• A Deep Dive into the iZotope NeoVerb Reverb Plugin: An Audio Dream in the Making



    Reverb plugins are everywhere, but every once in a while, one comes along that tries to stand out. Enter iZotope NeoVerb. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody roll up their sleeves and dig into what makes this reverb different, why it matters, and whether it deserves a place in your plugin folder.

    They begin with a look at the user interface (UI)—how its clean design and intuitive layout help speed up workflow, even for engineers who are used to complex reverb tools. From there, they walk through the unique features that set NeoVerb apart, like its intelligent reverb blend pad, advanced EQ controls, and tools that make it easier to carve out space in a mix without drowning tracks in mud.

    Of course, this isn’t just a tech demo. Chris & Jody share recording setup tips and real-world use cases where NeoVerb can shine, from subtle vocal ambience to creating immersive soundscapes. They also discuss how it fits into today’s landscape of reverb plugins, comparing it to classics and pointing out the hidden features in studio gear that users often overlook.

    But it’s not all praise—expect an honest discussion of what works, what doesn’t, and when another tool might still be a better fit. And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, there’s humor, candor, and yes, some nonsense woven throughout.

    As always, the episode wraps up with their Friday Finds, where Chris & Jody highlight tools, plugins, or resources worth exploring.

    Whether you’re running home studio gear and looking for versatile plugins, or a seasoned pro wanting to experiment with something fresh, this episode gives you the insight (and entertainment) you need to decide if NeoVerb is worth your time.

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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 Reverb That Made History: Inside the Lexicon 480L



    Few pieces of gear are as legendary as the Lexicon 480L reverb. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody take a deep dive into one of the most iconic reverb units ever created. With its unmistakable sound and unparalleled flexibility, the 480L has earned its place as a staple in countless hit records across genres.

    They begin with a little history—how the 480L came to be, the engineers and studios that championed it, and why it quickly became the gold standard for digital reverb in professional recording. From there, they break down what makes it special: its algorithms, its versatility, and its ability to create spaces that range from subtle ambience to massive, lush halls.

    Of course, this isn’t just a technical breakdown. Chris & Jody also share how they’ve used the 480L in real-world sessions, mixing stories with recording setup tips that translate even if you don’t own the hardware. They discuss the plugin emulations available today, how the 480L stacks up against modern gear, and whether its magic is truly replicable in software.

    As always, the discussion blends education with entertainment. Expect plenty of geekery (in the best way), laughs, and some nonsense along the way. The episode wraps with their Friday Finds, highlighting tools and freebies that can inspire your next mix.

    Whether you’re an aspiring producer building out your home studio gear or a seasoned engineer who remembers patching into a real 480L, this episode offers insight into why this reverb unit continues to inspire awe. If you’ve ever wanted to know why some gear achieves legendary status, this is your crash course.

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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

  • Create a Presence with Reverb and How To Figure Out The Correct Reverb Time You Need For Your Song



    Reverb is space. It is air between notes, reflections bouncing off walls seen and unseen. It is the whisper of a room, the memory of a hall, the shimmer of a plate.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody drift through the world of reverb—not as a utility, but as an instrument in itself. They calculate milliseconds like cartographers charting maps, showing how math gives shape to echoes. They speak of springs that twang, plates that sing, and digital halls that stretch into infinity.

    They share moments when reverb became more than effect: a pad sculpted from a drum hit, a vocal carried on a wave of decay, a guitar wrapped in endless shimmer. They reveal the reverbs they return to, the ones that never fail to spark ideas.

    Between their explorations lie laughter, nonsense, and the week’s Friday Finds—unexpected treasures tucked inside the reflections.

    Reverb, they remind us, is not just sound bouncing in space. It is texture, depth, story. It is the unseen architecture of a mix.

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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

  • Vocal Reverb Pre Delay


    Vocals, vocals, vocals. We mixing engineers always want to make sure we’re getting the proper space for a vocal. In this Tuesday Tip, Jody explains the use of Pre Delay on a lead vocal for a alternative rock song. What to listen for and why he chose what he did for the mix in this tip.

    Shoutout: Universal Audio Lexicon 224.

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