11 Best Plugins For Mixing Vocals 2025 (For Home Studio)

GAMMA | Vocal Suite is a versatile all-in-one plugin designed to streamline the vocal mixing process for both professional producers and aspiring musicians.

With 9 powerful modules at your disposal, including Compressor, Delay, Equalizer, DeEsser, Saturation, Width, Limiter, Reverb, and Doubler, GAMMA combines the best of analog warmth and digital precision.

Key Features:

Analog Meets Digital EQ

Featuring a hybrid equalizer, GAMMA combines classic analog models with digital precision. You can choose between analog and digital EQ curves, allowing for greater flexibility in shaping frequencies.

Tonal Vocal Enhancements

You get a 4-band graphic EQ with parameters for Band Type, Curve Type, Frequency, and Gain. With specialized modules like Saturation offering options for Tube, Tape, and Transformer effects, GAMMA enriches vocal performances and adds character.

Spatial Effects

The plugin consists of a Doubler module, which has an XY-pad-based workflow that lets you select different combinations of Voices and Sizes on a 2-dimensional plane. It also consists of a Filter slide with cutoff frequency adjustments. You also get a Width effect of three types: A, B, and C, with an Amount knob and Filter slider.

Dynamic Effects

GAMMA’s compressor can be set to Soft and Hard modes, along with a Threshold knob, Autogain button, THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) knob, and a Makeup gain control. There’s also an intuitive DeEsser with a simple Reduction knob to ensure that sibilance is effectively controlled, resulting in a polished and professional sound across the mix.

Finally, at the end of the signal flow is a Limiter with Ceiling and Threshold parameters.

Compatibility:

GAMMA | Vocal Suite is available in AAX, VST3, and AU plugin formats for Mac OS 10.13 or Newer OS (Intel & Apple Silicon M1 Native) and Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 ( 64-bit) operating systems.

3. Manley VOXBOX

Manley VOXBOX is the ultimate vocal processor that stands out with its tube-based processing, the classic Manley’s Class-A amplifier, a versatile and gentle optical compressor, an XFMR switch for impedance adjustments, Pultec-style passive Equalizer, and a De-Esser.

Key Features:

Classic VOXBOX sound

Have you ever heard studio recordings from your favorite artists and compared them with your vocals and wondered where that extra touch of “finesse” coming from? In many studios, engineers and producers run the vocals through tube amplifiers and optical compressors, which are emulated in this plugin.

Manley VOXBOX has a natural acoustic tone due to the slight harmonic processing that its preamp adds and the warm tone of the optical compressor. These can help your vocals sit well in the mix and give you a clear and transparent sound with a beautiful tone. You can also use these complex circuit emulations on your guitars, bass, synths, etc.

Perfect Vocal Compression

You get 25 different attack and release combinations ranging from fast to medium to slow and more. Additionally, you can also tweak the threshold parameter to adjust the compressor to the signal strength. Additionally, its Class-A tube compressor circuit emulation gives you a classy and rich sound.

Versatile Pultec EQ

Pultec EQ is known for its musical and smooth tone, wide frequency control, and its dual tube combination. This plugin lets you play around with 33 selectable frequency points and apply EQ with parameters like low peak (0 to +10 dB), mid dip (0 to -10 dB), and high peak (0 to +10 dB).

De-Esser/limiter

When the processing gets too sibilant, you can apply de-esser at 3k, 6k, 9k, and 12k frequency points and adjust the threshold. Additionally, you can also turn the de-esser into a limiter that will prevent your signal from peaking beyond your desired decibel point.

Compatibility:

The UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder is available for macOS and Windows 10+ OS. It requires free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher). A physical iLok dongle is not required.

4. Avalon VT-737

Avalon VT-737 plugin provides the luxurious, tube-driven sound of the legendary Avalon VT-737 hardware, renowned for its rich warmth and clarity.

Key Features:

Super Versatile

Ideal for vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, and voice-over applications, the VT-737 plugin’s dynamics section delivers the same subtle compression as the original hardware, offering smooth control without introducing harshness or distortion. This transparent compression is perfect for layering during mixdown, allowing you to maintain clarity and balance in even the most complex mixes.

Iconic Tube Preamp

The Avalon VT-737 features a high-quality tube preamp that imparts a warm, analog character to your audio signal. It enhances the harmonic richness and depth of vocals and instruments, making them stand out in a mix.

