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

February 4, 2022

General, Plugins, Podcast, Workflow

What are Impulse Responses, How to Use Them, and What is the Best Software for Implementing IRs in a mix?

IRs. No, not “instant ramen” (though Chris & Jody would probably talk about that too). We’re talking impulse responses—those pesky little files that can make your guitar cabinet sound like it was recorded in Abbey Road or turn your closet into a cathedral.

In this week’s Inside the Recording Studio, the guys take a listener request and dig into the what, why, and how of IRs. What are they really? Why should you care? And who’s out there making the good ones versus just selling you snake oil?

They’ll explain how to use IRs in convolution reverb, why guitarists are obsessed with cabinet IRs, and how producers sneak them into mixes for everything from realism to creative madness. You’ll also get a few recording setup tips and some laughs about what happens when you don’t know what you’re loading (hint: chaos).

Naturally, nonsense makes an appearance, and their Friday Finds give you some freebies and gems to try right now.

So if you’ve ever wondered what impulse responses actually do, or just want to know why everyone keeps talking about them, this episode will fill you in—minus the boring textbook vibes.

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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
February 1, 2022

Plugins, Reverb, Tuesday Tips, Workflow

How to Get the Most Out of the iZotope NeoVerb: Quick Tip and Trick with the Reverb Assistant

A little UI review, a dash of uses, a pinch of what makes it unique, and a whole lot of nerd, equals a quick look into NeoVerb reverb from iZotope. In this tip, I show you how I used the Reverb Assistant to get me a great spacial sound on guitars for a track where I was under a deadline for a TV show.
January 28, 2022

Plugins, Reverb

A Deep Dive into the iZotope NeoVerb Reverb Plugin: An Audio Dream in the Making

Reverb plugins are everywhere, but every once in a while, one comes along that tries to stand out. Enter iZotope NeoVerb. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody roll up their sleeves and dig into what makes this reverb different, why it matters, and whether it deserves a place in your plugin folder.

They begin with a look at the user interface (UI)—how its clean design and intuitive layout help speed up workflow, even for engineers who are used to complex reverb tools. From there, they walk through the unique features that set NeoVerb apart, like its intelligent reverb blend pad, advanced EQ controls, and tools that make it easier to carve out space in a mix without drowning tracks in mud.

Of course, this isn’t just a tech demo. Chris & Jody share recording setup tips and real-world use cases where NeoVerb can shine, from subtle vocal ambience to creating immersive soundscapes. They also discuss how it fits into today’s landscape of reverb plugins, comparing it to classics and pointing out the hidden features in studio gear that users often overlook.

But it’s not all praise—expect an honest discussion of what works, what doesn’t, and when another tool might still be a better fit. And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, there’s humor, candor, and yes, some nonsense woven throughout.

As always, the episode wraps up with their Friday Finds, where Chris & Jody highlight tools, plugins, or resources worth exploring.

Whether you’re running home studio gear and looking for versatile plugins, or a seasoned pro wanting to experiment with something fresh, this episode gives you the insight (and entertainment) you need to decide if NeoVerb is worth your time.

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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