Every producer’s got their secret sauce. You know, that one chain they throw on the mix bus to make everything sound finished.
Not necessarily mastered, but glued well and it sounds finished.
If you’re bouncing tracks for a client this step is non negotiable. It’s that final step that makes your mix feel professional instead like a demo.
Here’s the plugin chain you can use/experiment with and yes, you can use your own, but if you’re looking for plugin suggestions, here ya go!
Step 1: Cleanup & Tone (T-RackS EQ 73)
Start your mix bus with cleanup. The EQ 73 gives you that Neve-style color while still feeling surgical enough to fix problem spots.
- Tighten up everything below 30 Hz to clear up unneeded rumble
- Check 4–6k see if frequencies kHz if things are harsh
This will free up a little breathing room in the mix, making it good for pushing levels and adding clarity.
Step 2: Glue It Together (T-RackS Bus Compressor)
Nothing says “expensive mix” quite like a bit of gentle bus compression.
- Set a slow attack
- Light/slow release
- 2:1 ratio.
- Aim for 2 to 3 dB of gain reduction max.
This will help tie your drums, melodies, and bass together so it feels like one. Like they belong, instead of separate stems thrown together.
Step 3: Add Warmth & Character (Tape plugin)
A lot of time mixes coming right out of a computer, or in the box sound digital. What this means is very CLEAN and STERILE.
If this is goal, great. If not, then I would suggest using some tape saturation.
Tape saturation adds subtle harmonics, glue and color. Some people get this confused with distortion, not the same.
Step 4: Subtle Depth & Space (Redverb 2 by Schulz Audio)
Reverb on the mix bus is a sin for many, but when dialed in correctly it works. wonders. Load Redverb 2, pick a small room or plate preset, and keep the mix below 15 percent.
That tiny bit of ambience adds dimension without washing everything out. It’s the “I can’t tell what changed, but it sounds better” kind of move.
Step 5: Final Level & Headroom (Limiter of Choice)
And lastly, the limiter. Can’t forget the limiter
Use it to catch peaks and push the overall loudness slightly. Push until until it distorts and then back off until distortion stops. Note where your meters are.
Sometimes, you might be tempted to rely on meters, use both, eyes and ears.
Final Thoughts
The mixing chain isn’t about chasing loudness, but balance.
- Compress for cohesion.
- EQ for clarity.
- Tape for warmth and character.
- Reverb for depth.
- Limiter for finish.
Grab these plugins and start experimenting. If you need some of the plugins mentioned or similar, head over to our store and take advantage of the discounts
