workflows that keep creativity flowing.
We also touch on the future of AI in music, how to properly use presets without limit, and the magic of working with guitar and amp setups that bring real performance energy into the mix. Whether you’re a home-recording songwriter, a hobbyist, or a seasoned pro, Dmitry’s grounded approach offers ideas you can test in your own studio today.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount!
Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/52DnZkU0rFBtEmDT5YSjHO?si=vTxIRSmdQgaS5Wy_AFXFYQ
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/580