Don't Buy Another Plugin Before Watching This

[@kedavis]

I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve been on this audio journey for decades and found the same thing. I’ll go a step further. Most DAW stock plugins today will do 85-90% of what you need.

[@odmusicman]

Amen

[@Jamusictv]

Very very true. Ableton and Logic have awesome plugins. The two DAWS I use.

[@vonmakeheat]

I swear there is literally no reason to buy a plug-in for reaper .

[@diarrheapool]

yeah i realized when i buy a plugin i'm just paying for a new skin

[@swmtothemoon6660]

I'm a new musician myself. So Ableton, Logic and Reaper are good DAWs to use?

[@Duskybuka]

Barry you are absolutely spot on. Here’s the irony. I heard another KZbinr giving the exact same advice 5 years ago. Did I listen?? Did I heck 😅 I have learned that now for sure!

[@PlugInGuruVideo]

My advice: DOWNLOAD AND TRY THE DEMO. Compulsive tendencies happen over a super sale / cheap price. Trying the demo will cool your wheels and lead to a smarter buying decision.

[@Punk_Mayhem]

Such an amazingly beautiful soul you are sensei! I don’t know, where’s these tears are coming from! Stay well, and stay safe, I’d happily sacrifice my 20 years of life time for you. Godspeed!❤❤❤❤

[@dazeja]

What kills me are consumers on forums complaining about mistakenly double buying plug ins. They then blame the company some how and never stop to think that maybe they are buying way too many plug-ins , if you don’t even remember that you already have one.

[@Plastidon]

I just bought CLA underwear 😂 , Dam he’s a good salesman, and thanks for your content Barry

[@magnuslundberg8628]

Fully do agree. Good songwriting and arrangement will give you 90% of a good song. 6-7 plugins will do the job.

[@MarkSturman]

Let me just say thank you for saying this. Too many people and companies have gotten so far out of hand, it's ridiculous. And thank you for addressing elephants in the room in many of your videos. It's not always easy to publicly say what needs to be said. You're from the heart, honest, and NOT trying to sell something.

[@ремдигга-в7щ]

From Russia with love !

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Absolutely love you Barry. You are speaking so much truth in this video. When I started my journey I initially thought I needed a lot of plugins and of course waves was it until I learned better. I did waste a few dollars but not too much as I quickly noticed the game. I only have a few plugins, none by waves as your stock plugins are better than ANYTHING by them. Thank you for calling out these famous mix engineers as they should be ashamed for prostituting themselves and taking advantage of people's lack of knowledge. I have no respect for them for those that do it. Everything you said in this video is correct. Me personally, my plugin list is a two channel strips from BWX, one two from soft tube and a few from Fabfilter and called it good. Keep up the good work.

[@Punk_Mayhem]

Haven’t even finished watching the video, subscribed at 3.06. This is wisdom, pure untainted integrity there! Sensei, stay well!

[@felipebonacic]

I realized that having your really good recording chain is the key to a song sounding like a record. The problem with plugins is that we record straight to the interface and then we try to emulate a signal chain with plugins in a mix. Spend more time getting better at recording.

[@johannalvarsson9299]

That might be true, but that doesnt help if you have to mix stuff you did not record yourself, which at least in my case is around 95% of what I have to do.

[@followthebeat66]

Cool Video! I threw away my Computer and bought a fourtrack.... Best decision in my life as a (home) recording enthusiast. I got bucks for vacation and stuff now! Can u imagine?!?

[@stevemorgan9626]

So glad I came upon this video. Was thinking about buying another plug-in that intrigued me, but I kept thinking I already have a bunch of great plugins that already cover this. Yes, there was a new angle to it, so I almost pulled the trigger. Your video was exactly what I needed to see. Don’t need that plug-in.

[@danyavilaoficial]

I swear , with the stock plug-in that come with your DAW , Melda Productions Free Pack and a couple of more free plug-ins YOU ARE SET FOR LIFE

[@ChaceBonanno]

They’ll suffice

[@PetrolMediaInc]

100% agree! I do love waves plug-ins but I literally use the same ones on every mix. Mainly to learn them in and out. No need for all the other ones. A few plug-in alliance and one or two izotope plugins. The secret sauce is in learning the product. It’s the same rule in the studio with hardware.

