Billy Decker: Speed Mixing with Sonnox Plug-ins

Billy Decker has notched up 16 Billboard number one records, and when he was invited to a blind mix shootout against some of the world's top mixers, he came out on top. But what’s even more impressive is how he gets there: Billy spends an average of just 45 minutes on each song he mixes. That’s right—45 minutes.

Thanks to his ultra-efficient workflow, Billy cranks out around 1,500 mixes a year for Nashville legends like Dustin Lynch, Rodney Atkins, and Chris Young. His secret? A meticulously crafted template that allows him to focus on fine-tuning the overall mix rather than getting bogged down in individual adjustments. As Billy puts it, "It's a good way to work. It's fast, efficient, and most importantly, it's fun."

Integrating Sonnox into the Mix

So, where does Sonnox fit in?

I use Sonnox plug-ins across my master channel—the stereo bus through which all sounds must pass! The master bus is the business end of the frame for our musical picture. It all comes together here, and it's important to treat it with respect. You can make or break a mix on this channel alone, so be very careful about what you add and only include what is most necessary.

Some plug-ins change and distort the original sounds, but on my master bus, I need extremely transparent plug-ins—I don’t want any added color. That’s why I use Sonnox. Sonnox respects your mix; you can turn just two knobs, and it sounds awesome. They not only sound phenomenal but are also incredibly user-friendly. The presets are reliable, and they’ve never crashed on me. To me, ‘speed mixing,’ ‘template mixing,’ and Sonnox go hand-in-hand.

Sonnox respects your mix; you can turn just two knobs, and it sounds awesome.

When we wrote Template Mixing and Mastering, we aimed to help readers apply my techniques to their own plug-ins. However, with the Oxford Inflator, our approach was different. It’s such an irreplaceable part of the template that we encouraged readers to try the demo version to see the impact for themselves. The Inflator is truly a one-of-a-kind plug-in.

Exploring Sonnox Dynamics and Limiter

I used to use a different compressor on my master, but after trying the Oxford Dynamics, I fell in love with it. I set it up with a 1ms attack, a 3:1 ratio, and a super-fast release. For pop and country, I barely touch it—just a few dB—but for rock, you can definitely squeeze it harder. It’s got such a versatile sound.

The Oxford Limiter is another favorite. I often start with the ‘Rock 3’ preset—it’s soft and rounds off the edges nicely, but it’s flexible enough to make it sharper and punchier when needed. The Limiter’s versatility lets me tailor the sound exactly how I want it.

The Right Tools for the Job

Using Sonnox plug-ins helps me keep my mixes clean, efficient, and true to the artist’s sound. They integrate seamlessly into my workflow, making them an essential part of my mixing process. Whether it's the Inflator, Dynamics, or Limiter, Sonnox plug-ins allow me to deliver top-quality mixes at lightning speed.