Best Mastering Chain Plugins

Surgical Mastering Equalizers, also known as EQs, are an irreplaceable tool for any music producer during the mastering process. Surgical mastering EQs provide precision and control, essential to achieving a high-quality mix.

One of the main benefits of using surgical mastering EQs is their ability to fix problematic resonance frequencies. These frequencies can cause a mix to sound muddy, boomy, thin, or toppy. Using surgical mastering EQs, you can remove rumble from low frequencies and tighten the bass, positively affecting the mix. You can create defined bass sounds and punchy kick drums crucial to a great mix.

Another critical feature of surgical mastering EQs is their ability to improve the width and add rich, airy highs. This is achieved using M/S technology, which allows you to work separately on the mid and side channels. This will enable you to improve the stereo image and bring out details in the mix.

Linear phase EQs are a type of surgical mastering EQ that offers high transparency and is ideal for fixing problematic resonance frequencies. They allow you to make precise and accurate frequency adjustments without introducing unwanted artefacts.

Surgical Mastering EQs are essential for any music producer during the mastering process. 

Some of my favourite surgical Mastering Equalizers are:

Some of my favorite surgical Mastering Equalizers are:

• DMG Audio EQuilibrium

• Three Body Technology - Kichhoff EQ

• Sonnox Oxford EQ

• Maat TheEQBlue

• Fabfilter Pro-Q

• Softube Weiss EQ1

• Brainworx BX_Digital

• Balance Analog Magpha EQ

• Eiosis Air EQ

• Tokio Dawn Labs - Slick EQ M Mastering Edition

• Newfangled Audio Equivocate

• Crave DSP - Crave EQ

• Soundtheory Gullfoss

• ToneBooster EQ 4

• Sonnox Claro

• Massenburg MDWEQ

• PSP MasterQ2

• SSL X-EQ 2

• SPL PQ

• Maat TheEQOrange

How to Master a Song with a  Compressor? Use High-end Mastering compressors plugins that sweeten the sound and glue your mix together.

Mastering a song with a compressor is crucial in achieving a polished, professional-sounding recording. When mastering music, starting with the best mix is essential. This will ensure that the compressor works from a solid foundation rather than trying to fix problems that should have been addressed during the mixing process.

To tame problematic parts and smooth out peaks of your song. You can set the compressor to a moderate ratio and low threshold, aiming for a gain reduction of -2db to -5db.

Also, try parallel compression to add depth and character to your mix. This technique involves running a copy of the mix through the compressor. This compressed copy is mixed with the original mix to add thickness and glue to the overall sound.

Another technique to try is M/S compression. This involves compressing the mid and side channels separately, allowing you to expand the stereo image and bring out details in the mix.

You can use high-end mastering compressor plug-ins explicitly designed for mastering, such as those in the list below. These plug-ins will have a more transparent sound and will be able to sweeten the mix without introducing unwanted artefacts.

Here are some of the best Mastering Compressor plugins on the market:

• Weiss Compressor

• Softube - Drawmer S73

• SPL Iron

• SSL Native Bus Compressor 2

• Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

• Cytomic The Glue

• Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Kotelnikow GE

• Pulsar Audio Mu

• Vertigo Sound VSC-3

• Sonoris Mastering Compressor 

• Softube Chandler Limited- Germanium Compressor 

• Tone Projects Unisum Mastering Compressor

• DDMF Magic Death Eye

• DMG Audio TrackComp

• Acustiqa Audio Aquamarine

• Acustica Audio Magenta

• Acustica Audio Ivory

• Acustica Audio Tiger

• SKNote SDC Stereo Double Compressor

Mastering engineers can significantly benefit from using analogue-emulated equalizer plug-ins, which produce warm high-quality sound. These plug-ins are specifically designed to replicate the unique characteristics of classic analogue equalizers commonly used to shape the sound of recordings.

One of the main benefits of using analogue emulation colouring mastering equalizers is that they can add warmth and character to a mix. These plug-ins can create a smooth and natural sound by boosting the high frequencies and providing a more defined bass. They can also give your songs a punchier and more dynamic sound by boosting or cutting specific frequencies.

