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 4
- Bit Crusher Plugins: Elevate Your Audio EffectsBit crusher plugins are software tools designed to reduce digital audio resolution. They add warmth and character by simulating vintage digital audio…
- Distortion Vs Overdrive: Unraveling the TruthDistortion and overdrive are effects used to alter the sound of an electric guitar. Distortion creates a 'fuzzier' sound, while overdrive boosts…
- What Is Spring Reverb: Unveil Its MystiqueSpring reverb is an effect that simulates an echo by using a spring system within a metal tank. It adds depth and…
- Convolution Reverb: Revolutionizing Spatial AudioConvolution reverb is a processing technique used to digitally simulate the reverberation of a physical space. It utilizes impulse responses from real-world…
- VST vs AU Plugins: Unveiling the Best for ProducersVST (Virtual Studio Technology) and AU (Audio Units) are plugin formats for audio editing software. VSTs are widely compatible across platforms, while…
- Sidechain Compression Secrets: Unlock Dynamic Audio MixesSidechain compression is an audio processing technique that uses the signal from one track to control the compression on another. It's often…
- Should You Add Reverb in Mastering?: Sonic Secrets UnveiledReverb should be used sparingly in mastering, if at all. It's best suited for mixing individual tracks rather than the master. Mastering…
- Does Reverb Make You Sound Better? Unveil the Magic!Reverb can enhance your sound by adding depth and ambiance, making it more appealing. Its effect creates a sense of space around…
- Are Reverb And Delay the Same Thing? Unraveling the MixReverb and delay are not the same thing. Reverb simulates the acoustic properties of a space, while delay repeats sounds after a…
- Should You Use Reverb And Delay Together: Sonic Synergy!Yes, you can use reverb and delay together to create a rich, spatial sound. Layering these effects should be done with care…
- Why Reverb Enchants Guitar Tone: The Sonic MagicReverb enhances the sound of a guitar by creating a sense of spatial depth and resonance. It mimics the natural echoes found…
- What’s the Difference: Reverb vs. Chorus Explained!Reverb creates a sense of space by emulating sound reflections; chorus thickens the sound by duplicating signals with slight pitch and timing…
- Where Does Reverb Go in Effects Chain: Optimal PlacementReverb typically goes towards the end of the effects chain. It's often placed after modulation and delay effects. Understanding the optimal…
- What’s the Difference Between Reverb and Distortion?Reverb is an effect that simulates the sound reflections from surfaces in a space, creating an ambiance. Distortion alters the sound wave…
- Can You Remove Reverb from a Recording? Definitive TipsYes, you can remove reverb from a recording, though the process can be complex. The effectiveness of the reverb removal depends on…
- Free Transient Shapers : Enhance Your Sound with Powerful PluginsFree transient shapers enhance audio transient response, accentuating attack and sustain in sound dynamics. These tools manipulate the envelope of a sound…
- Best Vst Plugins : Boost Your Music Production with These Power ToolsLooking for the best VST plugins? Check out top-rated options like Serum, FabFilter, and Omnisphere for professional music production. These plugins offer…
- Best Multiband Compressor Plugins: Master Your AudioWhen it comes to the best multiband compressor plugins, Waves C6 and FabFilter Pro-MB are top choices. These plugins offer precise control…
- Fabfilter Pro Q3 Review: The Ultimate Powerhouse for Music ProducersFabFilter Pro Q3 is a top-notch EQ plugin with exceptional precision and flexibility. It offers unparalleled audio shaping capabilities for music production…
- Discover the Best Places to Buy VST Plugins for a Powerful SoundFor purchasing VST plugins, consider reputable online stores like Plugin Boutique and Sweetwater. These sites offer a wide selection and reliable service.…
- Tal Bassline 101 Review: Unlock the Power of This Game-Changing PluginThe Tal Bassline 101 Review praises its versatile sound capabilities and user-friendly interface. As a leading choice for bass enthusiasts, this synth…
- What Is Compression In Music? Unveiling the Power Behind Perfect SoundCompression in music is the process of reducing dynamic range for a balanced sound. It controls volume fluctuations. Music compression balances sound…
- Rent To Own Plugins : Streamline Your Website with Affordable Power ToolsRent to own plugins allow users to purchase a product after renting it for a period, all within a website. Are you…
- Transform Your Audio with the Best Noise Reduction Plugins: Enhance and Clear Sound!Looking for the best noise reduction plugins? Check out Waves NS1 and iZotope RX. These plugins offer top-notch noise reduction for audio…
