The 20 Best Filter Plugin VSTs in 2023 [Free & Paid]

Filter plugins are one of the easiest effects to use that can have a huge impact on how something sounds. As a form of EQ, filters help you shape the frequency content of an instrument. In the simplest terms, they…

12 Best EQ Plugins in 2023 [Free & Paid]

Equalization is one of the most powerful tools we have as mixers. It can make instruments sound better, make instruments sound different, carve out space in a mix, add clarity, remove muddiness, and so much more. In that sense, the flexibility of…

How to Mix Background Vocals

We tend to mix background vocals differently than leads. Depending on the arrangement, they’re usually underneath the lead for support so they don’t steal the show. In some cases, background vocals will actually overtake the leads, such as in a…

EQ/Compression Plugins Modeled After Analog Gear

Not all, but many of the plugins we reach for while mixing in-the-box are modeled after analog gear. Engineers made some of the best sounding records of all time well before any of us started recording in our bedrooms; and…

Is this the most musical Dynamic EQ? Acustica Audio’s JET
a Rafflecopter giveaway The good folks at Acustica make some of the most musical-sounding plugins I have ever heard. If you remember, we reviewed their SILVER reverb last year which blew a lot of other reverbs out of the water…
Alctron EQ75a Review: Is it Worth $120?

After a cursory search, there isn’t much in the way of Alctron EQ75a reviews kicking around the web. It’s not a new product, so why is there so little information on the cheapest 500 series equalizer on the market? We…

How to Use Audio Pass Filters in Your Mixes

The most frequently used audio pass filters you’ll come across are high- and low-pass filters. High-pass filters (also called “low-cut”) attenuate low-end below the chosen frequency. Literally at the other end of the spectrum are low-pass filters (also called “high-cut”),…

Mixing Basics: EQ Before or After Compression?
In today's video we are going to be talking about whether we should EQ before or after compression! There is not a lot of consensus on this topic, because the truth is, it may vary from case to case. The…
Should you EQ programmed Drums? | FAQ Friday
We're back with another episode of FAQ Friday! This weeks featured question is: "With programmed drums, can you use the same EQ principles that you’ve gone over or has this already been done in the programming stage?" As you probably…
Did they high-pass in 1979? | FAQ Friday
FAQ Friday is our weekly episode where I answer your most frequently asked questions! How do you get your question answered? Leave thought provoking, conversation starting questions or comments on the videos! If you've been wondering about something, ask away!…