EP#63: Signal Flows & Signal Chains: all you need to know

Send us Fan Mail

The terms signal flow and signal chain are widely used in music production and audio engineering. But unless you’ve formally studied this area or spent time learning the ropes in a recording studio, you may not be as familiar with what they mean or how they work.

Inside this episode, Isobel breaks down the basic components of both and how they relate to making music inside a DAW at home. You’ll also find out the three most common issues you can stumble across in your signal flow and chain and how to fix them too.

Girls Twiddling Knobs is hosted and produced by Isobel Anderson with production support from Jade Bailey, admin support from Francesca O’Connor and is a Female DIY Musician Production.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
{03:59} Intro
{05:06} Where does the term ‘signal flow’ originate?
{07:13} What is a modern definition of a ‘signal chain in music recording?
{08:53} Three common signal flow/chain issues & how to fix them?
{12:30} Episode Summary

Girls Twiddling Knobs listeners get 10% off iZotope's award-winning audio plugins and a 30 day free trial of their incredible Music Production Suite 4.1. Just use the code GIRLSPOD10 here >>

Download Isobel’s 10 FREE Tools to Start Recording Your Music From Home PDF Guide >>

Understanding The Audio Signal Chain, read the article on giveanote.com >>

Signal Chain: Order of Operations, read the article on iZotope.com >>

Signal Flow, read the article on SoundGirls.com >>

Signal Chain: How to Put Your Effects in the Right Order, read the article on Landr.com >>

How To Troubleshoot Your Signal Path, read the article on Sweetwater.com >>

Listen to the episode here
Listen on Spotify

Join the Girls Twiddling Knobs Podcast Community here >>

---------------------------------------------------

Girls Twiddling Knobs has ended, but you can stay connected to Isobel's artistic work here.

Girls Twiddling Knobs was hosted by Isobel Anderson and produced by Isobel Anderson and Jade Bailey from Nov 2020-Jan 2026 and will remain live on all major podcast platforms throughout 2026. 

We are grateful to the British Library who have archived the podcast in their Sound and Vision Collection.

Learn more about the Girls Twiddling Knobs legacy here.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Explore more episodes here.

Listen on Spotify.