Having a good processing chain is essential for audio mastering.
While purists and many mastering engineers would likely recommend hardware first, it’s clear that this isn’t within reach for all home studios, nor for all studios, in fact.
Indeed, building a hardware mastering chain can be expensive.
Moreover, it obviously presupposes having perfect acoustics in your (home) studio.
Fortunately, thanks to modern signal processing technologies, many brands have developed excellent audio plugins for mastering that are significantly more accessible.
Plugin Alliance, iZotope, or Waves come to mind, but they are not the only ones: many developers have indeed designed VSTs that allow for mastering a track under the best possible conditions.
Of course, it’s difficult to name them all — but here is a selection of 12 of the best plugins for audio mastering (twelve plugins, in fact, that I use most of the time).
1. iZotope Ozone
Publisher: iZotope
Type: Multi-effect bundle
It’s hard to make a list of mastering plugins without mentioning the famous Ozone plugin from the American brand iZotope.
While it may seem a bit beginner-oriented, particularly due to the all-in-one nature of the software, this is not the case.
Indeed, it can be very easily used by beginners thanks to a well-thought-out user experience (there’s even a simplified version called Ozone Elements), but it remains completely usable for professional use thanks to the robustness of the integrated audio processing algorithms.
In fact, Ozone includes pretty much all types of effects you might need for mastering:
- Equalizer (including ultra-musical Baxandall curves, named after the inventor);
- Compressor;
- Dynamic equalizer;
- Exciter (adding harmonics) with different modes;
- Maximizer to raise the level;
- Various tools, including one for referencing the track against other pieces;
- In the full version, modules for compression, EQ, saturation, and
An excellent plugin, which also has a mode for working in mid/side.
► Click here to learn more about BAX EQ
Suggestions for similar plugins:
- Kush Audio Hammer DSP
- Variety of Sound BaxterEQ (32 bits only)
- Kazrog ValvEQ
3. Brainworx bx_digital V3
Publisher: Plugin Alliance / Brainworx
Type: Equalizer
Another plugin from Plugin Alliance / Brainworx, but it has nothing to do with the previous one.
Bx_digital v3 is the ultimate mastering equalizer: a true reference plugin.
As you can see in the screenshot above, it is quite complex — at least, many settings are available.
In particular, there are 5 equalization bands, some of which allow the choice between shelf filter and bell filter, and the ability to modify the Q factor value. Ideal for correcting any frequency issues for mastering.
For example, since the plugin works in Mid/Side mode, it is completely possible to adjust the equalization of the vocals or snare in the center, without affecting the tone of the overheads on the sides.
All with the true precision and transparency that characterize bx_digital v3!
Also note the possibility, through various additional settings, to better control the stereo image (stereo width controls, Mid/Side panning…).
In short, a very comprehensive mastering EQ.
► Click here to learn more about bx_digital v3
Suggestions for similar plugins:
4. Eventide / Newfangled Audio EQuivocate
Publisher: Eventide / Newfangled Audio
Type: Linear equalizer
As its design might suggest, the EQuivocate equalizer from Newfangled Audio has nothing to do with the EQs we’ve seen earlier.
Indeed, this is a 26-band (!) extremely powerful and particularly musical equalizer — each band being chosen based on specific frequencies for our inner ear.
While there is undoubtedly a bit of marketing around this concept, there are also real scientific concepts on which the official plugin page provides some information.
In any case, the advantage of EQuivocate is that it is a linear phase equalizer: in other words, the 26 filters are advanced FIR filters that do not affect the phase of the recording, which reduces pre-echo.
Perfect, then, for a mastering plugin.
Very easy to handle since a simple mouse gesture allows you to redraw the equalization curve on the fly, EQuivocate also stands out for its ability to adapt its EQ curve to another reference track, saving some time.
