• Unleashing the Power of the AMEK Console: A Deep Dive into the Unique Audio Experience



    The AMEK consoles have long been revered for their pristine sound, engineering brilliance, and unmistakable vibe. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dig deep into the history, technology, and emulation of this iconic piece of studio gear—specifically the Plugin Alliance AMEK 9099.

    They’ll start with the console’s origin story: designed by legendary engineer Rupert Neve, the AMEK line hit studios with precision EQs, wide dynamic range, and a sound that became synonymous with clean, high-fidelity mixing in the late ’80s and ’90s. Then, they’ll turn to today: how faithfully does Plugin Alliance’s AMEK 9099 capture that heritage? Is it a perfect mirror of the original desk, or did the developers take liberties to modernize and extend its capabilities?

    Chris and Jody compare hardware versus software—sharing their thoughts on what Plugin Alliance nailed, what feels different, and where the emulation shines (or stumbles). They’ll explore workflow, tone shaping, quirks that made the AMEK legendary, and even the little annoyances that come with translating a massive analog console into a plugin window.

    As always, it’s not just gear worship—it’s real-world perspective. They discuss how the AMEK 9099 fits into home studio gear setups, how to apply its features in practical mixing scenarios, and when it might outshine your go-to channel strips. Along the way, you’ll pick up recording setup tips, insider commentary, and a few laughs at the quirks of both the original console and its modern software counterpart.

    Whether you’re a die-hard analog purist, a plugin enthusiast, or someone curious about what makes AMEK so special, this episode is your backstage pass into one of recording history’s most respected consoles—and its digital reincarnation.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Why the SSL 4000 Console Still Defines Professional Mixing



    Exploring the SSL 4000 Console

    Few pieces of gear are as legendary in the world of music production as the SSL 4000 console. Its punchy sound, intuitive workflow, and unmistakable sonic character have shaped countless hit records across decades. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody strap in and take you on a guided tour through the history, the features, and the undeniable magic of the SSL 4000.

    They kick things off with a brief history of Solid State Logic—from the company’s beginnings to how the 4000 series quickly became a staple in professional studios worldwide. From there, it’s straight into the nuts and bolts:

    • Inputs: how signals enter the desk and the sonic footprint they leave.
    • Dynamics: compressors, gates, and expanders that give tracks punch and control.
    • EQ: the sweet, aggressive, unmistakable SSL curves that can bring a mix to life.
    • Filters: high-pass and low-pass shaping tools that keep mixes clean.
    • The “SSL Sound”: what makes this board instantly recognizable and why engineers still chase it today.

    Chris and Jody don’t just geek out on features—they explain why the SSL workflow matters and how the 4000 has influenced DAW design, plugin emulations, and modern studio setups. They also highlight how the board’s architecture still informs the way producers and mix engineers think about recording setup tips and hidden features in studio gear.

    And, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, it’s not all tech talk. Expect humor, stories, and a sprinkle of nonsense along the way. Whether you’re running an SSL plugin in your home studio gear setup or you’ve had the chance to sit behind the real thing, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the most iconic consoles in recording history.

    Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share new tools and ideas to keep your workflow sharp.

    By the end, you’ll understand not just the anatomy of the SSL 4000, but why it’s still considered one of the most important boards in the history of recorded music.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • iZotope Neutron Explained: How To Get A Clean Mix In Minutes



    A Sneak Peek at iZotope Neutron

    Mixing is equal parts art and science—and sometimes the right tool can bring those two worlds together. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody crack open the brand-new version of iZotope Neutron, giving listeners an early look at one of the most flexible and modern channel strips on the market.

    Neutron isn’t your run-of-the-mill EQ or compressor. It’s a suite of powerful modules that lets you sculpt your mix with precision and creativity. Chris and Jody walk through the nitty-gritty of each component—from EQ, compression, and transient shaping to the unique spectral tools and assistive AI features that set Neutron apart. With tons of permutationsavailable, this channel strip feels less like a single tool and more like an entire mixing ecosystem packed into one plugin.

    But the big question remains: how can you make it work for your productions? The guys explain how Neutron can simplify decisions, streamline workflow, and open up creative possibilities—whether you’re deep in pro-level sessions or just experimenting with home studio gear. They highlight practical recording setup tips for integrating it into your DAW, discuss common mixing challenges that Neutron helps solve, and even point out a few hidden features in studio gear that might surprise you.

    And because it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some personality, expect some laughs, a little nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds—spotlighting more tools and ideas to keep your mixes fresh.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Chris and Jody call this plugin a “Neutron Star” for mixing, and you’ll have real strategies for dialing in pro-level mixes with confidence.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

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