Best Free Vst Vocal Compressor
It’s perfect for sculpting out the best vocals you can. Download Ochre for Free. Fine Cut Bodies La Petite Excite. Exciter plugins add subtle harmonics to your vocal track for some extra sonic-excitement in the high range. The free La Petite Excite from Fine Cut Bodies (you just have to signup to get it) is a. Drum bus compressor Rough Rider by Audio Damage is a VST compressor plug-in with a vintage style bite and a uniquely warm sound. Rough Rider is at its best when used to add pump to rhythmic tracks, but it also sounds great with synth bass, guitars, and backing vocals. ReaEQ equalizer VST plugin is one of the best free plugins for music producers. Its a graphic equalizer plugin with lots of features that you generally get with a paid VST plugin. Here are some features of ReaEQ This IR based equalizer has Unlimited bands. Compression Basics: 1176 into LA-2A on Vocals + CL1-B on Keyboards. The human voice is one of the most dynamic musical instruments, and therefore presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. Here are the plugin compressors that I find myself using most frequently when I mix vocals. 9 Best Vocal Compressor Plugin VST Software – Mixing the Perfect Vocals Let’s get your vocals under control with the best vocal compressor plugin software. As each compressor plugin software is different, and there are myriads out there to choose from, we’ll keep it simple, and take a look at 5 of best best choices out there. Below is our list of the best compressor VST plugins that you can download for free. We included several different types of compressor plugins that are suitable for handling various tasks – from vocal compression and drum saturation to audio mastering. Free Compressor Plugins. These are the best freeware compressor VST Plugins: TDR Kotelnikov.
If you are serious about mixing, a compressor is an essential tool that you can’t be without. There are a variety of software compressors that you can get your hands on, each with a different specialty and its own way of reacting to signals.
You could go the digital route if you’re looking for a beautiful, clear tone and open-end parameters. There’s also compression plugins that emulate analog gear if it’s a classic, warm sound you’re after. No matter what sound you’re trying to achieve, you’ll find a compressor that can help you get there. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of some of the best compressor plugins that are currently available.
9 Best Compressor VST Plugins
1. FabFilter Pro-C 2
If you’re looking for an incredibly versatile compressor, check out the FabFilter Pro-C 2. You’ll find all the features you would have with a traditional compressor along with many extras. The Pro-C 2 offers lookahead gain reduction, Stereo Link control, mid-side processing, 4x oversampling, and eight distinct compression algorithms, all on an amazing interface.
With the variety of compression algorithms to choose from, you can run the gamut of compression from clean to colored for all of your mixes. You can achieve a wide range of sounds from these unique algorithms, which include Bus, Pumping, Vocal, Mastering, and Punch.
FabFilter has updated their I/O metering and gain reduction capabilities to ensure that your mixes adhere to loudness standards. You’ll be happy with how fast the compressor works without overwhelming your CPU. The Pro-C 2 is a one-stop shop for all your compressor needs.
Pros
- Helpful sidechain EQ
- A wide variety of compression styles
- Exciting interface
Cons
- Colored compression styles don’t really match up to vintage compressor plugins
2. Softube Tube-Tech Complete Collection
The Softube Tube-Tech Complete Collection comes with two EQs and a compressor that will help you get the job done. The stand-out in the collection is the Tube-Tech CL 1B, a classic compressor emulation that mixing engineers are drawn to. It’s often used for mixing vocals, but its capabilities extend far beyond that. If you’re looking for super smooth compression with an impressively transparent tone, the CL 1B is where it’s at.
Softube has copied the features found in the original hardware, and they’ve also included some additional parameters. These include release, threshold, gain, ratio, and attack parameters in addition to a parallel compression parameter. This means you won’t need to make an extra aux track for parallel compression of your signal. You can also take advantage of its sidechain low cut switch.
The Soft Tube-Tech C1 1B should be at the top of your list if you are looking for a vintage tube compressor plugin that will give you smooth and transparent results.
Pros
- Super flexible
- Authentic vintage controls
- External sidechaining capability
Cons
- Pretty pricey for what you get
3. Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Kotelnikov GE
If you’re looking for an affordable software compressor that can give you wideband dynamic control, the TDR Kotelnikov from Tokyo Dawn Labs is perfect for you. You might be familiar with the TDR Kotelnikov Feedback Compressor, which was the inspiration for a number of the controls found on this VST plugin. The control scheme is user-friendly with a basic, intuitive interface. The peak and RMS content also feature individual release controls. Its precise algorithms are comparable to pricier compressor plugins you can buy today.
If you want to take it up a notch with some extra features, you can fork out a little more for the Gentleman’s Edition. One notable feature on this version is the ability to set the compression ratio based on the incoming frequencies. You’ll also find a sidechain high-pass filter to help you achieve more precise compression.
