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    Answering A Listener’s Question: How to Track Guitars and Vocals with Just a Few Inputs



    Preamp Power: Making the Most of Limited Inputs in Your Home Studio

    When listener Ignacio sent in a question about preamp usage in small studio setups, Chris & Jody jumped in head-first—because let’s face it, getting pro sound with limited gear is a challenge we all face at some point.

    This episode is your guided tour through the practical, flexible world of preamp strategies for home studio gear. Whether you’re tracking vocals, guitars, synths, or the occasional tambourine of destiny—Chris & Jody break down what types of preamps can give you the most tonal bang for your buck. They explore clean vs. colored options, how to avoid input bottlenecks, and why preamp choice can make or break your signal chain.

    Expect smart recording setup tips, some real-talk gear recommendations, and—because it’s Inside the Recording Studio—a few sonic side quests, a Gold Star word, and a Friday Find inspired by a true guitar classic.

    So if you’re feeling boxed in by limited inputs, this episode delivers the know-how (and nonsense) to help you break out with clarity, punch, and pro polish.

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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.

    ******************************

    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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    Tuesday Tip: Using A Fairchild Compressor On Drums


    In this video, Chris walks you through how you might use a Fairchild 670 and 660 on drums. From the drum bus, to individual kit pieces and perhaps even on your Master Buss. How to choose an appropriate time constant and gain reduction to get the results you want.

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    What Makes The Fairchild Compressor So Legendary In Pro Audio?



    The Fairchild Files: Unpacking the World’s Most Coveted Compressor

    This week, Chris & Jody wind the time machine back and dial in on the Fairchild compressor—the audio hardware unicorn with a legacy as golden as its tone.

    From Abbey Road to iconic soul records, the Fairchild has shaped how we hear vocals, drums, and mixes for decades. But what is it that makes this classic tube beast so desirable? In this episode, the guys break down the origins, functions, quirks, and modern-day clones of the original Fairchild. Who built it? Why does it sound like buttered magic? And why do people still obsess over it?

    You’ll get deep insight into where the Fairchild shines (think: vocals, bass, and bus glue) and how it compares to modern compressors in today’s home studio gear landscape. Whether you’ve drooled over one in a plugin or dreamed of turning real tubes, this is your guided tour of compression royalty—with a few laughs and some Friday Finds to sweeten the signal chain.

    No gate. Just warmth, clarity, and a little bit of Chris & Jody’s signature nonsense.

    ******************************

    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.

    ******************************

    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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