How to Choose The Best Plug-In Processors

With the rapid growth of the the software plug-in market it is often difficult to know exactly what is best for your purposes. So many choices--so little time. We all just want to get to work and make music. I will provide some help in choosing the plug-in packages that may best suit you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

1. In most circumstances the plug-ins will be used at the mixing phase of the production. Depending upon how you wish to process your audio, there are many different options. When purchasing a new DAW, many manufacturers such as ProTools by DigiDesign will include bundled software. Sometimes their offerings may not be sufficient for your needs. It is best to first determine what you will use on a consistent basis.
2. I have been a proponent of the Waves plug-ins. I tend to use them more than any other single manufacturer. Waves offers a variety of bundles to meet practically every criteria. The bundle I use is the TDM Diamond bundle. The TDM bundle is designed to be used exclusively with a ProTools HD system. Though Waves also has plug-ins that meet the RTAS, AU, VST and MAS standards. Waves can accommodate practically every current system.
3. Some of the other plug-ins I use are from SoundToys. They are absolutely superb and quite innovative. EchoBoy is used as my primary delay for every mix. I also enjoy using both Tremolator and FilterFreak for special effects. Very quirky and highly manipulatable processors. SoundToys also has two indispensible plug-ins for manipulating both pitch and time. They are called Pitch Blender and Time Blender.
4. I am also a proponent of the Eventide bundles. The Anthology Collection is an assortment of software plug-ins that emulate the sound and characteristics of their highly revered analog hardware units. The results are quite incredible. I use the Omnipressor when I want to severely compress a lead vocal and hold it in place. I use the H3000 Factory plug-in on practically everything. It is a convincing replica of the renowned H3000 pitch shifter. It contains all the original algorithms of the hardware unit and more.
5. I am in love with the Massenburg Deign Works Hi-Res EQ2. This is the the EQ that is most like an analog EQ in that I can reach for a "knob" and just turn it. It is so incredibly simple to operate, yet so transparent. The high-end is superb.
6. Another great designer of plug-ins is Universal Audio Digital. They have created some of the most euphonic processors imaginable. They utilize a proprietary PCI card that fits into your computer. The card will accommodate your choice of plug-ins available from UAD. They give you the option of selecting the plug-in that is right for you. You may be inclined to purchase more cards for even more processing power. Be aware that these plug-ins are superior in quality, power intensive and will monopolize your processing cards very quickly. They have one plug-in that emulates the original Neve 33609 stereo buss compressor so accurately that it will consume an entire card.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to experiment with all the tools at your disposal. I often use many of the "free" plug-ins included in any standard ProTools system. The Digi EQ3 and Expander/Gate3 are absolutely indispensable. I use them on everything.