• Overview of Reverb: It’s More Than an Effect — It’s a Space



    Reverb: The Space Your Mix Has Been Waiting For

    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

    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

  • The Pultec EQ: Deep Dive of Tube-Era Tone, Timeless Technique

     

     

    Pulse Techniques and Polished Tone: The Pultec EQ Deep Dive

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dig into one of the most iconic tools in recording history: the Pultec EQ. From its humble tube-powered beginnings under the name Pulse Techniques (not “Pulse Technologies” — right, Chris?) to its modern-day plugin emulations, this episode is a crash course in silky curves, low-end magic, and why the Pultec still matters in a digital world.

    You’ll learn about the different models and software versions, how to use that famous simultaneous boost/cut trick, and where this EQ shines in real-world mixes — from vocals to bass to mastering chains.

    Whether you’ve got a boutique hardware unit or a plugin from Waves, UAD, or Softube, this episode will help you better understand what the Pultec does, how it shapes tone, and how to stop just “adding it for color” without knowing why.

    Plus: Friday Finds delivers two new tools you’ll want to check out, and if you’re listening closely, the Gold Star wordmakes its cameo — your ticket to insider status.

    Of course, some nonsense may occur. But would it even be Inside the Recording Studio without it?

    Shoutout: Neil deGrasse Tyson

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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

  • Are Plugins Making Engineers Lazy? The Truth About Modern Mixing Tools



    Are Plugins Making Us Lazy Engineers? Let’s Talk Tech and Discipline

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle a timely and slightly provocative topic: Has software made audio engineers lazy?

    With an ever-growing number of “one-click magic” plugins and AI-powered tools on the market, it’s easier than ever to let the computer take over. But is this convenience helping your workflow — or hurting your ears? Whether you’re a self-recording musician or a seasoned mix engineer, this episode encourages you to take a hard look at where your technical chops end and the plugin begins.

    Chris and Jody unpack the difference between using tools smartly and relying on them blindly. They share stories, strategies, and reminders about why understanding the fundamentals still matters — even in a world of AI mastering and instant vocal chains.

    Plus: this week’s Friday Finds might just sharpen your skills or spark some new creativity. And don’t miss the Gold Star keyword — your gateway to audio nerd bragging rights.

    And yes… some nonsense is definitely in the signal path.

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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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