Producer Choices for Electric Guitar Recording – Hardware vs Software
When it comes to recording electric guitars, the choices producers make can set the tone—literally—for an entire track. Do you go old school with a roaring amp stack, carefully placed microphones, and a thump in the chest that only tubes can deliver? Or do you take the modern route with software emulations, impulse responses, and plugins that bring a world of tones into your DAW?
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the key decisions producers face when recording electric guitars. They unwind the simple but impactful choices—from hardware setups to software solutions—that shape the sound, workflow, and vibe of a session.
Hardware: The Real Deal
Chris and Jody explore the tactile world of amp heads, cabinets, and microphones, showing how pairing them together can create unique flavors. From classic rock crunch to sparkling cleans, they explain how gear choices translate into character—and why the physical process of mic placement still matters.
Software: The Modern Playground
On the flip side, the conversation dives into the rise of amp sims and plugin-based rigs. They talk about the convenience of dialing up dozens of tones in seconds, recording silently in a home studio gear setup, and how software options are getting shockingly close to the “real thing.” Plus, there’s a look at some pitfalls to avoid—like option paralysis and missing the feel of moving air.
Producer Priorities
At its core, the episode highlights what matters most: the song and the performance. Whether you’re reamping, mic’ing a cab, or scrolling through presets, Chris and Jody stress the importance of matching tools to the project rather than chasing hype. Along the way, they drop practical recording setup tips, reveal a few hidden features in studio gear, and (naturally) sprinkle in a touch of nonsense.
Why You’ll Want to Listen
This isn’t about gear snobbery—it’s about understanding your options. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of:
- When hardware amps and mics shine.
- When software rigs can save time, space, and money.
- How to combine both for maximum flexibility.
- Why the “best” choice is always the one that serves the music.
So plug in, power up, and join Chris and Jody as they riff on the timeless debate: tubes vs. code, stacks vs. sims, hardware vs. software.
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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