2 Plugins, 5 Minutes: Louder, Richer Modern Mastering (Chakra + CGII)
In this video I'll show my fast, modern mastering workflow when the mix already sounds solid, but you still need that final step: more density, more loudness, and better translation.
I use a simple 2-plugin chain: Chakra for analog-style saturation and tone shaping (richness, weight, and "expensive" harmonics without getting harsh), then CGII to push the track to competitive loudness while staying clean and controlled.
You'll see:
• How I add saturation and depth without muddying the low end
• How I increase loudness while keeping punch and clarity
• How I check and improve translation on small speakers and Bluetooth systems (where most people actually listen)
If you want a quick "release-ready" master without overcomplicating things, this is the chain.
Plugins used in this video:
Chakra (Styx Audio) — analog-style saturation & tone shaping. Used to add density, harmonics, and that "expensive" feel without killing transients. https://utm.styxaudio.com/ch18
CGII — clean loudness and level control. Pushes the master to competitive loudness while staying punchy and controlled. https://www.makebelievestudio.com/plu...
Portable Mono Speaker Check (Styx Audio) — virtual mono Bluetooth speaker for fast translation checks on small speakers. https://utm.styxaudio.com/pm18
REFERENCE — used to quickly compare balance, density, and overall loudness against commercial releases. https://www.masteringthemix.com/produ...
Monitoring: EVE Audio SC207 studio monitors
Styx Audio plugins:
BodyLift — free forever. Adds density, weight and cohesion to thin sound through a musical low-end lift, tape-style saturation and a gentle limiter. Download here: https://utm.styxaudio.com/bl18
Chakra — 14-day free trial. An analog tone-shaper used by the mix engineers behind Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa and other well-known artists. More on the site. Download here: https://utm.styxaudio.com/ch18
Portable Mono Speaker Check — 14-day free trial. Helps you quickly check balance, midrange, mono compatibility and how well your mix translates on small consumer speakers. Download here: https://utm.styxaudio.com/pm18