Must-Have Plugins I Use in Every Session for Maximum Productivity

Mixing music can quickly become overwhelming when faced with hundreds of plugins. Many producers spend valuable time scrolling through long lists, searching for the perfect compressor or EQ. Yet, the secret to professional results often lies not in the quantity of tools but in mastering a few reliable ones. This post reveals the three essential plugins that handle most of the heavy lifting in mixing sessions, helping you avoid plugin fatigue and focus on crafting great sound.

Three essential plugins displayed on a mixing console screen

Why Fewer Plugins Lead to Better Mixing

Many producers believe that having a vast collection of plugins guarantees better mixes. The reality is different. Spending time searching for the right plugin interrupts the creative flow and can lead to indecision. The best mixers know their tools deeply and use them consistently.

Using a small set of trusted plugins allows you to:

• Develop a clear workflow

• Understand how each tool shapes your sound

• Achieve consistent, professional results faster

  
  

The three plugins discussed here are not new or flashy. One is even a stock plugin included with many DAWs. Yet, together they cover about 90% of the tasks needed in a typical mixing session.

The Swiss Army Knife: Waves SSL E Channel

The first plugin to know is the Waves SSL E Channel. This plugin acts like an entire mixing console in one. It combines filters, EQ, and dynamics processing with a distinct analog character.

Why It’s Essential

• Versatility: Use it on vocals, drums, guitars, and more.

• Musical Sound: It adds a pleasing analog bite that enhances tracks naturally.

• Familiar Layout: If you learned mixing on an SSL console, this plugin feels intuitive.

  
  

Practical Tips for Using SSL E Channel

• Clean up vocals: Roll up the high-pass filter to around 100-150 Hz to remove low-end mud.

• Remove boxiness: Use the wide Q cut around 400 Hz to clear out unwanted room tone.

• Shape dynamics: Use the built-in compressor and gate to control levels without adding harshness.

  
  

By mastering this plugin, you can quickly improve clarity and presence across many instruments.

The Second Plugin: A Reliable Compressor

While the transcript focuses mainly on the SSL E Channel, the second plugin every producer should know is a simple, transparent compressor. This tool controls dynamics, making tracks sit well in the mix without sounding squashed.

What to Look For

• Ease of use: A compressor with straightforward controls helps you focus on sound, not settings.

• Musical response: It should add punch and smoothness without artifacts.

• Versatility: Use it on vocals, drums, bass, and even the master bus.

  
  

How to Use It Effectively

• Start with gentle compression (2:1 ratio) and adjust the threshold to catch peaks.

• Use attack and release times to shape the envelope of the sound.

• Avoid over-compressing to keep natural dynamics.

  
  

The Third Plugin: A Stock EQ

The final essential plugin is a stock EQ that comes with your DAW. Despite its simplicity, a good stock EQ can handle most tonal shaping tasks.

Why Stock EQs Work

• Low CPU usage: They don’t slow down your system.

• Transparent sound: Many stock EQs are clean and precise.

• Familiar interface: Easy to learn and quick to adjust.

  
  

Tips for Using Stock EQ

• Use high-pass filters to remove unnecessary low frequencies.

• Identify and reduce problematic frequencies with narrow cuts.

• Boost gently to enhance presence or brightness.

  
  

Putting It All Together

Using these three plugins consistently creates a streamlined mixing process:

1. Start with the SSL E Channel to clean and shape the sound.

2. Apply compression to control dynamics and add punch.

3. Use the stock EQ for final tonal adjustments.

   
   

This approach reduces decision fatigue and helps you focus on creativity. Over time, you’ll develop an ear for how these tools interact and improve your mixes.