Four-Band EQ

The plugin includes a musical four-band equalizer (Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, Treble) that allows precise tonal adjustments.

Optical Compressor

Equipped with an vocal-flattering optical compressor, the UAD Avalon VT-737 ensures smooth and transparent dynamic control. This compressor responds musically, adding cohesion to tracks while preserving the original character, making it especially effective for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Intuitive User Interface

The user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate the plugin’s features, with clear metering and straightforward controls. This accessibility helps you quickly dial in their desired sound, whether they are seasoned professionals or newcomers to audio production.

Compatibility:

The UAD Avalon VT-737 Tube Channel Strip is compatible on Windows 10+ (64-bit Only) and macOS systems. To run this plugin, you also need a free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher).

5. SSL Native Vocalstrip 2

Vocalstrip 2 is a plugin dedicated to vocal recordings, helping you add power and clarity effortlessly.

Once you’re done recording vocals, the next step is to mix them so that they sound as balanced and nuanced as your music production. Unfortunately, that often involves a lot of processing, from adding EQs, compressors, de-essers, saturation, etc. These work together to turn your raw vocals into balanced tracks, ready for further processing.

And that’s why Vocalstrip 2 exists. It provides everything you’d need to transform your vocal recordings. Go from flawed dynamics, mic plosives, and muddy character to the pristine, professional-quality sound that reacts perfectly and expectedly to other effects. Let’s check out the key features this plugin has to offer:

Key Features:

Compander

As the name suggests, the Compander section features both a compressor and an expander. You can adjust the threshold of each using the dedicated parameters: Threshold and EXP Threshold.

Turn either of them to 0 dB to disable it. Furthermore, the two effects share attack and release controls. Similarly, it features a ratio control and a Drive button that enables harmonic distortion paired to the makeup gain parameter. Also, you can switch to a soft knee mode.

The display above this module shows the compressor’s behavior. And the graph on the right shows the difference between the input and output signal. Furthermore, a gain reduction meter shows both the compressor (red) and the expander (green) gain reduction.

Clean Up

Vocal recordings often have unwanted noise from the vocalist: sibilance and mic pop. Vocalstrip 2 features a de-esser and a de-plosive module that help you rectify the issues effectively. First, De-esser features a threshold knob and a frequency knob. You can also click on the Listen button to verify the frequency you want to process.

Similarly, the De-ploser module provides a threshold, frequency knob, and a Listen button. The difference is this module focuses on low frequencies, where plosives occur. You can also automate its threshold to avoid processing where you don’t want it.

Equalizer

The plugin employs a nifty three-band EQ with one high-pass, one notch, and one peak filter. The high-pass is has a slight boost around its cutoff frequency, giving the vocals a thicker sound—next, the notch filter functions between 200 Hz and 10 kHz with up to 12 dB boost.

And finally, the high-band peak filter operates between 1 kHz to 20 kHz and lets you make up to 12 dB of boost/cut.

Compatibility:

SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

6. SoundToys MicroShift

SoundToys’ MicroShift will save you if you need to provide an analog flavor width of vocal parts.

Using widening effects always helps when it comes to backing vocals. It provides as much massiveness and depth to the overall vocal part as possible. Next, we’ll talk about some great software that will help you get the job done.

The MicroShift plugin is relatively straightforward because it only has a few controls. But despite this, it will give you some hardware vibe. That’s because the developers from Soundtoys created it based on two well-known studio units – the Eventide H3000 and the AMS DMX 15-80s. It means that there are some deglitching algorithms and even a saturation effect. Let’s look at its features in more detail.

Key Features:

Three Styles Of Widening

In general, you will switch between the three widening styles. Two of these are based on the Iconic H3000 and one on its British equivalent, the AMS DMX 15-80s. Just listen and choose the one you like best.

Detune Amount

You can change the amount of Detune for each style you select. To do this, use the corresponding knob. With this option, you can get both quite subtle and heavy effects.

Control Your Delay Time

Delay is another important knob that you will see on the right. With it, you will adjust whether your delay is more tight or like a short slap.

Adjust The Focus

The creators of the plugin also put Focus control here. It will allow you to choose which frequencies of the effect will be accentuated. For example, it will be a helpful option to remove it from the low-end because the range of action here is from 20 hertz to 10 kilohertz.

Set up Widener in Parallel

And, of course, the Mix knob will help you adjust how much of the effect will be present in your track. If there’s too much of it, turn it down to Dry, and you’ll get a more complementary result.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats.

