• The Reverb That Made History: Inside the Lexicon 480L



    Few pieces of gear are as legendary as the Lexicon 480L reverb. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody take a deep dive into one of the most iconic reverb units ever created. With its unmistakable sound and unparalleled flexibility, the 480L has earned its place as a staple in countless hit records across genres.

    They begin with a little history—how the 480L came to be, the engineers and studios that championed it, and why it quickly became the gold standard for digital reverb in professional recording. From there, they break down what makes it special: its algorithms, its versatility, and its ability to create spaces that range from subtle ambience to massive, lush halls.

    Of course, this isn’t just a technical breakdown. Chris & Jody also share how they’ve used the 480L in real-world sessions, mixing stories with recording setup tips that translate even if you don’t own the hardware. They discuss the plugin emulations available today, how the 480L stacks up against modern gear, and whether its magic is truly replicable in software.

    As always, the discussion blends education with entertainment. Expect plenty of geekery (in the best way), laughs, and some nonsense along the way. The episode wraps with their Friday Finds, highlighting tools and freebies that can inspire your next mix.

    Whether you’re an aspiring producer building out your home studio gear or a seasoned engineer who remembers patching into a real 480L, this episode offers insight into why this reverb unit continues to inspire awe. If you’ve ever wanted to know why some gear achieves legendary status, this is your crash course.

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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

  • Pro Audio Secrets from Mastering Legend George Leger III



    Celebrating 1 Year with George Leger III: Stories, Secrets & Studio Gold

    To mark their first anniversary, Chris & Jody pull out all the stops with a special guest: the one and only George Leger III—a mastering and recording engineer whose fingerprints are all over music you’ve definitely heard (even if you didn’t know it). From Frank Zappa to Barry Manilow, George’s career has twisted through unexpected genres and unforgettable moments, and this week, he spills the sonic tea.

    Get an inside look at how George got his start, the gear he swears by, the curveballs he’s mastered (pun intended), and the lessons that stuck with him over decades in the studio. Whether you’re a home studio tinkerer, an aspiring pro, or just someone fascinated by the people behind the mix, this episode is pure gold.

    Plus: a triple dose of Friday Finds with an extra voice in the mix. Expect laughs, legends, and the kind of insights you only get from years behind the console.

    And yes… it’s also not unlikely that some nonsense will be discussed.

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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 Pultec EQ: Deep Dive of Tube-Era Tone, Timeless Technique

     

     

    Pulse Techniques and Polished Tone: The Pultec EQ Deep Dive

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dig into one of the most iconic tools in recording history: the Pultec EQ. From its humble tube-powered beginnings under the name Pulse Techniques (not “Pulse Technologies” — right, Chris?) to its modern-day plugin emulations, this episode is a crash course in silky curves, low-end magic, and why the Pultec still matters in a digital world.

    You’ll learn about the different models and software versions, how to use that famous simultaneous boost/cut trick, and where this EQ shines in real-world mixes — from vocals to bass to mastering chains.

    Whether you’ve got a boutique hardware unit or a plugin from Waves, UAD, or Softube, this episode will help you better understand what the Pultec does, how it shapes tone, and how to stop just “adding it for color” without knowing why.

    Plus: Friday Finds delivers two new tools you’ll want to check out, and if you’re listening closely, the Gold Star wordmakes its cameo — your ticket to insider status.

    Of course, some nonsense may occur. But would it even be Inside the Recording Studio without it?

    Shoutout: Neil deGrasse Tyson

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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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