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



    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

  • Legendary Producer CJ Vanston and His Beard: How He Discovered His Secrets for Success



    CJ Vanston has built a career most musicians only dream about—and in this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody bring him in for a conversation packed with wisdom, stories, and laughter.

    The CJ Vanston interview kicks off with his early beginnings: what set him on the path to becoming a first-call musician, producer, and composer. From there, the stories unfold—anecdotes about turning down a major artist over something as unexpected as a beard, and insights into the mindset that has kept him grounded and inspired throughout decades in the business.

    Of course, no gearhead interview would be complete without some studio talk. CJ shares the gear he simply can’t live without, offering recording setup tips that apply whether you’re working with high-end rigs or humble home studio gear. Along the way, he reveals the habits and techniques that keep his creative process sharp, as well as the hidden features in studio gear that have given him an edge.

    The conversation also detours into some wild and wonderful highlights from CJ’s career—his work with Spinal Tap, Toto, Richard Marx, and yes, even Elvis impersonators. It’s a mix of humor, honesty, and experience that only someone with CJ’s résumé could bring.

    And as always, Chris & Jody cap things off with their Friday Finds, spotlighting fresh tools and resources you’ll want to check out. Add in their signature humor and a sprinkling of nonsense, and you’ve got an episode that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

    If you’re curious about what it takes to sustain a career in music, how to balance artistry with professionalism, or just want to hear stories from one of the greats, this episode is a must-listen.

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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

  • Control Surfaces: What They Are And Why You Need To Be Aware Of Them



    Control surfaces: lifesaving workflow boosters or just overpriced desk ornaments? Chris & Jody take a no-nonsense, slightly cheeky look at the world of control surfaces in music production in this week’s Inside the Recording Studio.

    They’ll give you the lowdown on where these things came from (spoiler: some of them are older than your favorite plug-in), the types available, and the times they’ve actually found them useful. You’ll hear about single-fader toys that feel like glorified volume knobs all the way to massive boards that look like you’re piloting a spaceship.

    But are they worth the cash? Chris & Jody argue both sides—pointing out the real workflow benefits, but also calling out when a mouse and keyboard might do the job just as well. And yes, they’ll name names on a few favorites they’d actually recommend.

    Add in the usual dose of nonsense, laughs, and this week’s Friday Finds, and you’ve got an episode that makes even knobs and faders sound exciting. If you’ve ever been tempted by slick marketing videos for control surfaces—or wondered why your buddy’s studio looks like mission control—this one’s 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

  • The Reverb That Made History: Inside the Lexicon 480L



    Few pieces of gear are as legendary as the Lexicon 480L reverb. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody take a deep dive into one of the most iconic reverb units ever created. With its unmistakable sound and unparalleled flexibility, the 480L has earned its place as a staple in countless hit records across genres.

    They begin with a little history—how the 480L came to be, the engineers and studios that championed it, and why it quickly became the gold standard for digital reverb in professional recording. From there, they break down what makes it special: its algorithms, its versatility, and its ability to create spaces that range from subtle ambience to massive, lush halls.

    Of course, this isn’t just a technical breakdown. Chris & Jody also share how they’ve used the 480L in real-world sessions, mixing stories with recording setup tips that translate even if you don’t own the hardware. They discuss the plugin emulations available today, how the 480L stacks up against modern gear, and whether its magic is truly replicable in software.

    As always, the discussion blends education with entertainment. Expect plenty of geekery (in the best way), laughs, and some nonsense along the way. The episode wraps with their Friday Finds, highlighting tools and freebies that can inspire your next mix.

    Whether you’re an aspiring producer building out your home studio gear or a seasoned engineer who remembers patching into a real 480L, this episode offers insight into why this reverb unit continues to inspire awe. If you’ve ever wanted to know why some gear achieves legendary status, this is your crash course.

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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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