Are Plugins Making Us Lazy Engineers? Let’s Talk Tech and Discipline

This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle a timely and slightly provocative topic: Has software made audio engineers lazy?

With an ever-growing number of “one-click magic” plugins and AI-powered tools on the market, it’s easier than ever to let the computer take over. But is this convenience helping your workflow — or hurting your ears? Whether you’re a self-recording musician or a seasoned mix engineer, this episode encourages you to take a hard look at where your technical chops end and the plugin begins.

Chris and Jody unpack the difference between using tools smartly and relying on them blindly. They share stories, strategies, and reminders about why understanding the fundamentals still matters — even in a world of AI mastering and instant vocal chains.

Plus: this week’s Friday Finds might just sharpen your skills or spark some new creativity. And don’t miss the Gold Star keyword — your gateway to audio nerd bragging rights.

And yes… some nonsense is definitely in the signal path.

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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