7. Techivation T-De-Esser Pro

Reduce annoying sibilants with Techivation’s T-De-Esser Pro plugin.

De-Essing is another vital thing you should pay attention to if you want to do professional vocal mixing. After we raise the upper frequencies to make the voice more expressive and then compress it, all the annoying hissing sounds become very expressive. So, you can’t do without an instrument to make them less ear-crushing.

In essence, de-essers are compressors that affect a specific range of frequencies. The T-De-Esser Pro plugin is just one of these. But it is more advanced and will allow you to influence minor nuances of work, achieving better results. Let’s take a look at what it has in it.

Key Features:

Adjust Your Processing

The large knob in the center of the plugin will be your primary tool. It is where you will be able to adjust your de-essing threshold. The further you move it, the more the plugin will remove the hissing sounds.

Set Up De-Esser in More Detail

You can always influence the settings of this de-esser even more, thanks to such parameters as Intensity, Sharpness, Attack, and Release. They will be responsible for exactly how your central Processing knob will work. For example, with Intensity, you will adjust the compression ratio.

Wide Frequency Range

T-De-Esser Pro can eliminate hisses over a reasonably wide frequency range. Under the center knob, you will see presets, thanks to which you can specify exactly where the plugin should work. These options are Low-Hi, Mid-Hi, High, and Low-End. But despite this, you can select the area manually, thanks to a small Frequency Range slider.

Built-In Saturator & Lookahead

A nice bonus is that the T-De-Esser Pro has a built-in saturation feature. It can also serve as a handy tool for de-essing, as it smoothens the sibilants. You can even go further and apply the Lookahead feature, which catches sibilants before they happen.

Hi-Cut Function

You can constantly adjust the Hi-Cut filter if you want to go even deeper into de-essing. It is a beneficial option to affect the level of sibilants’ elimination further if they are still noticeable, but you do not want to compress them completely.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher (both 32 or 64-bit) and macOS 10.11 or higher (64-bit only). It comes in VST/3, AU, and AAX formats.

8. FabFilter Saturn 2

More Info & Price (Trial Available, Dongle Required)

You can get it all from relatively slight saturation to hard distortion with the Saturn 2 plugin from FabFilter.

Saturation is a crucial part of vocal processing. The fact is that the main disadvantage and, at the same time, the advantage of digital processing is that we get a very clean signal.

Therefore, we need to add some distortion to warm up the transients, as if engineers did it with analog gear. In this case, the vocals will sound more expressive and exciting.

Saturn 2 is a universal software from the famous FabFilter company. Here you will find a lot of different saturation flavors for almost all occasions. You will be able to control your vocals’ coloration, harmonics, and warmth. Also, a remarkable fact is that you can use this plugin for both individual tracks and mastering as a whole.

Key Features:

Select Your Bands

An essential part of Saturn 2 is selecting different bands and processing them separately. To do this, click on the desired region of the frequency spectrum, and the plugin will create a separate section.

By the way, on the bottom panel of the settings, you will see such options as small tonal shaping EQ, Drive, Dynamics, Feedback Mix, and others. You can process each of these sections by switching from one to another.

Left/Right or Mid/Side

Another cool feature of the plugin is applying processing separately to both the left and right channels. You will see the desired control in the center. You will also be able to switch it to Mid/Side mode. It will be beneficial for mastering.

Different Saturation Flavors

The choice of different types of saturation in this plugin is awe-inspiring. For example, you will have Tube, Tape, Transformer, and Saturation options. Each of them has different stages, from very slight to more pronounced.

In addition, you will have the ability to apply individual saturation effects, including Smudge, Breakdown, Foldback, Rectify and Destroy.

Amp Saturation

Despite all the different saturation types, you will also be able to use some amp emulations. Among these options are American Plexi, British Rock Amp, Smooth Amp, Crunchy Amp, Lead Amp, Screaming Amp, and Power Amp. It allows you to process guitar DI tracks or apply them to vocals, creating a unique sound.

Saturation Modeling

You will also have plenty of options for modeling your saturation with the Add Source option at the bottom of the plugin window. Click it and select the desired option. For example, here you have the Envelope Follower, with which you can achieve different exciting effects.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows Vista or higher (both 32 or 64-bit) and macOS 10.10 or higher (64-bit only). It comes in VST/3, AU, AAX, and AudioSuite formats.