Another benefit of colouring mastering equalizers is that they can create a subtle analogue vibe. Many of these plug-ins are emulations of classic equalizers, such as the Pultec or Neve, commonly used to shape the sound of famous recordings. Using these plug-ins, you can create a vintage sound that adds a unique character to your songs.

When using colouring equalizers, it's essential to use them sparingly, as they can easily overpower a mix. When using these EQs, focusing on the overall tonal balance is essential.

Try these character EQs to create a subtle analogue vibe and add punch to your songs.

Some of the best mastering EQs for colouring your mixes are:

•  Chandler Limited Curve Bender

• Waves PuigTec EQP-1A

• Softube Tube-Tech

• Sonimus Burnley 73

• Acustica Audio Purple

• Maat TheEQOrange

• Kush Audio - Electra DSP

• Kush Audio - Clariphonic

• Maag Audio EQ

• Manley Massive Passive

• Native Instruments Passive EQ

• Elysia Musseq

• SPL PassEQ

• Acustica Audio Azure

• Nebula Bronze 

• Acustica Audio Ruby

• Pulsar Massive

• PSP Audioware PSP E27

Mastering de-esser plug-ins work by identifying and reducing excessive sibilance, or "S" sounds, in vocals and other high-frequency instruments. Excessive sibilance can cause harshness or distortion in the final mix, making it unpleasant to listen to.

Noise reduction plug-ins use a combination of dynamic processing and frequency filtering to identify and reduce the presence of sibilance. They typically have a frequency control that allows the user to specify the frequency range to focus on and a threshold control that determines the level at which the de-essing effect is applied. 

One of the critical benefits of mastering de-esser plug-ins is that they allow the user to selectively reduce sibilance without affecting the overall tonal balance of the mix. This is especially important in the mastering process, where preserving the overall balance of the mix is critical.

In addition to taming harshness in vocals and other high-frequency instruments, de-esser plug-ins can also reduce resonance in other sounds, such as hi-hats and synth sounds. This can help create an overall smoother and more pleasant sound.

Here are some of the best de-esser plugins:

•  Airwindows DeBess

• Fabfilter Pro-DS

• Waves Sibilance / Renaissannce DeEsser

• Oeksound Soothe

• Oxford SuperEsser

• DMG Audio Essence

• Hofa IQ DeEsser

• Hornet Sybilla

• Eiosis E²Deesser

• WEISS DS-1

• Massey De:Esser

Fine-tuning the frequency spectrum and adding punch and clarity to a master can be achieved using essential tools like dynamic EQs and multiband compressors.

Dynamic EQs, also known as "intelligent EQs," are equalizers that automatically adjust the EQ based on the audio signal level. This allows more precise adjustments to specific frequency ranges without affecting the rest of the mix. For example, a dynamic EQ can be used to reduce the low frequencies in the mix if the bass is too boomy or to increase the high frequencies if the mix is too dull.

Multiband compressors work similarly but allow you to apply compression to specific frequency bands. This can be useful for controlling the balance between different instruments in a mix or adding punch and definition to a particular frequency range.

Dynamic EQs and multiband compressors can help reduce unwanted frequencies and add definition and clarity to a mix when used in mastering. 

Keep in mind that perfecting your audio doesn't always necessitate the use of dynamic EQ or multiband compressors. However, there are situations where it can be beneficial to have dynamic access to specific frequency bands. For instance, if you need to manage the high frequencies in certain parts of the song, or adjust the dynamics or volume of particular bass notes or synth sounds, the following plug-ins can come in handy.

Dynamic Equalizer

• Tokyo Dawn TDR Nova GE

• Oxford Dynamic EQ

• Fabfilter Pro-Q 3

• Izotope Ozone

Multiband Compressors

• Melda MDynamicsMB

• Fabfilter Pro-MB

• Leapwing Audio Dynone 

• Waves C6

• Izotope Ozone

• Softube Drawmer 1973

• DMG Audio Multiplicity

• Vengeance Multiband Compressor

The Mastering Enhancer, Tape Machines, Tube, Saturation, and Transformer plugins are audio processing tools that add warmth, depth, and character to a mix during mastering. These plugins add subtle harmonic distortion, saturation, and other analogue-inspired effects to the audio signal, which can help make a mix sound less digital and more organic.

