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 3
- How To Use A Limiter Whilst Mastering AudioTo use a limiter in mastering audio, set the threshold to your desired level and adjust the ratio. Use makeup gain to…
- Top Free Sidechain Vst Plugins Windows MacSome of the top free sidechain VST plugins for both Windows and Mac include TrackSpacer, LFO Tool, and Kickstart. These plugins can…
- Prism Sound Maselec Mla 2 Mastering CompressorThe Prism Sound Maselec MLA-2 is a mastering compressor used by professionals for its high-quality sound. This compressor offers precise stereo image…
- Top Free Limiter Vst Plugins Windows MacTop free limiter VST plugins for Windows and Mac include LoudMax, Limiter No6, and W1 Limiter. These plugins provide reliable limiting capabilities…
- Difference Between Peak And Rms CompressionPeak compression limits the loudest parts of an audio signal, while RMS compression reduces the overall volume level. Peak compression is focused…
- How To Keep Reverb From Overwhelming Your MixTo keep reverb from overwhelming your mix, use EQ to remove any excess low-end frequencies and adjust the reverb's decay time. By…
- Universal Audio C Suite C Vox ReviewThe Universal Audio C Suite C Vox is a virtual amplifier plug-in that accurately replicates the sound and feel of classic guitar…
- Kazrog Avalon 747 Plugins Vs HardwareKazrog's Avalon 747 Plugins offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive hardware. While hardware may offer some advantages, such as tactile control, the…
- Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For MixingWhen it comes to the best multiband compressor plugins for mixing, FabFilter Pro-MB and Waves C6 are two popular choices. These plugins…
- Creating Drakes Marvins Room Reverb EffectCreating Drakes Marvins Room reverb effect can be achieved by using a combination of plugins and mixing techniques. To recreate the sound,…
- Make Your Songs Louder With A LimiterA limiter can make your songs louder by compressing the dynamic range. Here's how to use it effectively. Using a limiter is…
- Top Free Chorus Vst Effects For Pc MacThe top free chorus VST effects for PC and Mac are Tal-Chorus-LX, TDR Nova, ReaPlugs, and Acon Digital Multiply. Adding a chorus…
- How To Pump Up Your Toms With CompressionTo pump up your toms with compression, use a compressor plugin and adjust the attack, release, ratio, and threshold settings. Compression can…
- Using Different Kinds Of Reverbs In A MixUsing different kinds of reverbs in a mix adds depth and dimension to the audio. Reverb types can include convolution reverb, plate…
- How To Set Compressor Attack Release TimesTo set compressor attack release times, first consider the type of sound source and dynamic range. Adjust the attack time to control…
- Understanding Audio Compressors MetersAudio compressors meters provide a visual representation of an audio signal's energy level and gain reduction. Understanding these meters is essential for…
- Simulating Space Vs Creating Effect With ReverbSimulating space with reverb involves replicating the natural soundscape of a certain environment, whereas creating an effect with reverb involves adding an…
- How To Reduce Distortion When MasteringTo reduce distortion when mastering, apply EQ and compression to the mix before limiting. Additionally, ensure that the mix is properly balanced…
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S ReviewThe Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S offers precise control and intuitive integration for music production. It delivers exceptional performance and seamless workflow,…
- What is the Difference between Reverb And DelayReverb creates an ambient sound, whereas delay repeats the original sound with an echo effect. Reverb gives depth and a sense of…
- Different Compressor Settings For Your MixCompressor settings for your mix include attack, release, ratio, and threshold. These settings help control the level and dynamic range of your…
- Audio Compression Threshold ExplainedAudio compression threshold refers to the level at which a compressor begins to reduce the dynamic range of audio signals. Audio compression…
- How To Create Analog Sounding Bass With VstTo create analog sounding bass with VST, use a program that emulates analog synths and manipulate the settings until you achieve the…
- The Most Versatile Compressors For MixingOne of the most versatile compressors for mixing is the Universal Audio 1176. With its fast-acting and musical-sounding compression, it can be…
- Top Ai Plugins And Tools For Music ProducersArtificial intelligence (AI) plugins and tools for music producers include Amper Music, AIVA, and Melodrive. These software solutions use algorithms to create…