This plugin stands out because it doesn’t try to copy any particular type of compressor. It’s a great example of a moderately-priced digital compressor with modern sounds and excellent features.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Lots of interesting parameters
- Transparent digital compression
Cons
- Not the best option for characterized compression
- Doesn’t have an auto release feature
4. PSP Audioware PSP VintageWarmer2
PSP Audioware has developed a great reputation based on the quality of their wide range of plugins. The PSP VintageWarmer 2 stands out among their VST plugins because of how authentically it mimics analog equipment. The VintageWarmer 2 has your mixing and mastering needs covered if you’re looking for warm analog saturation and compression.
You’ll have access to three different plugins, including the MicroWarmer. This is the most basic of the three with all the standard compression controls. This is an ideal option for beginners as it’s super user-friendly and ideal for adding compression and saturation to individual tracks. The next option is the VintageWarmer, which is perfect for brick wall limiting and multi-band compression. It comes with some additional release settings and EQ shelves for frequency selection. It also won’t take up a lot of CPU. Finally, there’s the VintageWarmer 2 with its exciting FAT mode, which double samples the audio input and gives you a fatter overall analog sound.
You can expect for the VintageWarmer 2 to exhibit tape when overloading. No, it’s not the best option for a clean sound. However, you should definitely pick up this plugin if you want to exhibit complete compression, coloration, and saturation to your mixes.
Pros
- Ideal for mixing and mastering
- Awesome auto-release mode
- Gorgeous analog sound
Cons
- Not backwards compatible
- Not the best option for clean compression
5. iZotope Ozone 9
You may already be familiar with iZotope’s awesome collection of audio restoration and mastering plugins. They have developed a great reputation based on these high quality, intuitive plugins. With the Ozone 9, you get incredible dynamics plugins that will give you ultimate control over your sounds.
In the Dynamics section, you’ll find a limiter/compressor plugin that will give you the ability to perfectly craft your sounds. It’s primarily a mastering compressor, so this means you’ll have extra tools than what you would find on a standard compressor. These include mid-side processing, look-ahead times, and advanced metering.
One cool feature is the built-in detection filter. This will help you determine what impact the incoming signal will have on the compressor’s algorithm. You also have the option of utilizing the high-pass mode if you want to use the compressor only with signals above the cutoff point. Whatever you’re trying to achieve with a compressor plugin, the Ozone 9 can get you there.
Pros
- Ideal for mixing or mastering
- Great selection of advanced features
- Very versatile
Best Free Vst Vocal Compressor Free
Cons
- Might be too pricey if you’re just wanting a traditional compressor plugin
6. McDSP 6030 Ultimate Compressor
If you’re an indecisive mix engineer, the McDSP 6030 is a great set of compressors for you. You’ll get a total of 10 different compressors in a user-friendly, modular format. It’ll give you just what you want from dynamic range control technology. McDSP built some of these compressors from scratch, and the rest are emulations of the original hardware.
Beginners will have an easy time working with the 6030, and more advanced mix engineers will find all the functionality needed for their compression needs. Whether you are aiming for clear or colored compression, you’ll find plenty of options to work with in the McDSP 6030.
Producers and mixers will be happy to know that it won’t take up much CPU at all. It also gives you sidechain support as well as mono and stereo versions. So if you’re not sure which compression plugin to go with, the McDSP 6030 has pretty much all your bases covered in one bundle.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Huge assortment of compression types
- Unique modular format
Cons
- Ratios don’t level out from unit to unit
- You won’t find a numeric dB read out on the output knob
7. Sonible smart:comp
AI plug-ins have gotten more and more popular recently, and for a good reason. Both beginner and advanced music producers can take advantage of all these plug-ins have to offer. One great example of a spectral compressor that benefits from AI technology is the Sonible smart:comp. Most of the compressor plug-ins in this arena will give you sticker shock, but this option is surprisingly affordable.
The smart:comp gives you a user-friendly interface and won’t overwhelm your CPU. You can choose from nine distinct AI processing types to meet all your compression goals. Especially if you’re a beginner, you’ll appreciate the spectral graph feature, which shows the compression in real-time. This will help you see how exactly the compression is affecting the audio.
You’ll get all the compression controls you would expect along with a sidechaining feature. If your goal is colored compression, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But this is an awesome option if you’re in the market for a compressor with AI technology and crystal clear sounds.
Pros
- Great value
- User-friendly design that’s perfect for beginners
- Awesome AI Algorithms
Cons
- Doesn’t have a lot of presets
8. Boz Digital Labs Manic Compressor
Boz Digital Labs has outdone themselves with the Manic Compressor. There’s tons of options to help shape your sound in a number of different ways. You’ll find six different compression types, which you can switch between seamlessly without changing the settings. This will help you to mix efficiently while maintaining your perspective.
The Manic Compressor features authentic parallel compression so that you can achieve a modern compressed tone. You’ll also have access to two EQ sections along with several Drive options to further shape your compressed signal. One cool feature is the three-position Beef switch, which gives you the ability to adjust how the compressor responds to the input signal. This lets you dial-in either a fatter or thinner sound.