► Click here to learn more about Equivocate
Suggestions for similar plugins:
5. Waves API 2500
Editor: Waves
Type: Compressor
Ah, the API 2500! A classic among classics, quite well emulated by the famous plugin editor Waves.
While it can be used in many mixing situations, such as for drum buses, it also proves to be versatile and particularly effective for mastering.
By using, for example, the “Old” compression mode (feedback-type compression) and carefully adjusting the attack and release, it is possible to bring a sonic glue effect to the mix. Or to give punch and snap — which works quite well on rock/metal tracks.
Finally, the Thrust and Knee options are also worth exploring, as they will provide access to other quite interesting compression colors.
A very good mastering compressor, with an interesting coloration! 🙂
► Click here to learn more about the Waves API 2500 (-10% discount with this link and the promo code displayed: http://www.waves.com/r/43trqm)
Suggestions for similar plugins:
- UAD API 2500 (if you have UAD hardware)
- Acustica Acqua Pink2
6. Overloud Comp G
Editor: Overloud
Type: Compressor
Comp G is a high-quality simulation of a particularly famous buss compressor from the SSL brand.
While it is often used on track groups during mixing, it is also regularly employed in a mastering context because it allows adding punch and sonic glue in a way that may not be entirely transparent but is still quite clean.
With Comp G, you can notably reproduce the “magic setting” of the SSL compressor (4:1 ratio) to quickly enhance the cohesion between the different instruments in your mix. If this interests you, I provide more details on this special setting in my complete review of Comp G.
Finally, thanks to the integrated side-chain and the setting for parallel compression, the plugin proves to be practical and easy to use for subtly modifying the attitude of a mix and taking it towards a more “pro” sound.
► Click here to learn more about Comp G
Suggestions for similar plugins:
- Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor (-10% discount with this link and the promo code displayed: http://www.waves.com/r/43trqm)
- Plugin Alliance / Brainworx bx_townhouse
- Cytomic The Glue
- UAD SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor (if you have UAD hardware)
7. Sknote SDC – Stereo Double Compressor
Publisher: Sknote
Type: Compressor
The Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor, are you familiar with it?
A little monster, dedicated to mastering as its name suggests, and which costs, at the time of writing this article, no less than $7795, or approximately 6900 euros.
Fortunately, thanks to the plugin publisher Sknote, it now costs only $30. At least, its digital emulation.
Named Stereo Double Compressor, the plugin contains two compressors that can operate simultaneously:
- a compressor simulating an optical circuit, to smooth the signal (3 models are available, from the most vintage to the most modern);
- a compressor based on a VCA circuit, much faster, used to control peaks and to add punch to the track if needed.
Additionally, three output transformer simulations are selectable, to color the signal more or less subtly: you thus have access to Nickel, Iron, and Steel transformers.
Finally, the ability to work in Mid/side mode proves interesting for compressing the center signal differently from the signal on the sides.
In the end, although it is quite difficult to master due to its complexity, the Stereo Double Compressor from Sknote is a very good mastering compressor that will bring a unique touch to your tracks.
► Click here to learn more about the Stereo Double Compressor
Suggestions for similar plugins:
- UAD Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor (if you have UAD hardware)
- Acustica Acqua Aquamarine3
8. FabFilter Pro-L 2
Publisher: Fabfilter
Type: Limiter
Necessarily, in your audio mastering chain, you will at some point need to raise the level of your mixes to a “pro” level. For this, having a good limiter among your VST plugins is crucial.
Many limiters exist, but few reach the level of Fabfilter’s Pro-L 2.
Indeed, it features no less than 8 high-quality algorithms, each providing a slightly different coloration. This flexibility allows for approaching mastering for any musical style, from the calmest (jazz, classical music…) to the most aggressive (hip hop, rock, metal…)
I won’t elaborate on the features of this plugin as I discuss it in detail in my Pro-L 2 review, but it is important to note that despite its advanced settings, it is also possible to use the plugin in a simplified manner: there is a “simple” mode, and you can also choose to focus on the main settings and achieve good results.
