A great mix starts with great tools. While technique matters more than plugins, the right mixing tools make achieving professional results faster and more intuitive. Here's our breakdown of the essential mixing plugins across every category.
Channel Strips
Best Overall: SSL Native Channel Strip 2
The official SSL plugin brings the 9000K console to your DAW. The 4-band EQ switches between E and G Series characteristics, the compressor handles soft and hard knee modes, and the gate/expander includes independent sidechains. It's the complete SSL experience without the six-figure console.
Price: $329 (frequently on sale for $18-21) Best for: Anyone wanting authentic SSL console sound
Best for Character: Brainworx bx_console SSL 9000 J
Brainworx's SSL 9000 J emulation goes further than most with TMT (Tolerance Modeling Technology), giving you 72 unique channel variations that mimic the subtle differences between channels on a real desk. Developed with mixer Michael Brauer from original SSL schematics.
Price: $349 (often $25-49 on sale) Best for: Producers wanting analog variation and depth
Best Budget: Waves SSL E-Channel
The classic Waves SSL models the 4000 E Series "Black Knob" EQ from 1983. Less feature-rich than newer options but still delivers that SSL punch at an unbeatable sale price. The dynamics can be placed before or after EQ for flexibility.
Price: $249 (typically $29-39 on sale) Best for: Budget-conscious mixers wanting SSL character
Best Neve Alternative: Lindell 80 Series
For Neve warmth instead of SSL precision, Lindell's 80 Series models the 1073 and 1084 preamp/EQ alongside the 2254 compressor. Based on a hand-wired 8028 Neve desk, it brings that classic British warmth to any source.
Price: $125 (often $39.99 on sale) Best for: Rock, vintage tones, anything needing warmth
Equalizers
Best Overall: FabFilter Pro-Q 4
Pro-Q 4 remains the industry standard parametric EQ. The new Spectral Dynamics feature adds frequency-specific compression directly in the EQ, eliminating the need for separate dynamic EQ plugins. EQ Sketch lets you draw curves with your mouse, and the three Character modes (Clean, Subtle, Warm) add musical colour.
The Instance List connects multiple FabFilter plugins for unified control across your session. Up to 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos support future-proofs your workflow.
Price: $179 Best for: Everyone - this is the EQ to own
Best Dynamic EQ: Waves F6
Six floating bands with per-band compression make F6 a surgical tool for problem-solving. Zero-latency operation suits live work, and the mid-side processing handles complex stereo material. At sale prices, it's a no-brainer.
Price: $149 (typically $29-39 on sale) Best for: Problem-solving, de-essing, surgical work
Best Character EQ: Maag EQ4
The famous "Air Band" at 2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 40kHz adds shimmer that nothing else replicates. Simple, musical, and instantly recognisable. When you need presence and sparkle, Maag delivers.
Price: $99-129 (often $18-29 on sale) Best for: Vocals, acoustic instruments, adding presence
Best Analog Modelling: Kirchhoff EQ
32 bands, 15 filter types, and 32 vintage EQ models from real hardware. The "Double-Double" 117-bit internal precision means no artifacts even with extreme settings. For analog purists who want digital flexibility.
Price: $119 (often $59.99 on sale) Best for: Analog enthusiasts, mastering, critical listening
Best Free: TDR VOS SlickEQ
Tokyo Dawn's SlickEQ offers four EQ models (American, British, German, Soviet), four output stage saturation modes, and automatic loudness compensation - all free. The Gentleman's Edition adds features, but the free version rivals paid competition.
Price: FREE Best for: Everyone - essential free tool
Compressors
Best Overall: FabFilter Pro-C 2
Eight program-dependent compression styles cover everything from transparent limiting to aggressive pumping. The intelligent auto-gain and auto-release make quick work of any source, while the visual feedback helps you understand exactly what's happening.
Price: $179 Best for: Versatility, learning compression, professional results
Best 1176 Style: Waves CLA-76
Modeled after Chris Lord-Alge's personal "Bluey" and "Blacky" 1176 units, the CLA-76 delivers that ultra-fast FET compression with all-buttons mode. Essential for drums, vocals, and anything needing aggressive character.
Price: $249 (typically $29-39 on sale) Best for: Drums, aggressive compression, rock/pop
Best 1176 Collection: UAD 1176 Compressor Collection
Universal Audio's 1176 Collection includes three emulations: Rev A "Bluestripe," Rev E, and 40th Anniversary Edition. Based on Bill Putnam's original design with native processing - no UAD hardware required.
