Plugins can transform a mix, but with thousands to choose from, it’s easy to buy the wrong ones or use the right ones badly. This hub gathers our plugin guides: what you need for a full mix, the best free mixing plugins, mastering plugins, multiband compression, stereo imaging, exciters, gain staging, pitch correction, lo-fi effects and metering.
It’s for producers building or trimming a plugin folder, and for anyone who wants to understand what a type of plugin does before reaching for it. Start with The Plugins I Need To Do A Full Mix to see the core toolkit, then the free mixing plugins roundup if you’re on a budget. After that, explore by job: mastering, imaging, dynamics, tuning or creative effects. The Voxengo SPAN guide shows how to use a free analyzer to check your mixes as you go.
Start here: the best Plugins guides
- The Plugins I Need To Do A Full Mix
The EQ, dynamics, reverb and delay plugins you need for a complete mix. - The Best Free Mixing Plugins You Need to Try
Free mixing plugins worth trying, including Slate Digital Fresh Air, Valhalla Supermassive and TDR Nova. - Importance Of Gain Staging Plugins
Why gain staging matters and which plugins help keep levels clean. - How to Use VOXENGO SPAN for Mixing and Mastering
How to use the free Voxengo SPAN analyzer to spot problem frequencies in mixing and mastering. - The Best Waves Plugins and Bundles
Waves plugin picks for mastering, compression, EQ, reverb, vocals and more. - Which Plugins Are Recommended for Audio Mastering
Recommended mastering plugins, including FabFilter Pro-MB, Ozone and the Abbey Road TG chain. - Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Mixing And Mastering
How multiband compressors work and top picks for mixing and mastering. - Best Stereo Imaging Plugins: Elevate Your Mixes!
Width, depth and mono compatibility, with the best stereo imaging plugins. - What is Harmonic Excitement and Exciter Plugins
What harmonic exciters do and when to use one in your productions. - Basics Of Vocal Tuning Using Pitch Correction Plugins
How pitch correction works, with Auto-Tune, Melodyne and Waves Tune compared. - Free Lo Fi Processing Vst Plugins
Free lo-fi plugins for vintage grit, including TAL-Dub-X, iZotope Vinyl and Krush. - The Best Tape Stop Plugin For Studio One 4
Tape stop plugins for Studio One, including Cableguys HalfTime and Kilohearts Tape Stop.
Plugins doing their job? Let Solar Heavy handle the last step: book a professional master, or browse all tutorials.
All Plugin Guides articles - Page 2
- Leapwing Al Schmitt Plugin ReviewThe Leapwing Al Schmitt Plugin is a high-quality mixing tool that provides exceptional sound clarity and control. It is a game-changer for…
- Roland Re 501 Chorus Echo Tape DelayThe Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo Tape Delay is an iconic vintage effect processor that combines a chorus and delay in one unit.…
- Reverb In Music Complete GuideReverb in music is an effect that adds space and depth to a sound. This complete guide outlines the different types of…
- Compression Release ExplainedCompression release refers to a feature in diesel engines that allows for easier starting in cold temperatures. Essentially, it releases the compression…
- The Best 1176 Compressor PluginThe best 1176 compressor plugin is the Universal Audio 1176LN. This plugin is a faithful software emulation of the classic hardware compressor…
- Ssl Xlogic G Series CompressorThe SSL Xlogic G Series Compressor is a high-quality studio compressor designed for professional audio processing. It offers excellent sound quality and…
- Free Vst Effects For Creative MixingThere are several free VST effects plugins available for creative mixing, such as TDR Nova, Reviber, and Tal Reverb 4. As a…
- Free Lo Fi Processing Vst PluginsFree Lo-Fi processing VST plugins are available for download. These plugins emulate the vintage lo-fi sound. Lo-fi processing is a technique that…
- Fabfilter Pro L2 For MasteringFabFilter Pro L2 is a professional mastering plugin that delivers transparent, precise, and dynamic loudness. This powerful plugin offers ultimate control over…
- The Power Of Transient ShapersTransient shapers are powerful audio tools used for dynamic control. They shape the transients in audio signals, affecting the attack and sustain…
- Best Free Saturation PluginsTwo of the best free saturation plugins are the TDR SlickEQ and the Klanghelm IVGI 2. They both provide excellent saturation and…
- Compression Attack ExplainedA compression attack is a type of cyber attack that exploits vulnerability in data compression algorithms to manipulate or steal sensitive information.…
- Luna Universal Audio ReviewLuna Universal Audio Review: Luna offers a reliable audio interface and recording software system for high-quality sound processing. Luna has become a…
- Top Free Ni Kontakt LibrariesTop free Ni Kontakt libraries include ProjectSAM's The Free Orchestra, Embertone's Friedlander Violin, and Cinematique Instruments' Free Marble. These libraries offer high-quality…
- Best Vst Plugins For Mixing BassThe best VST plugins for mixing bass are Waves Renaissance Bass and Native Instruments Bassline. When it comes to mixing bass in…
- Secret Tips Plugins And Pro MixingTo improve your mixing, utilize secret tips plugins. These plugins help you obtain a polished sound and create better music. Creating great…
- Bettermaker Eq232D Plugin ReviewThe Bettermaker EQ232D plugin offers a high-quality sound that closely resembles analog equipment. With its intuitive design and customizable options, it is…
