5 Free Plugins That Keep My Mixes Sharp (and Why I Still Use Them)

Mix tools I’ve come to trust

As a mixing engineer, I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with plugins, both paid and free. Interestingly, some of my most relied-upon plugins are completely free. Here are 5 essential free plugins that I would genuinely struggle without:

1. GHz Midside Matrix 3 (Goodhertz)

First up is the GHz Midside Matrix 3, the free version of Goodhertz’s exceptional Mid/Side processor. This plugin is my go-to when it comes to fine-tuning the mid and side balance across a mix.

Towards the end of the mix, I run a specific process: on the master bus, I’ll isolate the mid and listen to the track all the way through, then do the same with the sides. I treat each as its own independent mix. This approach lets me hear balance and energy issues more clearly and pinpoint what each “space” of the mix needs.

I insert the plugin on individual tracks and use it to rebalance their mid/side content accordingly. The plugin makes it easy to make those focused adjustments without disrupting the rest of the stereo image.

The paid Goodhertz Mid/Side plugin includes extra parameters like Tilt and Side Pan, which are exceptional tools to have. But even in its free form, this version is a powerful utility that earns its spot in my process every time.

2. Sonalksis FreeG

The Sonalksis FreeG is another seemingly simple, yet vital, plugin—basically a volume control plugin. However, its standout feature is its long and detailed fader, ideal for nuanced automation.

I avoid automating my DAW’s main faders, as that tends to limit flexibility later on. Built-in DAW gain plugins typically feature short, fiddly faders, whereas FreeG provides a generously-sized, highly precise alternative. This detail makes automating levels far easier, helping achieve smoother fades and refined volume adjustments without cluttering my main mixer.

3. TDR Kotelnikov (Tokyo Dawn Labs)

When it comes to drum-bus parallel compression, nothing I’ve tried beats the Kotelnikov compressor by Tokyo Dawn Labs. Its sound is incredibly clean, transparent, and controlled.

Maybe it’s due to its advanced 64-bit multi-rate processing structure, the “Delta” oversampled signal path (which remains bit-transparent at 0 dB gain reduction), or the advanced stereo linking optimised for bus work. I’m not entirely sure what technical detail clinches it, but the end result is undeniably smoother, punchier drums with far fewer artefacts compared to other digital compressors. It’s simply outstanding.

4. Wider (Polyverse Music)

For stereo widening, I frequently reach for Polyverse Music’s Wider plugin. I often use the Haas effect technique manually, but Wider simplifies the process significantly.

One strength of Wider is that it maintains perfect mono compatibility. As you push sounds wider, subtle phase shifts create unique tonal pockets where sounds beautifully settle within the stereo field. It’s almost as if there are sweet spots hidden throughout the widening range, giving your tracks that polished, professional stereo spread without losing mono integrity.

5. Stereo Tool (Flux)

Rounding out my list is Flux Stereo Tool, another invaluable Mid/Side-focused processor. On the surface, it’s a simple tool offering individual volume controls for the left and right channels, effectively similar to precise stereo panning.

However, beyond basic adjustments, Stereo Tool provides detailed visual feedback, including:

• Vector scope

• PPM (Peak Programme) input/output meters

• Phase correlation meter (continuously active)

• Individual polarity reversal for left/right channels

These features are brilliant for helping ensure everything stays precisely where intended in my stereo field.

These five plugins collectively help my mixes every day. They’re proof you don’t always need to spend money to achieve professional-level results in audio production. Each has a crucial place in my mixing toolkit—I’d be genuinely stuck without them!