[@fakshen1973]

I'm older. I look for free plug-ins to get that inspirational fix. A new compressor, EQ, reverb is usually moot in capabilities. The only stuff worth it is noise reduction and the like. There's a plug-in called Sooth that takes a lot of harshness out of a track. Stuff like that is worth it. Everything else seems to have a free version.

[@Miss_Pixie]

Spot spot on this! I’m a UAD user but before i buy I try the demo, and I don’t have thousands of plugins. Only have the one necessary! Nice video!

[@edwardx.winston5744]

I am thankful for the work of Paul Third in this respect. His analysis of Waves plugins-and that company’s predilection for releasing new plugins based upon the features and EQ curves from their previous releases-has helped me curb my impulses for acquiring new titles. Your videos offer even more practical advice in this regard. Thank you.

[@DJeMo]

He's a good lad that fella

[@luciiddd]

Lol.. helllooo

[@schoovaertssimon7904]

It's also nice to have plugin clones of stuff we can't affoard, like à Fairchild ou a pulltec...And once you go down that road It's a never ending tunnel.

[@seymourceikemusic6699]

Thanks for this video. As a beginner, the plug in market is incredibly deceptive. I appreciate your insight 😊

[@marcelcouture5373]

So true. Oh gosh been there done that. It’s addictive. I’m just a serious hobbyist using Cubase Pro 12 and did a short experiment. I remixed a song with only stock plugins. Asked several of my friends to listen to it and compare it with the version on which I used Plugin Alliance, Waves, NI plugins, etc. Almost none of them could really hear a difference. That was a trigger for me. From now on, my discretionary $$$ will go to courses and training, or simply to more fun stuff with my significant other. That will have a bigger impact, both for my music and my life in general. Thanks Barry for all you publish on your site.

[@danyavilaoficial]

That’s exactly my MOJO

[@Jamusictv]

Very true. I always get asked about how I get such a deep and punchy sound on my drums. I tell my buddies and the people I teach “ logics overdrive plugin, logics bitcrusher plug-in, and oh I forgot. Logics eqs and compressor. “ lol that’s all you need.

[@RodneyMcMinge]

You are soooooooooooooooo right ! I'm chompin at the bit to get my Chris Lord-Alge , endorsed toilet paper.

[@vc2tb]

I updated my komplete 13 but apart from that I’ve not bought any other.it’s work in progress great video Barry 👍👍

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

Very true, we need to cover that issue a lot more often

[@JAMPROSOUND]

I'm guilty of this at times but not too bad about it. One major thing I changed in my buying process was going to Slate. I was not a Slate fan in the beginning. I am now an All Access sub and also own Trigger 2 and SSD5. Most of my other processing options now rarely get used. I'm not a subscription fan but the value and options I now have are really great. Trying out different configurations is now super easy and I've learned more new tricks now that I am a Slate user. I now use a select few from Waves and combine them with the Slate stuff. My workflow has sped up and my processing templates are more streamlined and productive now.

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

Love the authenticity of the out-takes at 15:20 - ish to end, lol.

[@Professor_Pat]

Thank you Barry for always telling us the hard truth.

[@dallastornadostudios7715]

I hear U. I am one that like the Plug-in's I have and do not need an upgrade .. Love the one's I have and they are still great. Keep trucken Berry.

[@skidogbill]

I agree, wholeheartedly. And don’t forget that many plugs included with DAWs are great, too. I can easily make a great mix with the stuff included with Cubase.

[@zedxxx9]

I decided "I love you" and subscribed... (Great personality, great delivery, insightful commentary and lots of interesting topics in your video list...)

[@pawnotdaw4559]

Good video. I used to stockpile plug ins and be overwhelmed with choice. Now I just use stock plug ins and get on with finishing tracks.

[@fredericmercier]

Thanks for this great one Barry ! one from me and my ophthalmologist... don't rub your eyes at all ; this is the worst thing you can do to them...😊

[@BarryJohns]

😁

[@JedWunderli]

Congrats, man. 20K subscribers is right around the corner.

