Hello, friend! Welcome back to another exciting dive into the world of audio mixing. If you're here, it's because you love mixing, or you're getting serious about upping your game. Today, we're going to talk about part two of a series that uncovers seven utility plugins every serious mixer should have. If you missed part one, don't worry! You can check it out here. It’s packed with essential plugins that are perfect for building a solid mixing toolkit.

Thanks for all your fantastic comments on part one. It was enlightening to see some of the plugins you guys suggested, which I didn't cover last time. Well, I've got some of those included in today's lineup. So, get ready, hit that like button, share this with your audio buddies, and subscribe if you haven't already!

In this post, we're not going to dive into detailed demos since most of these plugins have already been featured in standalone videos on my channel. But don't worry, if a plugin hasn’t been demoed yet, keep an eye out—more are coming soon!

Plugins You Can't Live Without

1. The Trident Tri Meter

First up, we have the Trident Tri Meter, a must-have for anyone serious about mixing. While every DAW comes with a VU meter plugin, they can vary significantly in quality. The meters in my DAW, Studio One, leave much to be desired in terms of accuracy. That's where Trident Tri Meter shines.

"Before you start adding plugins or running your session with analog gear, you want to make sure your gain staging is right."

This plugin is invaluable for gain staging, allowing you to calibrate to -8 or -18 dB, which is ideal if you're using analog gear. One of its standout features is the ability to adjust gain directly from the plugin, a feature not commonly found in standard DAW VU meters.

2. Waves Curves Equator

Next, we have a newcomer that has been making waves—literally! The Waves Curves Equator is similar to Soothe 2 in its function of taming resonant frequencies. However, it steps up with an AI-powered learn function. Play your track, and the plugin listens to suggest curve adjustments—where to cut or boost, assisting you to get that perfect sound.

Perfect for smoothing out harsh cymbals or guitars that might otherwise pierce your eardrums, Curves Equator might not be something you'll use on every mix, but it's definitely a strong contender.

3. Soothe 2 by Oeksound

If the Waves Curves Equator piqued your interest, you might already be familiar with its cousin, Soothe 2 by Oeksound. This plugin is a staple for many engineers dealing with harsh or boomy sounds. What it lacks in AI learning, it makes up for with its incredible presets, offering a range of ready-to-go solutions that require minimal tweaking.

"Soothe 2 is a fantastic utility for any track that needs de-resonating, from vocals to harsh guitar strings."

4. Neural DSP's X Rider

Moving on, the X Rider from Neural DSP introduces a fresh take on the dynamic vocal rider market. Competing with the well-established Waves Vocal Rider, X Rider stands out with its graphic representation of incoming audio, making adjustments more intuitive. This plugin is the first in the chain on nearly all my vocal tracks, helping balance dynamics before hitting that first compressor.

5. Black Salt Audio Silencer

Next, we delve into drums with Silencer by Black Salt Audio. Normally, I'd prefer Sonic's drum gate for its superior control with minimal bleed, but Silencer offers an affordable alternative that's effective 95% of the time. Whether dealing with snare mics drenched in hi-hat bleed or adjusting decay, Silencer is a reliable choice.

6. Universal Audio's Case Stereo Ambient Recovery

Even though not everyone has access to this hidden gem, I couldn't leave out the Case Stereo Ambient Recovery from Universal Audio. Acting somewhat like a stereo widener, it appears to lift and expand the track, adding a touch of ambience and depth. It's my secret weapon on every mix, especially when my DAW's native plugins aren't enough.

Sign Off

So there you have it, six more utility plugins that any enthusiastic mixer should consider adding to their toolkit. These tools aren't just for solving problems—they're about enhancing your mix, ensuring everything sounds just right.

Discovering new tools and refining your craft is what keeps us passionate audio enthusiasts moving forward. Drop a comment below with your go-to plugins, and who knows? If there’s enough interest, this might just become a trilogy!

Before you go, make sure to visit Home Recording Made Easy for a free mixing course valued at $100. And did I mention a 25% discount on any other course? Just use the code in the description. Until next time, keep experimenting and happy mixing!