Pro Plugins VS STOCK Plugins: Vocal Mix

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[@marcelcomello620]

There is no such thing as "Pro" plugins. There are good and bad plugins, in both stock and 3rd party market. The only Pro is between the chair and the keyboard. A good engineer can make a great mix with stock plugins, while a crappy engineer will probably make a somewhat shabby mix with even the most premium plugins. Its the creativity, knowledge, expertise and a good set of ears that wins the prize, not the highest priced plugins. Thanks for proving that in your video

[@unclejohn8520]

You can see "Pro" "Professional" everywhere in this channel.

[@shanehen]

A “pro” gets paid. Simple as that.

[@smash_adams]

I like the stock mix. One additional step I'd make with the vocal is a small bit of band limiting...maybe in parallel? A slight lofi vibe would fit the lyrics and give it a bit of an old tape vibe.

[@LittleRichard1988]

I think the stock plugins version sounded better and cleaner. Isn't the whole purpose of using stuff like EQ and compression to clean up the mix?

[@peterchamplin8767]

It tuned out as I expected. You are able to get both to sound great. But it does take a little more work/time to do it with the stock plugins. Thanks for the great video as always.

[@onbeat.labelsmx]

Wow, great video man!!! Just as a tip, you could use the "Distortion II" Logic stock Plug In which has a very particular tone for voices. However you did such a nice work. CONGRATS

[@cpottervlog8122]

Logic has pretty good stock plugins imo. I don’t have any third party ones. Some stock plugins are better than others though. The stock compressors are really good

[@noahunterberger6230]

If you option+click the send level knob on the channel, it will jump to 0.00db. Great shortcut if you like using full level sends all the time. Great video!

[@lucianojunior2867]

Thanks a lot for this video, it's very important for those who are starting and get an overwhelming amount of indications to buy/get 3rd party plugins. Maybe one next video regarding that matter could be regarding the instruments? Logic's library has improved a lot...

[@RodrigoLana]

Excelente! A decisão manda muito mais que a ferramenta!

[@StageShout]

Nathan the pro plugins are barely brighter in the mix. Overall its pretty much spot on and certainly proves the point that stock plug ins can get you there! Great video. Appreciate everything you do and thank you for the dedication it really helps all of us. Keep it up!

[@FOTMtv9317]

I love the videos bro. You do a great job teaching

[@Alwynwill]

You are right Nathen, there is a stereotype that pro sounds come from only pro plugins. You just simply proved it wrong🔥. Great video 🙌🏻

[@derekmidgley]

The problem with third party plugins is wasting so many hours "learning" them when there are too many already. I sometimes wish there were none and all I had were my DAW's stock plugins.

[@JordanBrennan]

Great video Nathan

[@MrDisrupta]

Phat FX has a decent distortion in it that can get close to decapitator but not quite as good.

[@vewilli]

I often thought it was complete nonsense of me to buy a lot of 3rd party plugins. But as a total beginner I believed the advertisements. I’m sure at least for my work the Logic plugins would be able to do good mixes with. You’re right in what you say. For me it’s true, I don‘t believe I could do my mixes any better with expensive plugins. My ears and my abilities tell me that!

[@onimisilovesonmusic4548]

Music production is the most daunting and interesting profession in the universe. U need to learn a million thing in one profession it can be overwhelming and also rewarding.

[@konstantin3101]

Great video, to me pro plugins sound better and cleaner. But what I see from the video we can work with stock for sure. I think coming up with something really good with just stock plugins require even higher skill thought. Still it’s going to save you a fortune.

[@LegionIO]

Did I miss bus 21 being created on the stock plugin chain? I can't seem to find the section that explains what you created that bus for and what it consists of. Thanks for all these vids by the way bro as always.

[@kiko8u]

I think its got more to do with knowing what you’re doing rather than the type of plugin, either way both sound great and those lyrics are awesome, extremely relevant in the current global political climate. Hope you finish and release it.

[@samrasta]

Nice topic

[@davidvalentine-hagart1017]

Fantastic insight. I still can't get Chromaverb to do what I want. But I'm also a big Baby Audio fan and use Spaced Out, and the amazing and free Valhalla Supermassive

[@stevenotice2918]

I hear a little more warm mid-range and a little more reverb in the "pro" plugins version. Could be just a small difference in the reverb level and reverb eq. I think the difference between the two versions could be narrowed even more with just a couple of tweaks. Maybe with some plugins you're really just paying for the presets?

[@kenkreisel6890]

Can’t tell the difference and it really doesn’t hurt that they have a great voice to begin with.

[@lawinter1949]

The main difference I hear is the delay is not as warm and fuzzy right away. A little more tweaking would have fixed that though

[@zuguluss1]

I could tell the difference. And to me the stock plugins sounds better. And i think for what logic cost the stock plugins should work good with the daw they were made for. In my head i prefer stock plugins for vocals and third party plugins for instruments and mastering.

