Vocals, vocals, vocals. We mixing engineers always want to make sure we’re getting the proper space for a vocal. In this Tuesday Tip, Jody explains the use of Pre Delay on a lead vocal for a alternative rock song. What to listen for and why he chose what he did for the mix in this tip.
This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody step into the sonic void to explore one of the most essential and ear-catching effects in music production: reverb.
Whether you’re working in a bedroom studio or a commercial space, reverb is often the first “wow” effect added to a track — and for good reason. But not all reverb is created equal. In this episode, Chris and Jody break down the different types of reverb (plate, room, hall, spring, convolution, and more), and share practical insights into when and why to use each one.
From lush vocals to massive drum rooms, they unpack how reverb helps create depth, atmosphere, and that elusive “finished” sound. You’ll also hear their personal go-to uses, reverb chain strategies, and a few hot takes on when not to reach for it.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without a few laughs, some playful nonsense, and this week’s Gold Star word — hidden somewhere in the ambient mist.
Stick around for Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody each bring a new tool or tip that could give your mixes more space and clarity (and maybe even a few more fans).
Shoutout: Benjamin Layton, Chris Bjornn, Liquid Sonics
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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
In this tip, Chris guides us through one of his mix templates he uses for rock and pop tracks. Track layout, color coding, routing and effects are all included in this walkthrough.