This time I want to talk to you about something fundamental. Knowing your tools inside out.
Having mastery over the gear you own will do three things for you:
- It speeds up your workflow.
When you have go-to plugins you trust for certain instruments or vocal types, your mix sessions move faster. You’re not wasting time A/B’ing a dozen options to see what works. You know what works, and you reach for it with confidence.
- It helps you resist gear lust.
When you know your plugins deeply, you can solve problems quickly and intuitively. That kind of speed builds confidence and makes you less tempted by shiny new tools. If a new plugin doesn’t do something measurably better or faster than your current setup, you won’t feel the need to buy it. And chances are, most won’t.
- It will improve the quality of your mixes.
When you understand how to solve problems with the right tools, you’re less likely to rely on quick fixes that can introduce new issues or degrade the sound. Instead of stacking random plugins or over-processing, you’ll make cleaner, more intentional choices that enhance the overall quality of your mix or master.
So, how can you master your tools?
Start by testing your plugins intentionally. Try them on a variety of instruments and vocal types, and pay attention to how they respond. Read the manual (yes, really) several times over, and watch tutorials that go deeper than the surface.
Keep notes. Write down which tools work best on which sources, and what functions solve what kinds of problems. If you’re using Logic, you can even organise your plugins into custom folders by source type or use case.
Spend just a couple hours a week doing this, and you’ll quickly see improvements! Not only in your mixes, but also in the time it takes you to finish them.
Are you ready to go the minimalist route? Check out how mixing with channel strips only can simplify your sessions and speed up your workflow even further!
Until next time,
Rob
