You Don’t Need Third-Party Plugins to Mix Like a Pro

Watch on Youtube. 

You don’t need expensive third-party plugins to get pro-sounding mixes. In this video, I walk you through three core principles that will help you create polished, professional mixes using only the stock plugins already included in your DAW.

First, I show you how to build a strong balance with just faders and panning, using my free Logic Pro mixing template as a starting point. Next, I explain how to get the most out of stock processors by applying EQ, compression, and effects only when they’re truly needed. Finally, I demonstrate how reference tracks can guide your mix decisions and give you clarity on levels, tone, and balance.

Along the way, I also break down the hidden downsides of third-party plugins — from crashes and instability to wasted money and endless learning curves. But if you absolutely want to invest in a few essentials, I recommend three industry favorites: FabFilter Pro-Q, Wavesfactory Trackspacer, and Ozone Maximizer.

Whether you’re mixing in Logic Pro, Ableton, or any other DAW, these principles will help you achieve professional results without spending a dime on plugins.

Fabfilter Pro-Q: https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-q-4-equalizer-plug-in 

Wavesfactory Trackspacer: https://www.wavesfactory.com/audio-plugins/trackspacer/ 

Ozone Advanced: https://splice.com/plugins/39137141-ozone-11-advanced-neutron-4-au-by-izotope

Affiliate links

My plugins

Get 20% off Landr Studio, with tons of samples, synths and plugins: https://bit.ly/3UHh5AI

Get detailed feedback on your mixes with Mixcheck Studio: https://mixcheckstudio.roexaudio.com/?via=ae49d1

Let AI mix your songs for you with Roex Automix: https://automix.roexaudio.com/?via=subphotic123

My gear

Dynamic mic - Aston Stealth: https://amzn.to/48hgDAZ

Condensor mic - Røde NT2a: https://amzn.to/3VdFsWX

Audio Interface - Universal Audio Twin Duo: https://amzn.to/3I9cLHN

DAW controller - Presonus Faderport V2: https://amzn.to/4piaSJn

Midi controller - Native Instruments Maschine MK3: https://amzn.to/46fqhS8

Mixbus processor - SSL Fusion: https://amzn.to/42wGEZj

Mixbus compressor - Warm Audio Bus-Comp: https://amzn.to/3K2Eb2r

Camera - Sony ZV-E10 https://amzn.to/4pli47C

All links are affiliates, which means that this channel will get a small commission if you purchase anything using these - at no extra cost for you (and for some of the links, you get a discount).