 Mastering Enhancer plugins, for example, can bring out detail and clarity in a mix, making it sound more defined and polished. On the other hand, Tape Machine Emulations can add warmth and analogue character to a mix by simulating the sound of analogue tape recordings.

 Tube and Saturation plugins can add warmth and depth to a mix by adding subtle harmonic distortion to the audio signal. This can help make a mix sound more analogue and less clinical.

 Finally, Transformer plugins can add weight and girth to a mix, making it sound more powerful and impactful. These plugins work by simulating the sound of analogue transformers and can be used to add warmth and depth to a mix.

Some of the best mastering software plugins for adding saturation, harmonics, or tube colouration are:

• Softube Harmonics

• Brainworx Black Box

• SSL Fusion Transformer

• SSL Native X-Saturator

• Acustica Audio Crimson

• Tone Projects Kelvin Tone Shaper

• Fabfilter Saturn

• Vertigo Sound VSM-3

• Wavesfactory Spectre

• Shatteres Glas Audio SGA1566

• Kazrog True Iron

• SSL Fusion Vintage Drive

• Kush Audio Omega

• Pulsar Modular P42 Climax Mod

• Airwindows Purest Warm

• SKnote AnyTesla

• Klanghelm SDRR

• SPL Twin Tube

Best tape Machine Plugins

• Softube Tape

• IK Multimedia T-Racks Tape Machine

• Slate Digital Virtual Tape Machines

• London Acoustics - Taipei

• Acustica Audio - Taupe

• U-He satin

• SKnote Roundtone

• Universal Audio Fatso

• UAD Oxide Tape Recorder

• Universal Audio Studer A800 / Ampex ATR 102

• Airwindows To Tape

• Waves Audio Kramer Master Tape

When it comes to music production, there are a lot of factors to consider to create a high-quality sound. One of the critical aspects is the stereo imaging of your mix. By utilizing stereo imaging plugins, you can enhance the spatiality and psychoacoustics of your audio. These plugins can help create a wider and deeper sound, making your songs sound more dynamic and engaging.

In addition to improving the width and depth of your mix, stereo imaging plugins can also help to ensure that your audio is mono compatible and free from phase issues. This is important because if your mix is not mono-compatible, it may sound different when played on different playback systems. Phase issues can also cause problems with the clarity and balance of your mix.

Overall, if you're looking to improve the sound of your songs, utilizing stereo imaging plugins can be an effective way to do so. So why not try one of these helpful tools and see how it can enhance the sound of your music?

• Leapwing StageOne

• Leapwing CenterOne

• Brainworx bx_stereomaker

• Mathew Lane DrMS

• Side Minder ME

• DJ Swivel Spread

• Izotope Ozone Imager

• Goodhertz Midside

• Waves S1 / Center

• Flux Stereo Tool

• Nugen Audio Stereoizer

• Tokyo Dawn Labs Proximity

• Tone Projects Basslane Pro 2

When it comes to mastering your tracks, the use of top clipper plugins can really take your sound to the next level. By intensifying the loudness levels and shaping the frequencies with a pleasant sound, you can achieve a balanced and even more aggressive sound that will truly stand out. Whether you're a professional producer or just starting out, incorporating clipper plugins into your mastering process can be a game-changer. So why not give it a try and see the difference it can make for your music?

• Kazrog KClip

• Airwindows AD Clip

• Acustica Audio - Fire The Clip

• BSA Clipper

• Sir Audio Tools Standard Clip

• DMG Audio Limitless

• Venn Audio V-Clip

• Newfangled Audio Saturate

• IK Multimedia Classic Clipper

• Boz Digtal Labs Big Clipper

Are you looking to enhance the loudness levels of your audio recordings? If so, you may want to consider using True Peak Mastering Limiter Plugins. These plugins are specifically designed to help you manage your audio peaks and increase the overall loudness levels of your audio tracks.