[@storiesforsuccess3102]

I’d love to see you raise that 500-1k range in eq. (I actually probably did in some video or in the course). Is there any wonky sounds at all? Is it just not worth it to dip in that area? I just can’t fathom you not having anything in that area with your hybrid studio. I mean you have foam in your studio right? For me I definitely notice a little wonky sounds in that area but when I lower it, it really doesn’t make much of a difference and as you say, you’re taking away sound with eq so I’m assuming that’s why you’re not dipping it? No high cut either?

[@jackbarbermusic7138]

Great video…Definitely very slight difference most people couldn’t point out…WHAT!!!…

[@rors4stu]

Maybe my headphones are not top notch (OneOdio A71) but I didn't hear no difference between the stock plugin to the Pro plugin or maybe you mix it so it would sound the same

[@nintembo6476]

Finally a good video

[@4scwallstrilla214]

How do you copy over the plugin?

[@LafemmebearMusic]

Yes you do, it’s really about ease of use and the quality of the algorithm in those plugins. Things stack up so if small incremental changes happen then they all stack up and make for an overall big difference. Also you really can’t make a video like this without explaining the controls and why they differ and functions available. I understand what you were trying to do but I’ve been doing this a long time and it feels like too simplified a look at this topic. I enjoy your videos a lot though and appreciate what you’re trying to do by informing and showing up and coming producers and sound designers they can do this too! Appreciate the message feel like the execution was more a how to mix vocals (which sound great) less a what you set out for.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

I do however want to be clear it’s such a GREAT idea to learn in stock plugins because as you see in this video, he has to work a bit more with the stock plugins to get the sound he wants. To me when I learned this way years ago, it meant when I got my hands on the nice plugins that got me the mix I wanted easier, I actually understand how to use them. I’ve definitely seen folx who started on waves and end up not understanding certain things later because it kind of does a lot of work for you to a decent extent. Learning this way is important.

[@TylerGreenMusic]

The stock plugins sounded great too but I’m going to actually give it to the 3rd party plugins on this one. Specifically I think that decapitator is what does it for me. It has just a bit more of a warm fuzziness to it that I really liked.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yep I think decapitator is one of those plugins I cannot replicate with Stock stuff. One of my faves.

[@lieutenantpepper2734]

apple provides demo tracks made with stock plugins from singers like billies eillish 😊

[@espedale]

The Stock plugins sounded better. A much better glue to the overall mix. The Pro plugins made the vocal sound disconnected, IMO. Thank you for making this comparison video. I would really enjoy an entire series on how to approximate Pro Plugins using only Stock Plugins.

[@gordonmckiernan4725]

The Opto setting in Logic's Compressor is supposed to sound similar to an LA2A; I'm surprised you didn't use it. Any reason why you chose not to use it? Either way, superb use of Logic's stock plugins!! :D

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

You are right - it was definitely habit - I like the color of the VCA so just used that based on what I typically reach for!

[@PainterDans]

LA2A or a clone is great on guitar sims

[@brevenlangley5726]

been fuckin around producing my own music for years and was scared of trying to map plugins and do any of that cuz I already hate computers lol. but now I'm diving into the plugins and it's pretty fun and easy. but I recommend learning how to make your stuff sound okay with what ya got before using plugins.

[@mildwaves]

I think stock plugins doesnt sound different but with pro plugins its a little bit bright and the dynamics are very controlled. I heard this difference

[@milenyum17]

I like the stock plugins more. But if the delay was in stereo, it seemed to me that it would provide better sensation.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

Can I ask how long you’ve been doing this? Just curious?

[@milenyum17]

@@LafemmebearMusic for only 5 years.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

@@milenyum17 cool! Glad to hear it! Definitely maybe get more comfortable with the stock plugins and then start branching out cus what you find as he showed a bit of, is it will take less time to get the sound you want for mixes with a blend of both stock and 3rd party. Yes some plugins are hype vibe but some just aren’t, but it’s a good idea to try to recreate those efx as closely as possible to understand how to better manipulate and design the sound no matter what plugins you use. Happy producing! He has another video that shares a lot about why certain plugins work the way they do, check that video out too.

[@milenyum17]

@@LafemmebearMusic Thank you for your interest. As a beginner, I learned a lot from you and am still learning. (Sorry for my bad english.)

[@cjgoeson]

Strange and wrong to suggest that stock plugins are not pro plugins. Logic Pro is a pro package with pro plugins. Also, phat FX was camel phat before Apple acquired it, and you would have called it pro. Same for Alchemy.

[@skylerfelix7609]

There were pros and cons for both versions. But the end product is pretty much the same. The stock plugins sound just as good as the 3rd party ones.

