• Mix Smarter: Compression Fundamentals That Actually Help



    What is compression, really?

    That’s the question Chris and Jody start with in this episode of Inside the Recording Studio. Compression gets talked about constantly, but rarely explained clearly. This episode changes that.

    Why does compression feel so confusing?

    Because it’s often taught backwards. Instead of explaining what compression does, people jump straight to settings. Chris admits he’s guilty of the classic move, throwing a compressor on a track and hoping it magically fixes things. Jody laughs, because we’ve all been there.

    So what do the knobs actually do?

    Chris and Jody walk through the core controls you’ll find on nearly every compressor: threshold, ratio, attack, release, and make-up gain. They explain each one in plain language, focusing on how it affects sound and feel, not numbers on a screen.

    Is this episode only for beginners?

    Nope. Whether you’re new to home studio gear or you’ve been mixing for years, this episode is about clarity. Compression isn’t about rules, it’s about intention. Understanding the basics makes every compressor easier to use.

    What about that “glued” or “squashed” sound?

    Jody explains why those terms get thrown around and how compression contributes to them. The key takeaway: chasing a sound without understanding compression usually leads to overdoing it.

    Are there practical takeaways?

    Absolutely. This episode is packed with simple recording setup tips that help you listen more effectively. Attack and release stop being scary once you hear what they change. Ratio starts to make sense when you understand how much control you actually need.

    Does it still feel like an Inside the Recording Studio episode?

    Very much so. You’ll still get Friday Finds, a Gold Star word drop, and the familiar Chris-and-Jody rhythm that keeps things technical but approachable. There’s even a little premonition about the next Tuesday Tip if you’re paying attention.

    Who is this episode for?

    Anyone who’s ever used compression and wondered if they were doing it “right.” This episode doesn’t give you rules, it gives you understanding.

    Subscribe now and come back next week for another practical studio breakdown on Inside the Recording Studio.

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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

  • Compression Demystified: How to Train Your Ears to Hear Dynamic Control



    How to Hear Compression: Training Your Ears to Master Dynamic Control

    Compression—it’s one of the most powerful tools in your mixing arsenal. But if you’re not sure what you’re actually hearing, it can just as easily confuse as it can enhance.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody open up the signal chain and break down exactly how to train your ears to hear what compression is doing. Whether you’re a beginner trying to grasp the basics or a seasoned engineer looking to sharpen your perception, this episode delivers practical insights you can use right away.

     Inside this episode:

    • A friendly walkthrough of compressor controls—threshold, ratio, attack, release, makeup gain
    • Why extreme compression settings can help reveal what’s happening to your signal
    • Pro tricks to help you identify compression artifacts and avoid over-compression
    • How to use what you hear to make smarter mix decisions

    Expect plenty of real-world advice, go-to tactics Chris and Jody use in their own sessions, and—as always—a dose of Friday Finds and some entertaining studio nonsense.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of compression’s role in your mix—and the confidence to use it to your advantage.

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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

  • The Magic of De-Essers: Say Goodbye to Sibilance and Harshness!



    De-Essers: The Unsung Heroes of Smooth-Sounding Mixes

    It’s not flashy. It’s not fun. And let’s face it—nobody gets excited about a de-esser. But when sibilance strikes or harshness creeps in, this humble tool can be the difference between a professional-sounding vocal and a wince-worthy one.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a non-sexy but absolutely necessary dive into the world of de-essers—what they are, why they matter, and how to wield them like a pro.

    ️ You’ll learn:

    • What de-essers actually do and why your mix will thank you
    • The mechanics of de-essing, from simple threshold-based tools to dynamic EQ-based solutions
    • Top plugin picks that go beyond the default presets
    • When to use de-essers on instruments (hint: it’s not just for vocals)
    • Common mistakes and how to avoid over-de-essing the life out of your mix

    This episode is perfect for anyone who’s been surprised by a sharp “S” in playback—or who just wants to make their mixes more polished and listener-friendly.

    As always, expect a bit of nonsense, a lot of insight, and a new favorite from this week’s Friday Finds. Your ears (and your clients) will be happier for it.

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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

  • Transform Your Mixes with New York Style Compression Techniques!



    Unlock the Power of Parallel Compression: Tips, Tricks, and Scheps Secrets

    Ready to add some serious punch and polish to your mixes? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we dive deep into parallel compression—aka “New York Style Compression”—and how it can take your tracks from flat to fabulous.

    First, we’ll break down the basics: what is parallel compression, and why has it become a go-to secret weapon for engineers everywhere? We’ll explore two popular methods to achieve it, from classic aux sends to modern plugin magic. Learn why blending a heavily compressed signal with your original track creates that larger-than-life sound, and discover the sweet spots for your compression settings.

    But we’re not stopping there. We’ll shine the spotlight on Andrew Scheps’ legendary “Rear Bus Compression” technique—what it is, how it works, and why it might just be the missing link in your mix. Whether you’re chasing fat drums, thick vocals, or a cohesive mix that slaps, this episode has the goods.

    Expect practical tips, a few laughs, and plenty of insight to level up your mixing game. Let’s get compressed, baby!

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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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