• The Rise And Fall And Rise Of The Mini Moog (And Why It’s Still Important)



    Wood panels. Black knobs. Three oscillators humming like electricity in a dream. The Mini Moog was not just a synthesizer—it was an invitation to imagine.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody explore the myth and the machine. They tell of its birth: modular monsters made small, sound sculpting compressed into something a musician could carry, touch, play. They describe its magic—filters that sing, oscillators that roar, warmth that feels alive.

    They recount the artists who gave it a voice: Stevie Wonder weaving melodies, Kraftwerk building machine symphonies, funk bands sending basslines into orbit. The Mini Moog became not just an instrument, but a movement.

    Between laughter and nonsense, between history and humor, Chris & Jody remind us why certain tools transcend their time. Their Friday Finds punctuate the journey—modern discoveries alongside vintage legend.

    The Mini Moog is not just a relic. It is a story still unfolding in studios, homes, and hearts.

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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

  • What are Impulse Responses, How to Use Them, and What is the Best Software for Implementing IRs in a mix?



    IRs. No, not “instant ramen” (though Chris & Jody would probably talk about that too). We’re talking impulse responses—those pesky little files that can make your guitar cabinet sound like it was recorded in Abbey Road or turn your closet into a cathedral.

    In this week’s Inside the Recording Studio, the guys take a listener request and dig into the what, why, and how of IRs. What are they really? Why should you care? And who’s out there making the good ones versus just selling you snake oil?

    They’ll explain how to use IRs in convolution reverb, why guitarists are obsessed with cabinet IRs, and how producers sneak them into mixes for everything from realism to creative madness. You’ll also get a few recording setup tips and some laughs about what happens when you don’t know what you’re loading (hint: chaos).

    Naturally, nonsense makes an appearance, and their Friday Finds give you some freebies and gems to try right now.

    So if you’ve ever wondered what impulse responses actually do, or just want to know why everyone keeps talking about them, this episode will fill you in—minus the boring textbook vibes.

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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

  • A Deep Dive into the iZotope NeoVerb Reverb Plugin: An Audio Dream in the Making



    Reverb plugins are everywhere, but every once in a while, one comes along that tries to stand out. Enter iZotope NeoVerb. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody roll up their sleeves and dig into what makes this reverb different, why it matters, and whether it deserves a place in your plugin folder.

    They begin with a look at the user interface (UI)—how its clean design and intuitive layout help speed up workflow, even for engineers who are used to complex reverb tools. From there, they walk through the unique features that set NeoVerb apart, like its intelligent reverb blend pad, advanced EQ controls, and tools that make it easier to carve out space in a mix without drowning tracks in mud.

    Of course, this isn’t just a tech demo. Chris & Jody share recording setup tips and real-world use cases where NeoVerb can shine, from subtle vocal ambience to creating immersive soundscapes. They also discuss how it fits into today’s landscape of reverb plugins, comparing it to classics and pointing out the hidden features in studio gear that users often overlook.

    But it’s not all praise—expect an honest discussion of what works, what doesn’t, and when another tool might still be a better fit. And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, there’s humor, candor, and yes, some nonsense woven throughout.

    As always, the episode wraps up with their Friday Finds, where Chris & Jody highlight tools, plugins, or resources worth exploring.

    Whether you’re running home studio gear and looking for versatile plugins, or a seasoned pro wanting to experiment with something fresh, this episode gives you the insight (and entertainment) you need to decide if NeoVerb is worth your time.

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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

  • Legendary Producer CJ Vanston and His Beard: How He Discovered His Secrets for Success



    CJ Vanston has built a career most musicians only dream about—and in this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody bring him in for a conversation packed with wisdom, stories, and laughter.

    The CJ Vanston interview kicks off with his early beginnings: what set him on the path to becoming a first-call musician, producer, and composer. From there, the stories unfold—anecdotes about turning down a major artist over something as unexpected as a beard, and insights into the mindset that has kept him grounded and inspired throughout decades in the business.

    Of course, no gearhead interview would be complete without some studio talk. CJ shares the gear he simply can’t live without, offering recording setup tips that apply whether you’re working with high-end rigs or humble home studio gear. Along the way, he reveals the habits and techniques that keep his creative process sharp, as well as the hidden features in studio gear that have given him an edge.

    The conversation also detours into some wild and wonderful highlights from CJ’s career—his work with Spinal Tap, Toto, Richard Marx, and yes, even Elvis impersonators. It’s a mix of humor, honesty, and experience that only someone with CJ’s résumé could bring.

    And as always, Chris & Jody cap things off with their Friday Finds, spotlighting fresh tools and resources you’ll want to check out. Add in their signature humor and a sprinkling of nonsense, and you’ve got an episode that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

    If you’re curious about what it takes to sustain a career in music, how to balance artistry with professionalism, or just want to hear stories from one of the greats, this episode is a must-listen.

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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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