If you’re a plugin junkie and you’re proud of your collection, this article headline might make you feel a little provoked… so either continue in bliss or hear me out!
I spent some of yesterday evening installing Pro Tools and plugins on my new computer. While setting up a new laptop and getting ready for another trip is exciting, installing my plugins reminded me that we often focus too much on the tools at our disposal rather than the fundamental concepts.
As an example, how many EQ plugins do you own?
Then… how many do you really need?
I’m sure we could easily justify the purchase and collection of a multitude of plugins, just as we could a large collection of cars, but is having a lot of them doing more harm than good?
When I started out, I used stock plugins A LOT for two main reasons.
1. Budget constraints: I couldn’t afford premium plugins, so I used what came with my DAW
2. Flexibility: It was guaranteed that my sessions wouldn’t be missing any plugins when I opened them up in a new studio or on a different computer
Having a limited selection taught me to focus more on the techniques and concepts themselves rather than marvelling at a shiny GUI!
It also taught me not to use too many plugins in my mixes – simply because I didn’t have a big selection.
Eventually, I splurged on an affordable bundle from a well known plugin supplier that I knew would be found in most studios I’d be working in. From then on in, I’ve always been selective about what plugins I buy and always ask myself if I really need it or do I just want it?
80% of the plugins I’ve bought over the last number of years have been for a specific purpose. 20% have been purchased simply because they look fun. For me, that keeps me happy and keeps my work playful.
Now, don’t get me wrong… I now regularly use premium plugins from Fab Filter, Nugen and Waves (among others), but you’ll also find me using both free plugins and stock plugins in most of my projects.
When I need to stick a compressor on a mix, I don’t have to pick between 10 different 1176 copies. While being spoiled for choice like that is great in one way, I personally feel that too many options are a distraction.
In my opinion, purposefully limiting your selection of plugins promotes greater creative freedom.
So, what about you? Do you prefer having a multitude of options at your disposal or are you a minimalist?
Also… here’s a great action step you can take…
What 20% of your plugins do you use 80% of the time? If you only use those 20%, do you really need the rest?
Leave a comment below and let me know what works best for you!
professional sounding mix every time...
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