• Mono Compatibility Explained – How To Check For It!



    Why Mono Compatibility Still Matters

    In a world where stereo reigns supreme, it’s easy to forget that not every listener is hearing your mix the way you intended. With smart speakers, phones, tablets, and even some club systems summing signals down to mono, mono compatibility is more relevant than ever. That’s why in this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody tackle the ins and outs of making sure your mixes don’t collapse when played back in mono.

    They start by answering the big question: why care about mono at all? After all, stereo mixes are the standard. But Chris and Jody point out that ensuring your mix translates in mono isn’t about being old-school—it’s about being professional. Whether it’s phase issues, instrument masking, or loss of clarity, ignoring mono compatibility can mean your carefully crafted mix sounds hollow, weak, or even broken in real-world playback situations.

    Key takeaways from the episode include:

    • The reasons mono compatibility still matters in 2024 and beyond.
    • How to check your mix in mono using plugins, DAW tools, and even some “low-tech” tricks.
    • Common pitfalls that destroy mono compatibility, including phase cancellation and over-wide stereo effects.
    • How home studio gear can be optimized for better translation across systems.
    • Practical recording setup tips to reduce mono issues before mixing even begins.

    Chris and Jody also share some war stories from the trenches—times when ignoring mono compatibility came back to bite. And of course, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, you can expect some nonsense and laughter along the way to balance out the technical talk.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll know why mono compatibility isn’t just an afterthought but an essential part of mixing. More importantly, you’ll walk away with practical steps to make sure your mixes hold up whether they’re booming in stereo headphones or blasting from a single smart speaker in someone’s kitchen.

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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

  • Time Management For A Better Studio Schedule, To Help You Be More Productive.



    Mastering Time Management and Studio Scheduling

    In the world of recording, time isn’t just money—it’s creativity, productivity, and sanity rolled into one. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody pull into the station on a listener request to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of running a studio: time management and scheduling.

    When you’re juggling recording, mixing, mastering, and all the behind-the-scenes prep work, it’s easy to swing to extremes. One week you’re drowning in deadlines, the next you’re scrambling for projects. Chris and Jody share strategies for building a studio schedule that keeps you busy but not burned out, flexible but not fragile.

    Staying Balanced

    The duo dig into how to set realistic booking schedules, block out creative time, and avoid the trap of overscheduling. They also cover why being under-booked can hurt more than your wallet—it can lead to stress, rushed decisions, and underpricing your work.

    Tracking Your Time

    Chris and Jody highlight the importance of tracking how long tasks actually take. From setting up mics to bouncing final mixes, understanding your true time investment gives you two big wins:

    • Better scheduling accuracy—so you can say “yes” or “no” with confidence.
    • Smarter pricing—knowing what your time is worth so you can charge appropriately.

    They even share hints on using calendars, timers, and digital tools to simplify this process. And yes, they sprinkle in recording setup tips and workflow hacks that save precious hours in the studio.

    The Studio Life Reality Check

    It’s not just about fitting in clients—it’s about fitting in your life. Chris and Jody remind us that time management also means carving out space for rest, family, and yes, even nonsense. Because no matter how efficient your home studio gearsetup is, burnout kills creativity.

    And since this is Inside the Recording Studio, expect laughs, tangents, and a few ridiculous asides to keep it all from feeling like a lecture.

    By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to:

    • Build a balanced schedule that supports creativity.
    • Track and value your time effectively.
    • Avoid common time-wasting pitfalls.
    • Approach scheduling as part of your overall professional growth.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to manage your hours without losing your mind—or your inspiration—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

  • Strymon BigSky Reverb Plugin. Why You Need To Know About This Amazing Plugin



    First Look at the Strymon BigSky Reverb Plugin

    For years, the Strymon BigSky pedal has been one of the most beloved tools for guitarists, producers, and sound designers alike. Its lush reverbs, expansive atmospheres, and tweakable textures have made it a studio staple. But now, Strymon has taken a bold step into the world of software with its very first plugin release: the BigSky Reverb Plugin. And Chris and Jody are here to put it through its paces.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody give an early bird worm look at the plugin and explore how BigSky translates from pedalboard favorite to DAW powerhouse. They don’t just skim the surface—they dive deep into all of the reverb playgrounds this plugin offers, from classic halls and plates to the more experimental shimmer and cloud algorithms.

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • A breakdown of the plugin’s interface and workflow, and how it integrates with your DAW and home studio gear.
    • An in-depth tour of BigSky’s 12 reverb playgrounds, with extra focus on standout modes that make it unique.
    • Practical recording setup tips on where and how to use BigSky in your mixes—vocals, guitars, synths, and beyond.
    • For the first time ever on Inside the Recording Studio: audio examples, so you can actually hear BigSky in action as Chris and Jody test it out.
    • Honest impressions of how the plugin stacks up against the legendary hardware version.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without a little nonsense, humor, and tangents along the way. But at the core, this one’s about helping you decide: is the BigSky plugin worth adding to your sonic arsenal?

    By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear sense of what makes Strymon’s BigSky plugin different, how it can expand your creative palette, and whether it deserves a spot in your DAW toolkit. For anyone who loves reverb—or just loves hearing Chris and Jody geek out about gear—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

  • Why the SSL 4000 Console Still Defines Professional Mixing



    Exploring the SSL 4000 Console

    Few pieces of gear are as legendary in the world of music production as the SSL 4000 console. Its punchy sound, intuitive workflow, and unmistakable sonic character have shaped countless hit records across decades. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody strap in and take you on a guided tour through the history, the features, and the undeniable magic of the SSL 4000.

    They kick things off with a brief history of Solid State Logic—from the company’s beginnings to how the 4000 series quickly became a staple in professional studios worldwide. From there, it’s straight into the nuts and bolts:

    • Inputs: how signals enter the desk and the sonic footprint they leave.
    • Dynamics: compressors, gates, and expanders that give tracks punch and control.
    • EQ: the sweet, aggressive, unmistakable SSL curves that can bring a mix to life.
    • Filters: high-pass and low-pass shaping tools that keep mixes clean.
    • The “SSL Sound”: what makes this board instantly recognizable and why engineers still chase it today.

    Chris and Jody don’t just geek out on features—they explain why the SSL workflow matters and how the 4000 has influenced DAW design, plugin emulations, and modern studio setups. They also highlight how the board’s architecture still informs the way producers and mix engineers think about recording setup tips and hidden features in studio gear.

    And, because this is Inside the Recording Studio, it’s not all tech talk. Expect humor, stories, and a sprinkle of nonsense along the way. Whether you’re running an SSL plugin in your home studio gear setup or you’ve had the chance to sit behind the real thing, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the most iconic consoles in recording history.

    Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody share new tools and ideas to keep your workflow sharp.

    By the end, you’ll understand not just the anatomy of the SSL 4000, but why it’s still considered one of the most important boards in the history of recorded music.

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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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