• iZotope Neutron Explained: How To Get A Clean Mix In Minutes



    A Sneak Peek at iZotope Neutron

    Mixing is equal parts art and science—and sometimes the right tool can bring those two worlds together. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody crack open the brand-new version of iZotope Neutron, giving listeners an early look at one of the most flexible and modern channel strips on the market.

    Neutron isn’t your run-of-the-mill EQ or compressor. It’s a suite of powerful modules that lets you sculpt your mix with precision and creativity. Chris and Jody walk through the nitty-gritty of each component—from EQ, compression, and transient shaping to the unique spectral tools and assistive AI features that set Neutron apart. With tons of permutationsavailable, this channel strip feels less like a single tool and more like an entire mixing ecosystem packed into one plugin.

    But the big question remains: how can you make it work for your productions? The guys explain how Neutron can simplify decisions, streamline workflow, and open up creative possibilities—whether you’re deep in pro-level sessions or just experimenting with home studio gear. They highlight practical recording setup tips for integrating it into your DAW, discuss common mixing challenges that Neutron helps solve, and even point out a few hidden features in studio gear that might surprise you.

    And because it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some personality, expect some laughs, a little nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds—spotlighting more tools and ideas to keep your mixes fresh.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Chris and Jody call this plugin a “Neutron Star” for mixing, and you’ll have real strategies for dialing in pro-level mixes with confidence.

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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 New Gear – Do You Need It?



    The Right (and Wrong) Way to Use New Gear

    Few things get musicians and producers more excited than cracking open a new piece of gear. Whether it’s a shiny plugin, a boutique preamp, or something as simple as a set of sleigh bells, the temptation is real: use it on everything. But should you? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody wade into the muddy waters of how to approach new gear—and when to recognize the difference between a want and a need.

    When you add a new toy to your arsenal, the impulse is to throw it on every track. That new compressor? Suddenly it’s on guitars, vocals, drums, and maybe even your neighbor’s cat. But Chris and Jody break down why restraint can be just as valuable as enthusiasm. Sometimes new gear solves a problem, enhances workflow, or unlocks a creative sound you couldn’t get before. Other times, it’s just adding clutter.

    You’ll hear discussion around practical questions like:

    • Should every song have sleigh bells just because you bought them? (Spoiler: probably not.)
    • How do you decide whether to buy gear for a want or a genuine need?
    • What role does workflow play in determining whether new gear is actually helping?
    • How can you balance exploration with efficiency in your home studio gear setup?

    Chris and Jody also touch on the psychology of gear acquisition. From the “honeymoon phase” of a new plugin to the drawer full of forgotten pedals, they highlight the traps we all fall into. You’ll also get recording setup tips for integrating gear wisely, and even a few mentions of hidden features in studio gear that you might already own but aren’t fully exploiting.

    Of course, in true Inside the Recording Studio style, there’s humor, a dash of nonsense, and the weekly Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share something fresh and inspiring for your creative journey.

    By the end, you’ll have a better handle on how to approach new gear with both excitement and perspective—so your mixes improve instead of turning into a playground of half-baked experiments.

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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 FIX A MUDDY MIX: 5 Favorite Ways To Reduce The Mud



    Every producer has faced it—the dreaded muddy mix. The low end is messy, the mids are cluttered, and no matter how you tweak, it never sounds quite right. In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody break down proven strategies to remove mud from mixes and bring clarity back to your sound.

    They begin with the often-overlooked foundation: arrangement. If too many instruments are fighting for the same space, no plugin will fix it. Chris & Jody share ways to think critically about instrumentation, layering, and voicing to set up your mix for success.

    From there, it’s all about dynamics. Over-compressed tracks can kill separation and exaggerate low-mid clutter. You’ll hear recording setup tips for using compression wisely to tighten, not smother, your sound.

    Of course, EQ is central to cleaning up mud. Chris & Jody highlight frequency ranges to watch out for, carving techniques to make room for each instrument, and how high-pass filters can be your best friend. They also dive into specialized tools—like dynamic EQs and multiband processors—that go beyond the basics to tame problem areas.

    They round out the discussion with a look at software that can identify and reduce muddiness automatically, while reminding listeners why ears matter more than meters. Along the way, expect candid stories, humor, and a dose of nonsense.

    And yes, the episode wraps up with their Friday Finds—this time spotlighting gear, plugins, or resources you’ll want to add to your own arsenal.

    Whether you’re mixing on home studio gear or in a professional facility, these insights will help you achieve clarity, separation, and impact in your tracks.

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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 Eye On The Prize With Adam Moseley: from the early beginnings to being a producer and more



    Great producers don’t just make records—they make careers. In this week’s Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody welcome the legendary Adam Moseley for an interview packed with insights, stories, and wisdom from a life dedicated to music.

    Adam’s journey didn’t begin in a control room. He started in a studio swinging hammers and cooking meals before ever touching the faders. That persistence and humility shaped the producer he would become—one with an “eye on the prize” mentality that has carried him through decades of work with some of the world’s biggest artists.

    Throughout the episode, Chris & Jody dive into the stories: Adam’s work with Roxette, RUSH, KISS, Richard Marx, and others. You’ll hear how these collaborations unfolded, what lessons he learned along the way, and the mindset it takes to stay relevant across genres and eras.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be a gear-driven podcast without some tech talk. Adam shares the tools and home studio gear he can’t live without, along with recording setup tips that apply whether you’re running a world-class facility or producing out of your bedroom. He also touches on the hidden features in studio gear that often make the difference between a good recording and a great one.

    And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, the conversation is infused with humor, personality, and a sprinkle of nonsense. Add in this week’s Friday Finds, and you’ve got an episode that’s as entertaining as it is informative.

    If you’re curious about what it takes to succeed as a producer—or you just want to hear behind-the-scenes stories about music legends—this episode delivers inspiration, insight, and plenty of laughs.

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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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