One of the benefits of using these transparent and neutral limiting processors is that they ensure your dynamics are maintained while preventing any harsh high-end, squashed transients or thin and mangled low-end. Your audio tracks will sound fuller and more balanced without unwanted distortion or artefacts.

Some of the best Mastering Limiter plugins for your master buss are:

• DMG Audio Limitless

• A.O.M. Invisible Limiter

• Izotope Ozone Maximizer

• TDR Limiter 6 GE

• Eventide Elevate

• IK Multimedia Stealth Limiter

• Fabfilter Pro-L

• Sonnox Oxford Limiter

• Voxengo Elephant

• Sonible - Smart:Limit

• Chandler Limited - Zener Limiter

Getting the loudness levels just right is essential to producing a great-sounding track. This is where the LUFS Meter comes in handy. By analyzing and referencing loudness levels, you can ensure that your audio levels are consistent and balanced, making your music sound more professional.

Metering tools are designed to compare your audio levels using PLR, RMS, and LUFS targets. PLR stands for Peak-to-Loudness Ratio, the difference between the highest peak and average loudness levels. RMS stands for Root Mean Square, which measures the average power of your audio signal. LUFS stands for Loudness Units Full Scale, a measure of loudness that considers the human ear's sensitivity to different frequencies.

In addition to the LUFS Meter, reference plugins can help you visualize your tracks' tonal balance, average loudness, and frequency spectrum. These plugins can be incredibly useful for identifying any problem areas in your mix and ensuring that your music sounds excellent across various playback systems.

So if you want to take your music production or sound engineering to the next level, mastering the LUFS Meter plugins is worth your time. With these tools at your disposal, you can create music that sounds great no matter where it's played.

• Voxengo Span

• Maat 2BC MultiCORR

• Youlean Loudness Meter (Free Lufs Meter)

• Melda Production MLoudnessAnalyzer

• Nugen Audio VisLM

• Nugen Audio Mastercheck 

• Izotope Insights

• Meter Plugs Loudness Penalty

• Sonnox Frauenhofer Pro Codec

• Maat DR Meter MKII

• Orban Loudness Meter

Utilizing top reference plugins is essential for achieving exceptional tonal balance, average loudness, and frequency spectrum in your tracks. These plugins enable you to quickly identify any issues in your mix and ensure that your music sounds excellent on all playback systems.

If you want to elevate your music production or sound engineering abilities, dedicating time to reference plugins is unquestionably a wise investment. With these valuable tools, you can create music that consistently delivers a remarkable listening experience no matter where it's played.

• Izotope Ozone Tonal Balance Control

• Sonible True Balance

• Sonnox Listen Hub

• Mastering The Mix Reference

• Mastering The Mix Expose

• Letimix Gainmatch

• Sample Magic Magic AB

• ADPTR Audio MetricAB

Looking to enhance the acoustics of your room and optimize the sound quality of your studio speakers? ROOM EQ is a powerful software that can help you achieve just that.

Using advanced algorithms and cutting-edge technology, ROOM EQ can accurately measure the audio output of your speakers and identify any issues with the acoustics of your room. The software will then generate a customized EQ curve that can be applied to your speakers to achieve the perfect sound quality.

Its user-friendly interface lets you adjust your EQ settings to achieve the ideal sound for your listening preferences.

So why wait? Start using ROOM EQ today and take your audio experience to the next level!

The Headphone Correction Software is an indispensable tool for those who seek to enhance their headphones' sound quality. With this feature, you can attain a more precise and authentic sound that will enable you to assess mastering tasks with unparalleled accuracy. This is especially valuable for audio industry professionals and music enthusiasts who demand the ultimate listening experience. Headphone Correction Software can take your audio experience to new heights. So why settle for substandard sound quality when you can employ this remarkable software to elevate your listening experience? Give it a try today and witness the difference for yourself!

• Sonarworks Reference Headphone

• Sonarworks Reference Speaker

• Embody Immerse Virtual Studio

• IK Multimedia Arc

• Dsoniq Realphones

• Tonebooster Morphit

• Room EQ Wizard

• 112 DB Redline Monitor

• Slate VSX Headphone

• Goodhertz CanOpener

• Waves Audio NX

• Audified Mixchecker