Why New Plugins Are A Complete WASTE Of Money

[@FrightboxRecording]

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[@yurikalashnikov2460]

Oh sure, now you tell me.. after my unhinged holiday plugin spree…

[@ThreeBeingOne]

Phew I’m not the only one

[@delphisignal]

That is honestly an annual ritual for me. All the sales and all the new paid upgrades. Irresistible! FOMO!

[@yurikalashnikov2460]

@ I already have a list started for next Black Friday

[@noahbrewer2476]

KEEP PUTTING OUT VIDEOS WE SERIOUSLY NEED YOU BRO

[@LearnCompositionOnline]

I have ew and waves subscriptions , free plugin, logic pro plugins, and this is already a whole universe

[@losmandu]

I used to buy a lot too (ads are tempting) but I heard "If you can't make a better mix with stock plugin, then you are not ready to buy". Changed my perspective.

[@JohnnyPbitch]

but you might as while get them when they are cheap so you have them once you are good

[@groophz]

If you have enough time left, this may work. Yes, to buy plugins is an investment. So you've to understand what really makes the workflow easier to justify the money.

[@SorooshMhs]

The only plugins i look out for these days are creative FX and synths that i’ll use for sound design and production. Or new sample libraries of instruments i won’t be able to record. I’m done buying another EQ or compressor, or amp sim

[@sheshehang]

True- I was never happy with my guitar tone and purchased lots of guitar plugins from different established companies. Tonegorge guilty pleasure was one of my early purchases but still wasn't satisfied. But after digging lot of more expensive plugins, I'm very happy and satisfied with Toneforge Guilty Pleasure. My new guitar cover had never sounded so good in my opinion.

[@abunai.j]

And this is why I've gotten so much out of this channel over the years. A while back I was comp chasing, and after watching a video here about compression and how to use it correctly - as well as a deep-dive into how it all works under the hood, etc - I went back and used the stock plug-in in Reaper, really took my time, learned how to make it do what I want, and it increased my ability tremendously. At this point, I'm a pretty massive proponent of the idea that if you can't accurately describe any shortcomings in detail that a plug-in has, you don't need a new one. You need to work on your skills. At the point where you can identify something wrong in a mix and that a plug-in you've been using can't do the specific thing you're trying to do after exhausting all possibilities, then try looking at techniques other producers use - THEN have a look at some specific plug-ins that might help.

[@leearmitage]

Have to admit I rarely look at new plugins these days I think my mixes sound ok and I use stock plugins a lot

[@Slugcoil]

great video. About a year and a half ago I started focusing on my skills and using mostly stock plugins and my mixes have improved quite a bit. Thanks!

[@FrightboxRecording]

You're a smart man!

[@scottrance2818]

As someone that has been producing and mixing for 25 years I'll say this. This advice is spot on. Now I went to school for it which is like a fast track. But if you can't afford school or have anyone to show you the ropes this advice in this video is invaluable. I've personally have seen top pro mixers use stock plugins on records, usually always the ones in Pro Tools. It's important to experiment with eq's, comps, etc in the beginning and learn how they work. Don't get frustrated by mistakes. It's a great thing in the beginning. That's how you learn what not to do. Grab a pad and pen when you're first starting out, take an eq and sweep through different instruments. Learn where the fundamentals are, learn where the boxiness is etc. write it down on a pad. Pay attention to the tuning because that's going to help. You don't need third party plugins when first starting out. You really are wasting your money. It's like putting lipstick on a pig. Learn how everything works and then branch out to third party plugins. I use Logic mainly but I also have Pro tools as well. The stock plugins are good enough. I use the stock reverb plugins in Logic all the time. I only go after third Party plugins when I'm looking for a specific flavour. This is a great video if you're starting out. Great advice Pay attention. This guy is trying to save you a hassle and money. Great Video

[@charlesrocks]

I use Pro Q 3, parallax, super plate, Decapitator, a Pultec eq plugin, and the rest is outboard channel strips. It took me decades to get to this point and I’m so happy with the sounds I get. 90% of my struggle was technique, 10% was learning the tools. EQ is sooooo important. Great content bro

[@poser_disposer]

I honestly noticed a huge difference buying a moderately expensive amp sim compared to a free or cheap one. The range of tones available just sounded better, even with the same impulse response loaded on them. Am i going to buy a bunch of expensive amp sims now? No, but it was worth investing in at least one time.

