In short
- Reverb: Reverbia
- EQ: FabFilter Pro-Q 4
- Compression: Anodyn
- Resonances: oeksound soothe2
- Saturation: Anadrive
- Delay: Soundtoys EchoBoy
- A/B comparison: Diffonic
- Free: TDR Nova
Mixing in 2027: fewer plugins, better chosen
The big trend of 2026 is holding: engineers are trimming their chains. Instead of stacking ten specialized plugins on every track, they look for versatile tools that are quick to set, with musical macros (one knob that changes the character instead of ten parameters). AI is showing up to suggest starting points, but the decision is still made by ear, which is why tools that let you compare honestly, at equal loudness, keep gaining ground.
So this guide follows a simple logic: one function, one excellent tool, and a free alternative to get started.
The 2027 toolkit at a glance
| Function | Our 2027 pick | Alternative | Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverb | Reverbia | Valhalla VintageVerb | Valhalla Supermassive |
| EQ | FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | Stock DAW EQ | TDR Nova |
| Compression | Anodyn | FabFilter Pro-C 3 | TDR Kotelnikov |
| Resonances | oeksound soothe2 | Dynamic EQ | TDR Nova |
| Saturation | Anadrive | Soundtoys Decapitator | Softube Saturation Knob |
| Delay | Soundtoys EchoBoy | Stock DAW delay | Valhalla Freq Echo |
| A/B comparison | Diffonic | ADPTR Metric AB | DAW gain (by hand) |
The 8 best mixing plugins for 2027
1. Reverbia: the reverb that replaces a whole chain
Reverb is where your choice of plugin is the most audible. Reverbia brings together 25 reverbs (ROOM, HALL, PLATE, SPRING, SPACE, each in five variations) and a CHARACTER knob that moves from a natural space to a wide, unreal one. Above all, everything you usually add around a reverb is built in: EQ, drive, sidechain ducking, shimmer, LFO, stereo width. On a vocal bus, one instance does the job of four or five.
Full details in our ranking of the best reverb plugins for 2027.
Reverbia
The all-in-one reverb: 25 reverbs, from realistic rooms to otherworldly spaces.
$79 $158 -50%
VST3 · AU · AAX · Windows & macOS
See Reverbia2. FabFilter Pro-Q 4: the reference EQ
The EQ you'll find in most studios. Dynamic bands, a spectral mode for taming resonances, mid/side and a very readable analyzer. Nothing revolutionary in principle, but a workflow that saves precious time on every track.
3. Anodyn: every compressor color in one plugin
Instead of buying a clean compressor, then a vintage emulation, then a bus compressor, Anodyn combines them: the CHARACTER knob goes from clean to harmonically rich, SMOOTH mode softens the response, the built-in sidechain EQ prevents pumping on the low end, and the stereo link is continuously variable. See also the best compressor plugins for 2027.
4. oeksound soothe2: the resonance cleaner
The tool that changed how harsh vocals and shrill guitars are treated: it detects and reduces resonances in real time. Very effective, but easy to overdo; use it in small doses.
5. Anadrive: saturation that keeps the low end
Five modes (SOFT, TUBE, TAPE, DISTO, FUZZ), a GRAIN control for harmonics and a CONSOLE section. Its edge in a mix: CLEAN BASS, which keeps the bottom clean when you push the saturation, where many saturators turn the low end to mud. Details in the best saturation plugins for 2027.
6. Soundtoys EchoBoy: the delay with character
Dozens of echo styles (tape, analog, digital) and a "Style" control that adds personality instantly. A classic that is still just as relevant in 2027.
7. Diffonic: the referee for all your decisions
The classic mixing trap: louder sounds better. Diffonic automatically matches the LUFS level of two signals and offers a 6-step blind test. Before keeping a treatment, you know whether it really improves the sound. See the best A/B tools for 2027.
8. TDR Nova: the best free dynamic EQ
A free dynamic EQ of surprising quality, perfect for taming sibilance or a swelling low-mid. The first plugin to install if your budget is zero.
In what order should you build your toolkit?
- Start with your DAW's plugins and TDR Nova for basic EQ and compression.
- Invest in reverb first: it gives a mix its depth and identity.
- Add a saturator for warmth and density.
- Get a level-matched A/B tool to check every choice, and every future purchase.
- Then fill the gaps (character compressor, delay, resonances) based on real needs.
2027 verdict
A great mix comes down to a handful of well-mastered tools. If you only make one investment this year, make it reverb: Reverbia alone covers the space, color and movement of a mix. For the rest, Pro-Q 4, Anodyn, Anadrive and a checking tool like Diffonic make a solid foundation for all of 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Which plugins do you really need to mix in 2027?
An EQ, a compressor, a saturator, a reverb, a delay and a level-matched A/B comparison tool. With those six functions well chosen, you can finish a professional mix. Everything else is comfort.
What is the best mixing plugin in 2027?
There isn't a single one, but reverb is where a good plugin changes the result the most. Our 2027 pick is Reverbia: 25 reverbs, a CHARACTER knob, and built-in EQ, drive, ducking, shimmer and LFO, for $79.
Are stock DAW plugins enough?
For basic EQ and compression, often yes. Dedicated plugins make the biggest difference for reverb, saturation and control tools such as level-matched A/B.
Do you need AI plugins to mix in 2027?
They can save time on a first setting, but final decisions are still made by ear. An objective comparison tool helps you improve more than an automatic assistant does.