Top 5 plugin list of the best (sounding) mastering plugins & bundles

[jackbraglia]

sonnox beats all of those. also check out algorithmix and fabfilter.
t-racks for example is complete garbage IMO. and the waves stuff really only "gets the job done"

[Babaluma]

No Sonoris? Best I've used/heard.

[huejahfink]

Wahnsinn, that's not a list of plugins and bundles, it's a list of companies with the exception of number 2. Some of those companies make a LOT of different plugins. Care to elaborate on some of that?

Anyway, here's the first 5 processing plug/bundle/toolkits that came to my head, probably because I rely on them constantly.

TC Electronics MD3+BWL+Dynamic EQ (classic tools, still got it IMO. I use the EQs the most)
Algorithmix RED PEQ (best LP ever, I use it a lot for M/S and also general mid/tops)
Fabfilter Pro-L (although Elephant is v. close second esp for softer limiting types)
Slate FG-X (mainly for the compressor, and the lo-punch and detail knobs also useful)
Izotope RX2Advanced (not strictly a plugin, but contains far too many useful tools to be ignored)

[aTelecine-Lex]

Originally Posted by jackbraglia

sonnox beats all of those. also check out algorithmix and fabfilter.
t-racks for example is complete garbage IMO. and the waves stuff really only "gets the job done"

To each their own of course...

But, whilst I do find great utility and usefulness in the Sonnox - I wouldn't say flatly that it "Beats" all the above.

If I had to pick from that list I would choose Flux -

But, in reality I do not ever use only plugs from one bundle in my workflow, so it would be a tough choice if I had to choose only one set of "Mastering" plug-in's -

Although, if I was compelled to I would probably go with your recommendation of the FabFilter plug-in's.

Best,
Alexa

[Resonator]

+1 for Fabfilter.
Also check out PSP plug-ins.

[wado1942]

Originally Posted by Wahnsinn

1. Waves
2. T-Racks
3. Flux
4. Blue Cat
5. Sonnox

What do you guys say and think?

;o)

I can't really speak for myself anymore because I'm using fewer and fewer plugins, relying more on hardware for most stuff. I'll say, having used most of the stuff you listed, T-Racks was really only good for the soft clipper, which I've since replaced with a much, much better one. WAVES, I had the Diamond Bundle, but found I was only using three of the plugins and wound up using those less and less with time. I don't even have them on my current workstation.

[sessionatstudiom]

I would look into the plug in alliance for the MAAG audio EQ. Really amazing. Also UAD makes some very good ones.

I just demoed the Maag EQ and all I can say is that I like it. Does what the NTI eq does adds that air. Not a surgical EQ at all, but adds some magic.

For me plug in wise for mastering.

1. MassenburgDesginWorks EQ
2. PUIGTEC Pultec for nice smooth stuff
3. Maag Audio EQ for that air
4. UAD Manley Massive Passive
5. Soft Tube Summit EQF 100 EQ

There are comps etc.... But I gave my Plug in EQ list.

[rumimusic]

I think the Brainworx EQ is hands down my favorite EQ for mastering. being able to eq the sides and center independently is great and the de-esser sections can be very useful as well as the stereo widener in certain situations.

[Tarekith]

1. DMG eQuality
2. Fabfilter Pro-l
3. Voxengo Polysquasher
4. PSP Xenon
5. DMG Compassion

[dropd9]

Algorithmix eq's, restoration, and K-stereo
Sonoris mastering eq (Most versatile eq ever)
The Glue

[dandeurloo]

I am sure someone is gonna hate on this thread but I would also be interested. I often do some quick down and dirty mastering during my mixing to check for problems areas and see what kind of things I can address during the mix and what kind of gains I might be able to expect out of mastering. Mostly its EQ and Limiting to see if it falls apart or can hold together.

I have recently demoed Flux and Fabfilter Eq's. Both are better sounding then Sonnox, and Cambridge EQ's. I think Flux sounds better then Fabfilter but the features are better on Fabfilter. I really like the GUI, audio analyzer and M/S stuff. Makes it great for sourcing problems.

Any one else's thoughts would be great.

[Tarekith]

One of the best things about music is that it doesn't matter what other people think, if you like the way something sounds and it works for you, go for it!

[fccmt]

amazing plugs:
To Vinyl
DrMS
Decapitator

[Liam Judah]

Originally Posted by aTelecine-Lex

But, in reality I do not ever use only plugs from one bundle in my workflow, so it would be a tough choice if I had to choose only one set of "Mastering" plug-in's -

Although, if I was compelled to I would probably go with your recommendation of the FabFilter plug-in's.

Best,
Alexa

Agreed. Tough to choose one ring to rule them all. Used Ozone for a good while, but have lately been using a combination of things from UAD and Fabfilter. Between the two of them I feel like I can get where I want to go for the most part. That said, I do plan on taking a look at some things from Flux and as well the Elysia Alpha plug.

