Best Channel Strip Plugins for Mixing in 2026
Compare all-in-one channel processing with separate stock plugins.
The Short Answer
Start with your DAW’s EQ and compressor if they already work for you. Compare SSL Channel Strip 2, Waves AudioTrack and Scheps Omni Channel 2 for different all-in-one layouts, or Neutron 5 for a modular mixing suite.
Compare the Options
Swipe to see the full comparison →
| Option | Best For | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Your DAW’s EQ | Build a Stock Chain | It uses separate plugins, and available tools differ by DAW and edition. |
| SSL Native Channel Strip 2 | Console-Style Channel Strip | It is paid, and the console-style layout may feel less direct than separate familiar stock tools. |
| Waves Scheps Omni Channel 2 | Flexible Channel Strip | Check the exact version, Waves licensing and whether you prefer a single strip over individual tools. |
| Waves AudioTrack | Focused Channel Strip | It has fewer processing choices than a broad multi-module suite. Check Waves licensing. |
| iZotope Neutron 5 | Modular Mixing Suite | It is a mixing suite, not a console emulation. Check that the offer is for the full version rather than Elements or an upgrade. |
| Waves SSL E-Channel | SSL-Style Channel Workflow | It is paid; compare controls and licensing rather than assuming the two SSL-style strips are identical. |
Our Picks
Your DAW’s EQ
Combine your DAW’s EQ with its compressor when you want the functions of a channel strip without a new purchase.
Keep in mind: It uses separate plugins, and available tools differ by DAW and edition.
SSL Native Channel Strip 2
Channel Strip 2 combines four-band EQ, filtering, compression and a gate/expander in one interface.
Keep in mind: It is paid, and the console-style layout may feel less direct than separate familiar stock tools.
Waves Scheps Omni Channel 2
Scheps Omni Channel 2 brings multiple processing sections together, including EQ, dynamics and saturation, for building a channel chain in one plugin.
Keep in mind: Check the exact version, Waves licensing and whether you prefer a single strip over individual tools.
Waves AudioTrack
AudioTrack combines EQ, compression and gating in one channel-strip plugin for a straightforward set of mixing tasks.
Keep in mind: It has fewer processing choices than a broad multi-module suite. Check Waves licensing.
iZotope Neutron 5
Neutron 5 combines mixing modules in a single interface, making it an option if you want a broader mixing suite rather than a fixed console-style strip.
Keep in mind: It is a mixing suite, not a console emulation. Check that the offer is for the full version rather than Elements or an upgrade.
Waves SSL E-Channel
SSL E-Channel combines EQ, compression and gating in an SSL-style channel interface, offering a different choice from SSL Native Channel Strip 2.
Keep in mind: It is paid; compare controls and licensing rather than assuming the two SSL-style strips are identical.
Which Channel Strip Should You Choose?
Choose your stock chain if you prefer separate controls. Compare SSL’s console layout with the sections in Scheps Omni Channel 2 if working inside one interface would help. Check demos, edition and licensing before buying; an EQ or bundle is not automatically a full strip.
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