• Are Plugins Making Engineers Lazy? The Truth About Modern Mixing Tools



    Are Plugins Making Us Lazy Engineers? Let’s Talk Tech and Discipline

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle a timely and slightly provocative topic: Has software made audio engineers lazy?

    With an ever-growing number of “one-click magic” plugins and AI-powered tools on the market, it’s easier than ever to let the computer take over. But is this convenience helping your workflow — or hurting your ears? Whether you’re a self-recording musician or a seasoned mix engineer, this episode encourages you to take a hard look at where your technical chops end and the plugin begins.

    Chris and Jody unpack the difference between using tools smartly and relying on them blindly. They share stories, strategies, and reminders about why understanding the fundamentals still matters — even in a world of AI mastering and instant vocal chains.

    Plus: this week’s Friday Finds might just sharpen your skills or spark some new creativity. And don’t miss the Gold Star keyword — your gateway to audio nerd bragging rights.

    And yes… some nonsense is definitely in the signal path.

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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

  • Gear Acquisition Syndrome



    Do You Have G.A.S.? Let’s Talk Gear Addiction and Creative Clarity

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle a topic every producer, engineer, and bedroom beatmaker has faced: Gear Acquisition Syndrome — better known as G.A.S.

    How much gear is too much? Are you actually improving your recordings with new tools… or just chasing the high of a shiny purchase? Chris and Jody walk through the signs, symptoms, and solutions for managing G.A.S., while asking a critical question: do you really know the gear you already have?

    Whether you’re new to music production or a long-time gear hoarder, this episode offers practical advice for building a studio that supports your creativity — not one that overwhelms it. From software plugins to rack gear and everything in between, the conversation is part confession, part intervention, and part therapy session (with some laughs along the way).

    Stick around for this week’s Friday Finds — Chris and Jody each share something they’re excited about to help inspire your next session. And yes, if you’re gunning for a gold star, we’ll tell you what it takes to earn one.

    Naturally, there’s some nonsense too — because it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without 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

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