VocalMixing – Inside The Recording Studio

The Magic of De-Essers: Say Goodbye to Sibilance and Harshness!

De-Essers: The Unsung Heroes of Smooth-Sounding Mixes

It’s not flashy. It’s not fun. And let’s face it—nobody gets excited about a de-esser. But when sibilance strikes or harshness creeps in, this humble tool can be the difference between a professional-sounding vocal and a wince-worthy one.

In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a non-sexy but absolutely necessary dive into the world of de-essers—what they are, why they matter, and how to wield them like a pro.

🎙️ You’ll learn:

What de-essers actually do and why your mix will thank you
The mechanics of de-essing, from simple threshold-based tools to dynamic EQ-based solutions
Top plugin picks that go beyond the default presets
When to use de-essers on instruments (hint: it’s not just for vocals)
Common mistakes and how to avoid over-de-essing the life out of your mix

This episode is perfect for anyone who’s been surprised by a sharp “S” in playback—or who just wants to make their mixes more polished and listener-friendly.

As always, expect a bit of nonsense, a lot of insight, and a new favorite from this week’s Friday Finds. Your ears (and your clients) will be happier for it.

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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

Transform Your Vocals: Exciting Delay Techniques You MUST Try!

Chris and Jody dive into one of the most versatile tools in a mix engineer’s arsenal: delay. Whether you’re looking to add depth, space, or a touch of magic to your vocal tracks, this episode is packed with tips and tricks to help you get there.

Here’s what’s on the table:

The art of using unsynced delays to create unique vocal effects and make vocals sit just right in the mix.
A breakdown of different delay types and how to use them to add cool textures and a sense of space.
Real-world examples of delay in action, helping you think outside the grid and explore creative possibilities.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Inside the Recording Studio episode without some laughs, a dash of nonsense, and a surprise in this week’s Friday Finds—trust us, it’s a doozy you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this episode offers practical insights and creative inspiration to take your vocal mixes to the next level. Hit play and get ready to delay like a pro!