Ever since I started using this compressor, it's been permanently on my mixing template.

It's so simple that it's impossible to screw it up.

There simply aren't enough controls on the compressor to really do anything other than "make your vocals sound good."

What compressor am I talking about?

The RVox from Waves of course. You may have seen me gush about it inside the Expert Home Vocals course already.

As far as compressors go, it's one of my all-time favorites. You can't beat the simplicity of the one fader control.

You just slap it on the track and then pull down the fader until your vocal starts cutting through the mix and sounding awesome.

It's too bad there's no one-fader EQ though.

I guess the CLA plug-ins come as close as you can:

But, it's unfortunate that these plug-ins don't really teach you anything about mixing.

They do teach you to listen though. I won't take that away from them. You will really have to "use your ears."

But if you want to know what frequencies sound like so that you can use a real EQ, there's no substitute for understanding the frequency spectrum.

These one-fader plug-ins are great shortcuts, but they won't help you understand the numbers.

They won't help you understand when your mix is boomy and needs a little cut in the low-mids.

They won't help you when your mix is harsh and you don't understand why a cut in the highs doesn't smooth things out (pssst...because harshness isn't in the highs...)

The only thing that can help you is understanding your frequencies and knowing what they sound like.

That way you can start EQ'ing like a ninja with whatever EQ plug-in you have handy. And if you want a shortcut to get there, there's no better guide on the entire internet (I stand by that statement), than EQ Strategies - Your Ultimate Guide to EQ.

Here's what Keith just sent me the other week:

"I recently purchased the EQ Strategies stuff and it is *extremely* helpful. I am very very pleased with your approach and personality in general, explaining things in a way that is easy to comprehend but obviously with a whole lot of knowledge. So thank you for that, ever so much. Worth every penny."

If you're looking for a shortcut to make better mixes without worrying about how to EQ your songs, EQ Strategies is your best bet.

Get it here:

www.EQStrategies.net