In this video, Chris shares some tips on how to use reverb to add some life into dry guitar tracks. Including what type of reverb, decay time as well as EQ-ing the reverb return.
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The Complete Guide to Stringing a Guitar: Gauge, Intonation, Height, and Care
A new year is the perfect time to refresh your sound, and nothing changes your guitar’s feel and tone more directly than new strings. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody kick off the year with a deep dive into the world of guitar strings and recording—from gauges to tone to string care, and everything in between.
They start with the basics: how string gauge impacts playability and sound. Heavier gauges may give you a beefier tone and tighter intonation, but they demand more from your fingers. Lighter gauges make bends easier but can sacrifice stability. Which is right for you? Chris & Jody break it down, not only for live playing but also for how it translates into recorded tracks.
Next, they explore string types—nickel, steel, coated varieties—and how subtle material differences can change your tone and feel. They discuss how string height, intonation, and setup all interact, and why neglecting these elements can derail an otherwise great session. Along the way, you’ll get practical recording setup tips, plus reminders about hidden features in studio gear that can help bring out the best in your guitar sound.
And it’s not just about performance—care matters too. They share tips on basic string maintenance, cleaning routines, and when it’s time to ditch that dead-sounding set. All of it is delivered with their signature mix of expertise, humor, and yes, some nonsense.
As always, the episode wraps with Friday Finds, highlighting tools, resources, or freebies that can improve your workflow and creative spark.
If you’ve ever wondered how much your choice of strings really matters—or you’re just ready to start the year with better tone and playability—this episode will set you on the right path. Whether you’re jamming at home with home studio gear or dialing in pro tones in a commercial setup, this conversation gives you the knowledge and confidence to choose wisely.
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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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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
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