[@ajamoffatt]

I am listening from my phone speaker, so that surely changes what stands out. - I like the tube tape delay a little better - the pro distortion effects do sound a little more crisp - the ChromaVerb is the only part that sounds noticeably bad. I wonder if there is a way to get a better reverb with the internal plugins?

[@markussdaniels]

yes, space designer actually. chromaverb is pretty bad compared to it, i use space designer and it sounds greatt.

[@mindseye4914]

To be honest if anything i feel the version with the stock plugins sounded better....crisper, punchier, and just overall more impactful. Soooooo yeah... hmmm that could help me save a couple of thousand dollars in not going after these "pro" plugins and just sticking with the stock stuff.

[@Loowi]

Do you purposely mono your reverb bus?

[@fibbintiggins2858]

I think for vocals he does

[@eunicrisambos1514]

What is your app for making beats?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I'm using Logic Pro X

[@ObscurelyTitled]

sounded like stock was cleaner which could be a good thing

[@xelent1121]

It’s true. The general public doesn’t even know what a plug in is.

[@brandanleiter]

I think the endless possibilities for algorithms gives 3rd party plugins the opportunity to offer something different than stock plugins, but, not necessarily better, unless you consider the extra features some 3pp offer. The coloration that some analog emulation plugins try to emulate imo has never some close to matching the bigger, fuller, sound of analog gear in any AB comparison I've ever heard, ever...and I've listened to a shit ton. I mean, be honest w urself, really, why do analog units cost $1000's and plugins are like $49. Hybrid mixing is def the future, but plugins aren't completely replacing analog gear anytime soon. I just don't even think it's possible.

[@elikamin5678]

U have to know what u need some Stock plugins are good

[@rallefreifahrt6630]

Honestly I used some 3rd party plugins even before I ever tried the ones in Logic. I have been an idiot.✌️🙃

[@beatsbyekwatoriano3556]

If we admit that logic pro is a professional DAW. How come its content are not professional. ? Of course paid plugins will only fool you into believing their the magic potion you're missing out when you're just starting out in music production.

[@DavidRavenMoon]

You paid for the DAW. It’s a professional piece of software. Personally I use the stock Logic plugins 95% of the time.

[@englishguy9680]

The classic “All the gear and no idea” If you know what you’re doing with the stock plugins its going to be worth infinitely more than having hundreds invested in paid plugins and no idea how to use them.

[@simplevisuals4877]

mix without the music only vocals

[@heisnanab]

Am I weird to say I liked how the stock plugins sounded even more than the pros?🤔

[@clownworldcitizen3505]

Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference

[@debashishadhikary9030]

Vocals using stock plugins sounded more crispier

[@recordman555]

To be honest, I'm not even going to view this video. To say "pro vs stock" is like saying a "pro" guitar vs an "amateur" guitar. The difference is not so much in the instrument, as it is the one who plays it. As a side-bar, EVERY DAW today comes with a plethora of "stock" plugins {insert snobbery} which, when used correctly, if one cannot achieve . . . whatever, then maybe that person should realistically re-evaluate their knowledge as to the physics of sound, mic techniques, mixing, music theory, instrumentation, and a general aptitude of what SOUNDS GOOD. The best advise regarding software plugins - turn off your computer and read a book. Or two.

[@amaansovannayak]

I really wasn't able to find the difference

[@teevaologoiluavalu2216]

999

[@jellewierda3828]

I think you are wrong on this one. Every time I think: Let's try some stockplugins I feel the stockplugins degrade the sound. Try one of the stocklimiters for instance. Try to limit a fair amount you will hear distortion. EQ sounds harsh. I did some experiments as well. 1 mix with stock plugins and 1 with iZotope plugins. Logic stockplugins sounds flat, harsh and no depth. Compared to the open sound of the iZotope plugins. How would you substitute the beauty of Raum with logic stock plugins? You're awesome at writing and producing but this statement I cannot relate to. And it also depends on the genre. I just produced an Electro album and Logic stockplugins are not capable of giving a good amount of gritt and dirt.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I guess you should tell that to Disclosure who mixed their first hits with Logic Stock plugins 🤷‍♂️

[@bryndayy]

@@NathanJamesLarsen There's a great breakdown video of it. I remember they used the gymnasium setting on the reverb (the other one I think than the one you used).

[@FuzzekeTrailerMusic]

What about the demo project for the Billie Elish song? All the plugins are stock and sound very crisp and clean.

[@jellewierda3828]

​@@FuzzekeTrailerMusicexactly to my ears it sounds not that well...

[@FuzzekeTrailerMusic]

@@jellewierda3828”2 years ago” 😭

[@ZERO-zu2mv]

stop lying

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

LOL. Not sure what exactly I'm lying about ... 🤷‍♂️