[@trv503]

Still lovin' on you Barry. I'm still subscribing to Plugin-Alliance and like you said, they actually help you buy the plugins you actually want. I was able to get the SSL essential pack last Xmas and that was a steal. I have the 9099 channel and a few other plugs from P/A that have become valuable in my mixing. I use those along side the native plugins from my 2 DAWs I own. Great advise and great video. Now, I'll update my Nomad stuff and use those on my inputs.......

[@odmusicman]

Spot on Barry. Last month I just shed 9 plugins I don't use anymore . I'm down to my SSL Channel Strip, Ozone 9, some great synths, Addictive Drums/Keys, and some good Guitar VST's and select effects like Blu-cat, built in Studio One, MS20 filter and several others.

[@frallorfrallor3410]

i quit buying plugins 2 years ago instead i buy diffrent daws that got diffrent plugins ableton cubase bitwig have all defult plugins i ever need, love your point in your video.

[@trebleboost7]

Great talk Barry! I find my acquisition motivation for *anything* is inversely proportional to how much I am using what I already have...

[@tanishagilles]

I usually leave videos early, but your bloopers at the end were hilarious 😂

[@adambell4513]

Barry, 100 percent agree. I started down that road and have already come to the conclusion you are talking about. I pretty much use a few Softube, a few Plug-in Alliance along with primarily UAD Spark and that is way more than I need. Oh and I also find myself reaching for the Logic Channel EQ. That said, when you make up your mind to stop buying the next new thing, it becomes easier and easier to resist those emails and ads.

[@alejandrosm8955]

You could make a video about how to turn knobs and I’ll still watch it with joy. Congratulations man love your studio talk…

[@gianni1646]

Hello Barry! Well, at the end if your video I can’t say whether I love or hate you. But you sure knocked Waves Plugins. As for “new” plugins every week, besides Waves I get at least TWO emails a day from Waves, Antares, Softube, Plugin Alliance, Spitfire, Izotope at al. So it’s not just Waves. It’s also funny that all their “special sales” are ending soon - since December last year! One thing I whole heartedly believe in is that your DAW has all you need if you are just getting started. Growing your talent comes first. Then comes adding equipment that can boost your productivity. And I agree that you should shy away from the guys or gals on You Tube who say, “ You wanna be just like me? Then this is what you need.” Today was the first time I came across your channel. I clicked on “About” and all it said was you have “merch” for sale. So what is Barry all about? Cheers and best to you, Gianni ❤

[@51bpm]

Completely agree... beyond the stock daw plugs, I use any about 3 must-have plugs.

[@ehzeeee]

This video should have a double-Like button.

[@TrueFallacy]

This is really sound musical/educational/financial advice, I imagine it really helps a lot of people, thanks Barry

[@demondrive147]

I'm glad you pointed out this issue with selling your name on plugins

[@paulluther721]

I totally agree with you, use what you already have and save your money.

[@superflydigital]

that's why I love Soundtoys

[@audiolego]

Great video. Fortunately I'm using Harrison Mixbus 32Cv9 as my mixing DAW. The eq, compressor, gate is in my channel strip on each track as default. I like the simplicity.

[@bluewavesmastering2284]

Amazing my KZbin feed brought me to you. My stock is Fabfilter, Kush for coloring, Izotope and Plugin Alliance, and I am so happy with that. I do love HOFA IR reverb, but to expensive for me. I was looking forward for softube, but no waves. I will dig you channel sir! thanks for sharing

[@raymondb8596]

Thank you for the video. I have been a business man for most of my life and have decided to get into the music recording environment. I must say that I am thankful that my business experience is keeping me from the desire to buy everything and then to be the master of none! You really hit the nail on the head when you stated that you need to master what you have and then wisely choose your next product. Really it appears to me that this might be one of the many reasons that people in this business get discouraged. There is just sooo much toys in this field to distract you. Don’t get me wrong - some are really good, but as you said, you get what you paid for. You gave good advise!

[@bobbyxsteevbeats]

It’s all a mindset thing… companies will put your mind in a frenzy to make you feel you need what you already have.

[@CaptainMoto]

Took me a while, but I landed where you are on this. It's much easier on the pocket book and my wellbeing, no more acquisition anxiety.

[@atashbeats8055]

This channel is the best. Kudos.

