music production techniques - Inside The Recording Studio

In the world of recording and mixing, few debates are as enduring—or as workflow-defining—as the choice between channel strips and individual plugins. On this week’s episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody roll up their sleeves and dive straight into the signal path to unpack what makes these two approaches so different.

If you’ve ever wondered why some engineers swear by all-in-one channel strips while others stack plugins like a buffet plate, this episode is your roadmap.

A channel strip is like having a miniature console channel living inside your DAW: EQ, compression, gating, and sometimes saturation all bundled together. Chris and Jody break down exactly what components are included, why they’re modeled after the legendary consoles that defined decades of records, and how modern digital developers—from Waves and Universal Audio to Brainworx and Plugin Alliance—have reimagined them for today’s producers.

On the other side of the fader are individual plugins—the modular approach where you cherry-pick a specific EQ, compressor, or limiter to build your own custom chain. The flexibility is undeniable, but so are the rabbit holes of option paralysis. Which EQ plugin works best with which compressor? How many tape saturators does one session really need? Chris and Jody debate the pros and cons with equal parts technical wisdom and a splash of studio humor.

Expect a conversation that blends workflow hacks, recording setup tips, and candid opinions. You’ll learn why a channel strip can be a lifesaver in the heat of tracking, where individual plugins shine for precision and experimentation, and how to strike the right balance in your own projects. Plus, the guys share thoughts on whether treating your DAW like a console can actually speed up your mixing, or if it just locks you into habits you might not need.

And of course—it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without some playful banter and this week’s Friday Finds.

Whether you’re a home studio gear enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you a sharper perspective on how to streamline your signal chain and make your mix decisions with more confidence.

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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 Power of Side-Chaining: How to Control Dynamics Like a Pro
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody dive headfirst into the world of side-chaining—one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) tools in music production. Whether you’re ducking a bass under a kick or carving space in a dense vocal mix, understanding how to properly use side-chaining can transform your tracks from cluttered to crystal clear.
Chris & Jody break down what side-chaining actually is, walk you through how to set it up in your DAW, and even show you how to use it on the MPC Live hardware. Expect practical tips, creative techniques, and their signature banter as they explore multiple side-chaining methods and reveal common mistakes to avoid.
If you’re ready to tighten your low-end, add groove to your synths, or just learn why everyone keeps talking about compression, this episode will give you the tools and know-how to make side-chaining work for you.
Oh, and don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds—you just might discover your next studio obsession. And yes, a bit of nonsense is included at no extra charge.

How To Use Your DAW Like A Console: 3 Pro Bits for Channel Strips vs Individual Plugins

Side-Chaining: What It Is and How To Use Side-Chaining In Your Mixes