From the studio

Plugin Reviews

The plugins that find a place in my tracks, what I use them for, and what to listen out for in your own mix.

These are reviews of third-party plug-ins, not products included with Mix Lock. These reviews are not sponsored, and Mix Lock has no affiliation with the makers or sellers and receives no affiliate commission. Each review links to the official seller. Buy reviewed plug-ins separately; Mix Lock and its demo provide their own mixing guidance.

Synths · Paul Smith

Korg Polysix: the mid-bass layer I keep coming back to

A little warmth, a touch of delay and a place further back in the mix. Why I like the Polysix for a rolling trance mid-bass.

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EQ · Paul Smith

Mäag EQ4: why I love it for that last bit of air

Small moves on leads and plucks, and that final touch on the master. How I use the Mäag EQ4 as a colour EQ, with eight illustrated examples.

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Compression · Paul Smith

SSL Bus Compressor 2: the colour that makes a mix feel connected

Why I love the SSL bus compressor’s colour and cohesion, with its console history and six illustrated settings for trance masters and groups.

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