• What are Impulse Responses, How to Use Them, and What is the Best Software for Implementing IRs in a mix?



    IRs. No, not “instant ramen” (though Chris & Jody would probably talk about that too). We’re talking impulse responses—those pesky little files that can make your guitar cabinet sound like it was recorded in Abbey Road or turn your closet into a cathedral.

    In this week’s Inside the Recording Studio, the guys take a listener request and dig into the what, why, and how of IRs. What are they really? Why should you care? And who’s out there making the good ones versus just selling you snake oil?

    They’ll explain how to use IRs in convolution reverb, why guitarists are obsessed with cabinet IRs, and how producers sneak them into mixes for everything from realism to creative madness. You’ll also get a few recording setup tips and some laughs about what happens when you don’t know what you’re loading (hint: chaos).

    Naturally, nonsense makes an appearance, and their Friday Finds give you some freebies and gems to try right now.

    So if you’ve ever wondered what impulse responses actually do, or just want to know why everyone keeps talking about them, this episode will fill you in—minus the boring textbook vibes.

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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

  • Control Surfaces: What They Are And Why You Need To Be Aware Of Them



    Control surfaces: lifesaving workflow boosters or just overpriced desk ornaments? Chris & Jody take a no-nonsense, slightly cheeky look at the world of control surfaces in music production in this week’s Inside the Recording Studio.

    They’ll give you the lowdown on where these things came from (spoiler: some of them are older than your favorite plug-in), the types available, and the times they’ve actually found them useful. You’ll hear about single-fader toys that feel like glorified volume knobs all the way to massive boards that look like you’re piloting a spaceship.

    But are they worth the cash? Chris & Jody argue both sides—pointing out the real workflow benefits, but also calling out when a mouse and keyboard might do the job just as well. And yes, they’ll name names on a few favorites they’d actually recommend.

    Add in the usual dose of nonsense, laughs, and this week’s Friday Finds, and you’ve got an episode that makes even knobs and faders sound exciting. If you’ve ever been tempted by slick marketing videos for control surfaces—or wondered why your buddy’s studio looks like mission control—this one’s for you.

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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

  • More than you wanted to know about Delay Delay Delay



    Delay: A Not-So-Late Introduction to One of Music’s Most Iconic Effects

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody finally arrive at a long-awaited topic — delay — with just a touch of poetic irony, since the episode itself was… delayed.

    But let’s be honest: when it comes to creating space, depth, and vibe in your recordings, delay is a powerful (and often misunderstood) tool. In this episode, Chris and Jody provide a broad-strokes overview of delay’s evolution — from early tape echo machines to modern digital models — and break down the most common types of delay, including slapback, ping-pong, stereo, analog, and digital.

    Think of this one as your beginner’s guide or a refresher course, whetting your appetite for future deep dives into specific delay units, plugin picks, and creative routing ideas.

    Whether you’re crafting ambient textures, doubling vocals, or just trying not to drown your mix in repeats, this episode gives you the starting knowledge to use delay more musically and with more intent.

    Stick around for this week’s Friday Finds, the Gold Star word, and — as always — a little bit of classic Chris & Jody nonsense.

    Shoutout: John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Oil Can Delay

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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

  • Unleashing Your Sonic Dreams: The Ultimate Guide to Knowing Your Gear



    Chris and Jody kick off an in-depth exploration into the heart and soul of music production—your recording and music gear. We’re turning the spotlight on the tools that bring your sonic dreams to life, discussing the importance of knowing your gear inside and out, and uncovering the secrets to maximizing their potential.

    ️ Gear 101: Demystifying Your Recording Setup: Let’s kick off the episode by breaking down the essentials of your recording rig. From microphones and interfaces to preamps and headphones, we’ll delve into the fundamental components that make up your sonic toolkit. Understanding the capabilities of each piece is crucial for capturing the sound you envision.

    ️ Dialing In: Navigating the Controls and Settings: Get ready to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of your gear’s controls and settings. Whether it’s the intricacies of your mixer, the nuances of your EQ, or the mystical world of compression, we’ll guide you through the functionalities that can shape your recordings and elevate your mixes.

    Troubleshooting Tactics: Resolving Gear Gremlins: Every engineer encounters technical hiccups. We’ll share troubleshooting tips and common solutions for those moments when your gear seems to have a mind of its own. Learn how to diagnose issues, optimize performance, and keep your studio sessions running smoothly.

    ️ Hidden Gems: Discovering Lesser-Known Features: Uncover the hidden gems within your gear. We’ll shine a light on those overlooked features that can be game-changers in your recordings. Whether it’s a unique microphone pattern, a special effect on your interface, or a secret weapon plugin, you’ll be inspired to experiment with new sonic possibilities.

    ️ DIY Maintenance: Keeping Your Gear in Peak Condition: Your gear is an investment, and we’ll discuss practical tips for maintaining its longevity. From proper cleaning techniques to routine checks, understanding how to care for your equipment ensures that it continues to deliver top-notch performance.

    ️ Concluding: Conclude the episode with stories with a general overview of our process and a little bit of history about our hosts, Chris and Jody. It’s also not unlikely that there will be some nonsense 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

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