Free VST Plugins for Mastering

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

**ATTENTION** A few viewers asked how to install these plugins, since some of them don't have executable installation files. You have to put the "non-installable" VST files directly into the VST folder on your hard drive where all your other VST plugins are located. Usually it's a sub folder to the main Steinberg folder in Program Files. Hope this helps.

[@deathsshadow1975]

I'm a Mac user, and I'm using Pro Tools for mixing. How do I install these?

[@zinkoba]

MakeYourOwnDamnMusic I can get them installed in logic, but I can't find them in pro tools. I put the vst files in the folder with the rest of the vst plugins and they still won't show up in my list. Any suggestions?

[@jaysRiddum]

I tried doing this exactly but still couldn't open the dll files..... I need help or maybe if you have time you can do a tutorial

[@chotosiichah.l9274]

Seriously!What the hell is wrong with amateur producers trying to act so pro and what's you butting into someone's matter, oh yeah only a fucking nerd producer would go to this length. Cheers,Mike

[@chotosiichah.l9274]

And yeah ambient music sucks cuz its so boriiiing and brings death and torture to the listener

[@bob197328465]

Even without getting these plugins yet, I have learned at least where to start and what knobs to start turning and why. I have watched some extremely "dry" speakers on tutorials and I could barely pay attention and understand much. You have done an extreme educational service sir. I have other plugins but get lost easily and now I have a sort of a baseline to go off of, thank you.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Glebber T. Woodstock Hey man, glad to be of assistance. Thanks for watching.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

EXTREMELY helpful video! Many thanks to you and Vlad for these plug-ins. They DO look very intimidating, but using the Presets you've picked and making simple adjustments makes them very easy to use. I wish I saw this before I completed my last album.

[@maxmay.01]

Oh my goodness , man , where were u? It just blew up my mind, it definitely changes my track and now it sounds amazing! Thank u very much and especially those guys who have created that stuff!

[@PunchDrummer]

After a family I finally have time to play with my stuff from the 80's (hardware), but with all the free tools and sounds just a download away, and a new 1TB SSD, I've been having a blast with all the new toys. Thanks for this - it makes such a big difference in what I thought was going to sound badly compared the old hardware. This was a good video!! A hint to those with lots of VSTs: you can rename the ".DLL" file to something like "Mastering-SlickEQ.dll", "Mastering-.........dll", and the lists in the DAW will be grouped accordingly. For almost every VST I've downloaded, I've changed the name of the ".dll" so they sort nicely by type, etc. Thanks again!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Thanks for the tip, PD. Welcome back to the world of song, buddy.

[@offtherealm5438]

I've been using this setup for awhile, and I like it. I dubbed the preset "Vlad The Impaler"! The only modifying I've done to my mastering chain is I start it on top with a "de-mudder" EQ, it's just a stock EQ where I trim off the low sub bass, and put alittle notch in 400Hz (mud) and 4500Hz(harshness), and in between the Slick EQ and the Mollot I put a good quality reverb...cause I sort of like a live sound. Not suggesting anyone does this......just sharing what I like.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

That sounds like a pretty solid setup, Tim. Will play around with your configuration the next time I get behind the rig. Thanks for sharing this with everybody.

[@assless_chaps5430]

Thanks for explaining your method for mastering Tim! it's very similar to the approach i take :)

[@zosimepiano5269]

Thank you. I was afraid too by Limiter 6 ! Your advices are very usefull. It would be super cool, if you could adjust volume when bypassing. Perhaps when post-editing the video ? Thank you nethertheless (scuz my english i am french)

[@dissdad8744]

There is a little error in your explaination: 6:55 you recommend that one should lower the volume on the Slick EQ after boosting frequencies. This doesn't make sense, since the autogain funtion is already engaged. The autogain makes sure that the actual output loudness of Slick EQ won't change, even if you boost frequencies. That's why you don't need to lower the output volume.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Great observation, Ike. Never noticed that the EQ had an auto gain feature on it.

[@marcushanlin]

I love using "The Hammer". dont find myself using LimNo6 as much anymore but he has made alot of great free plugins. Great video.

