• The LA-2A: Deep Dive into Tube Tone and Timeless Control



    Level Up: Exploring the Iconic LA-2A Compressor

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody shine the spotlight on one of the most legendary compressors in recording history: the LA-2A Leveling Amplifier.

    From its tube-driven roots to its plugin-powered modern incarnations, the LA-2A has shaped countless vocals, basslines, and mixes. But what makes it so beloved? And how can you best use it in your own workflow?

    Chris and Jody walk through a quick history of the LA-2A — from the original Teletronix units to modern versions by Universal Audio, Waves, and others. They break down its simple two-knob interface, explain how the optical compression circuit works, and share how they use it in both hardware and software form.

    Whether you’re wondering if you should use one on vocals, bass, or a full mix bus — or you’re just trying to decide if the plugin emulation is worth it — this episode delivers practical guidance for home studio users and pros alike.

    Plus, of course, a dash of signature Chris & Jody nonsense. Because what’s a classic compressor without a few side jokes?

    And if you’re keeping score at home, the Logic emulation is called ‘Vintage Opto’.

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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

  • Types of EQ You Need to Know for Mixing and Recording

    EQ Demystified: What to Cut, What to Boost, and Why

    Equalization: It’s one of the most essential — and most misunderstood — tools in the recording and mixing process. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the mysterious world of EQ, breaking down the most common types, what they do, and how to use them like a pro.

    Should you be boosting? Cutting? Or doing both? What’s the real difference between corrective EQ and creative EQ? The duo explores how each approach plays a role depending on whether you’re shaping tone, fixing issues, or adding that elusive polish to a mix.

    From shelves and bells to parametric sculpting and subtractive strategies, you’ll get a clear, practical breakdown that helps you move beyond guesswork — no matter your DAW or skill level.

    Whether you’re working with vocals, guitars, or full mixes, this episode offers recording setup tips and home studio gearadvice that can elevate your sound instantly. Plus, as always, you can count on a dash of nonsense and a few unexpected audio metaphors along the way.

    We do give a little tribute to Eddie Van Halen in this episode as well.

    Shoutout to: Waves, Fab Filter, Pultec, iZotope, Maag, Marcel Jacob, BOSS, Steven Slate, Seymour Duncan, TSE Bass Overdrive, BOSS GT-1000CORE, and Justin Sayne.

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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

  • Recording Setup Tips: Getting the Most from Mic Modeling Tech



    Mic Models Demystified: Should You Be Using One?

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unravel the magic behind mic modeling. What exactly is a mic model? How do they work? Should you care? And most importantly — can they actually transform your recordings?

    From iconic emulations to futuristic flexibility, you’ll get a clear, no-BS breakdown of the most popular mic modeling tools on the market today. The duo explores major players like Slate Audio, Townsend Labs, Antelope Audio, and Universal Audio, with real-world insight into what they sound like, what they don’t, and when they’re worth reaching for.

    Are mic models just slick marketing, or real studio game-changers? Chris and Jody dig into the pros, the caveats, and the creative potential. Expect comparisons, favorites, war stories, and at least one sideways comment about Neoverb and VSX headphones (hi, Slate Audio).

    To top it off, this episode includes a fresh round of Friday Finds — handpicked tools to help elevate your tracking, mixing, or mastering sessions.

    Oh, and yes — some nonsense may occur. You’ve been warned.

    Shoutout to: Slate Audio, Townsend Labs, Antelope Audio, Universal Audio, Antares, iZotope for Neoverb, and Slate Audio for VSX Headphones. You really have to listen to the whole show.

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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

  • Chris Hellstrom’s Biggest Recording Lesson Learned



    Split the Process, Save the Song: Chris’s #1 DAW Era Lesson

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, the roles reverse as Jody throws the big question at Chris: What’s the most important lesson he’s learned in today’s DAW-driven world?

    Chris opens up about a deceptively simple but game-changing concept — never mixing and writing at the same time. You’ll hear how this practice can unlock your creativity, reduce burnout, and help your tracks actually get finished (instead of stuck in endless tweak mode). Who passed this wisdom down to him? What does this workflow look like in action? And how can you implement it without losing your groove?

    Along the way, Chris and Jody share relatable studio anecdotes, workflow wins, and inevitable detours into delightful nonsense. If you’ve ever found yourself EQ’ing a snare drum when you should be writing a chorus, this episode is your wake-up call.

    From recording setup tips to mental discipline behind the desk, this one is packed with practical advice for musicians, producers, and audio nerds alike.

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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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