[@mitchdematoff9671]

I agree with you. Your spot on. I am guilty of having way to many plugins. I probably have tried them all out at one time or another ( just to see what it would add to the tracks ) and wound up consistently using about a quarter of what I have. I do have the Plugin Alliance mastering and recording subscription, which I am very happy with , even though there is such a plethoria of processor choices that if taken into consideration while recording and mixing and having to experiment with alternate choices can slow down your work flow. I do use other manufacturers software ( such as Acoustica and Waves ) and after having time to use these plugins, I found the ones that work almost well. I do check out the latest and greatest when advertised, but I have no plans of purchasing any more processing plugins for quite awhile. Thanks for taking the time to create this video.

[@mitchdematoff9671]

Oops...On the "almost" ...I meant "always"

[@dannyday1984]

For the last year I have been moving toward using stock Reaper plug-ins as much as possible. Been doing this since 2007 and got caught up in the Waves game early. Of course, for plug-in instruments I can’t use stock Reaper because Reaper doesn’t have softsynths or guitar amp models. But for mixing tools, I’m trying to stay within Reaper’s vast offering of plug-ins. For free stuff, I use a lot of TAL. I completely agree with you about Fabfilter. I love to use their MB comp because of the user interface and how easy it is to use. Also something we don’t really talk about: I love Fabfilter’s preset management. So easy to go find where your user preset is and to keep it somewhere to use on another computer if you want or need to.

[@EarnestWilliamsMusic]

I definitely agree 👍 💯 on everything Barry said ..

[@daniellegomez9223]

I have stopped buying plug-ins period. Nothing is better than my close friends telling me want is wrong with my mixes and recording. No plug-in is going to fix a thing. I have dropped the Slate program, Waves...etc.. And refused to by another UAD plug-in. Thanks for your content.

[@vatsalismusic]

i never bought plugins impulsively and has this mentality to use whatever I have to the fullest before even looking out for something else and this mindset had helped me a lot in my music journey, also one of my song went on tv and radio which was created on mobile phone using bandlab and fl mobile which also made it really clear to me that its not the gear its the person behind the gear. Now I use reaper and bunch of free plugins (From analog obsessions, tokyo dawn records, native instruments, and more) to make the music, also I have few paid plugins for particular uses but that's pretty much it!

[@eyesonly4451]

This is absolutely true! When I first got into photography, I was overwhelmed with all the different camera types, lenses, filters, raw processors, etc., etc. There is no end to the number of gizmos and gadgets that exits in the photography world--all promising to magically make you into the next _Ansel Adams_ or _Annie Leibovitz._ It wasn't till I purchased a fully manual camera (Mamiya RZ67) and only two fixed lenses that my photography began to improve. I wish I had 5¢ on the dollar for all that other sh!t cluttering my space. So I've decided to do the same with my _"ear photography"_ and UAD plugins. I'm intentionally limiting myself to the Neve 1084 pre, the C-Vox, and the Neve 2254 compressor/limiter. Is this the best stack for every possible use? Obviously not. But it's good enough for my current state of understanding and my ability to hear sound. It has taken me years to _see_ good photography, and I suspect it will take me some time to _hear_ good audio. Having *too many* options is a confusing and time-wasting endeavor.

[@Jake_Bars]

You're so right, Barry!! Great video.

[@audiovideomediaservices9465]

I've purchased very few plugins ($300) most of what i use is 3rd party free. I did pay for waves SSL, PEQ -1, and a couple other. Thanks forvyour advise, it is wise.

[@kennysaunders7259]

This guy is totally correct in what he's saying.

[@LeoGuerreroMusic]

People today have mostly hybrid studios, Hardware/Plugins. I have in collection 1 to 4 plugins of the same type, this plugin needs to be the kind that does things you can't find in a hardware unit. I prefer to buy quality hardware that works for me. In the end, you can get some of your money back or more than what you paid for the unit if you sell it. In case you don't use that much or don't fit in your workflow. With plugins that you don't use, they just take space in your machine so that is throwing your money away. You can work with a hardware for 20 years, not a plug-in because of fast changes in technology. Depending on the type of work that you do produce, mix, or mastering you can invest in useful plugins or quality hardware always having in mind that is an investment and you don't buy stuff for a collection. Use and learn your tools and simplify your workflow.

[@wallygator57190]

Thanks for this realistic analysis, you are 100% right....

