Quick Answer
Shape the kick with EQ first, add the Neve tone stage, define the transient with Spiff, control the ring with soothe2, let AP Tape Eater add the final harmonic glue, and use TDR Limiter 6 only for peak trimming.
Signal Flow
Approved Chain Order
The kick group now handles its harmonic and control stages in a stricter order. Tone and transient identity are established before the final harmonic glue and limiting stages. The old Gorilla Drive placement has been removed from the main path.
Plugin Stack
What each stage does now
Primary cleanup and foundation before any color is introduced.
Gives the kick its authority before transient shaping starts.
Shapes the beater read without needing brittle EQ tricks.
Controls the ugly notes that would become worse once the later stages add density.
Approved replacement for the old Gorilla Drive flavor slot in the main kick group.
Final peak control after the sound is already shaped correctly.
Parallel Note
Kick Crunch is now separate
The approved kick crunch path is Cobra Fuzz → Compressor → Channel EQ.
That crunch lane is separate from the main kick group. Overdrive is no longer the documented crunch stage.
Avoid These
What changed from the older version
Do not keep Gorilla Drive in the main kick group explanation.
Do not treat the kick group like a mini mastering stage. Its job is source strength and controlled peaks.