Plugins. Plugins, Plugins….

So many to choose from these days, I can’t even keep track!

However, I seem to always come back to a few workhorses over and over again. The Fab Filter ProQ is an all-time favorite, as well as the UAD 1176. ( Or any 1176 plug for that matter.)

So when it comes to Mastering what are the best mastering plugins to use?

Well, I mostly use outboard gear when I master songs. I don’t think I could live without my Bettermaker EQ, Rupert Neve Portico MBP, and most of all, my Burl B2 Bomber!

But to get songs loud, and everyone wants them loud,  I depend on three amazing plugins to do the job.

  1. Sir Audio Tools Standard Clip – Clipping is a great way to cut down stay transients so you can get your song louder without squeezing it too much. I use clipping to help my limiter not have to work so hard. For clipping, this is the plugin I’ve found works the best.
  2. Leapwing Audio Dynone – This plugin is a monster. it is a parallel multiband compressor. However, it does so much more. You must hear it to believe it.
  3. Izotope Ozone 8 – A modern day classic. This plugin does it all. If I need a little more eq, or I need to widen the mix a bit more this baby can help. The limiter on it works quite well too. It’s the swiss army knife of mastering plugins.

 

So there you have it. 3 of my favorite mastering plugins. You can watch the video for a more in-depth review of all three.

Now give them a try, and if you still can’t get the mastering sounding right, you can come back here and hire me. 🙂

 

 

Mixing and Mastering Engineer Matty Harris

Hello, I'm Matty Harris, and I've been professionally mixing and mastering music for over 20 years.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with many major labels and contributing to numerous #1 records. Some of the artists I've worked with include Kelly Clarkson, Travis Barker, and Sammy Adams.

My extensive experience in the industry has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to help musicians elevate their sound to a professional level. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, I can provide you with the techniques and insights you need to overcome any challenges in your mixing and mastering journey.