• Mixing Secret Revealed: Learn How To Master Parallel Compression



    Parallel Compression Explained

    As 2022 winds down, Chris and Jody take a side street and head down the alley of one of mixing’s most trusted (and sometimes misunderstood) techniques: parallel compression. Whether you call it New York compression, “upward compression,” or just “squash and blend,” this method can add punch, depth, and presence to a mix—without flattening dynamics into oblivion.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the what, why, and how of parallel compression. They explain not only the mechanics but also the artistic reasoning behind using it.

    What You’ll Learn

    • How to do parallel compression step by step, whether you’re working with outboard gear, console routing, or in-the-box plugins.
    • The methods that can achieve it, from aux sends and buses to dedicated parallel processors.
    • Why you’d want to use it: bringing drums forward, adding vocal energy, or thickening bass without losing transient snap.
    • Pitfalls to watch out for, like phase issues, over-compression, or muddying the mix.
    • Which compressors Chris and Jody reach for most often when they’re doing parallel work.

    Why It Matters

    Parallel compression isn’t just a flashy trick—it’s a powerful way to add energy and life to a mix while keeping dynamics intact. Chris and Jody share real-world examples of when and how they use it, plus workflow hacks and recording setup tips to make the process smoother. Whether you’re running classic outboard units or building chains from home studio gear, you’ll walk away with new ideas to elevate your mixes.

    Expect the Unexpected

    Of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some humor and nonsense. Along the way, Chris and Jody poke fun at their own habits, swap stories from sessions gone right (and wrong), and remind us that at the end of the day, it’s all about making music that moves people.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll not only understand parallel compression—you’ll know how to wield it like a pro.

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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

  • How to Hear Compression: Tricks and Techniques for Better Mixes



    Learning to Hear What Compression Is Really Doing

    Compression: it’s one of the most powerful tools in audio, but for many engineers, it’s also one of the most confusing. Is it doing something? Is it too much? Too little? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dig into the methods they’ve used to train their ears to hear compression at work—from subtle smoothing to extreme squashing.

    They start with the basics: the controls of a typical compressor. Threshold, ratio, attack, release, make-up gain—these aren’t just knobs, they’re the keys to understanding how dynamics are shaped. Chris and Jody explain what each control does and how it affects the sound in real-world situations.

    Then, they show you how to make compression obvious. By cranking extreme settings, you’ll hear the compressor’s fingerprint on a signal, whether it’s vocals, drums, or guitars. Once your ears can recognize the exaggerated effect, it becomes easier to hear the subtler moves that make a mix come alive.

    Along the way, you’ll learn:

    • Why compression is as much about feel as it is about volume control.
    • Tricks Chris and Jody used when first learning how to identify compression in action.
    • How recording setup tips can help you avoid over-compressing at the source.
    • When compression adds warmth, punch, or glue—and when it simply crushes life out of a performance.
    • How to make compressors your ally, not your enemy.

    Of course, this wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without humor, some lighthearted tangents, and this week’s Friday Finds to round things out.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with new strategies for recognizing compression, making more intentional decisions in your mixes, and actually hearing what those knobs are doing. Whether you’re deep into professional sessions or experimenting with home studio gear, this episode will help you finally unlock the mystery of compression.

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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

  • How To Use A De-Esser in Mixing Effectively



    De-Essers—The Unsung Heroes of Mixing

    Let’s be honest: no one gets excited about de-essers. They don’t have the instant wow factor of a lush reverb or the punch of a great compressor. But when sibilance strikes—when “s” sounds slice through a vocal or a hi-hat suddenly feels like an ice pick—this humble tool becomes your best friend. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a non-sexy but essential look at de-essers, explaining what they do, how they work, and which ones deserve a spot in your toolkit.

    A de-esser is essentially a specialized compressor that tames harsh, high-frequency content—most commonly sibilance in vocals, but also brittle cymbals, sharp acoustic guitars, or even aggressive synth sounds. Chris and Jody dive into how they operate, walking through the basics of detection, side-chaining, and band-specific compression.

    They then move into the practical side of using de-essers, covering:

    • How to know when sibilance actually needs fixing.
    • Why over-de-essing can kill the life of a performance.
    • Common mistakes to avoid when taming vocals.
    • Using de-essers creatively on instruments beyond vocals.

    You’ll also hear their recommendations for awesome de-essers, from classic hardware emulations to modern plugins that go far beyond basic fixes. Whether you’re working in a pro facility or using home studio gear, Chris and Jody share recording setup tips for making your mixes smoother without sounding dull.

    And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, you can expect some humor, real-world anecdotes, and the inevitable nonsense sprinkled in alongside the tech talk. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where the guys highlight tools and ideas that can add even more sparkle to your sessions.

    By the end of this episode, your ears—and your listeners’ ears—will thank you. You’ll know how to tame the sharp edges in your mix, keep vocals clear and natural, and finally give de-essers the appreciation they deserve.

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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 Empirical Labs Distressor – Get A Ton Of Great Quality Sounds With This One Little Device



    The Distressor Deep Dive

    Some gear earns a spot in every studio rack not just because it sounds good—but because it redefines what’s possible. Enter the Distressor by Empirical Labs. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take you on a deep dive into one of the most versatile and beloved compressors of the modern era.

    Designed from the ground up to emulate the character of a few legendary compressors while adding its own unique flavor, the Distressor quickly became a staple in professional and home studio gear setups alike. But how did it go from ambitious design concept to an industry classic in its own right? Chris and Jody dig into the history, the inspiration, and the sonic philosophy that shaped its creation.

    Of course, the Distressor is more than a story—it’s a tool. The guys break down the models, modes, and controls, explaining how each function works and why engineers keep reaching for it session after session. From taming vocals to tightening drums, from subtle glue to aggressive shaping, the Distressor is a Swiss Army knife for compression.

    Expect detailed yet conversational insights into:

    • The legacy compressors the Distressor was designed to emulate.
    • The unique features that make it stand apart.
    • How to use the controls effectively without overcooking your mix.
    • Practical recording setup tips for getting the most out of it.
    • Why it works across genres, sources, and mixing styles.

    Along the way, Chris and Jody keep it engaging with humor, personality, and yes—just enough nonsense to make sure things don’t get too serious. And don’t forget this week’s Friday Finds, where they highlight more tools and ideas to spark creativity in your studio.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Distressor is more than a compressor—it’s a legend in a box, and a must-know for any engineer serious about their sound.

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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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