[@dj_instruments937]

Problem is people copy catting instead of finding what works for them. Trials and demos save me so much money

[@waynemasters8673]

I use a phototransistor/CDS and LED for compression.

[@theAshesofDecember1]

Well, I wholeheartedly agree because I’ve definitely run into the same thing and fully realize that recording good tracks from the jump will make most mixes very simple, there is something to be said about what certain plug-ins will give you information wise. As in, particularly when starting out, there were some that were very helpful to me because the compressor might show me the actual transient, so I could really see what was happening to the waveform as I was bringing the threshold down or even changes to the envelope itself as my attack and release times increased or decreased. Those aren’t features. I need now that I’ve learned to understand what was occurring and having my ears get use to those things but early on it was definitely helpful

[@jrfoster1980]

These days I only buy new plugins which actually do something new (EG - Vocalign) OR massively save time on my workflow (EG - BSA silencer). The biggest waste of money in my opinion are the fancy looking plugins which do the same as the stock plugins (EG - the new Fab filter Pro Q4).

[@theperiidot]

Fabfilter pro q 4 is a good buy if you don't have soothe

[@thefuse03101]

I agree with this except for saying Q4 is a waste. That plugin by itself can replace a handful of things in itself. One of my best plugin purchases.

[@jrfoster1980]

@@thefuse03101 I should clarify - I think the upgrade from Q3 to Q4 is expensive and there are much more cost effective options out there.

[@occupantvillainyoutbreak]

As someone who suffers from buying new plug ins hoping for different results.. this is appreciated

[@JonnyCrist999]

just get a vpn dog

[@RoyishGoodLooks]

Stellar points Bobby! I find myself using EQ3 7-band and Dyn3 Comp/lim more and more. They're fine. Dyn3 is especially bland, but it can still controls dynamics! You're so right: knowing your tools and what you're hearing is key. Sadly, both take time to learn. This video is a lesson we all probably already knew, but it's importation to hear again. And again. Thanks for the reminder!

[@jriron1]

You can use 2000's default plugins from 2000's DAW"s, and make great stuff, the knowledge it's the key!, but yes.. there are new technologies today in some plugins making your work faster, and WAY better analogic simulations than before, but if you don't have the knowledge to use, it won't help you!.

[@rezanasseri1]

I've just started using the Dead Duck plugins, they're completely free and sound better than some of my paid plugins.

[@RaVirrTheTrader]

Excellent points as always! Been using FL Studio for close to 15 years now, and their stock suite has always been more than enough. The only thing I honestly purchase now are drum midi packs -- this is less about the sound and more about the songwriting, but should illustrate where the money should really go. Everything else is in the box from the get-go. Cheers!

[@MikeRodzGuitar]

GOOD ADVICES BRO THANKS

[@Maplefoxx-vl2ew]

true in a sense , depending on what you are doing. Sound Designers always looking for new weird tools. but for mixing engineers yea. Most of everything is already out there. I found out about this really old plugin company called McDSP and omg their stuff works great. someone i know has been using them for quite a long time he says he will never change. i agree with him after he showed how good they are. that Analog channel they make is magic

[@fromaggio7654]

I bought kontakt 13 a long time ago, still use maschine, guitar rig 5 and Abbey road drums. Everything I’ve ever needed

[@metatron333ascension]

its called FOMO (fear of missing out). an inexperienced mixer, producer will question whether he/she needs the fancy plugin, if it will make his mixes sound better or not. im just exhuasted with plugins because the more plugins you have the more you have to learn how to use. it gets very overwhelming.

[@dj_instruments937]

If I can't demo a plugin, it's an automatic no for me usually. There are a few plugins though that as soon as I insert it you can hear the magic. Finding these plugs is the hard part but I'm rebuilding my plugins list as we speak.

[@drewinman7171]

I actually put one of your 57 IRs on my distorted bass parallel channel. It sounds killer.

[@nilsgutenberg313]

You are so right about plugins! Thanks for your plain Video.

[@StomachEarth]

Great video, great advice as usual and an ad for plugins ran in the middle of it 🤣

[@CarlynnDebi]

Great content, as always! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?

