• EQ Matters: Unlock the Secrets of Professional Audio



    In this enlightening episode of Inside the Recording Studio, hosts Chris and Jody dive deep into the world of equalization (EQ) – an essential tool in every audio engineer’s arsenal. Join us as we explore the various types of EQ, their unique applications, and the reasons why EQ is a cornerstone of professional mixing and recording.

    Episode Highlights:

    1. Understanding the Different Types of EQ: Gain a comprehensive overview of the main types of EQ, including parametric, graphic, shelving, and dynamic EQ. Chris and Jody explain the distinct characteristics and functions of each type, helping you understand when and how to use them effectively in your projects.
    2. When to Use Different EQs: Learn the practical applications of each EQ type. The hosts discuss common scenarios and specific use cases, such as enhancing vocal clarity, shaping drum sounds, and correcting problematic frequencies. Discover how to choose the right EQ for the task at hand to achieve the best sonic results.
    3. Why We Use EQ: Delve into the fundamental reasons for using EQ in music production. Chris and Jody explore the concept of frequency balancing, the importance of creating space in a mix, and how EQ can help in both corrective and creative processes. Understand the underlying principles that make EQ an indispensable tool for audio engineers.
    4. Our Favorite EQs: Get an insider’s look at Chris and Jody’s personal favorite EQs. They share their go-to choices, detailing what makes these EQs stand out in their workflow. From vintage analog models to cutting-edge digital plugins, discover the tools that the pros rely on to shape their sound.

    Whether you’re a seasoned audio engineer or just starting to explore the world of EQ, this episode offers valuable insights and expert advice to elevate your mixing and recording skills. Tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and enhance your understanding of equalization to take your audio productions to the next level!

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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

  • Corrective EQ vs Sweetening EQ – The Difference You Need To Know



    Corrective EQ vs Sweetening EQ

    Every mix engineer knows EQ is essential, but not all EQ moves are created equal. Sometimes you’re cutting out problem frequencies, other times you’re adding shimmer, air, and character. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody divide and conquer the worlds of corrective EQ vs sweetening EQ — breaking down definitions, approaches, and how each style shapes the sound of your mix.

    So what’s the difference? Corrective EQ is all about fixing issues. It’s the audio equivalent of cleaning up clutter in a room—removing mud, harshness, or resonances that distract from the performance. Think rolling off rumble on a vocal track, taming boxy guitar mids, or cleaning cymbal hash. Corrective EQ is practical, problem-solving, and sometimes downright necessary.

    Sweetening EQ, on the other hand, is about enhancing and flattering the sound. It’s where you add warmth, sparkle, or that extra something that takes a track from good to inspiring. Boosting low end on a bass guitar for weight, adding air to vocals for clarity, or giving acoustic guitars sheen are all examples of sweetening moves. Sweetening EQ is where you shift from “fixing” to “finessing.”

    Chris and Jody walk you through:

    • The definitions of corrective vs. sweetening EQ.
    • When to reach for each approach in your mix.
    • How context—genre, arrangement, even the artist—guides your decisions.
    • The process value of each style, and why knowing the difference keeps your workflow efficient.
    • Practical recording setup tips that can reduce the need for corrective EQ later.
    • Common pitfalls—like over-EQ’ing and chasing perfection instead of serving the song.

    And of course, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, the conversation isn’t just clinical. Expect humor, tangents, and a touch of nonsense to keep you entertained while you learn. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share more tools, plugins, and creative sparks that can freshen up your studio routine.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of when to put on your “fix-it” hat and when to grab your “flavor” hat. Whether you’re wrangling mud in a home setup or sweetening tracks in a pro mix room, you’ll walk away with a sharper EQ strategy—and mixes that sound better for it.

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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

  • Mid-Side EQ: A Step-by-Step Tutorial of the Important Stuff



    Demystifying Mid-Side EQ

    EQ is one of the most powerful tools in a mix engineer’s arsenal, but once you step into the world of Mid-Side EQ, things can feel a little murky. Is it voodoo? Is it magic? Or just another way to shape sound? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the history, mechanics, and real-world applications of Mid-Side EQ—making it approachable, useful, and maybe even fun.

    First, they trace where the concept stems from—born in the analog world but finding new relevance in today’s digital production landscape. With modern DAWs, Mid-Side EQ has become easier to apply than ever before, but it also introduces unique opportunities—and pitfalls—for shaping your stereo image.

    Chris and Jody explain the nuts and bolts of how Mid-Side EQ works in stereo:

    • What the “mid” and “side” signals actually are.
    • How separating them allows you to process the center of your mix differently from the edges.
    • Why this technique can unlock new clarity, width, and control.

    Then comes the fun part: why you might want to use Mid-Side EQ. From carving space for vocals in a busy mix to adding width to guitars or cleaning up muddy low end, the technique offers powerful results when used intentionally. But like all tools, it has its risks. Chris and Jody also caution against common mistakes, like over-processing the stereo field or creating phase issues that can collapse your mix.

    And because gear talk is inevitable, the duo shares some of their favorite plugins for Mid-Side EQ, giving listeners practical recommendations they can put to work in their own sessions—whether they’re using high-end pro audio gear or experimenting with home studio gear setups.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without the usual banter, humor, and the occasional nonsense sprinkled in to keep things lively. Add in the weekly Friday Finds, and this episode offers both technical insight and entertainment value in equal measure.

    By the end, you’ll not only understand what Mid-Side EQ is and how it works, but you’ll also know how to wield it confidently without wrecking your stereo image.

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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

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