You’ll also find a few additional parameters like the Tone Signal Application and the Mid-Side panner to give you additional control over your sound.
Pros
- Tone shaping and sidechaining capabilities are built in
- Impressive parallel compression
- Six different compression types
Cons
- EQ is not super precise
- Other parts of the plugin don’t offer parallel compression
9. Waves CLA Classic Compressors
Waves collaborated with Chris Lord-Alge, a top mixing engineer in the rock industry, to give you access to some of the best sounding compressors in music history. CLA Classic Compressors includes the CLA-76 Blacky, CLA-76 Bluey, CLA-2A, and CLA-3A. These all get their inspiration from classic hardware pieces that are still utilized in professional studios worldwide.
The CLA-2A is modeled after the LA-2A optical compressor. It gives you incredibly smooth and transparent compression that works ideally with vocals or bass. The CLA-3A emulates the classic LA-3A solid state compressor, which was popular in the 70s. In addition to its transparent compression curve and speedy response time, it gives your signal some harmonic distortion. This is a perfect compressor plug-in for bass, electric guitars, and vocals.
Finally, the CLA-76 gets its inspiration from the 1176, an A line level limiting amplifier from the 60s. You can choose between the distinctive Blacky and Bluey versions. Both options offer modeled pre-amp distortion, fast attack times, and an awesome All-In mode if you want to take your compression to the extreme. They both work with almost any instrument you can think of, but they are particularly suited for drums.
If you want to have a selection of classic compressors at your fingertips without going over budget, the CLA Classic Compressors bundle is an impressive option.
Pros
- Can be used with all types of instruments
- Authentic vintage analog compression
- Access to four distinct compressors
Cons
- “Analog” hiss might get on your nerves
- Lacks transparency
Compressing On
Compression is an indispensable tool for modern music mixers and producers. There is no shortage of compressor plug-ins out there with a wide range of features and functionalities to meet your every compression need. With options ranging from standard to multi-band to analog to digital, all your bases are covered.
There’s no such thing as too many compressors, so add a few of these to your collection to expand your mixing horizons.
by Voclio
Posted on December 2nd, 2019
Looking for the best free plugins for vocals? We’ll share with you 8 awesome plugins that will help make your vocal tracks stand out. From compressors, to imagers, to crazy pitch benders, we’ve got you covered.
8 Free VST Plugins for Vocals
1. Acon Digital Multiply Chorus
Acon Digital Multiply is a free chorus plugin that works great on vocals. It works particularly well on background vocals by helping to add depth and width to your vocal track. However, both the pitch and loudness of the voices can be modulated, allowing you lots of versatility. Add subtle harmony and width to your lead vocal, or go all out with a full chorus effect.
2. OTT Compressor
The OTT compressor by Xfer records is an absolute must own plug-in. It just makes everything sound better. It is a multi-band compressor, but better. It essentially brightens up the sound of whatever you put it on. Great for brightening dull sounding vocals or adding a touch of shine to your vocal track.
3. ADHD Leveling Tool
The AdHd Leveling Tool is a free compressor that effectively tames the peaks while also giving a bit of character to the overall sound. Perfect for adding a bit of warmth to your vocals.
4. Izotope Ozone Imager
Izotope’s mixing and mastering plugins are some of the most popular in the industry. So the fact that they offer this imager for free is awesome for producers. The Izotope Ozone Imager gives you full control over the width of your audio. Use this plugin to easily widen audio tracks.
5. Auburn Sounds Grallion
Grallion is a really cool plugin that can create a lot of unique sounds. It enables you to create a variety of pitch shifting effects that can create anything from unique choruses to distorted monstrous vocals. It also can be used simply as a pitch corrector. The free version does have a few limitations but still a great free plugin to pick up.
6. Wavearts Tube Saturator Vintage
The Wavearts Tube Saturator can be used to add a bit of analog warmth to recordings, or increase the drive for some distortion. You can also use it as a saturating peak limiter too.
7. EFEKTOR GQ3607 Graphic Equalizer
The Efektor GQ3607 is a relatively simple equalizer plugin. One of the reasons why this EQ is great because it forces you to use your ears rather than your eyes. With most EQ’s you get a frequency analyzer that you can view as you sculpt out your sound. With the Efektor GQ3607, you don’t get a visual frequency analyzer which forces you to rely solely on your ears to carve out your sound. This graphic equalizer allows meticulous equalization across seven carefully chosen points which is switchable into three ranges of frequencies.
8. Voxengo Beeper
Best Free Vst Vocal Compressor Download
Voxengo offers a ton of great free plugins. Check them out here. We are highlighting one of their more unique plugins called beeper. Beeper is an auxiliary audio processing AAX, AudioUnit and VST plugin which you can use to insert short beep, noise burst or silence signals to any sound material. This plugin may help you protect your work from unauthorized use. If you are a vocalist that does a lot of work-for-hire projects, than this may be a great plugin to pick up in order to keep your work protected before getting paid.
Best Free Vocal Vst Plugins
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