Inside The Recording Studio - Unlock remarkable tips and tricks for improved recordings in your studio. Unusually great for beginners and professionals.

November 4, 2022

Reverb

Strymon BigSky Reverb Plugin. Why You Need To Know About This Amazing Plugin
First Look at the Strymon BigSky Reverb Plugin

For years, the Strymon BigSky pedal has been one of the most beloved tools for guitarists, producers, and sound designers alike. Its lush reverbs, expansive atmospheres, and tweakable textures have made it a studio staple. But now, Strymon has taken a bold step into the world of software with its very first plugin release: the BigSky Reverb Plugin. And Chris and Jody are here to put it through its paces.

In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody give an early bird worm look at the plugin and explore how BigSky translates from pedalboard favorite to DAW powerhouse. They don’t just skim the surface—they dive deep into all of the reverb playgrounds this plugin offers, from classic halls and plates to the more experimental shimmer and cloud algorithms.

What you’ll hear in this episode:
- A breakdown of the plugin’s interface and workflow, and how it integrates with your DAW and home studio gear.
- An in-depth tour of BigSky’s 12 reverb playgrounds, with extra focus on standout modes that make it unique.
- Practical recording setup tips on where and how to use BigSky in your mixes—vocals, guitars, synths, and beyond.
- For the first time ever on Inside the Recording Studio: audio examples, so you can actually hear BigSky in action as Chris and Jody test it out.
- Honest impressions of how the plugin stacks up against the legendary hardware version.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without a little nonsense, humor, and tangents along the way. But at the core, this one’s about helping you decide: is the BigSky plugin worth adding to your sonic arsenal?

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear sense of what makes Strymon’s BigSky plugin different, how it can expand your creative palette, and whether it deserves a spot in your DAW toolkit. For anyone who loves reverb—or just loves hearing Chris and Jody geek out about gear—this episode is a must-listen.

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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
October 28, 2022

Channel Strip

Why the SSL 4000 Console Still Defines Professional Mixing
Exploring the SSL 4000 Console

Few pieces of gear are as legendary in the world of music production as the SSL 4000 console. Its punchy sound, intuitive workflow, and unmistakable sonic character have shaped countless hit records across decades. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody strap in and take you on a guided tour through the history, the features, and the undeniable magic of the SSL 4000.

They kick things off with a brief history of Solid State Logic—from the company’s beginnings to how the 4000 series quickly became a staple in professional studios worldwide. From there, it’s straight into the nuts and bolts:
- Inputs: how signals enter the desk and the sonic footprint they leave.
- Dynamics: compressors, gates, and expanders that give tracks punch and control.
- EQ: the sweet, aggressive, unmistakable SSL curves that can bring a mix to life.
- Filters: high-pass and low-pass shaping tools that keep mixes clean.
- The “SSL Sound”: what makes this board instantly recognizable and why engineers still chase it today.
Chris and Jody don’t just geek out on features—they explain why the SSL workflow matters and how the 4000 has influenced DAW design, plugin emulations, and modern studio setups. They also highlight how the board’s architecture still informs the way producers and mix engineers think about recording setup tips and hidden features in studio gear.

And, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, it’s not all tech talk. Expect humor, stories, and a sprinkle of nonsense along the way. Whether you’re running an SSL plugin in your home studio gear setup or you’ve had the chance to sit behind the real thing, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the most iconic consoles in recording history.

Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share new tools and ideas to keep your workflow sharp.

By the end, you’ll understand not just the anatomy of the SSL 4000, but why it’s still considered one of the most important boards in the history of recorded music.

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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
October 21, 2022

Psychological, Workflow

Productivity Hacks – How To Have Productive Downtime

How to Have Productive Downtime

Every studio professional knows the rhythm: one week you’re slammed with sessions, bouncing between recording, mixing, and mastering, and the next you find yourself staring at a blank DAW screen with no projects on the calendar. What do you do when things get quiet? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unload their best strategies for staying productive during downtime—so that when the work ramps back up, you’re sharper, faster, and better prepared than before.

They break it down into three categories of ideas designed to keep both your workflow and your creativity in top shape:

1. Sharpen Your Skills

Downtime is the perfect opportunity to dig into tutorials, revisit techniques, or practice mixing and mastering on old projects. Chris and Jody talk about how even simple exercises—like revisiting EQ decisions or exploring hidden features in studio gear—can level up your confidence and speed when deadlines hit.

2. Optimize Your Setup

When’s the last time you gave your studio some TLC? Whether it’s updating software, tackling audio interface troubleshooting, reorganizing your file system, or literally doing some spring cleaning, downtime is ideal for tightening up your recording setup tips. Chris and Jody share what they do to make sure their studios run smoothly, including those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” tasks like labeling cables or learning how to clean music gear the right way.

3. Refuel Your Creativity

Being productive doesn’t always mean grinding. Sometimes it’s about recharging. Chris and Jody talk about ways to step back from the console—reading, listening, exploring new music, or even leaning into a little nonsense—and why this mental reset is just as valuable as technical practice.

Throughout the episode, expect the usual mix of real-world anecdotes, humor, and a touch of nonsense. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share tools and ideas that can inspire you when things feel slow.

By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with practical steps for turning downtime into growth time—whether you’re working in a full pro facility or a home studio gear setup.

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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