9. Slate Digital Metatune

This simple Metatune plugin from Slate Digital can be your “go-to” solution for vocal correction.

If you work with vocals, you can’t do without pitch correction software. The thing is, every vocalist is different. The more inexperienced ones have trouble hitting the notes. In such cases, this kind of software will help us do the best we can to bring the performance to a more professional state.

Metatune is an automatic tuner that can work in different ways. For example, thanks to particular settings, its effect can be pretty small but still necessary to bring an excellent vocal even better. On the other hand, you can use this software for the more extreme autotune popular in modern music. Let’s take a closer look at this plugin.

Key Features:

Speed Control

The Speed regulator will be one of the most critical settings of the plugin. It is because it determines the transitions between notes. The more you move it up, the more pronounced they get. Therefore, the correction will sound insignificant and natural in the initial position. At its highest position, you’ll get a recognizable autotune effect.

Adjust The Amount of Tuning

This control will allow you to adjust the tuning strength. If it is set to 100 percent, the plugin will fully tune to the key you selected. But if you lower the slider, you will get a more gentle and organic effect.

Find the Right Sustain

The separate Sustain control will help you adjust the sustain of your notes. It works together with Speed control. In this case, you will have the possibility to do it faster during long notes or slower. With the right setting, it will allow you to maintain the singer’s vibrato.

Set Your Key

Metatune allows you to select the right key and scale very quickly. Just set it from the list in the lower-left corner. You will also have the opportunity to create your custom scales by clicking on the necessary keys to add or remove notes.

In-Build Doubler

It is another feature that will make this plugin more versatile. Metatune has a built-in Doubler. With it, you can thicken your vocals quickly and easily. It will be handy for backing vocals or other tracks.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST/3, AU, and AAX formats.

10. Leapwing Audio Ultravox

A versatile solution that will significantly simplify your work is the UltraVox plugin from Leapwing Audio.

Sometimes we may need a versatile plugin to get the job done quickly. Mainly, it will be helpful if the vocals have already been recorded quite well. Therefore, you only need a few touches to make it sit well in the mix. Fortunately, Leapwing has just such a tool for us.

The UltraVox is a vocal processor with only a few settings, but still the main ones. It also has a relatively simple and intuitive interface. Let’s take a closer look at what this software is.

Key Features:

Simple Interface

You will see the plugin window, in the center of which will be the signal level and how it is processed. There are also four main settings in the corners – Compression, Gate, Harmonics, and Air.

In addition, the creators have prepared In and Out control sliders on the sides. As you can see, there is no toggling between tabs, and everything is quite simple and accessible.

Compress Your Signal Easily

It’s pretty easy to use compression here. Pulling the slider to the left will lower the threshold and thus increase the effect. It is important to note that this function works here as program-dependent.

It means that attack and release will be adjusted automatically to give you compression with a better sound. At the same time, the output signal will be compensated automatically.

In-Build Gate Function

Gate is proper if you need to clean the audio. For example, you can use it to get rid of unwanted breaths or room sounds that have risen after compression. This function is also program-dependent, so the settings will change depending on adjusting the threshold.

Fill It With Harmonics

Another helpful plugin option is the ability to add harmonics. With this slider, you can make vocals richer and fuller. Harmonics will be added in order, like 2nd, 3rd, etc. You’ll end up with a more polished character.

Add Some Air

Air fader is essentially the cherry on the cake of this plugin. Thanks to it, you can add an EQ curve around 12 kilohertz. At the same time, the function is configured to not add to your vocal’s harsh sound. Therefore, thanks to it, you will make it more expressive and cut through in the mix.

Compatibility:

Leapwing Audio Ultravox is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.13 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST/3, AU, and AAX formats.

11. Sonnox Voca

More Info & Download (Updated)

Sonnox Voca simplifies vocal compression, making it easier to achieve professional-quality vocal recordings

This plugin delivers superior sound quality, ensuring that your vocals sound clear, polished, and upfront in your mixes. It serves as an all-in-one solution for vocal processing, offering a comprehensive set of tools to optimize your vocal recordings.

Key Features:

Exceptional Compression

Voca draws inspiration from classic hardware units like the 1176 and LA-2A to provide outstanding compression capabilities. It transcends traditional boundaries, offering slow, rhythmic compression for groove enhancement and lively, impactful vocal treatments.

