Our content relies on support from our readers. This means if you click on some of our links and make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission. You won't pay a penny more, so no worries! Learn More
×
Table of Contents
Click here to access the complete editions of music scores (PDF), score analyses (PDF), and HD music examples used on our website.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games.
Embracing Multiple Hats: The Modern Composer as Composer and Mixing Engineer
“Nowadays, unless you’re involved in a big budget project that can hire a dedicated mixing engineer, most clients anticipate receiving radio-ready music directly from you.”
There once was a time when music composers could concentrate solely on writing music, leave the mixing to engineers, and just forget about it. Unfortunately, we believe those days are gone. Nowadays, unless you’re involved in a big-budget project that can hire a dedicated mixing engineer, most clients anticipate receiving radio-ready music directly from you.
We believe that numerous factors have played a role in this shift. However, if we were to pinpoint the most significant reasons, three stand out prominently:
Firstly, the availability of fantastic virtual plugins for personal computers has dramatically enhanced the ease of mixing. Secondly, in terms of musical composition, modern soundtracks often incorporate sound effects and design elements that are intimately connected to the mixing process. Finally, with the extensive availability of tutorials on platforms like YouTube, the art of mixing is no longer shrouded in secrecy and accessible only to a selected few.
“The competition among freelance musicians has become increasingly fierce, primarily because creating music for media has become more accessible. Either you fulfill the clients’ requests or risk not being hired again for future projects.”
Apart from the reasons mentioned above, the primary factor is that our clients consistently demand these requirements, and whether positive or negative, most composers are now capable of meeting their expectations.
The competition among freelance musicians has become increasingly fierce, primarily because creating music for media has become more accessible. Either you fulfill the clients’ requests or risk not being hired again for future projects. Thanks to rapid technological advancements, individuals can now achieve impressive results even in modest home setups. Composing orchestral pieces that closely resemble real performances has become easier than ever before, attracting a larger number of participants to the competitive landscape.
Regrettably, the tools are still quite expensive.
However, despite all the benefits, it is unfortunate that these tools come with a high price tag, as is often the case in this industry. But fear not! Building on the success of our ‘Free Synth VST, SAMPLERS 2023‘ compilation, we have curated an extensive list of exceptional mixing plugins that won’t cost you a dime. Many of these plugins are personally used by us on a regular basis.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixing pro or a complete beginner, this list should offer something for everyone.
Free Real-time FFT spectrum analyzer plugin. Offers you a lot of options for visual look customization. Features statistics, correlation meter, EBU R128, and K-system metering.
Softube:
Saturation Knob
Saturation Knob
Free VST analog distortion plugin. Fattens up drums and bass, adds harmonics and shimmer to vocals. Add grit and get your best mix with a single knob.
Valhalla DSP:
Valhalla Super Massive
Valhalla Super Massive – Valhalla DSP
Make some space. ValhallaSupermassive has been designed from the ground up for MASSIVE delays and reverbs. Get ready for luscious clouds of reverb, otherworldly delays, and swelling waves of feedback unlike any you’ve heard before. Supermassive has 18 out-of-this-world reverb/delay modes: Gem…
Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful. Freq Echo is perfect for dub, Dr. Who, and all of your psychedelic needs. Bode-Style Frequency Shifter + Analog Echo Emulation create surprising sonic effects. Subtle chorusing and double tracking to barberpole phasing and flanging to endless glissandos and r…
Valhalla Space Modulator
Valhalla Space Modulator: Flanger Plugin | Valhalla DSP Plugins
Earth Shattering Kaboom. ValhallaSpaceModulator is our take on flanging. Eleven algorithms allow you to get through-zero flanging, barberpole flanging, detuning, doubling, strange echoes, reverbs, and all sorts of effects that defy description. New in 1.1.6: VST3, signed and notarized installers f…
U-He:
Protoverb
Protoverb: Experimental research reverb
Protoverb: Experimental research reverb
Slate Digital:
Fresh Air
Fresh Air
Get Fresh Air for FREE & give your mixes the smoothest highs you’ve ever heard. Fresh Air puts serious audio power behind a gorgeous facade. Based on vintage exciter circuits & state-of-the-art dynamics processing, Fresh Air lets you add just the right amount of brilliance & shine to your mix in a s…
iZotope:
Vinyl
Vinyl Plugin—Free Lofi Plug-in | iZotope
iZotope’s Vinyl plug-in is the ultimate LoFi effect for vintage audio vibes. Download for Free today!
DDMF builds some of the finest audio apps and audio plugins on the planet. VST, Audio Units, AAX plugins for Cubase, Reaper, LogicX, ProTools…
Acon Digital:
Reverb SOLO
Reverb SOLO
From bright, nearly slap-back echo, to elongated cavernous rumbles, this first partnership between Acon Digital and Reverb.com brings an entirely new ambience to your tracks. With just one knob, you can dial in short, bright reverb for a small room, up-front vibe, or long, dark reverb that places…
Deelay is a free digital multipurpose delay plugin that you can use for creating classic echoes, and ambiances, but also as a sound design tool…
Cramit
Cramit By Integraudio & Sixth Sample -Free OTT Style Compressor
Integraudio Cramit, created in collaboration with Sixth Sample, is a free OTT compressor plugin featuring plenty of modern-day capabilities. In music, compression is used to minimize the dynamic range of signals that contain both loud and quiet portions so that they may be heard clearly. For … Crami…
Master the art of film/video game music composition with everything you need to know about creating impactful scores. Complete Collection Study Pack (Enter 25FMT at the checkout for instant 25% off)
[Study Pack] Scales For Film Composers | Film Music Theory
Scales for Film Composers - Discover an exciting array of scales carefully selected for your musical journey, featuring Phrygian Dominant, Double Harmonic Major, Double Harmonic Minor, Hirajoshi, and Whole Tone scales. In addition, gain valuable insights into how these scales can effortlessly enhance your compositions in the world of media music. In this lesson package, we explore the practical application of these scales, providing you with the tools you need to create captivating and professional-sounding music compositions.
Complete Collection [All Study Packs - 67% OFF] | Film Music Theory
The Complete Collection includes all the lesson packages introduced on this website, offered at 67% off the original price.
Recommended Books for film composers (2025 Update)
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games. Master the art of film music composition with everything you need to know about creating impactful scores. Complete Collection Study Pack is currently on sale for 67% off: EDIT 2025: Now that we have published our own book (which we are very proud of), we would like to include it in the book recommendation list. We’ve received a lot of praise and many testimonials within just two weeks of publishing! Behind the Score – [Link ... Read more
