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Analog-Inspired Mixing Tools for Modern Studios

  • Writer: Tapetown
    Tapetown
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

Engineer at a soundboard, two people sitting in a studio, one with crossed arms. Black-and-white, recording session mood.

Your mix is solid, but it’s missing the punchy, warm vibe of a 70s Fleetwood Mac record. Analog-inspired mixing tools are trending in retro music production, bringing vintage console and outboard gear sounds to your DAW. These plugins can transform your recording studio, adding retro character to songwriting and mixing. Here are 10 analog-inspired mixing tools to give your modern music creation a classic edge, with tips to use them.


1. Slate Digital Virtual Console Collection

  • What It Does: Emulates various analog mixing consoles.

  • Retro Vibe: Adds 70s–80s console warmth like Neve or SSL desks.

  • Tip: Place on every channel for a retro, cohesive mix in your recording studio.

2. Waves Scheps 73

  • What It Does: Models Neve 1073 preamp and EQ.

  • Retro Vibe: Rich, 70s rock warmth for vocals or guitars.

  • Tip: Boost mids on guitars for a retro classic rock bite in music production.

3. UAD API 2500 Bus Compressor

  • What It Does: Emulates API’s 1980s bus compressor.

  • Retro Vibe: Punchy, 80s pop glue for master bus or drums.

  • Tip: Use on your drum bus for a retro funk snap, but needs UAD hardware.

4. Soundtoys Radiator

  • What It Does: Simulates Altec tube mixers from the 1960s.

  • Retro Vibe: Gritty, warm drive like 60s Motown records.

  • Tip: Add to vocals for a retro soul crunch in songwriting.

5. IK Multimedia T-RackS Comprexxor

  • What It Does: Emulates Distressor-style compression with analog vibe.

  • Retro Vibe: Versatile, 80s–90s punch for drums or bass.

  • Tip: Use on bass with fast attack for a retro disco feel in music production.

6. Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E

  • What It Does: Models SSL 4000E console channels.

  • Retro Vibe: Clean, 80s pop punch like Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

  • Tip: Apply to drums for a tight, retro 80s sound in your recording studio.

7. Acustica Audio Sand 3

  • What It Does: Emulates SSL-style EQ and compression.

  • Retro Vibe: Bright, 80s rock and pop console tones.

  • Tip: Boost highs on vocals for a retro pop sheen in mixing.

8. Waves PuigTec EQP-1A

  • What It Does: Models Pultec’s 1950s tube EQ.

  • Retro Vibe: Warm, musical EQ like 60s jazz or soul records.

  • Tip: Use on kick drums with low boost for a retro punch in music production.

9. Softube Console 1

  • What It Does: Hybrid plugin/hardware emulating analog consoles.

  • Retro Vibe: Versatile, 70s–80s console warmth for any track.

  • Tip: Use the SSL mode on your master bus for a retro polished mix.

10. Kush Audio Clariphonic

  • What It Does: Modern EQ inspired by 1970s parallel EQs.

  • Retro Vibe: Airy, 70s high-end like Steely Dan records.

  • Tip: Add to vocals for a retro hi-fi sparkle in your recording studio.



Analog-inspired tools like Slate Virtual Console or Waves Scheps 73 can give your modern music production that warm, retro console vibe, perfect for songwriting and recording studios. Start with subtle settings for natural results. Check our guide on retro reverb and delay for more vintage mixing tricks.


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