[@ProducedbyAleex]

as a Russian speaker, I love you saying "we don't want to smash the молот"

[@MyTHEminer]

Hey man! nice video! Everything I looked for was in this video! You have a nice calm personality and explain things so everyone can understand them. Thank you, it's very helpful, keep it up!

[@ynsg6299]

so now i can make my songs sound better and wont sound dead it will have life now thnx on the video

[@RasCricketSmallAxe]

Nice, practical video, man = cuts thru a lot of BS that people who don't know much yet don't need to deal with. Good stuff.

[@somps33]

Gene, glad I found this video. I set up my own mastering plugin FX chain preset and named it....."Vlad the Impaler"!! with these 3 FREE plugins. I still love my EZMIX2.....but it won't be found on my master track, but I still use it on individual tracks and submixes....hey, I paid $$$ for it, so I'm very glad to still have use of it. Thank you Sir, Tim

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+somps33 Glad to hear it, Tim.

[@pujionosigalingging8589]

after browsing through so many channels. Yours is by far the best. The explaining thod is so great and detailed even complex stuff is

[@alanrowland6971]

Just found this tutorial Wow! I'm starting to understand mastering thanks to this video. I'm quite the novice when it comes to mastering I've loads of vst's but never really used them so thanks for the insight.

[@sathishkumarr3943]

Blakey Don't stop making soft. I wished I started as early as you. You have a lot of years to learn!

[@TonyWHOA]

Maaaaaaan bro, after watching this I went to your soundcloud. I thought the instrumental you used in this video was the bomb, but the tracks on SC are even better. 5 stars all the way, you are blessed with talent.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Thanks, Tone. Appreciate it.

Thanks for the tip. Luv it. Vlad is very talented and i like the type of track you used to demonstrate because thats the kind of music i produce ;)

[@slooky14]

Just want to say that after mastering a few songs I compared them to an online mastering website and I have to say that they are really close. Thank you again!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Awesome, man! Music to my ears.

[@offtherealm5438]

A couple of years ago, this tutorial helped my mixes a lot. ;-) Now, my go to mastering plugin is EZMIXII by Toontrack...since there are complex routing behind the scenes I don't know anything about. I just mastered my new Metal song using EZMIX2 using the Mastering presets, and A/B checked against this "Vlad the Impaler" chain, EZMIX2 clearly sounded better to me (subjective I know). I don't speak of Mastering in the traditional sense, I mean adding polish to my final stereo file, since I only release singles. And no, I don't like adding "final" plugins, or many on my master fader within the multi track DAW project, because for some reason I feel that "active" working plugins on individual tracks seem to interfere with an active working plugin on the master fader. Anyways, that's the way I do it, and I'm no expert....it's just the way it works for me.

[@4iamu]

My man, thanks for reminding me about these plugins. I've tried the Slick EQ before and LOVED IT!!! Unfortunately I forgot to re-install them onto my new system. I never knew he made all of these other wonderful plugins.........What a deal!!!!! Thanks again!!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Glad to help, 4iamu. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewletsoalo6661]

I liked how you explained that. with your good sound.I like that Sample song..

[@InXLsisDeo]

Great choice, these VST are also among my go to plugins. TDR and vladg rock. I also highly recommend Tonebooster stuff. Super high quality/price ratio.

[@NMG-Digital]

Great video, thanks for the information! I have not tried these plugins in this order yet, but will now.

[@barry7986]

Excellent piece of information and really thanks to Vlad Gee....GOD bless you both for teaching us how to use these plugins and move ahead with our music projects...

[@obilodotcom]

Great video. Thanks for getting straight to the point, and thanks for making/limiting the choices to just 3 vsts. I usually use limiter No 6, but I might need to throw in the molot. By the way, can you give me your best one or two recommendations for a stereo/widening vst?

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

I don't know of any free ones I could recommend. Sometimes I'll use the one that came with Ozone 7.

[@TheMortybob]

Do you typically put compression, Tape, limiting and/or clipping on your Stereo buss When you are mixing? Or do you add that with these VST plugins? Also would these be compatible if I “colour” my mix with compression, tape emulation and clipping? Should i not LIMIT on the Stereo buss ? Thanks- cool vid

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

No limiting. Color only. Limiting is reserved for mastering after the mix is colored to your taste.

[@MichaelKuwa]

That compressor looks awesome and powerful!! Also I love your channel name its brilliant!!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Thanks for watching, Mike.