Price: $299 (often $49-149 on sale) Best for: 1176 purists wanting multiple flavours
Best Optical: Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B
The Tube-Tech CL 1B is the go-to optical compressor for vocals. Softube's Mk II version includes both the original and updated models, delivering that warm, musical compression that never sounds harsh.
Price: $199 (often $79 on sale) Best for: Vocals, bass, smooth compression
Best Free: TDR Kotelnikov
"Proudly digital" transparent compression with crest factor-based control. Independent peak and RMS release controls and advanced stereo linking make it a serious bus compressor. Bit-transparent at 0dB gain reduction.
Price: FREE Best for: Bus compression, transparent dynamics
Saturation & Colour
Best Overall: Soundtoys Decapitator
Five analog saturation models cover subtle warmth to total destruction. The "Punish" button takes things to extremes, while the Tone, Low Cut, and High Cut controls shape the character. Works on anything - drums, vocals, synths, buses.
Price: $199 (often $59-69 on sale) Best for: Adding character to anything
Best Multiband: FabFilter Saturn 2
28 distortion styles with multiband processing mean you can add saturation exactly where needed. The amp modelling and deep modulation section open up creative possibilities, while subtle saturation mode suits mastering.
Price: $154 Best for: Surgical saturation, mastering, sound design
Best Transformer Colour: Kazrog True Iron
Six legendary line transformer emulations add that subtle magnetic saturation that makes analog gear special. The UTC 108 X, Western Electric 111C, and four others each bring unique character. No iLok required.
Price: $59.99 (often $29.99-39.99 on sale) Best for: Subtle analog warmth, mix bus glue
Best Tape: Softube Tape
Three analog tape machine sounds add warmth, saturation, and gentle compression. CPU-efficient enough to use on every track, it's the easiest way to add analog character to digital recordings.
Price: $99 (often $39 on sale) Best for: Overall mix warmth, individual track character
Metering & Utilities
Best Metering Suite: iZotope Insight 2
Comprehensive metering covering spectrum analysis, loudness (LUFS, True Peak), intelligibility for dialogue, and loudness history. Customisable layouts suit any workflow, from music mixing to broadcast compliance.
Price: $199 Best for: Professional metering, broadcast compliance
Best Loudness Meter: Waves WLM Plus
ITU, EBU, and ATSC compliance with True Peak readings. Built-in True Peak limiter and logging function make it essential for delivery to streaming platforms and broadcast.
Price: $499 (typically $29-35 on sale) Best for: Streaming delivery, broadcast compliance
Best Reference Tool: ADPTR Metric AB
Load unlimited reference tracks and compare with loudness matching, spectrum comparison, and stereo width analysis. Essential for mastering and ensuring your mix translates.
Price: $140-279 (often $49.99-99.99 on sale) Best for: Mastering, mix referencing, translation checking
Best Free Analyser: Voxengo SPAN
Real-time FFT spectrum analyser with adjustable settings, multi-channel analysis, and EBU R128 metering. Hold CTRL to audition specific frequency bands. Highly customisable and completely free.
Price: FREE Best for: Everyone - essential free metering
Bundle Considerations
FabFilter Total Bundle ($899) - All FabFilter plugins at a significant discount. If you'll use Pro-Q 4, Pro-C 2, Pro-R 2, and Saturn 2, the bundle makes sense.
Soundtoys 5 Bundle ($499, often $199) - Decapitator plus EchoBoy, Crystallizer, Little AlterBoy, and more. Exceptional value on sale.
Plugin Alliance MEGA Bundle ($249/year) - Access to bx_console SSL 9000 J, Lindell 80, Kirchhoff EQ, and hundreds more. Subscription model suits some workflows.
Waves - Wait for sales. Their plugins frequently drop 80-90%, making them exceptional value.
Building Your Mixing Toolkit
Start with: FabFilter Pro-Q 4, a free compressor (TDR Kotelnikov), Voxengo SPAN
Add next: A channel strip (SSL or Neve style), a character compressor (1176 or optical)
Complete with: Saturation (Decapitator or Saturn 2), reference tools (Metric AB)
Quality over quantity. A few well-chosen plugins you know deeply will serve you better than a massive collection you never learn.