[@toobvu]

This is a great editorial Barry, thank you. I've added fewer plugins in recent years, mainly filling a few holes. E.g. I finally bought my first tape simulator - Softube tape - on deep discount. I favor newer plugs like Soothe2 that do not try to emulate legacy hardware. And generally I favor utility over flavor. E.g. FabFilter is my go-to collection when mixing; I insert a few flavor plugins when specifically needed. Taking inventory of one's collection and actively managing is sound advice.

[@sighermike]

I will say, I've seen that Softube tape demo and holy cow, is it better than anything else I've seen out there. But, I will wait for it to go on sale again before I buy it. It is one of the plugins I really do want. I have the Slate one, I have one or two of the Waves ones, but nothing sounds like Softube. I also use their saturation knob on vocals, it just sounds killer. Softube has nailed saturation.

[@junkylo-fi3121]

Lately! I have had more fun with my old 4 track cassette recorder. Limitations lead you to creativity. I have a old Mac laptop strictly for digital transfer so friends can listen on their little Bluetooth speakers.

[@willieelliott352]

This is so true as Barry only gives, how much do we really need and I'm guilty of overloading my plugin catalog with thing I don't need and have yet to use, Thanks Barry I will be using this knowledge going forth..

[@lamayamix4407]

Absolutely true, spend time mastering ur craft

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

I like recording with the Apollo interface and plugins but when it comes to mixing I only use Harrison Mixbus32c with just a few reverb/delay options for fx. The whole session might have 4-5 plugins total.

[@51bpm]

Completely agree... I basically use 2 plugins in addition to the stock plugs in nuendo.

[@Zaccyonline]

It makes more economic sense to buy different DAWs for their stock plugins and soft instruments and treat those as “bundles”. Master two solid DAWs and you’ve got a hell of a digital arsenal at your disposal. Don’t forget to have fun, y’all. ✌️

[@fivebyfivesound]

I agree. In my first year of learning mixing I stuck to all stock plug-ins, then I splurged on a bunch of Waves stuff. I’d say that of the 15 or so PIs I ultimately bought from them, I regularly use 8 of them. Another 2 occasionally for specific scenarios, 3 not at all b/c they’re not worth the CPU load. And two I haven’t even tried! The thing I noticed is that the 8 I use are the ones I bought to upgrade my toolbox: that is, increase the quality of a tool that I already had and understood and used. I think for those of us learning in the box and drawing so much info from online as a substitute for having a dedicated mentor to guide (and warn) us, it seems like getting duped into buying some fancy PIs is part of the learning curve. I’m grateful that I did have a mentor early on who advised me to learn the fundamentals using the basic tools at hand, then only after really understanding how the tools work and can be used, then does it make sense to explore expanding the toolkit with paid PIs. These days I find myself starting with the question “what am I trying to achieve” and working backwards from there to the tool selection, rather than doing the tempting thing of starting with throwing up a PI assuming it will be a solution to an aim I haven’t even taken time to define. This helps me see exactly what’s being put across in this video: We can achieve most of what we need to do in a mix with a relatively short list of well-used tools 🙏🏽

[@barryrussell8115]

As someone who has been a victim to the new shiny things, you are 💯 spot on. Watch out though waves will be trying to cancel you 😂 😂. Great to see someone speak the truth well done.

[@jeanzacharie2460]

You made my day on this video. I need to watch more. Please tell me more on best plugin manufactures other than universal plugins...

[@LocaliLLocano]

I bought the Audeze MM-500 to go with my monitor headphone amp. Game changer. I just use stock plugins and get what I want from there

[@mikeonb4c]

Compulsive plugin buying for a newbie to sound engineering like me reminds me (looking back) of what so many journeys in my youth were about : you may end up realising that where I started from was as good a place to be as any, but you had to make those journeys to learn that. And the journeys were fun and gave many happy memories (and hair tearing moments): they provided a foundation and a sense of what is possible (and not possible) in life. My plugin purchasing addiction is subsiding now but, with only a few exceptions, I've had a lot of fun and got a lot of good results from my purchases. As said by others, presets alone are a handy way of getting interesting results and learning how they can be arrived at. And the pretend game of working vintage / classic hardware is also fun to someone like me who never could afford to be a a real studio when I was in a band in the 1970s. So don't beat yourself up over it you addicts, is what I say. Great video by the way, like your style 👍 P.S. If I had to single out one purchase that killed off using several other plugins, it would be the purchase of a Softube Console 1 - it is not perfect by any means, but the immediacy of it as a mixing device pulls you in and once you're using it as a controller with onscreen pop-up channel strip access, all those other (Plugin Alliance) channels strip plugins rarely get used as its not practical to use other than the Softube architecture as plugins controlled by the Console 1 hardware (it is sort of possible but not very practical). And My budget doesn't run to buying all the extra Softube plugins that work seamlessly with the Console 1 controller.

