With 12 Grammy nominated album mixing and recording credits, 39 charting number ones mixed and many others recorded, and a host of Billboard top tens in multiple categories, Joe Carrell is one of Nashville's most diversified and sought-after mixing engineers.
We asked Joe about his favorite and most trusted plugins from the Plugin Alliance range of over 200 options, and he didn’t disappoint. From pro-grade workhorse utilities to emulations of some of the most esoteric and beloved analog studio gear, Joe chooses a cross-section of the brands and tools that showcases just how much depth there is across the PA range.
Find out below which are the plugins that work for him day in, day out: the tools he can rely on to deliver whatever is required in every session, whether recording or mixing, to consistently produce awards-worthy, chart-topping results.
10. Brainworx bx_stereomaker
“When needed, this tool is brilliant. Sometimes we receive a piano, keys track, acoustic guitar etc In mono that very much needs to have some stereo spread to work within the mix. In these cases, Stereomaker always saves the day for me.”
9. Kiive Audio XTComp
“I love this piece! Models the hardware very well with an added saturation/warmth option that has a pleasant effect on sibilance. And having the input/output move together is an amazing idea. One of my most used vocal compressors.”
8. Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC
"Part of successful mixing is learning the character of various analog tools and pairing them with instruments where they shine best. The Focusrite EQ is rich, warm, and elegant. So I match that with things like rich pianos, strings, and various orchestral elements that need to sound glamorous."
7. Bettermaker EQ232D
"Everything we love about the classic Pultec sound, but with the tight bottom end of a solid state circuit. My number one choice for stereo buss for several years now."
6. Lindell Audio 69 Series
"This circuit has FLAVOR! If you haven’t yet, just try boosting the mids on an electric guitar with the 69 once and it will find a home in your template instantly."
5. Brainworx bx_clipper
"Options are often great! But when it comes to clippers, I want simple and effective to be option number 1. That’s exactly what bx_clippper does for me. Pull down one knob until I see/hear the reduction amount I’m looking for and I am on to the next thing."
4. Three Body Technology Kirchhoff EQ
"It has the unmatched flexibility of a fully digital modern tool when we want “that thing”. But what sets it apart is the ability to choose curves modeled on classic analog circuits. My number one lead vocal eq choice."
3. Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A
"So good at so many things. I loved the traditional “green” tube version as well, but the Class A took the fidelity to a new place that I find extremely appealing. My number one choice for my drum buss."
2. Brainwox bx_console AMEK 9099
"Another amazing circuit design by the legendary Rupert Neve. A great all around channel strip tool, but don’t try it without checking out the low frequency “glow” and high frequency “shine” eq options."
1. SPL Iron
"It’s hard to overstate how brilliant this tool is. The most versatile variable mu tube compressor out there. Highly musical and amazing. One of my top “go to” choices for groups of vocals and guitars."
Honourable mentions
Looking for more Joe Carrell content? Check out one of his most watched videos on our channel and learn how to mix with Sub Groups:
There are countless ways to mix a song. Some people get great results by mixing bottom-up from individual tracks to final masters and others prefer top-down mixing. Learn more about Joe Carrell's hybrid approach to saturation and compression in subgroups and on the master buss using some of his favorite tools like the SPL IRON, Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, Lindell 50 & 80 Series, Black Box HG-2MS, Big Al, and many more.
If you want to learn more about Joe check out: