Mastering is the final and critical step in the music production process, where the goal is to enhance and polish a mix to its highest potential. As an audio engineer, I rely on a combination of precision tools and creative techniques to achieve professional audio mastering. One of my go-to solutions is the IK Multimedia […]
Managing sibilance to achieve a good vocal mix is very important. As an audio engineer, I know how crucial it is to tame those harsh, hissy sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect vocal recording. Vocal sibilance can be a major headache, but thankfully, the right de-esser plugin can make all the difference. We have […]
As an audio engineer who’s relied heavily on Antares’ suite of tools, the announcement of their latest plugin, the Vocal De-Esser, has me genuinely intrigued. Known for their pioneering Auto-Tune technology, Antares has now stepped into the realm of AI-powered vocal processing with a de-esser designed to smooth out harsh sibilant sounds without compromising the […]
When it comes to adding analog warmth and saturation when mixing, Soundtoys’ Decapitator stands out as a top choice. This versatile plugin is more than just an effect; it’s designed to be inserted on every mixer channel, much like Slate Digital’s Virtual Console Collection or Sonnox Inflator, offering a level of analog authenticity that’s hard […]
The Teletronix LA-2A compressor is a legend in the music industry, known for its warm, smooth sound that has graced countless recordings over the decades. With its unique tube-driven electro-optical attenuator system that allows instantaneous gain reduction with no increase in harmonic distortion, the LA-2A levels audio signals like no other compressor ever made. Teletronix […]
In this article, I’m going to show you how to use any Pultec EQ plugin to create a silky, warm sound with punch – perfect for percussion, vocals, bass, and mastering. To demonstrate different EQ applications, I will use the “RARE” Pultec EQ emulation plugin from Analog Obsession. You can download this plugin completely for […]
After hours and hours spent in the mix, everything is ready now, or at least you think so 🙂 (I know you still have doubts about your mix, it’s normal). But, it’s time to prepare the mixdown now to go out into the world, to meet new people because you’ve already spent enough time together. […]
Multiband compressors are among the most essential tools for any producer or engineer, offering precise control over the dynamic range of different frequency bands. In 2024, several multiband compressor VST plugins stand out for their quality, versatility, and innovative features. Here, we explore the best multiband compressor plugins available, helping you find the perfect fit […]
Understanding what is multiband compression and how to use multiband compression can revolutionize your approach to audio production, mixing, and mastering. Multiband compression is a powerful technique that allows producers to control the dynamic range of different frequency bands within an audio signal independently. Learning how to use multiband compression effectively is a game-changer for […]
After all these years of mixing, mastering, and spending countless hours testing and tweaking numerous plugins to perfect my sound, I thought of putting together a list of the best and most useful free compressor plugins I used and still use these days. Each of these has proven to be a valuable asset in my […]