• Valuable Fundamentals Regarding Emulation EQs and Digital EQs



    EQ Emulations vs. Digital EQ: What’s the Real Difference?

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a deep dive into the nuanced world of EQs — comparing analog-modeled EQ emulations with clean digital EQs and unpacking the truth behind what makes each of them tick.

    What are EQ emulations actually doing under the hood? Who’s making the best ones? Why do some swear by analog warmth while others chase surgical precision? The duo lays out their own preferences, what they use in their daily mixes, and where emulations shine (or fall short) compared to modern digital EQs.

    Then, they hop onto the digital EQ bandwagon — zero latency, transparency, and the perks of going non-emulated. Whether you’re wondering if you really need that vintage-modeled Neve or if a good clean EQ will get the job done, this episode brings clarity, pros/cons, and a few punchy opinions.

    Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share a couple of tools that could level up your mix game immediately. And yes — there’s even a new surprise waiting if you hang around until the end.

    Naturally, a dash of nonsense is part of the charm.

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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

  • Meet the 1176: It’s Old, It’s Loud, and It’s Kind of a Big Deal in this Deep Dive



    1176 Unplugged: The Iconic Compressor Unboxed

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody throw the spotlight on one of the most legendary pieces of gear in audio history — the 1176 compressor. If you’ve heard the name but never quite understood what makes it such a cornerstone in music production, you’re about to get a full breakdown.

    From its roots as a game-changing hardware unit to its many software emulations, the 1176’s journey is one worth tracking — pun intended. Chris & Jody walk through the evolution of this FET-based compressor, breaking down what it actually does, how its controls work, and why engineers across genres still reach for it today.

    We’ll also explore the differences between hardware clones and plugin versions from brands you know (and some you might not). Whether you’re working in a home studio or a full-on mix room, understanding how to dial in an 1176 can bring punch, clarity, and personality to your sound.

    Oh — and in true Chris & Jody fashion, don’t be surprised if things veer into the realm of nonsense. It wouldn’t be an episode without it.

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