[aTelecine-Lex]

Originally Posted by Liam Judah

Agreed. Tough to choose one ring to rule them all. Used Ozone for a good while, but have lately been using a combination of things from UAD and Fabfilter. Between the two of them I feel like I can get where I want to go for the most part. That said, I do plan on taking a look at some things from Flux and as well the Elysia Alpha plug.

Hey Liam - You should deff try out re Flux plug-in's - They really do some uniquely incredible things. They are pretty overwhelming to look at; as there is is a lot to take in. Sometimes it just the "right" when you are stuck.

The FabFilter plug-in's just do everything they are supposed - And do it very well (IMO)

I hope you try the Alpha Compressor, it's quite lovely and useful.

Best,
Alexa

[jrod9900]

Nobody has said Massey Mastering Limiter...

*Disclaimer* I do not master. I'll throw the Massey and Slate stuff on along with UAD Massive Passive to see how things will sound just to check.

I do absolutely use the MP on my 2 buss a lot. That thing sounds great for not having the hardware.

JROD

[mmarra]

When I do go digital I tend to use some of the following as they are my favorite plugins:

EQ: PLParEQ, SPL PassEQ, Nebula EQs, Variety of Sound Baxtor EQ
Comp: Elysia Alpha, Waves API 2500, Magix Ammunition
Limiter: Fabfilter Pro-L, Sonnox Limiter
Tape emulators: Nebula

I know not a top 5 list but just a few that I would consider using in a digital session

[Wahnsinn]

What you guys think about Voxengo Plugins?

[Babaluma]

Originally Posted by Wahnsinn

What you guys think about Voxengo Plugins?

They are great. I use Elephant, MSED, SPAN and R8BrainPro Full all the time. Less regularly the freeware EQs and Tube Amp.

[David Ray]

Originally Posted by Wahnsinn

What you guys think about Voxengo Plugins?

Gliss is boss

[PRAJNAIMMOVABLE]

have only been mastering less than 3 yrs. i only use 'pyramix, mastering pak' and waves updated grandmasters collection version 9.0 yup its finally 64bit. digital will only get better as the machines used to run the software. the more memory and 'a power user computer' will give you better results than any dedicated piece of hardware. your's truly , 'a power user'

[smoke]

Originally Posted by Wahnsinn

What you guys think about Voxengo Plugins?

Underrated. The plugins I have used have never disappointed.

BTW the UAD 4K (or SSL depending...) is fantastic on the master buss of a mix with very little fast GR from the kick. Set ratio dependant on the density of your song to taste, and leave the release to auto. It's become a little dirty quick trick that simply does not fail for enhancing very slightly the dynamic behind the kick before level returns to nominal. Very subtle.

[dotl]

Sonoris Mastering EQ & Mastering Comp
Cytomic The Glue
Slate Digital FG-X
FabFilter Pro-L
Sonnox Restore Suite

[NARMAR]

Cytomic - The Glue
Sonoris - Mastering Comp
Voxengo - Elephant
DDMF - LP10
Waves LinMB

I have a feeling something UAD should be there but I have not had the luxury to experience any of those plugs...

[michaellpenman]

Originally Posted by aTelecine-Lex

To each their own of course...

But, whilst I do find great utility and usefulness in the Sonnox - I wouldn't say flatly that it "Beats" all the above.

If I had to pick from that list I would choose Flux -

But, in reality I do not ever use only plugs from one bundle in my workflow, so it would be a tough choice if I had to choose only one set of "Mastering" plug-in's -

Although, if I was compelled to I would probably go with your recommendation of the FabFilter plug-in's.

Best,
Alexa

yeah i agree all down to taste i guess in essence there is no right or wrong. Its the final product in the end.

But my top 5 would mostly be from the UA plug ins

1: manley passive. ( Love this, when i do analog masters i use the really thing, and there pretty close ish)
2: Precision Maximizer Plug-In
3:Cambridge EQ Plug-In
4:Harrison 32C
5: ozone

[Albertagada]

Ozone 5 !!!

[uglijimus]

Originally Posted by Wahnsinn

What you guys think about Voxengo Plugins?

of the ones I tried, fantastic and reliable. Especially the MSED. I use it often.

[Alécio Costa]

1 PSP XENON
2 PSP NEON HR
3 PSP MASTER Q
4 PSP VINTAGE WARMER II ( rarely usit e for mastering but is pretty fine)
5 TC ELECTRONIC MD3 SUITE
6 OZONE
7 WAVES LL ULTRA ( rarely use but ok)
8 WAVES PAZ
9 AVID PHASE SCOPE

[teebaum]

i like:

voxengo gliss
voxengo varisaturator
voxengo soniformer (only for audio-emergency, carefully used)
voxengo elephant
voxengo msed (free)
voxengo span (free)
brainworks bx digital & bx xl (only the "xl", not the limiter)
dmg equality
fabfilter pro-l & pro-q
refined audiometrics PLPar

i try at the moment the hofa iq-eq, works quiet good on difficult material