• The EQ that Changed the World – API 550a



    EQ Legend Unplugged: The API 550A Breakdown

    In this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody twist the knobs and roll back the decades for a deep dive into one of the most iconic EQs in pro audio: the API 550A. Whether you’ve seen it on a vintage console or recreated in your favorite plugin, the 550A is a classic that helped define the sound of records for decades—and it’s still going strong today.

    You’ll get a guided tour through the history of the 550A, from its invention at Automated Processes Inc. to who bought the first units. But we’re not stopping there. Chris & Jody unpack the inner workings of the 550A, demystify its EQ bands and frequency points, explain why its proportional Q design matters, and share real-world insights on when and how they use it in the studio.

    Expect a mix of tech savvy, real talk, and some light gearhead banter (plus Friday Finds, of course). If you’re serious about understanding your tools—or just love a good piece of hardware history—this episode is for you.

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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

  • Best Percussion Techniques for Building Groove in Your Tracks



    Cracking the Code of Percussion in Music Production

    Whether it’s a conga, a cabasa, or a cleverly chopped loop, percussion adds the magic between the beats—and this week, Chris & Jody are riding the rhythm rails straight into its world.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, the duo explores how percussion fits into music productions—from live shakers and ethnic textures to sampled loops and one-shot FX. You’ll get practical insight on how to choose the right tools, where to place them in a mix, and what not to overdo (spoiler: it’s the cowbell).

    Learn how smart percussion use can build tension, widen grooves, and subtly transform a track—plus tips on layering, panning, and where percussion can accidentally clash with your core rhythm section. Whether you’re a hands-on bongo slapper or a MIDI grid magician, there’s something in here for you.

    Oh, and naturally, there’s a healthy serving of Chris & Jody-style nonsense too—because learning shouldn’t be dry.

    Stick around for this week’s Friday Finds, where the guys share fresh gear and tools worth hitting play on.

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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 Get Killer High-Gain Guitar Tones in the Studio



    Taming the Gain: How to Dial in Killer High-Gain Guitar Tones

    Cranking the gain might feel powerful, but if your tone turns to mush—don’t blame the amp just yet.

    In this episode, Chris & Jody plug in and break down the real art of shaping high-gain guitar sounds that cut through the mix without becoming a fizzy mess. Whether you’re using classic tube amps, amp sims, mic’d cabs, or impulse responses, they’ve got practical recording setup tips to keep your tone tight and articulate.

    Learn how too much distortion can actually bury your part, why the Tube Screamer still rules, and how midrange EQ is your best friend (no matter what your scooping tendencies may tell you). Plus: best practices for capturing killer takes, navigating noise, and choosing the right tools for the style—whether you’re going for modern metal, vintage thrash, or just a huge wall of sound.

    From studio cabinets to digital rigs, this episode has what you need to get your high-gain game dialed in. And of course, Friday Finds is here too—because new toys are always welcome.

    Grab your headphones. Dial back that gain knob. Let’s rock smart.

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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

  • You Received Tracks To Mix, Now What?



    From First Email to Final Mix: Chris & Jody’s Client Mixing Workflow

    So, you got hired to mix someone else’s music—now what?

    In this episode, Chris & Jody crack open their personal workflows and walk you through exactly what they do when taking on a client mix. From the very first conversation (what questions you should ask, and the red flags you shouldn’tignore) to preparing the final mix, this is the ultimate behind-the-console guide for anyone stepping into client mixing.

    Whether you’re freelancing your first EP or tightening your process for better efficiency, you’ll gain pro-level mixing setup tips, gear prep advice, communication strategy, and insight on how to keep both artists and your CPU happy along the way.

    Expect a blend of hands-on tactics, personal anecdotes, a few cautionary tales, and the usual dose of Chris & Jody-style banter. And yes—Friday Finds is back with gear picks and plugins worth checking out.

    This one’s for engineers, producers, and home studio heroes ready to level up their client game. Hit play and learn what it really takes to mix like a pro—start to finish.

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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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