• 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 Use Your DAW Like A Console: 3 Pro Bits for Channel Strips vs Individual Plugins



    In the world of recording and mixing, few debates are as enduring—or as workflow-defining—as the choice between channel strips and individual plugins. On this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody roll up their sleeves and dive straight into the signal path to unpack what makes these two approaches so different.

    If you’ve ever wondered why some engineers swear by all-in-one channel strips while others stack plugins like a buffet plate, this episode is your roadmap.

    A channel strip is like having a miniature console channel living inside your DAW: EQ, compression, gating, and sometimes saturation all bundled together. Chris and Jody break down exactly what components are included, why they’re modeled after the legendary consoles that defined decades of records, and how modern digital developers—from Waves and Universal Audio to Brainworx and Plugin Alliance—have reimagined them for today’s producers.

    On the other side of the fader are individual plugins—the modular approach where you cherry-pick a specific EQ, compressor, or limiter to build your own custom chain. The flexibility is undeniable, but so are the rabbit holes of option paralysis. Which EQ plugin works best with which compressor? How many tape saturators does one session really need? Chris and Jody debate the pros and cons with equal parts technical wisdom and a splash of studio humor.

    Expect a conversation that blends workflow hacks, recording setup tips, and candid opinions. You’ll learn why a channel strip can be a lifesaver in the heat of tracking, where individual plugins shine for precision and experimentation, and how to strike the right balance in your own projects. Plus, the guys share thoughts on whether treating your DAW like a console can actually speed up your mixing, or if it just locks you into habits you might not need.

    And of course—it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without some playful banter and this week’s Friday Finds.

    Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you a sharper perspective on how to streamline your signal chain and make your mix decisions with more 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 Deal with Artists of Different Types



    Running a studio isn’t just about gear—it’s about people. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody explore the psychology of working & how to deal with artists and recording clients, breaking down the personality types you’re most likely to encounter. From the visionary perfectionist to the laid-back jammer, from the control freak to the “just tell me when it’s done” type, they reveal what it takes to adapt while keeping sessions productive and positive.

    But knowing personalities isn’t enough. Chris & Jody share recording setup tips for handling tension, strategies for keeping egos in check, and methods for ensuring your creative input doesn’t get lost in the noise. They also discuss the all-important moment: when to stand your ground as an engineer or producer and advocate for the mix, workflow, or decision that serves the music best.

    Along the way, expect their trademark mix of humor and insight (yes, some nonsense sneaks in), plus this week’s Friday Finds, which include something free and time-sensitive you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re outfitting your home studio gear or working in a commercial facility, understanding client psychology is as crucial as knowing your compressors. This episode equips you to manage both.

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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 Handle Workflow Differences When Working On Singles Vs. Albums



    Is producing a single the same as producing a full album? Chris & Jody break down the real differences in workflow, mindset, and strategy between the two. From scheduling and pre-production to mixing approaches and client communication, they explore how the project’s scope shapes the way producers and engineers work. Do you treat a single as a self-contained masterpiece? Or do you craft an album as a bigger narrative arc? They’ll also share insight into the conversations you should have with artists and bands up front—discussions that can save time, budget, and sanity in the studio. Expect actionable recording setup tips, perspective from years in the trenches, and of course, a healthy dash of nonsense to keep things fun. Whether you’re running a compact home studio gear setup or managing a full-blown production workflow, this episode helps you navigate the unique demands of singles versus albums.

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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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