- Understanding Compressors And Their DifferencesCompressors are machines that increase the pressure of gas or air for various applications. Each compressor type differs in its design, operation,…
- Chandler Limited Tg12413 Zener LimiterThe Chandler Limited Tg12413 Zener Limiter is a top-of-the-line device for professional audio limiting applications. This studio-grade limiter works by capturing the…
- Why You Dont Need Fancy Plug Ins To Get Great MixesFancy plug-ins are not necessary for great mixes. Simple mixing techniques and quality tracks are enough to achieve excellent results. When…
- When And How To Use Compression In Music ProductionCompression is used in music production to control dynamics and improve the overall sound quality. It should be used when there are…
- How To Give Your Chorus A Bigger ImpactFor a bigger impact in your chorus, add harmony and volume. Additionally, experiment with different rhythms and instrumentation to create a unique…
- The Secret To Compressor Attack And Release TimeThe secret to compressor attack and release time is finding the right balance between a smooth transition and noticeable effect. Compressors are…
- What is the Difference between Reverb Echo And DelayReverb, echo and delay are all audio effects used in music production. The difference between them is that reverb simulates the sound…
- Creating Great Effects For Djing With Multiband SplittingMultiband splitting is a great technique for creating effects during DJing. It allows for precise control over different frequency ranges, making it…
- Sidechain Compressor Vs Volume Shaper What Should I ChooseFor dynamic processing on individual tracks, choose a sidechain compressor. For precise rhythmic shaping needs, select a volume shaper. When it…
- Best Stereo Imaging Plugins: Elevate Your Mixes!The best stereo imaging plugins enhance soundstage depth and width in audio production. Waves S1 Stereo Imager and iZotope Ozone's Imager are…
- Compressor Knee: Unlocking the Secrets to Dynamic AudioA compressor knee sets the level at which the compression starts to ease in, leading to smoother audio transients. This function generally…
- Reverb Pre Delay Explained: Enhance Your Mixes Now!Reverb pre-delay is the time gap between the original dry sound and the onset of reverberation. It adds clarity by separating direct…
- Waves Studiorack: Unleash Pro Audio Magic EffortlesslyWaves Studiorack is a powerful plugin chainer and manager for audio processing. It enables users to create complex chains of effect plugins.…
- What Is Plate Reverb: Unveiling Sonic Mystique!Plate reverb is an audio effect that uses a metal plate to create reverb sounds. It simulates the natural acoustic reverberations of…
- Multiband Compression: Unlocking Dynamic Audio MasteryMultiband compression is a process that allows different frequencies to be compressed independently. It enables more precise dynamic control over a sound's…
- Comb Filtering Effect Explained: Clearing Audio MythsComb filtering refers to the frequency response effect created by delayed audio signals combining with the original sound. This phenomenon often results…
- Types Of Reverb: Crafting Sonic Depth in Music ProductionTypes of reverb include room, hall, plate, spring, and digital algorithmic reverbs. Each type offers different acoustic characteristics suited to varying audio…
- Flanger vs Phaser: Unveiling Sonic Effects MasteryFlangers and phasers are both audio effects that modulate sound but with distinct sonic characteristics. A flanger creates a swooshing sound, while…
- Parallel Compression: Unlocking Fuller Sounds in MixingParallel compression, also known as New York compression, blends an uncompressed signal with a heavily compressed version of itself. It enhances dynamic…
- Best Vocoder Plugins: Elevate Your Audio Game Now!The best vocoder plugins combine advanced synthesis with user-friendly interfaces, like XILS-lab XILS Vocoder 5000 and iZotope VocalSynth 2. Producers seeking classic…
- Best Transient Shaper Plugins: Shape Your Mix!The SPL Transient Designer and FabFilter's Pro-MB stand out as two of the most renowned transient shaper plugins. These tools are essential…
- Phase Alignment Plugins: Perfect Your Mix!Phase Alignment Plugins are tools used to correct phase issues in audio recordings. These plugins ensure multiple tracks work together cohesively. …
- RMS in Audio: Understanding the Power of Sound WavesRMS, or Root Mean Square, is a key metric in audio that quantifies the average power output of an amplifier or the…