• Why the SSL 4000 Console Still Defines Professional Mixing



    Exploring the SSL 4000 Console

    Few pieces of gear are as legendary in the world of music production as the SSL 4000 console. Its punchy sound, intuitive workflow, and unmistakable sonic character have shaped countless hit records across decades. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody strap in and take you on a guided tour through the history, the features, and the undeniable magic of the SSL 4000.

    They kick things off with a brief history of Solid State Logic—from the company’s beginnings to how the 4000 series quickly became a staple in professional studios worldwide. From there, it’s straight into the nuts and bolts:

    • Inputs: how signals enter the desk and the sonic footprint they leave.
    • Dynamics: compressors, gates, and expanders that give tracks punch and control.
    • EQ: the sweet, aggressive, unmistakable SSL curves that can bring a mix to life.
    • Filters: high-pass and low-pass shaping tools that keep mixes clean.
    • The “SSL Sound”: what makes this board instantly recognizable and why engineers still chase it today.

    Chris and Jody don’t just geek out on features—they explain why the SSL workflow matters and how the 4000 has influenced DAW design, plugin emulations, and modern studio setups. They also highlight how the board’s architecture still informs the way producers and mix engineers think about recording setup tips and hidden features in studio gear.

    And, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, it’s not all tech talk. Expect humor, stories, and a sprinkle of nonsense along the way. Whether you’re running an SSL plugin in your home studio gear setup or you’ve had the chance to sit behind the real thing, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the most iconic consoles in recording history.

    Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share new tools and ideas to keep your workflow sharp.

    By the end, you’ll understand not just the anatomy of the SSL 4000, but why it’s still considered one of the most important boards in the history of recorded music.

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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

  • Productivity Hacks – How To Have Productive Downtime



    How to Have Productive Downtime

    Every studio professional knows the rhythm: one week you’re slammed with sessions, bouncing between recording, mixing, and mastering, and the next you find yourself staring at a blank DAW screen with no projects on the calendar. What do you do when things get quiet? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unload their best strategies for staying productive during downtime—so that when the work ramps back up, you’re sharper, faster, and better prepared than before.

    They break it down into three categories of ideas designed to keep both your workflow and your creativity in top shape:

    1. Sharpen Your Skills

    Downtime is the perfect opportunity to dig into tutorials, revisit techniques, or practice mixing and mastering on old projects. Chris and Jody talk about how even simple exercises—like revisiting EQ decisions or exploring hidden features in studio gear—can level up your confidence and speed when deadlines hit.

    2. Optimize Your Setup

    When’s the last time you gave your studio some TLC? Whether it’s updating software, tackling audio interface troubleshooting, reorganizing your file system, or literally doing some spring cleaning, downtime is ideal for tightening up your recording setup tips. Chris and Jody share what they do to make sure their studios run smoothly, including those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” tasks like labeling cables or learning how to clean music gear the right way.

    3. Refuel Your Creativity

    Being productive doesn’t always mean grinding. Sometimes it’s about recharging. Chris and Jody talk about ways to step back from the console—reading, listening, exploring new music, or even leaning into a little nonsense—and why this mental reset is just as valuable as technical practice.

    Throughout the episode, expect the usual mix of real-world anecdotes, humor, and a touch of nonsense. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share tools and ideas that can inspire you when things feel slow.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with practical steps for turning downtime into growth time—whether you’re working in a full pro facility or a home studio gear setup.

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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

  • OS Update: What Every Musician Needs To Know And Consider Before Making The Switch To A New OS



    When is the right time to update the OS on your recording computer? Chris & Jody break down the pros, cons, and potential pitfalls of keeping your studio machine current. From compatibility concerns with plugins and interfaces to the risk of downtime during critical projects, they share practical recording setup tips to help you make the best decision. One of them recently went through the process and lived to tell the tale—complete with lessons learned and a few surprises. Should you wipe your system clean and start fresh, or is a simple upgrade enough? And how do you safeguard your home studio gear against unnecessary headaches? As always, the guys bring a balance of real-world experience, humor, and their Friday Finds to round things out. If you’re debating whether to hit that update button, this episode is essential listening before you dive in.

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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

  • How to Get Live Sound Gigs and Survive the Road with Special Guest Raymond Gronvall



    Studio Walls or Stage Monitors? A Veteran’s Take on Sound That Travels

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody are joined by live sound maestro Raymond Gronvall—a seasoned vet whose resume stretches from high-decibel tours to finely tuned studio sessions.

    Together, they pull back the curtain on the real-world differences between live sound engineering and studio production. From the adrenaline-fueled chaos of mixing FOH (front-of-house) to the meticulous precision of crafting mixes in controlled studio environments, Raymond breaks down what separates the two—and where they overlap in unexpected ways.

    Plus, hear firsthand how Ray lands high-profile gigs, adapts on the fly, and still finds ways to keep it fun on the road. Whether you’re just building your home studio gear, navigating recording setup tips, or secretly eyeing that live FOH board at your next gig, this episode has something to level up your audio know-how.

    Oh, and as always… expect a touch of nonsense. It’s how we roll.

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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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