[@bioburden]

Just started watching this after I'm sure many of us have spent far too much money over November & the holidays lol

[@Yanthungbemo]

yeah at this point, I don't feel the need for more plugins. Sound libraries on the other hand... pheeeeew

[@ryde2012]

I was quite impressed with the kraftur plugin. I do agree that many plugins are doing the same job

[@femali]

I purchased slate Trigger recently. Luckily I already understood triggering with my stock plugin, because after endless searching, I still can't figure out how to have it show up in my reaper plugins......

[@dougleydorite]

Good songwriting and arrangements make 10x more difference than good mixing vs decent mixing

[@aiconic10]

Learn how to use EQ and Compression. They are your forever friends. Master these two tools and you will make polished records. Reps, reps, reps and more reps.

[@peptoattack]

I absolutely agree with you on every point. My wallet might be wondering why the hell I've spent so much on plugins, though 😅 But to be fair, I think I'm past your noobie target here.

[@akifakizieleo2364]

Gosh, watching this after I bought UAD 1176 just yesterday LOL

[@theriffdjenerator2213]

Fab filter bundle. Done

[@ItsDrewsif]

Chuckling about you calling waves SSL bus compressor a new plugin with the thumbnail, that thing is at least 15 years old 😂 I know you mean new to the user, but it’s a funny concept

[@toolondaboards]

I’m only buying expansions for Addictive Drums

[@ParanormalArson]

I'll go a step further and say that even free plugins *can* be a waste of time. Nothing wrong with experimenting with different things, but if you have something for a particular job there's not really any reason to have ten different versions of it. I'm now at the point where I need to do a serious inventory of what I have because my plugin folder is a mess. I'm dreading it, but it needs to be done. I'm going to have to identify what types of compressors, EQs, channels, reverbs, etc that I ACTUALLY use, then scrap everything else. If it's not actively being used, it's in the way of work flow.

[@dj_instruments937]

currently doing the same

[@aiconic10]

Turn on Comment Monitoring in your settings. Shuts down the trolls. You're welcome. 👍

[@crock2434]

Id rather plug in to my amps and mic the cabs...... i just cant with the digital stuff...the idea of having every pedal,amp,and cab is awsome . But im just not ready to evolve ....

[@FrightboxRecording]

Usually less is more, so you're not missing out on much!

[@TylerAFE]

Okay. Let’s shift the focus from plugins to microphones. Do you have the same opinion on microphones as you do with plugins? Waste of money(

[@TylerAFE]

What I am asking is: are you one of the sm57 guys who think you should just buy a couple 57s and mix everything up or do you think people should buy more expensive mics to chase the sound?

[@adamwells6079]

There is a lot of gear grift in the music world in general. Most rock music gear is based on technology that was perfected in the late 50s but companies gotta convince people that the new thing is better than the old thing

[@FrightboxRecording]

I agree 100%

[@lastcall9998]

Why do you spell DAW? It just rhymes with RAW.

[@dj_instruments937]

Stock or not...know what the hell you're doing.

[@jabulanimahlangu6863]

true

[@LearnCompositionOnline]

New plugins wont give you a better ear and more patience

[@ronnysrecords]

Heres my new plugin opinion... I'm like watching a shit ton of music videos from Japan... The West is just a dead zone.... new plugins ain't gonna save any of us here....

[@bobbaumeister5243]

des stimmt doch gar ned , was Du sagsch! I nemm des, was mir g'fallt!

[@e.apollis2877]

Just record with great artist and instruments and the song mixed itself 80%

[@JohnC-fx4ue]

Please stop with shitty clickbait titles

[@seanrooney8272]

Why is the title clickbait? The title makes total sense.

[@JonnyCrist999]

sounds like bobby needs to do a eq and comp video explaining this in a video

[@Maxischupp93]

First 😂

[@JonnyCrist999]

ive learned alot from this guy and sitting in this chair

[@JonnyCrist999]

ive got so many irs its crazy

[@JonnyCrist999]

pro q 4 was free

[@whitex4652]

Wrong. Mixing doesn't happen in the first place. The music that is "composed" is bullsh1t. At best. It's marginal if it's not bullsh1t. That's the problem.

[@petealba707]

Such a bold pronouncement from someone with zero content on their channel. It must be really hard to upload videos from that basement.