Finally, another positive point to note: FabFilter Pro-L 2 includes a particularly efficient metering module (K-Mode, LUFS…) that will help you easily monitor the level of your masters.
► Click here to learn more about Pro-L 2
Suggestions for similar plugins:
- PSP Xenon
- Voxengo Elephant
- Waves L2 Ultramaximizer (-10% discount with this link and the promo code that appears: http://www.waves.com/r/43trqm)
9. TDR Nova GE
Publisher: Tokyo Dawn Records
Type: Multiband Dynamic Compressor / EQ
There is a free version of this plugin, but the Gentleman’s Edition (GE) offers more flexibility, which is significant in a mastering context.
Nova is not quite an EQ, not quite a compressor. It is a somewhat hybrid plugin that combines many features: classic equalizer, dynamic equalizer, wideband or multiband compressor/expander…
Sure, Nova has quite a few options, but it remains relatively easy to use thanks to an aesthetic and well-thought-out interface.
You probably won’t use it on all your masterings, but it proves particularly effective for correcting some residual resonances or for dynamically controlling a frequency band, that is, depending on its sound level.
Definitely one to keep on hand…
► Click here to learn more about the TDR Nova Gentleman’s Edition
Suggestions for similar plugins:
- Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ (-10% discount with this link and the promo code displayed: http://www.waves.com/r/43trqm)
- FabFilter Pro-MB
10. Softube Tape
Publisher: Softube
Type: Tape Saturation
Digital recordings/mixdowns are often criticized for lacking life, lacking warmth.
Often, this phenomenon can be partially corrected in the mix, but it is sometimes useful to add harmonics and a more analog feel during the mastering phase.
The Tape plugin from Softube is ideal for this, especially when used very subtly. In just a few seconds, the sound becomes warmer, and you can feel the effect of the gentle compression characteristic of magnetic tapes (see the audio examples in my review of the plugin).
Additionally, for more flexibility, Tape offers variable audio coloration by providing three different simulations of tape recorders, each with five possible tape speeds.
Finally, a number of settings, such as the cross-talk option, allow for a somewhat more three-dimensional sound, which is greatly appreciated for mastering.
► Click here to learn more about Tape
Suggestions for similar plugins:
11. Voxengo SPAN
Publisher: Voxengo
Type: Metering
Sure, using your ears is probably much more important during mastering, but I find that having good metering tools is very important. It allows you to monitor levels, compare to other productions, etc.
SPAN by Voxengo, is the little free one on this list of plugins.
An essential VST for mixing, which also meets the needs of mastering.
I think detailed explanations are unnecessary, as the screenshot above is quite telling. However, it is important to note that the audio spectrum display is completely customizable (calculation window size, smoothing…).
Moreover, SPAN provides a number of interesting measurements: K-metering, output level with adjustable ballistics, correlation indicator…
A very good free utility :)!
► Click here to learn more about SPAN
Suggestions for similar plugins:
12. Kazrog masterDither
Publisher: Kazrog
Type: Dithering
This may not be what comes to mind most when talking about audio mastering plugins, but having a good dithering tool is necessary once you need to reduce the bit depth when exporting your tracks (which is likely if you record in 24 bits).
Especially since the algorithms built into the DAWs are not always the most relevant.
The masterDither plugin from Kazrog serves this purpose: it incorporates ultra-modern dithering techniques. The effect is indeed very subtle, but you will easily notice a difference in character between the various algorithms offered.
In fact, in addition to selecting the target bit depth, masterDither allows for the selection of the type of noise and its distribution, for a more or less aggressive effect.
Available at a tiny price, I can only recommend it to you! 🙂
► Click here to learn more about masterDither
In conclusion
With all these tools, you should be able to build a very effective plugin chain for audio mastering!
And you, what are your favorite plugins for mastering? Do you have any suggestions for other readers? Please leave a comment below :)!
