Ever been nose-deep in a mix, everything's sounding good, you think you're done— but then... MASTERING. You go to master your track and now everything is not sounding nearly as full or punchy as it was in your head. You scratch your head for hours trying to figure out what is going on and nothing seems to help. While a number of things could be the issue... a good mix is always key, here's a way you can enhance your mix in 10 minutes and feel like a boss while doing it. Most professional engineers have an analog rack that they will run their songs through before mastering. I know what you're thinking "but Zach:( I don't have thousands of dollars to buy gear or spend years trying to figure out what sounds good!"... I present to you option B. The SSL plugin subscription. They have so many plugins that are pretty close to the original analog tone for way cheaper. Here's how I utilize it in my mixes everyday. After I export my mix I open a new session this is called my mix bus. I start with the Vertigo VSC-2 at a 2:1 ratio (slowest attack & release) reducing 2-3 db of compression. You can use the SSL bus compressor if you don't have it. Next I throw on the SSL Fusion Transformer, for a crisp sound in the high frequencies. Use the mix knob so you don't overdo it. Sometimes I put the SSL Fusion HF compressor on next if I need to control the drums, it has a really smooth compression on drums and high frequencies. Next the SSL E Channel I turn on HQ and EQ barely if needed. Last I will use the SSL Violet EQ. it has a beautiful analog tone sometimes you can hit the FAT button for some bass texture. I usually roll off 20k a few db to gently smooth everything out. THEN I master. Remember your mix should sound near perfect before you do this. It should not save your mix— it should ENHANCE your mix. Hope this helps you keep crushing it.‼️