Top 5 Favorite Mixing Plugins
Whats Up!!!
Here is a list of some of my favorite mixing plugins. I literally use these in every session. Not in any specific order, just some plugins I love and how I use them.
FabFilter, Pro-Q3 - $179
FabFilter Pro-Q3 is the most versatile software EQ I’ve ever used. Not only is it a visual EQ, so you can dial in the exact problem frequencies that your trying to Boost/Cut, but it’s also a dynamic EQ, which allows for some Multi-Band Compression Techniques. I use this on everything from Vocals, Mix Busses, to individual tracks. Specifically for my Bass and Kick: I place instance of Fab Filter Pro-Q3 on my kick drum track and set its analyzer to view the Bass/808 Track. I do the same for the Bass/808 Track, setting it to also see the Kick. Now I’m able to see where the kick and bass are hitting in the same instance of a plugin. I Then carve out the Bass/808 where the Kick is hitting, so that i can make space for the kick to Punch whilst having the Bass/808 to still be present.
Purchase Link: https://www.fabfilter.com/shop/pro-q-3-equalizer-plug-in
2. UAD, SSL 4000 E Series Channel Strip - $299
The UAD SSL 4000 E Series Channel Strip is a great emulation of the Vintage 4000 E Console. I Love This EQ. I’ve actually had the opportunity to work on the vintage console in a few studios throughout my career. Now that great punchy dynamic sound, is a viable in software format. Unfortunately, you will need a UAD-2 Satellite or Audio Interface to be able to use UAD-2 Plugins. However, i feel like its definitely worth the investment. UAD has done a great job in emulating vintage gear. Now back to the EQ. With a straightforward GUI, you can youse these EQ to easily add Brightness to your vocal, or roll off some of that troublesome low end. The dynamics section is also great for Drums. Check out the video above for some usage on drum tracks.
Purchase Link: https://www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/channel-strips/ssl-4000-e-series-channel-strip-collection.html
*You Need A UAD-2 Device In Order To Use UAD-2 Plugins. Example: UAD Satellite, Apollo, Duo, Etc*
3. Valhalla DSP, Valhalla Vintage Verb - $50
Next Up is Valhalla DSP, Valhalla Vintage Verb. I love inserting this directly on a track, turning down that mix knob, cutting off some low end, and just letting a background vocal sit in a mix. I also love using this on pads, keys, and other melodic instruments, with low mix knob settings, to increase width and make them feel lush and blended. Since this plugin has a mix knob, as well as very defined controls explained in the video above, i don’t mind breaking the “rules” and inserting this directly on a a track, instead of using it via an AUX. Theres just something about the way this verb sounds that i truly enjoy. On top of all of that, ITS ONLY $50. Thats an amazing price for such a versatile reverb.
Purchase Link: https://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhalla-vintage-verb/
4. Antares, AutoTune Pro - $399
Antares, Autotune Pro is definitely my favorite utensil for cleaning up a vocal performance. This new version of Autotune also comes with Auto-Key, which is a convenient tool for finding the key of a song, and sending that key to all of your Autotune Instances within a session.I like to work in the Advanced view. Once i know the key, i’ll set the Key and then the scale to chromatic. In the advanced view, i the set the exact key (Minor, major, etc). I like using this way to set the key, since its much easier for me to add or remove a note on the fly. I’ve been in several sessions where the bridge would add a note to scale or a chord would be added somewhere which could mess up the artists creative flow. Stay aware! Once I have the key set, The first thing I always do is open up the settings tab and set this to Low Latency so that my vocalist can use this while tracking. From there i’ll set the retune speed somewhere between 15-20 (depending on the vocalist and if i’m going for a more natural tuning instead of a strong “autotune effect”) and set the Humanize to control the natural sound even more. Watch the video above for more info on the control knobs and some tricks on using the new Autotune Pro.
Purchase Link: https://www.antarestech.com/product/auto-tune-pro/
5. Izotope, Ozone 8 Advanced - $499
Last, but definitely not least, is Izotope, Ozone 8 Advanced. From front to back this plugin is essential to the final stages of every mix i do. I use it on my final mix bus to add width, enhance some harmonics, add some final eqs. as well as some other mastering features. The New Master assistant, is also a very unique tool. The plugin will listen to your mix, and provide a preset, depending on what you tell it you are using master for: Steaming, CD, or References. Using this to referencing your final mix with one of your favorite songs is pretty cool. Granted this might not be your final Mastering change, as i always make tweaks since every song is different (*Random Note*: All plugins are subjective. Don’t just add a plugin to a track because you always do, or see someone else use it. Everything falls within the context of the song. I wouldn’t use the same mastering technique on a pop song as i would a trap song. I May use the same plugin, but the settings would definitely change. Learn you’re plugins and visualize (or rather hear) where you want your mix to go). Check Out the Video above for ADSR First Look on this plugin to review its features.
Purchase Link: https://www.izotope.com/en/products/master-and-deliver/ozone/ozone-advanced.html
Those are just a few of my favorite plugins. More “Favorite Lists” and Mixing Videos are coming soon. Comment below or contact me to let me know what you think about these plugins, how you would use them, what plugins you would like me to review, or what you’re using in your mixes. Thank You. - MixedBySource
