mixing and mastering gear - Inside The Recording Studio

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

Recording Setup Tips: Getting the Most from Mic Modeling Tech

Mic Models Demystified: Should You Be Using One?

This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody unravel the magic behind mic modeling. What exactly is a mic model? How do they work? Should you care? And most importantly — can they actually transform your recordings?

From iconic emulations to futuristic flexibility, you’ll get a clear, no-BS breakdown of the most popular mic modeling tools on the market today. The duo explores major players like Slate Audio, Townsend Labs, Antelope Audio, and Universal Audio, with real-world insight into what they sound like, what they don’t, and when they’re worth reaching for.

Are mic models just slick marketing, or real studio game-changers? Chris and Jody dig into the pros, the caveats, and the creative potential. Expect comparisons, favorites, war stories, and at least one sideways comment about Neoverb and VSX headphones (hi, Slate Audio).

To top it off, this episode includes a fresh round of Friday Finds — handpicked tools to help elevate your tracking, mixing, or mastering sessions.

Oh, and yes — some nonsense may occur. You’ve been warned.

Shoutout to: Slate Audio, Townsend Labs, Antelope Audio, Universal Audio, Antares, iZotope for Neoverb, and Slate Audio for VSX Headphones. You really have to listen to the whole show.