• 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.

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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

  • Mastering ≠ Mixing. Know The Line.



    Mastering vs. 2-Bus Processing: What’s the Real Difference?

    In this week’s episode, Chris & Jody dive deep into a frequently misunderstood corner of music production: the difference between mastering and 2-bus processing. Both may share the same highway, but they’re driving very different cars—and heading to distinct destinations.

    Ever wondered why you’d slap a compressor on your 2-bus during mixing, but hold off on multiband limiting until mastering? This episode breaks it all down: the philosophical and practical distinctions, what goes where and why, and how to avoid common pitfalls that trip up even experienced engineers.

    Expect a quick detour through the history of mastering, tips on signal chain decisions, and a dash of good-natured nonsense—because hey, it’s Chris & Jody.

    Stick around for their latest Friday Finds (one’s a game-changer, the other might raise an eyebrow), and see if you catch this week’s Gold Star word.

    Whether you’re polishing your mix or prepping for the master, this episode clears the fog between the two—and helps your tracks shine on both sides of the fence.

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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

  • Gear Acquisition Syndrome



    Do You Have G.A.S.? Let’s Talk Gear Addiction and Creative Clarity

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle a topic every producer, engineer, and bedroom beatmaker has faced: Gear Acquisition Syndrome — better known as G.A.S.

    How much gear is too much? Are you actually improving your recordings with new tools… or just chasing the high of a shiny purchase? Chris and Jody walk through the signs, symptoms, and solutions for managing G.A.S., while asking a critical question: do you really know the gear you already have?

    Whether you’re new to music production or a long-time gear hoarder, this episode offers practical advice for building a studio that supports your creativity — not one that overwhelms it. From software plugins to rack gear and everything in between, the conversation is part confession, part intervention, and part therapy session (with some laughs along the way).

    Stick around for this week’s Friday Finds — Chris and Jody each share something they’re excited about to help inspire your next session. And yes, if you’re gunning for a gold star, we’ll tell you what it takes to earn one.

    Naturally, there’s some nonsense too — because it wouldn’t be Inside the Recording Studio without it.

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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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