Music is subjective. There are no rules. Producers like to say that the only rule is “if it sounds good, it is good.” And while that is true it doesn’t mean that there aren’t common tools and categories that help us make our music the best it can be.
In today’s video I wanted to share with you the 6 most important plugins that I put on every mix I do. I’m not married (although I like them very much) to the specific plugins, it’s more about the category of thinking.
All of the plugins I mention could be switched out for others that do the same or similar jobs. But it’s a way of thinking that will help shape the overall sound of your mix.
These are also applied to the very last fader in my LOGIC PRO X mix session. It’s typically called the “2 Bus,” or “Stereo Bus.” All the individual channels have been sweentened up before hitting this fader but this is the opportunity to really shape the whole mix.
You have to treat this channel with care but if done properly it can really turn your bland mix upside down…in a good way.
The 6 Plugins I use are:
Console Emulation (VCC)
EQ (any)
Compression (VCC)
Tape Saturation (VTM)
Harmonic Enhancement (MixCentric)
Limiter (FG-X)
Let me know if there are plugins that I’m missing out on or need to know about.