6 Plugins (In Order) To Put On Your Master Chain!

6 Plugins (In Order) To Put On Your Master Chain!

Setting up a master chain effectively is crucial for achieving a polished and professional sound. Here’s a typical order of effects and processing you might consider for your master chain:

1. EQ (Equalization)

  • Purpose: Clean up any unwanted frequencies and enhance certain areas of the mix.
  • Tips: Use a high-pass filter to remove low-end rumble (e.g., below 20-30 Hz) and make subtle boosts or cuts to improve clarity and balance.

2. Compression

  • Purpose: Glue the mix together and control dynamics.
  • Settings: Use a low ratio (1.5:1 to 2:1) and aim for light gain reduction (1-3 dB). Adjust attack and release times to preserve transients.

3. Saturation/Exciter

  • Purpose: Add warmth and richness to the mix.
  • Tips: Use a tape or analog-style saturation plugin to introduce harmonics and enhance presence without being overwhelming.

4. Stereo Imaging

  • Purpose: Widen the stereo field without losing mono compatibility.
  • Tips: Use stereo widening plugins carefully, as too much can cause phase issues. Make sure your low-end remains centered.

5. Limiter

  • Purpose: Prevent clipping and boost the overall level of the track.
  • Settings: Set the ceiling to around -0.1 dB to avoid digital clipping. Aim for a few dB of gain reduction during loud sections to maintain loudness while retaining dynamics.

6. Metering Plugins

  • Purpose: Monitor levels, loudness, and dynamic range.
  • Tips: Use LUFS meters to check perceived loudness, and keep an eye on true peak levels to avoid distortion.

Optional Elements

  • De-esser: If sibilance is an issue, you can add a de-esser to tame harshness in the mix.
  • Dynamic EQ: Useful for controlling specific frequencies that may become problematic in louder sections without affecting the overall tonal balance.
  • Reverb: A very subtle touch of reverb can add space but should be used sparingly on the master bus.

General Tips

  • A/B Testing: Regularly bypass the entire chain to compare the processed and unprocessed sounds.
  • Monitor in Context: Listen in various environments (e.g., headphones, car, speakers) to ensure it translates well.

By following this approach, you can create a cohesive and polished master that enhances your mix without introducing unwanted artifacts. If you have specific questions about any of these components, feel free to ask!

By the Stealify Team! 

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