- 1176 Parallel Compression Settings : Mastering Dynamic RangeFor 1176 parallel compression, start with a ratio of 4:1 and adjust to taste. Experiment with attack and release times for optimal…
- What are the Best Plugins for Mixing? Discover the Ultimate Tools!Some of the best plugins for mixing include FabFilter Pro-Q 3, Waves CLA MixHub, and iZotope Neutron. These plugins offer advanced features…
- Boost Your Macs Audio with the Best Free Audio Unit PluginsLooking for the best free audio unit plugins for Mac? Consider Helm, Spitfire Labs, and Dexed among others. These plugins offer high-quality…
- How to Get Vst Plugins for Free: Unlock Unlimited Sound possibilitiesTo get VST plugins for free, search for reputable websites offering free downloads. Be cautious of potential risks. Exploring various sources for…
- Best Vst Plugins for Guitar: Unleash Your Musical PotentialFor guitar VST plugins, consider top choices like Amplitube, Bias FX, and Guitar Rig. These plugins offer a wide range of effects…
- Where is Vst Plugins Folder? Discover the Hidden Location for Maximum PerformanceThe VST plugins folder is typically located in the "Program Files" directory of your DAW software. It is where you store and…
- What Vst Plugins Do Professionals Use: Unveiling the Secret WeaponsProfessionals use popular VST plugins like Serum, Omnisphere, and FabFilter Pro-Q3 for music production. These tools offer advanced features and high-quality sound…
- How to Make a Vst Plugin Folder: Expert Tips & TricksTo create a VST plugin folder, simply navigate to your DAW’s plugin directory and create a new folder. Name it appropriately for…
- How to Run Vst Plugins: Mastering the ArtTo run VST plugins, install them in your DAW's plugin folder and open the DAW to access them. Incorporating VST plugins into…
- How Do VST Plugins Work: Unleashing the PowerVST plugins work by integrating with digital audio workstations to provide additional sound effects and virtual instruments. These plugins enhance music production…
- Revolutionize your Music: Top VST Plugins for Indian InstrumentsLooking for the best VST plugins for Indian instruments? Look no further than X, Y, and Z. These plugins offer authentic sounds…
- How to Get Vst Plugins for Free: Ultimate Guide to Unlocking High-Quality SoftwareTo get VST plugins for free, search for reputable websites offering free downloads. Be cautious of malware risks. Looking for ways to…
- Distortion And Saturation : Unleashing the Power of Audio EffectsUnderstanding Distortion and Saturation in Music Production Distortion and saturation are key components in the world of music production. These effects can…
- Unlock the Magic: Mastering Reverse Reverb for Stellar Music ProductionReverse reverb is a technique where reverb effect is placed before the audio, creating a unique sound. It can add depth and…
- Discover the Magical Plate Reverb: What Sets It Apart?Plate reverb is a type of artificial reverb created using a metal plate vibrating to produce reflections of sound waves. It differs…
- What is Convolution Reverb And How Can I Use It?Convolution reverb recreates realistic room acoustics using pre-recorded IRs. Incorporate it to enhance spatial depth in music production. Convolution reverb is a…
- What is Tape Delay? Discover the Power of Sonic ControlWhat is Tape Delay? In the world of music production and audio engineering, tape delay is a popular effect that has been…
- What is a Brickwall Limiter? Unleash the Power!What is a Brickwall Limiter? Have you ever wondered what exactly a "Brickwall Limiter" is and how it plays a crucial role…
- What is the Difference between Reverb And Delay Effects?What is the Difference between Reverb And Delay Effects? Understanding the distinctions between reverb and delay effects is crucial for musicians and…
- The Haas Effect: How To Use It For Stereo Mixes : Enhance Your MixThe Haas Effect enhances stereo mixes by introducing a slight delay between left and right audio channels. It creates a sense of…
- What is the Difference between Overdrive And Distortion in Guitar Effects?As a guitarist, you may have come across the terms "overdrive" and "distortion" when discussing guitar effects pedals. While these terms are…
- What are the Best Kontakt Libraries? : Unleashing the Power of Top-notch Kontakt LibrariesAre you a music producer looking to enhance your sound and elevate your compositions? Look no further than Kontakt libraries. Kontakt libraries…
- Weirdest Guitar Pedals : Unleash Your Creativity with these Mind-Bending Effects!As any guitarist knows, the search for the perfect tone and sound is an ongoing journey. With the plethora of guitar pedals…
- How Can a Noise Gate Enhance Your Recordings? Boost Quality Now!A noise gate can improve your recordings by eliminating unwanted background noise and enhancing overall clarity. By setting a threshold level, the…