[@canvoodoo]

I agree I use The Focusrite Red EQ & Comp on most things as well as the Cubase EQ and it's really all I need.

[@leftovercode]

I agree. I dont buy much. Specific tools, for very specific needs. I try to get very good tools and learn them inside out in the first place. Ive started investing more in education now.

[@danyavilaoficial]

I listen my 90s mixes made with Mackie 32-8, 4 alesis XT, 2 lexicons, Alesis quadraverb, 2 Alesis compressors and a BBE maximixer and I flip !! Open, fresh, dimensions and full of harmonics With about 3-4 k might get that old great technology again.

[@BarryJohns]

I remember those days!

[@Bantustudios1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Barry's always save from making impulsive decision. thank you Barry

[@sighermike]

I bought into the whole "I need this plugin and that plugin" thing for a long time. Consequently, I have a ton of plugins and find that there are a select few I use all the time and some I just never touch. I have more freakin' compressors that I know what to do with, but only use a few of them. I do use a lot of Waves plugins because, as you mentioned, they were cheap. I have a number of Slate plugins, and a handful of other companies' plugins. But as others have mentioned, stock plugins will get you most of the way there. I've learned to minimize the amount of plugins I use, and consequently, I don't use the vast majority of what I have.

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

This is great Barry; especially for a Newb, trying to sort through the UA soft/hard product workflow. Thanks so much! Seriously thinking about abandoning DSP and all the front loaded Plug-in expense due to having an M1 Max chip in my workstation.

[@amusik7]

The great point you bring up is not only that you don't need most of these plugins - the challenge becomes the sheer variety and volume of options and its suddenly overwhelming. Then nothing seems to satisfy your needs and you probably end up buying one more plugin..

[@brianbauer3148]

I've built what I have based on what I could get at the time. The only thing that has improved is my understanding. The tools are what they are.

[@SamuelGoldMusic]

I liked the video just for the BTS 😂.. I totally agree with this. It's the deception that you are a better producer/mixer because you have the most plugins

[@hugoriders]

Agree 100%, like Clavia with the new Stage 4, They add a little here and have insanely increased the price. As a keyboard player I own 3 board, they're all awesome, but I really don't need 3 boards today and sometimes I lose so much time having fun cuz my boards are great but in the end I get nowhere. Instead of spending money we all should be more concerning into learning what we already have.

[@phiterphil]

Yeah. The stage 4 is expensive but functionally can put you at an advantage if it’s your first NORD because its 3 boards in one. Having 3 different keyboards can be enough, but also may not be enough depending on what you’re trying to achieve as a producer and sound creator.

[@robomalo]

I literally talked myself out of plug-ins this morning with this exact logic.

[@vidsforsquids]

100% agree with all this. Luckily I learned this lesson early on after spending a fortune on hardware outboard gear.

[@RocknRollkat]

Hi Barry, About that GUI thing, I've been saying this for years. Look at those tape machine GUIs, they look GREAT ! Add a few lines of code to emulate tape distiotion and hiss, and BINGO ! Combine that with the ad hype "....meticulously modeled in software...." Yeah, right. Hiss. There's an accomplishment. And about those ":superstar" engineers................. PLEASE. Most of these guys happened to be handling tape or hanging mics when 'The Who" walked in, they cut a million seller album and now you're some magical mystical knob twiddler that has 'the touch', etc. and you managed to 'parlay' that experience into a career. Bill P.

[@xmullerx]

sorry to say, but waves magma bb tubes is SOLID! i use it in almost every track AND mix buss, best purchase since 2020 (well besides the kirchoff eq) i have been mixing for 25 years and i think this craft is about building your own sound, and whatever can add to your sound palette besides the basic eq, dynamics and time based effects, will give you: character, which is the best thing you can use to create your own signature sound, which is at the end of the day, what the client will choose you for.

