Morgan Page: Crafting Club Hits with Sonnox Plug-ins

Grammy-nominated Producer/DJ Morgan Page is no stranger to the global dance music scene. From packed clubs to major festivals, Page’s music electrifies audiences worldwide. With the release of his latest album, "In The Air," he’s reached new heights, blending his signature sound with innovative production techniques. We caught up with Page to discuss his journey, creative process, and how Sonnox plug-ins have become a crucial part of his setup.

Early Beginnings and the Rise to Fame

Page’s journey into electronic music began during the pre-digital era, well before MP3s and music blogs. "I really got into music back when there were no blogs, MP3s, iPods or anything," he recalls. "I learned about electronic music while working in college radio at the University of Vermont. I started as a DJ at the station, managing it, and eventually wanted to DJ in clubs, so I began producing and doing remixes."

From bootleg remixes to official releases, Page's relentless drive led him to major label work and eventually a focus on original productions. "I was just working hard at it, trying to get out there and get my music heard. That led to doing bootleg remixes and spec remixes for major labels, which eventually led to legitimate remixes. But now, the focus is more on originals."

Production Workflow: The Perfect Blend of Tools

Page’s primary DAW is Pro Tools, particularly for vocal-heavy tracks, but he also frequently uses Ableton Live, especially on the road. "Pro Tools is still my primary DAW, but when I’m on the road and doing remixes, I use Live," he says. "The new album took about 2 years to make, done mostly in Pro Tools, with ideas sometimes starting in Live or Logic. It was recorded in various home studios in LA—nothing too fancy."

Discovering Sonnox Plug-ins: A Game Changer

Page’s introduction to Sonnox plug-ins came from conversations with other top producers who were achieving impressive sound quality. "I started asking some producers how they were getting such a big sound, thinking they must be using great kicks and samples," he explains. "Everything in dance music is about the kick—if that isn’t amazing, nothing else matters in the song. I found out they were using the Sonnox Limiter, and some were even putting the Inflator and Limiter on the master bus."

Curious to see the difference, Page tried out the Sonnox plug-ins and was quickly impressed. "In the last six months, I’ve had a chance to buy the plug-ins and the results have been a major change and improvement in my masters."

The Power of the Sonnox Limiter

For Page, the Sonnox Limiter has become a staple in his mastering chain, delivering the punch and loudness he needs without compromising the integrity of his mixes. "To me, it almost sounds like what hardware should do but often doesn’t deliver on. I’ve transitioned my studio to be almost entirely digital, with just an analog front-end for tracking," he says. "The Limiter provides a master solution I love. It’s loud, but it doesn’t sound choked. I can push the sound with fast attack and release settings without over-compressing the kick or other elements. 

The Limiter provides a master solution I love. It’s loud, but it doesn’t sound choked.

There’s something about the low end that’s unique—it really helps give that analog-like thump."

Other Sonnox Favorites: TransMod, Oxford EQ, and Inflator

In addition to the Limiter, Page regularly uses the Sonnox TransMod to add character and contour to his sounds. "TransMod is perfect for adding a little more attack or changing the contour of certain sounds," he notes. He also praises the Oxford EQ for its precision. "The Oxford EQ is amazing for making cuts without hurting the overall sound—you can get very surgical with it."

The Inflator is another essential tool for Page, particularly on mix buses. "The Inflator is great for making things sound fuller and more present without having to crank the gain stages," he explains. "It’s like ear candy—you don’t always know it’s there, but it makes a huge difference."

Sonnox on the Road: Essential for Mobile Production

With a busy touring schedule, Page relies on his portable studio setup to create and refine tracks on the go. "The Limiter is a permanent part of my template on the road. I’m often working in noisy environments like airports, planes, and hotels, so having a tool that I trust and know is invaluable," he says. Recently, Page challenged himself to complete a remix in one day while traveling. "I did a remix from start to finish on the plane and in the hotel, and then played it live that night. The Limiter was a key part of that—it’s really a game changer for me."

Final Thoughts

Morgan Page's success is a testament to his dedication to craft and his strategic use of technology. By integrating Sonnox plug-ins into his workflow, he has fine-tuned his sound to meet the high standards of the global dance music scene. Whether in the studio or on the road, Page continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, all while keeping fans dancing to his beat.