• Lexicon 224 Reverb: Deep Dive Into One of The Most Iconic Reverb Units In Recording History



    The Lexicon 224 Reverb Deep Dive

    There are pieces of gear that define eras—and the Lexicon 224 is one of them. This digital reverb unit not only shaped the sound of countless hits in the late ‘70s and ‘80s but continues to be a go-to for engineers looking for lush, immersive spaces in their mixes. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody jump into the shimmering pool of the Lexicon 224 to explore its history, design, controls, and timeless sound.

    The 224 wasn’t the first reverb, but it was the one that made digital reverb mainstream. With its unmistakable lush halls, smooth plates, and dreamy ambiences, it quickly became a studio staple across genres. Chris and Jody dig into the history and timing of its release, explaining why it was such a game-changer for studios looking to break free from purely analog solutions.

    Of course, gear isn’t just about history—it’s about how it works. That’s why the guys deliver their abnormal review of the 224’s quirky controls, walking through what each does, how to use them, and what to watch out for. From dialing in subtle room simulations to building cathedral-like spaces, the Lexicon 224 gives you flexibility that’s still relevant decades later.

    You’ll also hear about some of the favorite uses of the 224, from classic vocal treatments to drum reverb tricks that defined the sound of pop, rock, and film scores. Even in a world filled with plugins, the 224’s sound remains iconic, whether you’re working with hardware or modern emulations in your DAW.

    And, in classic Chris and Jody style, expect some humor, a dash of nonsense, and the weekly Friday Finds—so you leave the episode with fresh inspiration and maybe a new tool to explore.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Lexicon 224 is more than a piece of hardware—it’s a piece of music history that still has lessons (and tones) to teach.

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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 Make A Mix Breathe More Dynamically



    How to Make Your Mix Move and Breathe

    A static mix can sound polished—but lifeless. The trick to keeping listeners engaged is giving your mix a sense of movement and breath, the kind of subtle shifts and dynamics that add sparkle, splash, and energy. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody waltz into the art (and science) of how to make your mixes come alive.

    From gentle automation rides to bold effects decisions, they break down the techniques and workflow strategies that inject vitality into even the simplest song. It’s not about cranking levels or overloading plugins—it’s about intentional moves that let your track evolve and hold the listener’s attention beyond the first chorus.

    Expect practical discussion on:

    • Automation techniques to bring vocals, guitars, and keys in and out of focus.
    • Adding sparkle and shimmer through EQ boosts, harmonic enhancers, or subtle modulation.
    • Using effects like reverb and delay for splashes of space that feel musical, not messy.
    • Creating contrast in arrangements so your mix breathes instead of plods.
    • Identifying hidden features in studio gear that help add subtle life to your tracks.

    Whether you’re mixing in a pro studio or with home studio gear, these tips will help you avoid the dreaded “flat” mix syndrome. Chris and Jody keep things technical but conversational, weaving in humor, anecdotes, and a touch of nonsense (as always) to keep the ride entertaining.

    And don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where they share more creative sparks and tools to level up your productions.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll have new ideas for transforming your mixes from static to dynamic—and your listeners will feel the difference.

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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 Empirical Labs Distressor – Get A Ton Of Great Quality Sounds With This One Little Device



    The Distressor Deep Dive

    Some gear earns a spot in every studio rack not just because it sounds good—but because it redefines what’s possible. Enter the Distressor by Empirical Labs. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take you on a deep dive into one of the most versatile and beloved compressors of the modern era.

    Designed from the ground up to emulate the character of a few legendary compressors while adding its own unique flavor, the Distressor quickly became a staple in professional and home studio gear setups alike. But how did it go from ambitious design concept to an industry classic in its own right? Chris and Jody dig into the history, the inspiration, and the sonic philosophy that shaped its creation.

    Of course, the Distressor is more than a story—it’s a tool. The guys break down the models, modes, and controls, explaining how each function works and why engineers keep reaching for it session after session. From taming vocals to tightening drums, from subtle glue to aggressive shaping, the Distressor is a Swiss Army knife for compression.

    Expect detailed yet conversational insights into:

    • The legacy compressors the Distressor was designed to emulate.
    • The unique features that make it stand apart.
    • How to use the controls effectively without overcooking your mix.
    • Practical recording setup tips for getting the most out of it.
    • Why it works across genres, sources, and mixing styles.

    Along the way, Chris and Jody keep it engaging with humor, personality, and yes—just enough nonsense to make sure things don’t get too serious. And don’t forget this week’s Friday Finds, where they highlight more tools and ideas to spark creativity in your studio.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Distressor is more than a compressor—it’s a legend in a box, and a must-know for any engineer serious about their sound.

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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 is Recording Headroom? (And Why It’s Important)



    Understanding Recording Headroom

    Ever send off a mix to mastering only to get that dreaded note back: “It’s too hot” or “levels are squashed”? That’s where recording headroom comes in. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody zoom in on what headroom really is, why it matters, and how to make sure you’re giving your mixes the breathing space they need.

    At its core, headroom is the cushion between your loudest peaks and digital clipping. Get it wrong, and your mix risks distortion, limited dynamics, and frustrated mastering engineers. Get it right, and suddenly your mix feels clear, punchy, and professional. Chris and Jody explain not just the concept, but the ideal sweet spot of headroom for a mix—and why aiming for that range ensures smooth sailing when it comes time for mastering.

    They walk through recording setup tips for managing headroom during tracking and mixing, highlighting how input gain, plugin chains, and bus levels all play a role. Whether you’re recording with boutique preamps or experimenting with home studio gear, these principles apply universally.

    What’s more, they share why consciously listening for headroom is as important as watching the meters. Yes, technology gives us visual feedback, but your ears will often tell you first when a mix is choking under pressure.

    Expect practical answers to questions like:

    • How much headroom should you leave in your mix before sending it off?
    • What’s the difference between analog and digital headroom?
    • How do you balance loudness with clarity?
    • Why is it tempting (but dangerous) to push levels into the red?

    And, because this is Chris and Jody, you’ll also get a little humor, a splash of nonsense, and their weekly Friday Finds—pointing you toward tools, plugins, or ideas to level up your sessions.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why headroom isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the difference between a mix that breathes and one that falls flat.

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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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