Hello, everyone! This is Jooyoung Kim, mixing engineer and music producer.
If you’ve been following along with the previous posts, you already have enough knowledge to start mixing. The rest comes down to practice.
I skipped over automation because it’s something you really need to experiment with hands-on. Whether it’s volume automation or parameter automation, try as many creative approaches as possible!
Starting from Chapter 11, we’ll move into more advanced applications.
Today, let’s talk about enhancing the highs and lows in a mix. This content is based on my book Basics of Mixng.
Shall we dive in?
Enhancing the Highs
Boosting the highs? It’s pretty simple—just use an EQ, right?
But have you ever thought about which EQ, which frequency range, and how you should boost?
The image above shows the frequency response when using Slate Digital’s Fresh Air. It’s a popular tool for adding “airiness” to vocals.
The Maag EQ4, on the other hand, offers a different character.
Each EQ introduces varying amounts of harmonic distortion, which impacts how and when they’re used.
For example, the Air Band on the Maag EQ4 reaches up to 40kHz, a frequency far beyond the human hearing range (20Hz–20kHz).
Why does this matter if we can’t hear it?
Research dating back to 1991 suggested that sounds beyond the audible range can influence brain activity.
1991 Study: High-Frequency Sound Above the Audible Range Affects Brain Electric Activity and Sound Perception.
2014 Study: Frequencies of Inaudible High-Frequency Sounds Differentially Affect Brain Activity: Positive and Negative Hypersonic Effects.
The latter found that frequencies above ~32kHz significantly increased alpha-2 EEG activity (associated with a calm mental state).
Even if your session’s sample rate is 48kHz or 44.1kHz, boosting ultra-high frequencies can indirectly affect the audible range based on the Q-factor.
Of course, you won’t always need to get this scientific about it—experience is the best teacher here!
While boosting highs can create pleasing clarity, it’s important to avoid overdoing it. Excessive use can result in a mix that feels “floaty” and leaves no lasting impact after the song ends. Use it judiciously.
Enhancing the Lows
For the low end, you can use EQ, but there’s another option: the subharmonic synthesizer.
This tool generates ultra-low frequencies by synthesizing them based on an incoming signal. It’s often triggered by kick drum signals to reinforce their sub frequencies.
Personally, I’m not a big fan—it’s challenging to perfectly match the kick’s attack and timing.
Popular plugins include Waves’ Submarine, Brainworx’s Subsynth and Subfilter, and UAD’s Voice of God.
Hardware options like the dbx510 are also available, but if you’re on a budget, the free Bark of Dog plugin by Boz Digital Labs is a fun alternative.
While it’s best to start with well-recorded source material, subharmonic synthesis can be a lifesaver when the source lacks sufficient low-end.
Hi everyone! This is Jooyoung Kim, mixing engineer and music producer.
Black Friday week has finally arrived! To help those of you still deciding what to buy, I’ve compiled a list of recommendations, sorted by category:
Part 1 – Mixing (Compressors, Reverbs, and more by company)
Part 2 – Virtual Instruments (Synths, sample-based libraries, orchestration tools)
Part 3 – Other Plugins (Recommended plugins that don’t fit into the above categories)
I’ve received a lot of support from Plugin Boutique over the years, so plugins available on their platform will link to Plugin Boutique. For others, I’ll provide links to the developers’ websites or other sale platforms.
If you purchase via my links, I’ll receive a small commission, which helps support my work. Your support means the world to me! 😊
This list is quite extensive. If you want to search by company, simply use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to find what you’re looking for. Let’s get started!
1) Universal Audio
Click Image to Purchase UAD Plugins
Universal Audio (UA) is a household name in the audio world. In the past, you needed a Satellite PCI-E card or hardware with DSP chips to use UA plugins. Now, their plugins are available in native formats, making them more accessible.
Waves plugins are studio staples worldwide. While some dismiss them due to their age, affordability, and widespread cracked versions, don’t underestimate the quality of their offerings.
For example, their SSL 4000 compressor emulation is one of my personal favorites.
For more advanced needs, you can opt for Mercury, though its high price makes it hard to recommend unless you’re fully committed.
That said, Waves’ current sale isn’t as steep as others, so if you’re shopping for mix bundles, check out IK Multimedia below!
3) IK Multimedia
Click Image to purchase IK Multimedia Total Studio 4 MAX
IK Multimedia has gone all out with their Total Studio 4 MAX bundle sale this year. At $164.99, this is an unbeatable deal! (Note: This price isn’t available on their official site.)
This bundle is ideal for beginners, covering virtual instruments, mixing, and mastering plugins—all for under $250!
The bundle includes the T-Racks Max 5 v2 version for mixing plugins. While it’s not the latest (T-Racks Max 6), the difference is negligible.
If you’re looking for a great all-in-one bundle, you won’t regret purchasing this!
