• Vintage Gear, Modern Sound: How to Use Lexicon 224 Emulations in Today’s Productions



    Some gear becomes famous. The Lexicon 224 became mythology. In this episode, Chris and Jody cannonball straight into the digital reverb that drenched the ’80s in shimmering glory and, honestly, made half of your favorite songs sound way cooler than they had any right to.

    They kick things off with the “how the heck did this thing happen?” history lesson because the 224 didn’t just show up; it crashed the party and told every plate, spring, and echo chamber to scoot aside. Suddenly studios had huge, glossy halls and silky plates without needing, you know… actual halls or plates.

    Then the boys take you on a tour of the 224’s delightfully bizarre controls. Some make perfect sense. Others feel like they were designed by a caffeinated time traveler. But Chris and Jody break it all down, how each control shapes your sound, how not to accidentally “blast your vocals into space,” and which settings make drums sound like Thor is doing sound design.

    They share the tricks they keep coming back to classic vocal treatments, impossible-sounding ambiences, drum magic and yes, the inevitable nonsense that sneaks into every episode. Plus, the weekly Friday Finds, because what’s an episode without a new toy to crave?

    If you’ve ever wondered why producers still chase this reverb like it’s vintage Pokémon, this episode will answer it… and probably make you want a 224 of your own (hardware or plugin, we won’t tell).

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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 Bricasti M7 Reverb: A Dive Into An Iconic Modern Reverb in Recording History



    The Bricasti M7 Reverb Deep Dive

    Some gear becomes legendary because it broke new ground. Other gear becomes legendary because it simply does its job so well that nothing else compares. The Bricasti M7 is firmly in the second category—a modern classic in the world of reverb units, beloved by engineers and producers alike for its stunning realism and lush soundscapes. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive headfirst into the shimmering depths of the Bricasti M7, exploring its history, design, controls, and favorite uses.

    The M7 didn’t appear out of thin air—it was created by a team of engineers who knew their way around digital reverbs, bringing expertise from one of the most respected names in pro audio. Chris and Jody unpack the history and timing of the unit, explaining who made it, where they came from, and why it quickly earned its reputation as the “gold standard” for hardware reverb.

    Of course, gear reviews are never straightforward with these two. You’ll get their abnormal, conversational walkthrough of the controls and workflow, breaking down how the M7 operates and what makes it different from other reverbs. From tweaking early reflections to tailoring decay times, the unit offers precision and musicality that makes it a favorite on vocals, drums, strings, and everything in between.

    They also share their favorite uses of the Bricasti M7, from subtle touches of depth to massive cinematic ambiences. Whether you’re working in a large professional facility or experimenting with home studio gear, their insights give you practical recording setup tips to help bring space and emotion into your mixes.

    And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, expect the usual side of humor, a little nonsense, and the weekly Friday Finds—where Chris and Jody highlight tools and inspirations that keep creativity flowing.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Bricasti M7 isn’t just another box in the rack—it’s one of the most iconic reverbs in modern music history, and a tool that continues to inspire engineers worldwide.

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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

  • Lexicon 224 Reverb: Deep Dive Into One of The Most Iconic Reverb Units In Recording History



    The Lexicon 224 Reverb Deep Dive

    There are pieces of gear that define eras—and the Lexicon 224 is one of them. This digital reverb unit not only shaped the sound of countless hits in the late ‘70s and ‘80s but continues to be a go-to for engineers looking for lush, immersive spaces in their mixes. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody jump into the shimmering pool of the Lexicon 224 to explore its history, design, controls, and timeless sound.

    The 224 wasn’t the first reverb, but it was the one that made digital reverb mainstream. With its unmistakable lush halls, smooth plates, and dreamy ambiences, it quickly became a studio staple across genres. Chris and Jody dig into the history and timing of its release, explaining why it was such a game-changer for studios looking to break free from purely analog solutions.

    Of course, gear isn’t just about history—it’s about how it works. That’s why the guys deliver their abnormal review of the 224’s quirky controls, walking through what each does, how to use them, and what to watch out for. From dialing in subtle room simulations to building cathedral-like spaces, the Lexicon 224 gives you flexibility that’s still relevant decades later.

    You’ll also hear about some of the favorite uses of the 224, from classic vocal treatments to drum reverb tricks that defined the sound of pop, rock, and film scores. Even in a world filled with plugins, the 224’s sound remains iconic, whether you’re working with hardware or modern emulations in your DAW.

    And, in classic Chris and Jody style, expect some humor, a dash of nonsense, and the weekly Friday Finds—so you leave the episode with fresh inspiration and maybe a new tool to explore.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Lexicon 224 is more than a piece of hardware—it’s a piece of music history that still has lessons (and tones) to teach.

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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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