1. Fabfilter – Pro-C
The Pro-C by FabFilter is the most versatile software compressor I’ve come across in almost a decade of mixing. I find it to be extremely quick and intuitive to dial in a great sound, which is helped by the visual indicators and sharp interface we’ve come to expect from FabFilter.
2. Mathew Lane – DrMS
A “secret weapon” of many top mixing engineers, DrMS allows you to achieve “3D” stereo imaging effects and perform mid-side processing for amazingly wide vocals and instruments.
3. Waves – C4
Included with many of Wave’s affordable bundles, the C4 is an indispensable multi band processing tool that you’ll find yourself using on all kinds of sources, even your master bus.
4. Lexicon – LXP Reverb
The Lexicon reverb tone is undeniably familiar and the LXP bundle gives you the classic sound without breaking the bank.
5. Waves – DeEsser
Sibilant and harsh vocals and instruments can be some of the most annoying tones to deal with in a mix. The Waves DeEsser tackles the job of taming these harsh frequencies with a slim and simple interface.
6. Waves – SSL G-Equalizer
This is my go-to EQ for vocal processing. The high end has a certain sharpness, while still being smooth. I haven’t been able to replicate it’s sound with other software EQs.
7. Antares – Auto-Tune Evo
Capable of much more than just the extreme “T-Pain” effect, Auto-Tune can help blend and mesh vocals while giving you perfect pitch that can still sound natural.
8. Soundtoys – EchoBoy
EchoBoy is an extremely musical delay plugin with a plethora of different tones and controls at your disposal. Use this inside of the Effects Rack, part of the Sound Toys bundle, and you have an incredible set of vintage style effects with infinite possibilities.
9. FabFilter – Saturn
Distortion has always been one my favorite effects to use in the mix. Saturn is capable of extremely distorted sounds with amplifier modeling and also subtle saturation which emulates old tapes and tubes.
10. Valhalla DSP – VintageVerb
If you’re looking for a huge, vintage reverb tone – look no further. For the price, this plugin is a no-brainer and it just sounds fantastic.
Three reverbs on a list of ten? Wow. Super lame.
2 reverbs to be exact 🙂
Great list. Thanks!
Hi Sean!
Thank you so much. I have most of your 10 favorites, and I will get the few I miss. And of course, I will buy your vocal and drum presets!!!
For me, you are one of the very best and inspiring teachers on the net! And I am really happy about what you are sharing. I would love to get some more advise on studio gear. What do you think about Genelec “The ones” (midsize model) as a choice for a small studio room 2.50m X 3.50m? Or do you recommend something else less expensive in that price range?
One more thing. I am looking to buy a condenser mic from warm audio WA251 or maybe one of these digital microphones with lots of options to choose different vintage mics? Or..? Today I have an old Rode and a shure SM7B
/Jan
(multi-musician and actor at the Royal Dramatic Theatre.)
Cheers from Stockholm Sweden
are you looking to sell that SM7B by any chance?