In this video, Chris demonstrates the sound of different consoles using Slate Digital’s Virtual Mix Rack. As this can sometimes be quite subtle, there also a handy tip for learning what they impart on your tracks.
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How To Use Your DAW Like A Console: 3 Pro Bits for Channel Strips vs Individual Plugins
In the world of recording and mixing, few debates are as enduring—or as workflow-defining—as the choice between channel strips and individual plugins. On this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody roll up their sleeves and dive straight into the signal path to unpack what makes these two approaches so different.
If you’ve ever wondered why some engineers swear by all-in-one channel strips while others stack plugins like a buffet plate, this episode is your roadmap.
A channel strip is like having a miniature console channel living inside your DAW: EQ, compression, gating, and sometimes saturation all bundled together. Chris and Jody break down exactly what components are included, why they’re modeled after the legendary consoles that defined decades of records, and how modern digital developers—from Waves and Universal Audio to Brainworx and Plugin Alliance—have reimagined them for today’s producers.
On the other side of the fader are individual plugins—the modular approach where you cherry-pick a specific EQ, compressor, or limiter to build your own custom chain. The flexibility is undeniable, but so are the rabbit holes of option paralysis. Which EQ plugin works best with which compressor? How many tape saturators does one session really need? Chris and Jody debate the pros and cons with equal parts technical wisdom and a splash of studio humor.
Expect a conversation that blends workflow hacks, recording setup tips, and candid opinions. You’ll learn why a channel strip can be a lifesaver in the heat of tracking, where individual plugins shine for precision and experimentation, and how to strike the right balance in your own projects. Plus, the guys share thoughts on whether treating your DAW like a console can actually speed up your mixing, or if it just locks you into habits you might not need.
And of course—it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without some playful banter and this week’s Friday Finds.
Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you a sharper perspective on how to streamline your signal chain and make your mix decisions with more 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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5 EQ Tips and Tricks You NEED To Know To Make Your Acoustic Guitar Sound Amazing!
Two years strong! For their 2nd anniversary episode, Chris & Jody return to the heart of countless recordings: the acoustic guitar. This week on Inside the Recording Studio, they deliver five essential acoustic guitar EQ tips that will help you bring clarity, warmth, and sparkle to your mixes.
They begin in the low end, where rumble and boom often clutter a track. Chris & Jody explain how strategic EQ cuts can tighten up the bottom while preserving body. From there, they move into the low mids—the range where acoustic guitars often fight with vocals, pianos, and other instruments. You’ll hear recording setup tips for taming mud without losing fullness.
Upper mids bring presence and articulation, and the guys share insights on boosting carefully to make strumming and picking shine through the mix. Finally, they highlight the “sheen”—those high frequencies that add shimmer and air without turning harsh. You’ll learn how to boost subtly, avoid brittle tones, and give your acoustic that polished, professional finish.
Along the way, Chris & Jody offer context on when to cut, when to boost, and why balance matters more than presets. They weave in humor, banter, and their trademark nonsense, reminding us why Inside the Recording Studio has built such a loyal following over the past two years.
And because it’s a special occasion, the Friday Finds segment is back and better than ever—with tools and resources to fuel your next session.
Whether you’re working with home studio gear or outfitted with pro-level rigs, these EQ strategies will help your acoustic guitars sit beautifully in any mix.
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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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