- The Plugins I Need To Do A Full MixTo do a full mix, you'll need plugins for equalizing, compressing, reverb, and delay. A full mix requires a balance of EQ,…
- How To Create The Phone EffectTo create the phone effect, use EQ to emphasize the midrange frequencies and add a simulated distance effect with reverb. By doing…
- Compressor Threshold SettingThe compressor threshold setting determines the level at which the compressor begins reducing the dynamic range. Compressor threshold setting is critical to…
- Great Reverb Plugin D16 Toraverb VstD16 Toraverb Vst is a great reverb plugin that offers high-quality sounds with a range of parameters for shaping the sound. With…
- Audio Compression ExplainedAudio compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of an audio signal. It helps to keep the overall volume of…
- Parallel Compression ExplanedParallel compression is the technique of blending an uncompressed signal with a heavily compressed version of the same signal. This technique is…
- Elephant Room Reverb ReviewThe Elephant Room Reverb is a high-quality, premium-grade reverb pedal that delivers top-notch performance for both live and studio use. This pedal…
- Audio Compression Easy To UnderstandAudio compression reduces the size of digital audio files without sacrificing sound quality, making it easier to store and transmit audio data.…
- How To Do Parallel CompressionTo do parallel compression, duplicate a track, apply heavy compression to the duplicate, then blend the compressed track with the original. Parallel…
- Izotope Nectar 4 Should You UpgradeYes, upgrading to Izotope Nectar 4 is highly recommended. This latest version offers various improvements, including a vast array of updated modules,…
- How To Take Reverb Off Audio FilesTo take reverb off audio files, use EQ and apply it to the frequencies where reverb occurs. Then, use a noise gate…
- Compression Attack Release MythThe Compression Attack Release (CAR) Myth is a common misconception in the audio world. CAR does not refer to a specific type…
- How To Uninstall Spitfire LabsTo uninstall Spitfire Labs, go to your computer's control panel and select "uninstall a program". Find Spitfire Labs in the list and…
- Knee Setting On A CompressorKnee setting on a compressor is the process of adjusting the pressure switch to prevent the machine from overworking. With this setting,…
- Difference Between Vst And VstiA VST is a virtual studio technology, while a VSTi is a virtual studio technology instrument. VST is a software interface used…
- How To Make A Chorus Sound BiggerTo make a chorus sound bigger, use doubling, stacking, panning, and reverb. If you want to create a professional-sounding chorus that pops,…
- Best Free Saturation Vst PluginsThe best free saturation VST plugins include FerricTDS, Molot, and Softube Saturation Knob. These plugins provide excellent saturation effects for music production…
- Neve 33609 Stereo CompressorThe Neve 33609 is a stereo compressor widely regarded as a classic in the music industry. The Neve 33609 stereo compressor has…
- Analog Styled Compressor PluginsAnalog styled compressor plugins emulate the sound of vintage hardware compressors in digital audio workstations (DAWs). These plugins replicate the warmth and…
- Free Vst Acoustic InstrumentsFree VST acoustic instruments are available for download online. These virtual instruments can be used in music production software to create realistic…
- How Waves Renaissance Bass WorksWaves Renaissance Bass is a plugin that enhances low frequencies, adding fullness and warmth to bass sounds. It does this by generating…
- Algorithmic Reverb Vs ConvolutionAlgorithmic reverb is created through digital signal processing, whereas convolution reverb is created using impulse responses. Convolution reverb is considered more realistic…
- Importance Of Gain Staging PluginsGain staging plugins are crucial for achieving a balanced mix. Using proper gain staging ensures that each track in a mix is…
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol ReviewThe Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol offers high-quality DJ control with intuitive features for seamless performance. With its robust build and user-friendly interface,…
- Native Instruments Kontrol S ReviewThe Native Instruments Kontrol S offers precise and versatile control for musicians and producers. In this review, we'll explore its key features…
- Native Instruments Maschine ReviewThe Native Instruments Maschine is a powerful music production tool with intuitive workflow and extensive creative possibilities. It offers seamless integration with…
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol ReviewThe Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol is an exceptional MIDI keyboard controller and software bundle for music producers, providing a wide range of…
- Leapwing Joe Chiccarelli Plugin ReveiwLeapwing's Joe Chiccarelli plugin is a powerful mixing tool for both beginners and professionals. It offers easy access to Chiccarelli's signature sounds.…
- The Shadow Hills Mastering CompressorThe Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is a high-end hardware compressor used for mastering audio. It is known for its warm and vintage…
- Universal Audio Capitol Compressor ReviewThe Universal Audio Capitol Compressor is an excellent plugin for those looking to add vintage analog warmth and character to their mix.…
- Best Chorus Vst Plugins For Pc And MacSome of the best chorus VST plugins available for PC and Mac are Soundtoys MicroShift, Waves Doubler, and TAL-Chorus-LX. These plugins offer…