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

June 24, 2022

Compressors, Deep Dive

The Empirical Labs Distressor – Get A Ton Of Great Quality Sounds With This One Little Device
The Distressor Deep Dive

Some gear earns a spot in every studio rack not just because it sounds good—but because it redefines what’s possible. Enter the Distressor by Empirical Labs. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take you on a deep dive into one of the most versatile and beloved compressors of the modern era.

Designed from the ground up to emulate the character of a few legendary compressors while adding its own unique flavor, the Distressor quickly became a staple in professional and home studio gear setups alike. But how did it go from ambitious design concept to an industry classic in its own right? Chris and Jody dig into the history, the inspiration, and the sonic philosophy that shaped its creation.

Of course, the Distressor is more than a story—it’s a tool. The guys break down the models, modes, and controls, explaining how each function works and why engineers keep reaching for it session after session. From taming vocals to tightening drums, from subtle glue to aggressive shaping, the Distressor is a Swiss Army knife for compression.

Expect detailed yet conversational insights into:
- The legacy compressors the Distressor was designed to emulate.
- The unique features that make it stand apart.
- How to use the controls effectively without overcooking your mix.
- Practical recording setup tips for getting the most out of it.
- Why it works across genres, sources, and mixing styles.
Along the way, Chris and Jody keep it engaging with humor, personality, and yes—just enough nonsense to make sure things don’t get too serious. And don’t forget this week’s Friday Finds, where they highlight more tools and ideas to spark creativity in your studio.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Distressor is more than a compressor—it’s a legend in a box, and a must-know for any engineer serious about their sound.

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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
June 17, 2022

Podcast, Workflow

What is Recording Headroom? (And Why It’s Important)
Understanding Recording Headroom

Ever send off a mix to mastering only to get that dreaded note back: “It’s too hot” or “levels are squashed”? That’s where recording headroom comes in. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody zoom in on what headroom really is, why it matters, and how to make sure you’re giving your mixes the breathing space they need.

At its core, headroom is the cushion between your loudest peaks and digital clipping. Get it wrong, and your mix risks distortion, limited dynamics, and frustrated mastering engineers. Get it right, and suddenly your mix feels clear, punchy, and professional. Chris and Jody explain not just the concept, but the ideal sweet spot of headroom for a mix—and why aiming for that range ensures smooth sailing when it comes time for mastering.

They walk through recording setup tips for managing headroom during tracking and mixing, highlighting how input gain, plugin chains, and bus levels all play a role. Whether you’re recording with boutique preamps or experimenting with home studio gear, these principles apply universally.

What’s more, they share why consciously listening for headroom is as important as watching the meters. Yes, technology gives us visual feedback, but your ears will often tell you first when a mix is choking under pressure.

Expect practical answers to questions like:
- How much headroom should you leave in your mix before sending it off?
- What’s the difference between analog and digital headroom?
- How do you balance loudness with clarity?
- Why is it tempting (but dangerous) to push levels into the red?
And, because this is Chris and Jody, you’ll also get a little humor, a splash of nonsense, and their weekly Friday Finds—pointing you toward tools, plugins, or ideas to level up your sessions.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why headroom isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the difference between a mix that breathes and one that falls flat.

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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
June 10, 2022

Podcast

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