[@JeffStrickland]

My "Musician's bundle" with Plugin Alliance is up for renewal next month. I've had that bundle for 2 years. This year they've discontinued it. BUT, PA being the customer-focused company they've proven to be to me--they've grandfather-claused me in and are still offering it to me as long as I wish to renew. I was debating cancelling, but the fact (which you pointed out) that I get that investment back in vouchers from PA, truly makes it a no brainer. I can get my money back in purchases as the year goes on AND I have access to all their existing and new amp sims, soft-synths, etc. Now contrast that to another company that wants me to sign up and pay for their "update plan???" for plugins I've already purchased..🤬 The last plugins I bought (embarassed to have slept on these for so many years), were McDSP. Friggin love them. That analog channel alone, man! I'm done, I'm done! lol

[@sergiosaleh]

plug-in addiction is not good, but it's probably better/cheaper than getting addicted to hardware 😂 Thanks for the awesome video man. I'm gonna do my best to buy less & create more this year.

[@scisnack00]

I agree, but I also think some engineers/producers like some plugins because it increases their work efficiency and flow. Whether my FabFilter Eq sounds the same as the stock, I prefer Fab because its much more comprehensive

[@DuroSamples]

12:43 The cold hard truth since ever... I have a TON of legit plugins, Waves included, and I always, 90% of the time, use my stock plugins in my daw. With the exception of my SSL Channel strip 2 for drums, 1 or 2 from Waves for my master ch. At one point, I was in love with my VCM VST3 Ruper Neve plug ins, now I am just running most of the plugins in my Cubase or Nuendo DAW, which both have a ton of plugins already. I no longer buy Waves, nor do I care for anything else. This is my fav video so far.

[@mikebri5274]

As a user of the Reaper DAW software (and somewhat if a recording noob), the amount of plug-ins that come stock with the software is quite impressive. In addition, there are MANY free plug-ins available for download that almost make buying plugins only for the experienced professional engineer / producer that is recording / producing music for a living.

[@convolutionsounds4431]

FabFilter, Soundtoys, Melodyne, Valhalla, Soothe. I think if there's one subscription I had to choose, I'd go for Slate. Not too much, but it's good stuff, and covers most of your board styles for color plugins. Then sprinkle in just a few (maybe 6?) plugins from Waves, Ozone + RX, a good clipper, and I'm good to go. Autotune is a bonus. It's not a ton, but not restrictive, and with that I can do 99.99% of what I need mix-wise, and I work in a TON of genres.

[@venemushunter25]

So true!!!! I have conditioned my self to delete the emails I get regarding new software

[@MrTupeloFlash]

You speak the truth & I admire your honesty

[@powerdither7309]

I had a uad card when it was sold by Mackie...the original UAD PCI card...and it came with the early LA2A and 1073 as far as I remember...also some early channel strips that are now renamed, and a reflection engine ( CS1)... I think also some guitar amp thingy... When it came time to upgrade to the pcie card...UA..gave a trade in price on the upgrade....and it worked well for me...I upgraded all the LA2A and 1073 bundle very cheaply...I mean very cheap.. So I bought the new hardware....but the plugins were updated very cheaply...and these are the daily plugins I use... All day everyday. For the sake of comment, I use mostly virtual instruments...and so keeping system clear of plugins is really crucial. That's why UA DSP is valuable.....I can run an extra orchestral instrument while still running a limiter and tape SIM without over using the CPU and ram..often I Max out my UAD cards while running large samples I believe that even on the new M1 macs one can hit the max with large sample libraries....so on board DSP gives the option to see how things will actually sound later on down the line. I own quite a few UA plugins...but I use these on almost every session I do ...I have a few dogs like " voice of God "...but mostly I'm carefull of what I buy....I find that the free system resources lets me compose more freely...and check how things will turn out later down the process.. I probably will buy an appolo, just because it will free up resources to run the ridiculous sample libraries composers can choose to use...even on the Mac mini... Thanks for your content...really enjoy it

[@albertrosa9954]

You’re absolutely right !!! I got like 6 SSL plugins , a little over kill.. fell into the trap! Lol