• How to Use Aux Tracks and Buss Channels for Better Mixes



    Busses vs. Auxes: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down a pair of terms that often confuse beginners and frustrate seasoned users alike: Busses and Auxes. Are they the same thing? Sort of. Are they used the same way? Sometimes. Do they matter in your mix? Absolutely.

    With their signature blend of clear guidance and lighthearted sarcasm, the duo explores what each routing option really does inside your DAW. Learn when to use a buss, when an aux is more appropriate, and how they can supercharge your workflow — whether you’re dialing in reverb, grouping instruments, or setting up parallel chains.

    Expect real-world examples, practical advice, and just enough curmudgeonly “get off my lawn!” energy to make signal routing fun again.

    Stick around for the Friday Finds segment, where Chris and Jody share their latest studio discoveries to level up your sound. And yes — the new Gold Star keyword is dropped for the week, so make sure you listen all the way through.

    As always, some nonsense may or may not occur. But that’s part of the charm.

    Shoutout to: Captain Marvel

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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

  • Valuable Fundamentals Regarding Emulation EQs and Digital EQs



    EQ Emulations vs. Digital EQ: What’s the Real Difference?

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a deep dive into the nuanced world of EQs — comparing analog-modeled EQ emulations with clean digital EQs and unpacking the truth behind what makes each of them tick.

    What are EQ emulations actually doing under the hood? Who’s making the best ones? Why do some swear by analog warmth while others chase surgical precision? The duo lays out their own preferences, what they use in their daily mixes, and where emulations shine (or fall short) compared to modern digital EQs.

    Then, they hop onto the digital EQ bandwagon — zero latency, transparency, and the perks of going non-emulated. Whether you’re wondering if you really need that vintage-modeled Neve or if a good clean EQ will get the job done, this episode brings clarity, pros/cons, and a few punchy opinions.

    Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share a couple of tools that could level up your mix game immediately. And yes — there’s even a new surprise waiting if you hang around until the end.

    Naturally, a dash of nonsense is part of the charm.

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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 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

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