Advanced Saturation

Unlock Voca’s advanced Saturation feature to add depth and complexity to vocals. Seamlessly transition from warm, full-bodied tones to airy, crystal-clear textures. Intuitively control vocal positioning for standout performance while effortlessly blending vocals into your mix.

Intelligent Soften Control

Voca’s Soften control intelligently reduces harshness and sibilance, ensuring a harmonious blend within your mix. It proactively refines vocal tonal character, eliminating disruptions for a smooth, cohesive sound that preserves vocal vibrancy.

Auto-Input Level

Simplify vocal balancing with Voca’s Auto-Input Volume feature. You don’t need to fiddle with the time-consuming pre-FX automation and clip-gain adjustments. This intelligent function maintains consistent volume levels across phrases and sections, ensuring perfectly balanced vocals in your mix while saving valuable time.

Compatibility:

Voca is available in AAX native, AU, and VST 3 plugin formats, making it compatible with most popular DAWs on Windows and Mac operating system.

The 4 Best Free Plugins For Mixing Vocals

1. iZotope Vocal Doubler

More Info & Download

If you need a free plugin to give your vocals thickness, iZotope’s Vocal Doubler might be a good solution.

This option is suitable for those who do not want or can not invest in third-party plugins but want to give your vocal lines extra width. It is made possible because of the famous company iZotope, which decided to give users their Vocal Doubler utterly free of charge.

The Vocal Doubler plugin is straightforward because it only has a few controls. But despite this, it can perform its function well. You can use it both on vocal tracks directly to give the most pronounced effect and as a bus send to make it more subtle.

Key Features:

Adjust The Separation

One of the essential options here is the Separation setting. It will affect the timing variation between the original and doubled vocals. In essence, it will be like a slight delay that can give more spatiality to the sound.

Variation Control

The second central setting is the Pitch Variation. The higher the scale, the more noticeable the difference in pitch between the original and doubled signal. You can use these two controls in tandem to find a perfect solution.

Roll It Down to a Taste

If you hear that the effect is too much, you can always use the Amount control. It will be responsible for the ratio of dry to wet signal. Turn it down a bit to make the doubling effect less noticeable.

Make It Effect Only

The Vocal Doubler also has a separate switch that gives you the sound of a single effect. It means that there will be no original vocals here at all. The feature will be helpful if you put the plugin on a separate AUX channel and add the original vocals to your liking.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.8.5 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

2. Techivation T-De-Esser Plus

More Info & Download

The T-De-Esser Plus gives you all the features you need, even though it’s a somewhat limited version.

We already mentioned in this article the excellent T-De-Esser Pro plugin from Techivation. Now it’s time to tell you that this software has a free version called T-De-Esser Plus.

This plugin is designed to be as natural sounding as possible. It is a somewhat stripped-down version of the regular one, but you’ll still have the basic options at your fingertips to help temper the spiking sounds of your vocal line. Let’s take a look at what hides under the hood.

Key Features:

Processing Control

You will still have the central Processing control, which is responsible for the amount of compression. Thanks to this, you will adjust how much the plugin will reduce sibilant sounds and what is most suitable for the ear.

Different Frequency Ranges

The Plus version also can switch between frequency ranges. With this, you will help the plugin determine which areas to eliminate the hiss. You can find such options as Hi-End, High, Mid-Hi, and Low-Hi here.

Adjust The Intensity

In addition, you can adjust the intensity of the de-essing in more detail, thanks to the same-named knob. If Processing will determine the threshold, this one acts as a ratio.

Select Sharpness

The Sharpness control will determine how broad your removal sounds will be. The larger this scale is, the more the plugin will sharpen only the sounds, leaving individual words untouched.

Detailed Monitoring

Switch the mode to Differences in the Audition section, and you will hear only the sounds that the plugin catches. You will also monitor in detail which areas are affected by de-esser. This way, it will be easier for you to find what you need to eliminate.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher (both 32 or 64-bit) and macOS 10.11 or higher (64-bit only). It comes in VST/3, AU, and AAX formats.

3. Analog Obsession CHANNEV

More Info & Download

CHANNEV from Analog Obsession is an entire channel strip with many features that you can get for free.

It is worth paying tribute to the creator of Analog Obsession, who provides fantastic software for music production completely free of charge.

At the moment, he presented many different plugins based on analog equipment, among which are compressors, preamps, enhancers, and many others. You can find his products on Patreon and support the author if you like his work.

