Koen Heldens’ Mixed with MEGA session showcases a full mix created exclusively using Plugin Alliance plugins. Access to professional audio plugins can make or break a mix when producing music. The non-linear peculiarities of analog-modeled plugins, alongside the precision of hyper-surgical digital plugins, make Plugin Alliance’s product catalog unique. Keep reading to learn about Koen Helden’s top 10 Plugin Alliance plugins.
10. ADPTR AUDIO Metric AB
“I always rely on having this plugin on my monitoring bus before diving into a mix. Metric AB simplifies the process of referencing between my rough mix and commercial tracks seamlessly. From detailed spectrum analysis to ensuring competitive loudness levels, this plugin has become an indispensable tool in my workflow.”
9. Unfiltered Audio Bass-Mint
“This plugin serves as my guardian angel for my drums and bass group. It's an incredibly handy tool for infusing both sub and upper harmonics into the low-end, ensuring that my mix translates well across all playback systems, even the most modest ones.”
8. Shadow Hill Mastering Compressor
"There's simply no other compressor in my toolkit that can inject the same level of distinct punch and fullness into drums like the Shadow Hills does. It's no surprise that its analog counterpart commands a staggering $10,000 price tag!"
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7. Brainworx bx_greenscreamer
"808s frequently require a boost from upper harmonic distortion to stand out in the mix and resonate across various playback systems. bx_greenscreamer is my trusted choice for introducing this on a parallel send."
6. Brainworx bx_townhouse Buss Compressor
"Not a single mix of mine is complete without mixing into a reliable buss compressor. The bx_townhouse Buss Compressor serves as the ultimate adhesive for the bus, while also providing radio-sounding punch and tightness to the drums."
5. Purple Audio MC77
"Vocals, vocals, vocals! Yes, this FET compressor excels at refining vocal takes and delivering that upfront, in-your-face lead vocal sound."
4. Bettermaker EQ232D
"As someone who loves parallel compression, I favor using the Bettermaker EQ232D as a serial insert after compression. It adds substantial, warm low-end to kicks and lead vocals, elevating them to the forefront of the mix."
3. Mäag Audio EQ4
"In general, many equalizers tend to sound thin and harsh when boosting the high-end, but not this one. It's always my secret weapon for adding that extra 'air' (duh!) to vocals!"
2. Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E
"Beginning my career in the early 2000s, I honed my skills on an SSL 4000 E console. I'm particularly fond of its low-mid band for adding character to elements, helping them stand out in the mix. And don't get me started on the brown knob (O2 type) EQ—I love using it to give kicks and snares that distinctive 'baseball bat' sound."
1. Three-Body Technology Kirchhoff-EQ
"Let's dive into this EQ, shall we? Firstly, it sits at the pinnacle of my list due to its incredible versatility. Whether I'm sculpting with surgical precision or dynamically taming resonances, this EQ reigns supreme as the Chief of Medicine in my toolkit."
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