• What Happens at NAMM Doesn’t Stay at NAMM 2022



    NAMM Show 2022 Recap

    For anyone working in music, the NAMM Show is like Disneyland meets Comic-Con—except instead of rides and capes, it’s packed with the latest instruments, pro audio gear, and music technology. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody deliver a full recap of NAMM 2022, answering the big questions: What did they see? What did they like? And what gear made them stop in their tracks and drool?

    If you’ve never been to NAMM, don’t worry—the guys explain what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes the music industry for the year ahead. You’ll get the inside scoop on everything from home studio gear breakthroughs to flagship consoles, microphones, and effects units that could change the way you record.

    Chris and Jody walk the aisles, figuratively taking you with them:

    • What caught their ears in terms of new synths, guitars, and outboard gear.
    • Recording setup tips inspired by fresh innovations.
    • Which booths had jaw-dropping demos, and which just left them scratching their heads.
    • A few surprises—like who they bumped into and what unexpected gems stood out.

    Beyond the shiny surfaces, they discuss how to separate hype from genuinely useful tools. Does every new audio interface promise to “change the game”? Probably. But Chris and Jody cut through the noise, pointing out what’s worth a second look and what might just be marketing gloss.

    And because it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some personality, there’s a healthy dose of humor, a little nonsense, and of course this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share discoveries you can check out immediately.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll feel like you just walked the NAMM floor with two seasoned pros at your side—minus the aching feet and ringing ears.

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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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    iZotope Neutron Explained: How To Get A Clean Mix In Minutes



    A Sneak Peek at iZotope Neutron

    Mixing is equal parts art and science—and sometimes the right tool can bring those two worlds together. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody crack open the brand-new version of iZotope Neutron, giving listeners an early look at one of the most flexible and modern channel strips on the market.

    Neutron isn’t your run-of-the-mill EQ or compressor. It’s a suite of powerful modules that lets you sculpt your mix with precision and creativity. Chris and Jody walk through the nitty-gritty of each component—from EQ, compression, and transient shaping to the unique spectral tools and assistive AI features that set Neutron apart. With tons of permutationsavailable, this channel strip feels less like a single tool and more like an entire mixing ecosystem packed into one plugin.

    But the big question remains: how can you make it work for your productions? The guys explain how Neutron can simplify decisions, streamline workflow, and open up creative possibilities—whether you’re deep in pro-level sessions or just experimenting with home studio gear. They highlight practical recording setup tips for integrating it into your DAW, discuss common mixing challenges that Neutron helps solve, and even point out a few hidden features in studio gear that might surprise you.

    And because it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without some personality, expect some laughs, a little nonsense, and this week’s Friday Finds—spotlighting more tools and ideas to keep your mixes fresh.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Chris and Jody call this plugin a “Neutron Star” for mixing, and you’ll have real strategies for dialing in pro-level mixes with confidence.

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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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    How to Use New Gear – Do You Need It?



    The Right (and Wrong) Way to Use New Gear

    Few things get musicians and producers more excited than cracking open a new piece of gear. Whether it’s a shiny plugin, a boutique preamp, or something as simple as a set of sleigh bells, the temptation is real: use it on everything. But should you? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody wade into the muddy waters of how to approach new gear—and when to recognize the difference between a want and a need.

    When you add a new toy to your arsenal, the impulse is to throw it on every track. That new compressor? Suddenly it’s on guitars, vocals, drums, and maybe even your neighbor’s cat. But Chris and Jody break down why restraint can be just as valuable as enthusiasm. Sometimes new gear solves a problem, enhances workflow, or unlocks a creative sound you couldn’t get before. Other times, it’s just adding clutter.

    You’ll hear discussion around practical questions like:

    • Should every song have sleigh bells just because you bought them? (Spoiler: probably not.)
    • How do you decide whether to buy gear for a want or a genuine need?
    • What role does workflow play in determining whether new gear is actually helping?
    • How can you balance exploration with efficiency in your home studio gear setup?

    Chris and Jody also touch on the psychology of gear acquisition. From the “honeymoon phase” of a new plugin to the drawer full of forgotten pedals, they highlight the traps we all fall into. You’ll also get recording setup tips for integrating gear wisely, and even a few mentions of hidden features in studio gear that you might already own but aren’t fully exploiting.

    Of course, in true Inside the Recording Studio style, there’s humor, a dash of nonsense, and the weekly Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share something fresh and inspiring for your creative journey.

    By the end, you’ll have a better handle on how to approach new gear with both excitement and perspective—so your mixes improve instead of turning into a playground of half-baked experiments.

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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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