• 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

  • What Makes The Fairchild Compressor So Legendary In Pro Audio?



    The Fairchild Files: Unpacking the World’s Most Coveted Compressor

    This week, Chris & Jody wind the time machine back and dial in on the Fairchild compressor—the audio hardware unicorn with a legacy as golden as its tone.

    From Abbey Road to iconic soul records, the Fairchild has shaped how we hear vocals, drums, and mixes for decades. But what is it that makes this classic tube beast so desirable? In this episode, the guys break down the origins, functions, quirks, and modern-day clones of the original Fairchild. Who built it? Why does it sound like buttered magic? And why do people still obsess over it?

    You’ll get deep insight into where the Fairchild shines (think: vocals, bass, and bus glue) and how it compares to modern compressors in today’s home studio gear landscape. Whether you’ve drooled over one in a plugin or dreamed of turning real tubes, this is your guided tour of compression royalty—with a few laughs and some Friday Finds to sweeten the signal chain.

    No gate. Just warmth, clarity, and a little bit of Chris & Jody’s signature nonsense.

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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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