how to clean music gear - Inside The Recording Studio

Mastering vs. 2-Bus Processing: What’s the Real Difference?

In this week’s episode, Chris & Jody dive deep into a frequently misunderstood corner of music production: the difference between mastering and 2-bus processing. Both may share the same highway, but they’re driving very different cars—and heading to distinct destinations.

Ever wondered why you’d slap a compressor on your 2-bus during mixing, but hold off on multiband limiting until mastering? This episode breaks it all down: the philosophical and practical distinctions, what goes where and why, and how to avoid common pitfalls that trip up even experienced engineers.

Expect a quick detour through the history of mastering, tips on signal chain decisions, and a dash of good-natured nonsense—because hey, it’s Chris & Jody.

Stick around for their latest Friday Finds (one’s a game-changer, the other might raise an eyebrow), and see if you catch this week’s Gold Star word.

Whether you’re polishing your mix or prepping for the master, this episode clears the fog between the two—and helps your tracks shine on both sides of the fence.

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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

Gear Myths? We’re Not Having It.

Recording Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Studio Fiction

Do you really need expensive gear to make a great record? Is using the highest sample rate always the best idea? What about amps, EQs, and every other rabbit hole the internet loves to obsess over?

In this myth-busting episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody throw shade (and a few laughs) at the most persistent recording setup whataboutisms. From gear snobbery to digital overkill, they break down what actually matters in your home studio gear setup—and what’s just smoke and mirrors.

Along the way, they’ll name-check heavy hitters like CJ Vanston, Jeff Scott Soto, Eric Valentine, Dave Pensado, and yes, even Sir George Martin. Whether you’re debating converters with your inner engineer or wondering if a boutique EQ is really worth your rent money, this episode offers practical, honest advice with a healthy dose of perspective.

You’ll also hear about this week’s Friday Finds, and as always… a little bit of nonsense.

If you’re chasing better recordings, not just bigger myths—press play.

Mastering ≠ Mixing. Know The Line.

Gear Myths? We’re Not Having It.