[@BWPGuy]

One of the best channels on here..Great stuff Gene. THX!..have enough trouble trying to figure out chords ha...so all this has helped immensely in trying to get a half decent sound for my little plunky guitar vids.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+M Mockler Thanks, MM. Always glad to know I'm having a positive effect on someones sound. Checked out some of your vids. Seems like you've got things pretty tidy, in terms of sound and overall production quality. Nice pipes, too. ;)

[@BWPGuy]

+MakeYourOwnDamnMusic Thx G ...I'm always a "work in progress" -ha!..keep up the good work - its been "binge" day on my end - watching your vids.

[@mahermachhadi7081]

its 2017 and im lucky i found you man. Thank you for your work!

[@twong1992]

Man!!!!!!!! I love your videos and this is another great one please keep up the good work thank you

[@basedtoe1797]

You helped me 9 years ago with this video

[@samverywell]

Used the slick eq and it's an excellent free vst, going to try the other 2. Thanks for bringing them to my attention man

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Hey no problem, Sam. Glad to help.

[@FranciscoAguilarCalvo]

thanks man, really generous info and well explained, you are cool.

[@OFR]

Nice demo, and thanks for the recommendations. Personally, it sounds better and better UNTIL the final limiter is put in. They it sounds flattened (although LOUD) but loses the bump and beat you had going before. Especially for dance, you'd not want it so flattened, it seems.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Yeah, unfortunately it's the constant struggle between retention of dynamics, or loudness. Happy to hear you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@Frontier2000AnoDomin]

Great video Gene. We know the importance of getting that final stage of the track just right, but some of the mastering plugins out there are just so dang expensive. It always kills me buying one, when I think about what I could get VST instrument wise for the same price! Cheers for the vid.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Yep, that's pretty much spot on for me, too.

[@tralent]

This is awesome dude! I've been searching for some good mastering tools and this should do excellent. Thanks!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

You got it, Troy. Thanks for watching.

[@solaryzer]

Thanks for this and your other tutorials on mastering ... will try this out soon .

[@QuicksilverSG]

Thanks man, good demo on practical use of these high-quality plug-ins.

[@darrenlivy]

Thank you so much for this video. These are the best mastering plugins I have tried by far and your tutorial saved me a lot of time.

[@Marlybtopgenna]

I REALLY ENJOYED YOU PRESENTATION IT WAS TO THE POINT AND VERY HELP FULL.

[@NateMchaggis]

ive been using the molot for awhile now on vocals with a sm7b and i love it.

[@Kingmannie]

hey, thanks for the video, i downloaded all vlads stuff, looking to get into the basics, cheers!

[@hardluckois8575]

Very cool man I appreciate your tutorials! They're awesome! That beat is jiggy as hell lol love it. keep doing what you doing man!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+Sean Reed That's fantastic! Glad your seeing some benefit in these videos. Thanks for watching.

[@codebluedjs]

really like your videos, makes it a lot easier for newbies, presented well, thx.

[@omornomusic]

Thanks! this is a huge help. I'm using these on a Windows 2000 box (never plugged into the web) and Cubase SX. That's why I love VST!!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+mike armstrong Hey, Mike. Glad to be of service. I, too, am running an older version of Widows (XP), and NEVER connect to the web with my workstation. It's super stable, and almost never crashes. That's the way to go, imo.

[@stewrichards387]

Hey mate, awesome tutorials and reviews cheers. Was just wondering do or have you used Up Stereo and would it be useful (even if slightly) in this plug in chain?

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Hey Stew, never heard of this plugin before. All I know about stereo plugs in the mastering chain is that u want to keep everything below 300 to 400 hertz in mono.

[@devoncoward9370]

Thanks for the links mate...but i cant find the download button to press? Can u help?

[@Fraeg]

Thank you so much for this! Mastering has been (well still is) a very intimidating area for me, and this really helps.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@jasondavis8093]

Great video man!! Really helped me a lot. Much love brother

[@abdurnaim1606]

one of the best videos on youtube.like and subbed, i love that you explained how to use all 3.thank you sir you are awesome

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Thanks for the compliment. Glad to help.

[@Akrymoni]

I tried downloading the molot and limiter N°6 and it had no setup in the zip file...any idea?

