A Step By Step Mixing reader and Audio Issues EQ user just wrote in:

"What five plug-ins would you recommend for someone on a tight budget? I need an EQ, a compressor, reverb, delay, and saturation plug-ins."

If you have a similar question, it's an easy answer.

Just use the stock plug-ins in your DAW. 

For this person in particular, he uses Pro Tools so he can use his stock plug-ins for everything except the EQ because he already has the Audio Issues EQ that translates the frequency spectrum for him while he's EQ'ing.

In your case, if you don't know how to use the standard plug-ins in your DAW, splurging on fancy premium plug-ins will accomplish very little. 

It'll largely be a waste of money.

Will that fancy SSL channel strip have a particular vibe? Sure.

Will the Shadow Hills mastering compressor add some secret sheen you can't really put your finger on? Yes.

But that's the point. You can't put your finger on it because you don't know what it's doing.

That's why, when you're starting out, your best friends are your stock plug-ins. 

Whether you're using Pro Tools, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, or Reaper et al, they all have what you need to make good mixes.

Use my book while you're mixing to understand what they're doing. Then, when you're confident with your abilities, knock yourself out with premium plug-ins if you want.

Chances are, you'll be happy with what you've been using and you'll only get the plug-ins that do something unique and innovative.

(Cough Soothe Cough)...

So don't worry too much about needing mystical plug-ins that make magical mixes. The music should sound good without any plug-ins to begin with.

So stick to the 20% of the production process than generates 80% of the results and focus on making the best music and capturing the greatest performance through the gear you have available.

Only after that do the plug-ins really matter.

Cheers,

Björgvin

P.S.

Of course, the only plug-in I'm contractually obligated to sell you is my Audio Issues EQ plug-in.

NOT because it's necessarily better than other EQs, although some people don't use anything else.

But because it teaches you how to EQ WHILE you're using it. That's the real reason my students love it so much.

So if you want to use EQ to make better mixes, get the Audio Issues EQ plug-in for free with EQ Strategies - Your Ultimate Guide to EQ here.