In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody delve into the art of compressing electric guitars, sharing expert insights on how to get the most out of your compression tools. Whether you’re aiming for tight, punchy tones or smooth, sustained textures, understanding when and how to use compression is crucial for achieving professional-level guitar mixes.
We cover everything from subtle dynamic control to more aggressive techniques, helping you decide when it’s necessary to apply compression. Explore the nuances of track-based compression versus bus compression, and learn how these approaches can be used to add punch and clarity or glue a mix together. We also discuss our go-to compressors for electric guitars, including iconic models like the 1176 for aggressive, fast-attack control, the LA-2A for smooth, transparent leveling, the Distressor for versatility, and the SSL compressor for adding cohesion on the bus.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or looking to refine your skills, this episode provides practical advice on using these classic tools to sculpt your guitar tones to perfection. We’ll take you through real-world examples, showing how different compressors can shape the sound of electric guitars and when each tool shines the brightest.
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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
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we break down the art of hearing compression in your recordings—specifically focusing on how compression affects the sound of a brass snare drum using Logic’s Platinum Compressor.
Compression can be a tricky tool to master, especially when it comes to subtle changes in dynamics. Join us as we discuss:
- Understanding Compression: We start by explaining how compression works on an instrument like a snare drum, particularly a brass snare, and how it shapes the attack, sustain, and release of the sound.
- Using Logic’s Platinum Compressor: Learn how to dial in the right settings on Logic’s versatile Platinum Compressor to hear the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) differences. From threshold to ratio, attack, and release, we guide you through the parameters to tweak for maximum effect.
- Listening Techniques: Not sure what you should be listening for? We break down key listening tips so you can learn to hear compression as it smooths out transients, tightens up dynamic range, and gives the snare its distinctive punch.
- Creative vs. Transparent Compression: Discover the difference between using compression to subtly enhance your mix and using it as a creative tool to completely reshape the sound of an instrument.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand compression or a seasoned producer fine-tuning your ear, this episode will help you harness the power of compression on your drum recordings. Tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and start making more intentional compression decisions!
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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
In this off the beaten path episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody explore alternative ways to EQ your tracks using advanced tools like iZotope’s RX, Eventide’s SplitEQ, and Soothe 2 by Oeksound.
EQing isn’t just about boosting and cutting frequencies; with these innovative tools, you can transform the way you shape your sound. Join us as we discuss:
- EQ with RX: Discover how iZotope’s RX software, typically known for its audio repair features, can be used for precision EQ adjustments to target specific issues like harshness, resonances, or muddiness without affecting the whole mix.
- SplitEQ’s unique approach: Learn how SplitEQ breaks down your audio into transient and tonal components, allowing for surgical EQ adjustments in a way that traditional EQs can’t match. We discuss how to use this to tackle complex mix issues like separation and clarity.
- Soothe 2 for dynamic EQing: Soothe 2 is not your ordinary EQ; it dynamically reacts to problematic frequencies in real-time. We’ll dive into how this plugin can smooth out harshness, tame resonance, and give your mixes that polished, professional feel with minimal effort.
- When to use these tools: We also chat about the specific scenarios in which these plugins excel and how you can use them creatively to add depth, clarity, and dimension to your tracks without the heavy-handedness of traditional EQ methods.
Whether you’re dealing with a problematic mix or looking to take your EQing skills to the next level, this episode has you covered. Tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and revolutionize the way you approach EQ!
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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