The EQs, Compressors & Channel Strips That Actually Matter This Year | Best Plugins 2025 Episode I
In this best-of video series, I’m showcasing the most powerful and versatile plugins of the Year. This episode focuses on core mixing tools: EQs, compressors, and channel strips. Plugins designed for precision, workflow, and high-quality sound shaping in mixing and mastering.
There’s no ranking, just quick impressions and practical insights, ending with a final pick that takes a different approach to classic processing.
Featured Plugins:
Kiive Audio - KStrip @kiiveaudio
A modern channel strip designed for fast workflows, combining clean processing with subtle character.
👉 https://www.kiiveaudio.com
Lindell Audio - EQ825 @officiallindellaudio5879
A musical vintage-style EQ inspired by classic hardware, ideal for broad tone shaping.
👉 https://www.plugin-alliance.com
SSL - 4K G Channel Strip @solidstatelogic
A digital recreation of the legendary SSL console sound, focused on speed and familiarity.
👉 https://www.solidstatelogic.com
Relab Development - 176 @RelabDevelopment
A tube-style FET compressor delivering weight, color, and classic dynamics control.
👉 https://relabdevelopment.com
Waves Audio - Curves AQ @waves
An intelligent EQ that uses adaptive curves to speed up tonal balancing and decision-making.
👉 https://www.waves.com
Heritage Audio - BritStrip @heritage_audio
A channel strip inspired by British console design, combining tone, control, and character.
👉 https://heritageaudio.net
Vertigo Sound - VSS-2 @PluginAllianceTV
A high-end channel strip based on discrete analog circuitry for depth and precision.
👉 https://www.plugin-alliance.com
Shadow Hills - OptoMax
A dual-stage compressor combining optical and discrete dynamics for smooth, musical control.
👉 https://www.plugin-alliance.com
Tree DSP - NN76 (Final Pick) @TreeDSP
A neural network–based compressor designed to capture the behavior of a classic 1176-style unit.
👉 https://www.treedsp.com
This is episode one of a multi-part Best-Of Plugins series. Upcoming episodes will cover space effects, character tools, mastering plugins, and unexpected favorites.
Featured categories in this roundup:
Best mixing plugins 2025
Best mastering plugins 2025
New VST plugins 2025
Audio plugin review & recommendations
0:00 - Introduction
0:17 - Kiive KStrip
0:44 - Lindell EQ825
1:19 - Relab 176
1:51 - SSL 4KG
2:30 - Shadow Hills OptoMax
3:09 - Heritage BritStrip
3:45 - Waves Curves AQ
4:14 - Vertigo VSS-2
4:57 - Tree DSP NN76
5:42 - Whats next?
#mixingplugins #masteringplugins #musicproduction #vstplugins #audioplugins