4) Soundtoys
Click Image to Purchase Soundtoys Plugins
Soundtoys occasionally offers 60% off their bundle, as they are now. In previous Black Friday sales, discounts hovered around 40–50%, so now is the perfect time to grab it!
Arturia’s FX Collection 5 is packed with mixing plugins, and I recently reviewed it in detail. If you want to know what’s included and which classic hardware they’ve emulated, take a look at the post.
However, individual plugins aren’t currently discounted, so I’d recommend this bundle for those with intermediate to advanced mixing knowledge.
7) Brainworx
Click Image to Purchase Brainworx plugins
Brainworx creates some fantastic plugins that I often use in my mixes. Originally exclusive to Plugin Alliance, they’re now also available on Plugin Boutique.
Recommended plugins:
Maag EQ4: Great for boosting high-frequency airiness.
Additionally, iZotope has developed Neoverb, a reverb plugin leveraging technology from Exponential Audio (previously acquired by iZotope). It’s worth exploring!
10) Sonnox
Click Image to Purchase Sonnox Plugins
Sonnox is a renowned plugin developer for mixing, recently offering steep discounts amid market changes.
Recommended plugins:
Claro: Combines EQ and stereo widening in one tool.
SuprEsser: Initially a De-Esser, but versatile for other tasks.
Pro-Codec: Ideal for mastering, allowing playback simulation across codecs.
Though their UI might feel dated, their plugins perform exceptionally well.
11) Goodhertz
Click Image to Purchase Goodhertz Plugins
Goodhertz is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a 37% Black Friday discount!
Recommended plugin:
Good Dither: A reliable dithering plugin for mastering.
12) AudioThing
Click Image to Purchase AudioThing Plugins
AudioThing produces affordable and highly useful plugins.
Softube Essentials Collection: Includes Tape, British Class A (Neve console emulation), Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer (Juno-106 emulation), FET Compressor Mk II (1176 emulation), and Wasted Space (reverb). This bundle is affordably priced at $128.7.
Additionally:
Weiss DS1-MK3: A mastering limiter, although pricey, it’s a highly acclaimed plugin.
16) Cableguys
Click Image to Purchase Cableguys’ Shaperbox 3
Cableguys plugins are excellent for creating groove and movement in your tracks.
Recommended plugins:
ShaperBox 3: Adds creative modulation and rhythm to your mix.
Hello, I’m Jooyoung Kim, an engineer and music producer.
Arturia is currently running their Black Friday sale, and I’ve been provided with licenses for the V Collection X, FX Collection 5, and Synthi V NFR for review purposes by Plugin Boutique and Arturia.
Over the next few posts, I’ll be reviewing these plugins in detail. As always, these reviews are based solely on my own opinions, and I haven’t received any scripts or directives. If you make purchases through the links provided, I’ll receive a small commission.
The V Collection is Arturia’s flagship virtual instrument bundle, featuring a total of 39 instruments. Here’s a breakdown of some key instruments included:
Analog Synthesizers
Virtual Instrument
Real Instrument Replicated
Description
Acid V
Roland TB-303
A bass synthesizer known as a pioneer in rave music.
Mini V 4
Moog Minimoog Model D
Classic monophonic synth famous for its warm bass and lead sounds.
KORG MS-20 V
Korg MS-20
Synth offering intense and aggressive analog sounds.
Jun-6 V
Roland Juno-6 / Juno-60
Popular DCO-based polyphonic synth.
OP-Xa V
Oberheim OB-Xa
Iconic ‘Jump’ synth, a powerful 1980s classic.
Prophet-5 V
Sequential Prophet-5
A legendary polyphonic synth known for its warm, creamy sound.
CS-80 V
Yamaha CS-80
A renowned Japanese synth, ideal for cinematic sounds in film scores.
Synthi V
EMS Synthi AKS
British modular synth with a unique pin-patch matrix.
Jup-8 V
Roland Jupiter-8
Popular 1980s polyphonic synth for pop and synth-pop.
Buchla Easel V
Buchla Music Easel
Modular synth ideal for experimental sound design.
Modular V
Moog Modular System
A massive modular synth that revolutionized electronic music.
Vocoder V
Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus
16-band vocoder famously used by Daft Punk.
Matrix-12 V
Oberheim Matrix-12
Polyphonic synth known for its matrix modulation and filters.
SEM V
Oberheim SEM
A polyphonic module loved by sound designers.
ARP 2600 V
ARP 2600
Semi-modular synth providing versatile effects and sound textures.
Digital synth used in 1980s hits and film soundtracks.
Prophet-VS V
Sequential Prophet VS
A pioneering vector synth.
CMI V
Fairlight CMI
A trailblazer in sampling and additive synthesis.
Keyboards & Organs
Virtual Instrument
Real Instrument Replicated
Description
Mellotron V
Mellotron
Early orchestral keyboard using tape samples.