As you can guess, CHANNEV is a plugin based on the legendary Neve hardware. You get a whole circuit through which you can pass different instruments, including vocals. For example, there’s Preamp, De-Esser, EQ, Compressor, Limiter, and Tape Saturator. Let’s figure them out one by one.

Key Features:

Start with Mic Pre

The first in the chain is the microphone preamp with a big red knob to add harmonics to your signal. The other controls in this section are the Hi and Lo Pass Filters and the two Hi and Lo Shelves.

Set The De-Esser

What makes this plugin very handy is the built-in De-Esser. In this section, you get one Threshold knob and Release and Mix. In addition, you will be able to experiment with the two modes of the de-esser – Soft and Bell.

Dial Into Frequency Spectrum

You will also have Hi and Low Pass Filters in the EQ section. In Mic Pre, they work as pre-filters, and here, as a post. Also, here you will be able to manipulate the four bands of EQ, changing the curve and adding decibels. By the way, the red knob in the EQ section will also add harmonics to your signal.

C-64 Compressor

CHANNEV also has a separate compressor with relatively simple settings at your disposal. For example, you will see the Threshold control with a range from -20 to +10 dB. Also, the Ratio is from 1.5:1 to 6:1, Release from 100 to 1000 milliseconds, Gain and Mix controls. And the VU meter is here to help you keep track of gain reduction.

Limit Your Signal

The limiter section comes right after the compressor and does not make you long to understand the settings. Here you can adjust the Threshold, Release, Gain, and Mix. In this case, it will be very convenient because you won’t have to add a separate limiting plugin to the circuit.

Tape Saturation

One of the most critical features of this plugin is that it adds harmonics at almost every stage of processing, the way analog equipment would do in real life. But on top of this, you’ll have additional Drive control that gives a tape-like saturation to the signal as a whole.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher. It comes in VST/3, and AU formats.

4. Analog Obsession Sweetvox v4

The most straightforward plugin to get the job done quickly is Sweetvox from Analog Obsession.

There are times when you need to work on a track without in-depth mixing. In this case, you need software that will quickly and easily give your tracks some completeness. For example, make a more or less listenable raw version or demo to send to your bandmates or a mixing engineer.

It is what the free Sweetvox plugin is. There are only a few knobs that will do the job for you because their algorithm includes several processing stages. Nevertheless, you can use this plugin for demos and full-fledged music production. Let’s see what the developers packed into it.

Key Features:

One-Knob Processing

The most crucial knob here is Process. It includes three fixed-band EQ, two-band Dynamic EQ, Filters, Compression, and Saturation. So, the more you turn it up, the more you will hear your vocals become more polished, as the plugin will add all these processing stages.

However, at the maximum position, the tracks will be somewhat squashed by the compression.

Smooth De-Esser

You also get a built-in De-Esser here. It works pretty well and can effectively eliminate sibilants. The vocals will sound relatively smooth and pleasant to the ear in the middle position. However, the more you turn up this control, the more it will roll off all the high frequencies.

Output & Bypass

The simplicity of this plugin is quite remarkable because, at this point, all the main controls end. Then you only get the Output knob to adjust the signal and the Bypass button to check the plugin’s effect compared to the original track.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher. It comes in VST/3, and AU formats.

Bonuses:

11. Eventide SplitEQ

A reasonably new plugin from Eventide that will completely overturn your idea of equalization is SplitEQ.

It is hard to imagine that nowadays, someone can provide revolutionary solutions concerning music production tools. But the fact is that apparently, the famous American company Eventide managed to do it. Recently, they presented the SplitEQ plugin, which is something more than a simple equalizer.

Its main advantage is that you can control two different kinds of information of your frequency spectrum. Besides that, the developers introduced here some cool features that make this software versatile to use both on separate instruments and mix as a whole.

Key Features:

Two Splitted Bands

Of course, you can use SplitEQ like any other EQ with quality sound. But the main thing about this plugin is that it provides two separated bends: one is responsible for transient control, and the second for tonal information.

So you can affect the tonal characteristics separately from, for example, the attack. Or on the mix bus, affect the bass separately, without affecting the other elements.

Panning Function

Another cool thing about the plugin is that you can separately adjust the panning of tonal and transient information. For example, just select the high transients and make them wider. It will give you, even more, control and room to experiment with your production.

Adjust The Separation To a Taste

At the bottom of the plugin window, you will see the basic settings, including the Separation option. You will select the amount of separation between the two leading bands and adjust how aggressively the plugin’s algorithm will work in transient detection.

