• Are Plugins Making Engineers Lazy? The Truth About Modern Mixing Tools



    Are Plugins Making Us Lazy Engineers? Let’s Talk Tech and Discipline

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle a timely and slightly provocative topic: Has software made audio engineers lazy?

    With an ever-growing number of “one-click magic” plugins and AI-powered tools on the market, it’s easier than ever to let the computer take over. But is this convenience helping your workflow — or hurting your ears? Whether you’re a self-recording musician or a seasoned mix engineer, this episode encourages you to take a hard look at where your technical chops end and the plugin begins.

    Chris and Jody unpack the difference between using tools smartly and relying on them blindly. They share stories, strategies, and reminders about why understanding the fundamentals still matters — even in a world of AI mastering and instant vocal chains.

    Plus: this week’s Friday Finds might just sharpen your skills or spark some new creativity. And don’t miss the Gold Star keyword — your gateway to audio nerd bragging rights.

    And yes… some nonsense is definitely in the signal path.

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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 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

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