[@RTCLR123]

Pffff, man...you dont know how much you have helped me, not just with this, i saw some other things just watching this that i was not aware of. Thank you so much, i had Molot for some time, i used it in a wrong way... also that trd... wrong, so wrong. :D

[@pierrecharlot2301]

Great tutorial dude... The limiter 6 is just MAGIC! Thanx!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+Jeanpierre Jean-pierre Magic is a good way to put it. Thanks for watching, Jeanpierre.

[@harvesteroftone5473]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks.

[@brianplum6690]

Thanks Gene for taking the time in sharing all this, it's gold dust

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+Brian Plum My pleasure, happy to help. Thanks for watching.

[@brianplum6690]

+Gene Katsuro I tried the Limiter 6 and WOW! what gem, great limiting at maximum level without noticable compression, as a guitarist that rocks for me!!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Glad to hear it, Brian.

[@E.R.U.42]

I like this track man! Can I find it somewhere? Thx

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Not sure I ever released this one.

[@E.R.U.42]

​@@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic you should, sounds great!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Thanks, man. It's a bit up beat and disco-ish for my current lofi project, but I appreciate the kind words. BTW, dig what you've got going on with your music... high quality stuff.

[@E.R.U.42]

@@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic Yes, is a bit disco-ish but gives me a nice feeling and brings up some good memories. Thx man for checking out my stuff!

[@StudyingVStudying]

the only way I could master. im trying to do the same in ozone 6 but i can't get the same results

[@BrentRoos]

Excellent share, thanks a bunch! The difference sounds outstanding! Will be adding these to my toolkit for sure!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Glad to hear it, Brent. Enjoy!

[@Robin_Martin]

Good tips. I love Limited No.6!

[@taeson9015]

Thank you for sharing these tips and plugins! They're definitely going to help me out a lot!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

You're welcome, Taeson.

[@elviscesar8021]

This brother look like a verry honest man and well explain.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

KING STUDIO Thanks for the kind words, King Studio. And, thanks for watching.

[@treshi]

Know all his plugs for a while now, anyway, you can bypass SlickEQ with the bypass button instead it should do that without interrupting the sound. It's just next to the stereo button top right... Cheers

[@strangedays871]

Good stuff. I have these plugins but up to now I hadn't quite figured out how to use the limiter to get the best result. Thanks:)

[@imeddy]

Nice video. Love the Molot. The Molot is already limiting though.

[@codzilla360]

Thank you for sharing those plugins

[@RickyAtoms]

I have Molot and SonEQ definitely quality stuff.

[@Alexwillswissen]

Nice im starting to make so simple soft soft how about you?

[@PopTopRising2013]

Stellar!!! Cheers and thanks from a Minneapolis, MN expat living in Stockholm, Sweden (part time in the Netherlands)!!! = D

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

PopTop Firebird Galactica Rising Talk about being miles away from home! Thanks for watching.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Like me on Facebook - facebook.com/MakeYourOwnDamnMusic

[@ThePOPAJOE]

+MakeYourOwnDamnMusic is the Maserati vx1 effect included?

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Joe, the VX1 is a plug in made by Waves. Maserati's entire bundle can be found here - www.waves.com/bundles/tony-maserati-signature-series

[@manwelskavinski4012]

Dude... Best youtube name. EVER

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Manwel Skavinski Thanks, man.

[@skeetskeet4515]

For fatter sound besides" sausage fattener", what other effects are floating around I should know about?

[@IsmaelAngelus]

That's a very nice groove!

[@FriedrichHabetlerMusic]

9:00 Well sorry is it not actually mid/side not mono/side? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

correct.

[@Shinewee]

Thanks for posting it , video is very help as plugins are amazing,

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

You're welcome, Chanaka. Thanks for watching.

[@DjHustlequeen45]

can i use this plugins for fl studio?

[@DAVIDDAMIENR]

Yep --- I found and use these too --- They're GREAT !!!

[@marin4311]

Very nice tips. Subscribed. Thank you guy.

[@hansvanoutvorst2173]

Thanks! This was a big help!

[@ForcedRejection]

When you say this is the best, does this Include you trying the freeware stuff at Variety of Sound, like the Tape Saturation called Ferric TDS and the others?