B-3 V
Hammond B-3
Electronic organ used in jazz, rock, and more.
Farfisa V
Farfisa Compact
Transistor organ featured in 1960s hits.
Solina V
ARP Solina String Ensemble
A blend of string synth and organ sounds.
VOX Continental V
VOX Continental
Transistor organ loved during the ‘British Invasion.’
Clavinet V
Hohner Clavinet
Electric keyboard instrument with a funky tone.
Acoustic & Electric Pianos
Virtual Instrument
Real Instrument Replicated
Description
CP-70 V
Yamaha CP-70
Electro-acoustic piano popular in the 1970s-80s.
Wurli V 3
Wurlitzer 200A
Electric piano favored in funk and rock.
Piano V
Various Piano Models
Includes everything from German grand pianos to modern designs.
Stage-73 V
Fender Rhodes
Legendary electric piano beloved on stage and in studios.
MiniFreak V
MiniFreak V is a virtual instrument based on Arturia’s hardware synthesizer, MiniFreak.
This synthesizer features a straightforward setup with two oscillators, a filter, and built-in effects.
Of course, it comes equipped with essential synthesizer functions like LFOs, macros, and envelopes.
Though it may not be a common tool for songwriting, MiniFreak V also includes a built-in sequencer, allowing for versatile performances using just this one instrument.
Since the original MiniFreak hardware is already a digital emulation, the sound difference between this virtual instrument and its hardware counterpart isn’t particularly dramatic. (There are differences, but they’re minor enough to be compensated for with other effects.)
Personally, I find MiniFreak V excels in producing bass and lead sounds. While it’s versatile enough for various uses, it offers a more modern and refined sound compared to the vintage warmth of something like the Mini Moog.
Acid V
Acid V is a virtual recreation of the iconic Roland TB-303.
The Roland TB-303, released in 1981, was initially designed as a bass synthesizer to replace bass guitars. However, its artificial sound failed to satisfy early users, leading to its discontinuation.
The discontinued model found new life in the hands of the Chicago-based electronic music group Phuture, who repurposed it for a groundbreaking musical direction. Their track “Acid Tracks,” released in 1987, became the cornerstone of the acid genre, eventually sparking the global acid house movement.
In recent years, Behringer has released its own clone, and Roland followed up with the TB-03, a modern take on the original.
Using Acid V is incredibly straightforward:
Select the waveform (saw or square).
Adjust the filter.
Tweak the envelope.
Set the sub-oscillator.
Modify the vibrato.
Control the distortion.
Configure the sequence and pattern.
That’s all there is to it.
This instrument is perfect for creating bass lines with a pattern-focused approach, staying true to the TB-303’s legacy.
With 14 types of distortion available, Acid V is also well-suited for sound design, offering plenty of flexibility for crafting unique tones.
CP-70 V
CP-70 V is a virtual instrument that faithfully recreates Yamaha’s electric piano, the CP-70.
Unlike digital pianos, electric pianos amplify the sound of real acoustic strings through an electrical circuit.
The CP-70 works by striking strings, much like a traditional piano, but it uses piezo pickups (similar to those on acoustic guitars) to amplify the sound. Because of this, it needs regular tuning like an acoustic piano, and it offers a unique tonal character.
In its original form, electric pianos like the CP-70 were typically connected to amplifiers, and effects pedals were often used alongside them. As a result, the sound output was mono.
However, by applying effects like chorus, phaser, flanger, or auto-pan, you can achieve a stereo sound that adds more depth and character to your tracks. Personally, when I use electric pianos, I frequently apply modulation effects or auto-pan to enhance the sound.
Compared to electric pianos like the Fender Rhodes or Wurlitzer, the CP-70 delivers a slightly brighter, more percussive tone. It’s a versatile instrument suitable for various musical styles.
Augmented Series
The word Augment means “to increase.”
As the name and UI suggest, the Augmented series by Arturia is a collection of original virtual instruments that layer multiple sound sources.
If I recall correctly, they previously offered the String instrument for free, and now there are six instruments in the series! The latest additions include Brass, Woodwinds, and Grand Piano.
The UI across these instruments is similar, so I’ll cover them all in one go.
Each instrument features two samplers and two synthesizers, which can be freely assigned to Layers A and B. The synthesizer section offers five synthesis types: Analog, Granular, Harmonic, Simplified, and Wavetable. The sampler section also provides a wide variety of sounds, allowing for rich sound design through layering and synthesis.
These instruments are especially useful when you want the sound of a particular instrument but find that a fully recorded virtual instrument doesn’t quite fit your track.
Even if you’re not deeply versed in synthesis techniques, the straightforward UI lets you craft diverse tones with just a few knob adjustments. It’s a well-designed virtual instrument that caters to both beginners and advanced users.
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