• Unleashing the Power of the AMEK Console: A Deep Dive into the Unique Audio Experience



    The AMEK consoles have long been revered for their pristine sound, engineering brilliance, and unmistakable vibe. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dig deep into the history, technology, and emulation of this iconic piece of studio gear—specifically the Plugin Alliance AMEK 9099.

    They’ll start with the console’s origin story: designed by legendary engineer Rupert Neve, the AMEK line hit studios with precision EQs, wide dynamic range, and a sound that became synonymous with clean, high-fidelity mixing in the late ’80s and ’90s. Then, they’ll turn to today: how faithfully does Plugin Alliance’s AMEK 9099 capture that heritage? Is it a perfect mirror of the original desk, or did the developers take liberties to modernize and extend its capabilities?

    Chris and Jody compare hardware versus software—sharing their thoughts on what Plugin Alliance nailed, what feels different, and where the emulation shines (or stumbles). They’ll explore workflow, tone shaping, quirks that made the AMEK legendary, and even the little annoyances that come with translating a massive analog console into a plugin window.

    As always, it’s not just gear worship—it’s real-world perspective. They discuss how the AMEK 9099 fits into home studio gear setups, how to apply its features in practical mixing scenarios, and when it might outshine your go-to channel strips. Along the way, you’ll pick up recording setup tips, insider commentary, and a few laughs at the quirks of both the original console and its modern software counterpart.

    Whether you’re a die-hard analog purist, a plugin enthusiast, or someone curious about what makes AMEK so special, this episode is your backstage pass into one of recording history’s most respected consoles—and its digital reincarnation.

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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

  • Plugin Folder Management: The Simple Guide to Keeping Your DAW Organized



    Plugins. They’re the modern producer’s candy store—and also the source of endless clutter if left unchecked. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody crack open their plugin folders and share the realities of keeping things under control.

    From the moment you install your first compressor or virtual synth, your plugin library begins to grow. Fast forward a few months (or years) and suddenly your DAW is loading hundreds of plugins across multiple folders, formats, and drive locations. Sound familiar? Chris and Jody break down the best practices for plugin organization: when to prune the excess, how to prevent bloat, and how to structure folders so you can actually find what you need mid-session.

    They’ll discuss the quirks of different DAWs—Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton, Studio One—and which organization strategies work best in each. You’ll hear about the pitfalls of plugins installed across multiple locations, why some manufacturers still insist on their own folders, and whether there’s a “right” way to keep everything streamlined.

    But this isn’t just a housekeeping lecture. Expect practical recording setup tips you can apply today—whether you’re creating custom plugin categories, uninstalling the 12 reverbs you never use, or discovering hidden features in studio gear that make workflow smoother. And of course, in classic Chris and Jody style, there’s humor and banter—because who hasn’t accidentally left that “freebie” distortion plugin installed since 2009?

    If your plugin folder feels more like a junk drawer than a toolbox, this episode will help you reclaim control and focus on making music—not hunting for that one EQ you swear you downloaded last year.

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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

  • Uncovering the Secrets of Clipping Audio – A Noisy Adventure



    Clipping: the word alone can make engineers break into a sweat. But is it always bad? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive into the art of clipping audio—where it comes from, why it sometimes works, and when it can absolutely ruin your mix.

    They start with the origins: how analog gear and early digital systems introduced us to clipping, and why those “mistakes” sometimes turned into creative tools. Then they dig into the different types of clipping—hard clipping, soft clipping, analog saturation—and explain how each one shapes sound differently.

    Clipping isn’t just an error; it can be a weapon. Chris and Jody share when they intentionally use clipping to add aggression, density, or perceived loudness to drums, guitars, or even a mix bus. At the same time, they cover the dangers: digital clipping that destroys transients, leaves tracks brittle, and makes mastering engineers cry.

    Expect real-world recording setup tips, plugin and hardware examples, and honest insight into how they personally use clipping in their own sessions. And of course, it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without humor—so yes, there will be some nonsense about how clipping is like hot sauce: a little makes things exciting, too much ruins dinner.

    Whether you’re working with home studio gear or high-end mastering chains, this episode gives you the tools to understand clipping, control it, and use it creatively without wrecking your mixes.

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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.

    ******************************

    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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