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

It's funny you mentioned this. Look at what I made a few weeks ago. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5XaeoyVe9KUpK8

[@customdrumtracksonlinedrum4960]

Great list.. sounds solid. Thanks for making this..

[@hyroglifbeatsjuanorellana6441]

Excellent video.... very helpful...thank you.. this does make a whole lot of difference...

[@kushrecordstv630]

Helpful.thank you so much for sharing

[@Robi10en]

Great tutorial man... As well nice track!

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+Roby Dimitrov “Jean Roberto” Thanks, Roby.

[@nuel368]

Thank you so much!!! It did work and took less than 5 minutes!

[@denisalexisflorentino7060]

Awesome man good looking out. .

[@jasonthomas2252]

So my question is, Do you definitely recommend this plugin????

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Jason Morasch yes

[@jasonthomas2252]

ok, thank you for the response.

[@-_-stalis-_-]

u see that little cog option button on the bottom near the fullscreen button? if u click on that u can chose to slow it down or speed it up. i

[@Conscious01]

Thanks for the downloadable files in your video I believe they would help me alot.. but I'm having a problem locating the vst plugin when I try to load it in to the mixer. Can you tell me step by step where to place the files and how to find it in the plugin picker when adding it to the mixer? Thanks alot.. BTW I subscribed to your channel.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Unfortunately there's no easy answer for this. Much of this has to do with the audio software you're using and how the VST plugins are organized on your computer. This is likely going to require some online research on your part.

[@Conscious01]

OK thank you sir I'll have to look into it..

[@renata.carone]

omg....you came on my screen, I am looking for VST PLUGINS but then , you face just appeared ...errrrr.... in few words ...you are so darn handsome. Congrats. Now let me go back to the boring thing I came here for...what was it? cheers from Brazil.

[@rayshontv7451]

better than a lot of paid plugins i've used

[@andycrump4979]

are these still available thanks for vid I'm a producer this stuff I pure gold for me as still learning thanks :)

[@danecustance2734]

Thanks this was helpful and interesting.

[@tysonification]

Forgive my criticism, but if you really wanted us to hear the fine details in your mastering examples, why did you upload only up to 480p?

[@lukeloseth]

KZbin encodes all audio at 128 kbps, regardless of video quality.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

I upload all videos in 720 HD quality. Try changing the setting on your KZbin player.

[@halseyballistic]

Absolutely incredible

[@MrArtist1971]

Yes, very.

[@braunhausmedia]

It's mid-side not mono-stereo. But thanks for the heads up on these plugs.

[@Beamotheviking]

Braun Haus Media, LLC It's plugins not plugs but thanks for your input jackass.

[@braunhausmedia]

Beamotheviking I'm sorry you're having a bad day.

[@Beamotheviking]

not having a bad day I just thought we where filling the comments section with useless comments.

[@jonnyhyde]

Beamotheviking Bruhhhhhh

[@caspermaster-com]

when gainmatching it sounds good:)

[@1076thestuff]

Question: I just started using these plugins, great stuff btw, and I am pushing my ceiling to about 2-3, but noticed the threshold is blinking red. I just wanted to ask if this is okay, since I'm still picking this up.

[@1076thestuff]

It might also be clipper, I'm not 100% sure because my version looks a little different

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

+Geoff Klein my rule of thumb is if sounds ok then it probably is. Keep in mind that distortion can sometimes add a little color, and vibe to a recording.

[@1076thestuff]

+MakeYourOwnDamnMusic Yea I wasn't too worried, but since the plugin is a little intimidating, I figured I'd make sure. Sounds amazing thanks to watching your video. Do you have any suggestions for a good/free plugin for reverb?

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Geoff Klein I wish I did. I've got the stock reverb that came with Cubase and the Waves IR that was bundled with Waves 8. And to be honest - not all that crazy about either of them. If you find something you like, by all means let me know... I'm always looking out for a great verb plugin.

[@1076thestuff]

+MakeYourOwnDamnMusic I'll let you know for sure, I'm not crazy about the stock reverb either. I found a great bundle pack that has flanger, chorus, and phaser. www.bluecataudio.com/Download/Products/

[@jamesmcsparron]

Are these available for Logic Pro X?