Usability & Interface

Speaking about the settings in general, it is worth noting that you will have a total of 6 bands, through which you can perform separation and influence tone and transient characteristics individually.

As with any other EQ, you also get two filters – High-Pass and Low-Pass. The interface is quite simple and does not differ much from the standard parametric EQ.

The Set of Algorithms

The developers also included a set of algorithms to make your work easier. For example, there are options such as Kick, Snare, Tom, Cymbal, Full Drum Set, Bass, Piano, Guitar, Vocal, Full Mix, and more.

You will have to select the appropriate source from the list, and the plugin will respond accordingly to give you the best results.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Waves Vocal Rider

Waves Vocal Rider plugin allows you to keep the dynamics of your tracks without squeezing them with compression.

It’s perfectly normal for any vocal performance to have an inconsistent dynamic where certain words and phrases are on a different level from others. The task of mixers is to make the vocals sit well in the mixes.

In analog days, professionals adjusted levels with faders manually to make a track more consistent. Now we can do it thanks to automation in DAW, but it takes a lot of time and specific skills. The good news is that Waves has created a special plugin for us that will handle this task automatically.

Vocal Rider is a reasonably straightforward plugin that will help you optimize your vocal level. In simple words, it will make quiet phrases louder and loud ones softer and wonderfully help you keep the dynamics. And it will be much more organic than simply squeezing vocals with compression.

Just put this plugin in the chain between the EQ and the compressor, and it does its magic.

Key Features:

Set Your Target Level

You will see the Target slider at the top of the plugin window. It will compensate any level above or below a particular target. Thanks to it, you will adjust the appropriate level that Vocal Rider will give you.

Range Slider

Another essential part of the plugin setup is the Range Sliders, which you will see on the left. High and low boundaries will keep the main fader in a particular range.

Adjust The Attack

The plugin has two attack modes – Fast and Slow. Fast mode will give you a more consistent sound, and Slow – a more natural one. It will determine how fast the fader will respond to vocal dynamics.

Vocal Sensitivity Control

Use the Sensitivity knob to adjust some threshold for the plugin. It will give it an idea of where the vocal signal is and what background noise level is worth eliminating. The Ride and Idle indicators on the left will help you set this up.

Optimization In Relation To The Music

Another fantastic feature is automatically adjusting the vocal level to other vocals or music in general. To do this, you need to create a bus of other instruments or vocal tracks and put it in the side chain to the plugin. After that, you only need to set the plugin’s basic settings to your liking, and you’re done.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.14.6 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST/3, AU, AAX and Audiosuite formats.

Pulsar Audio – Pulsar 1178

The Pulsar 1178 plugin will give you emulation of the legendary FET compressor, but with more possibilities.

Thanks to their fast attack, the 1176 FET-type compressors have long been a cult in music production. They can work great on tight vocals, making them more “in your face,” as well as on other instruments like drums, bass, and more.

Many different plugins emulate the work of these hardware units. But Pulsar Audio has gone even further and made its software more versatile.

The 1178 plugin will give you a FET compressor emulation with more features. You will find detailed settings, nice-looking indicators, side-chain EQ function, and built-in saturation here. So this software can be a real boon to control dynamics and give color to vocal tracks.

Key Features:

Classic Ratio Control

You will have the same classic Ratio control as other compressors of this type. It will be in four stages – 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1. There is also the option of all four buttons pressed at once, which will give you the most amount of compression.

Extremely Quick Attack

Since it is a FET-type compressor, it has a very fast attack, which will help to clamp down on transients. But remember, to achieve the quickest attack, you need to turn the corresponding knob higher, not lower. The fastest option here is 20 microseconds.

Different Saturation Modes

The real cherry on the cake of this plugin is the different types of Saturation. You will have Tape, Triode, Warm, and Clip options. Each of them will give your sound a particular analog coloring. If you want the most transparent sound, leave this section off.

Sidechain EQ

Another helpful feature of 1178 is Sidechain EQ. With it, you can tell the compressor which frequency areas to pay attention to and which not. For example, you can put a High-Pass filter here, and the plugin will not affect the low-end.

Left & Right or Mid & Side

The Pulsar 1178 can operate in both mono and stereo modes. You will have options to adjust the compression separately for the right and left channels in the latter. You can go even further and tweak the plugin in Mid/Side mode. All of this together makes it truly versatile.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2.4/3, AU, and AAX formats.

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