Alright… let’s talk about the question we hear constantly: “How many plugins do you use on a vocal chain?”
Because the real answer isn’t a number. It’s a mindset.

In this episode, we zoom out and talk about the categories of vocal processing that actually matter: fixing what’s broken, controlling dynamics, shaping tone, then adding space and vibe. We walk through how we think about order of operations (clip gain ➝ corrective EQ ➝ compression ➝ enhancement ➝ effects), why multiple “small” moves often beat one aggressive plugin, and how to stop chasing a “radio vocal” by stacking random inserts.

Also, we may or may not compare vocals to… turds. (You’ll understand.)

• Why plugin count is misleading (and what to focus on instead)

• The “Fix ➝ Control ➝ Enhance ➝ Effects” framework for vocals

• Why corrective EQ before compression often makes mixing easier

• How we think about two-stage compression (peaks vs leveling)

• When a second de-esser makes sense (and why it’s not “wrong”)

• How EQ placement changes everything once a vocal is controlled

• WhatsApp vs Signal vs Marco Polo… and “your everyday podcast friend”

• The “make all your turds a similar size” clip gain philosophy

• Steve’s Pro Tools insert situation (in the year of our Lord 2026)

• “Salt is awesome… until it’s too much” (aka over-processing)

Stop asking, “How many plugins do I need?”
Start asking, “What am I trying to achieve right now?”
Fix what’s distracting, control what’s unstable, enhance what’s worth highlighting, then add space that serves the song.

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