This post is the ultimate guide to the best vocal plugins for 2023. We’ll go over the different types of plugins and how they can help you create professional-sounding vocals.
But first, let’s talk about why vocal plugins (and vocal mixing philosophy as a whole) are so important.
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The importance of vocals in music
I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn when I say that, for most music, the vocals are by far the most important elements.
Think about it: what do you remember from most songs you hear on Spotify or the radio? Nine times out of ten, it’s the vocal melody.
It’s very rare that people come away from your music remembering the bassline, kick drum rhythm, or anything else.
That’s why producers, composers, and musicians spend so much time getting good vocal performances and fine-tuning the mixing of their vocal tracks for hours on end.
Trust me, I’m no expert producer but I have produced many vocal-based tracks or albums. Getting a good vocal sound is very challenging, especially because it’s the one thing that’s most prominent in most Western music.
While nothing can ever replace a good vocal performance, today’s producer has an abundance of riches when it comes to vocal processing software.
We have access to tools that producers in decades past could only dream of (or pay tens of thousands of dollars to have in analog form).
What’s the difference between vocal plugins and “normal “plugins?
Some plugins are specifically designed with the human voice in mind, but in all honesty, any plugin that in some way affects a sound source is a “vocal plugin.”
For example, you can have a “vocal compressor,” which may have certain features to help it work better on vocals than a regular compressor.
But, you can also just use any other compressor that might not have been designed as a vocal plugin and it will still do the job — it just may lack certain features to make it more “user-friendly” with the human voice.
I mention this to say that most professional mixers aren’t using some special “vocal EQ,” but rather just a high-quality EQ plugin, perhaps with a vocal preset.
The same applies to dynamics processing, delay, reverb, and more.
Just something to keep in mind as we press forward!
Best vocal plugins of 2023
To keep things organized, we’re going to take a look at vocal plugins across a number of categories.
These plugins are a combination of ones that I’ve personally, ones that I know to be high quality, and ones that I’ve seen friends and colleagues use with great success.
Best free vocal plugins
Here is a list of some of the best free vocal plugins across a number of categories and functions.
1. Your DAW’s built-in plugins
Okay, so this may seem a bit weird because it’s not actually a specific plugin.
But the fact still stands: if you know enough about vocal processing and mixing, you can create stellar vocals using nothing but the default plugins in your DAW.
Whatever DAW you use more than likely includes a full suite of mixing plugins. This includes Reaper, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Studio One.
I won’t get into specific vocal chain templates or mixing theory in this section, but check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this post for some info and resources on how to get a great vocal sound with limited plugins.
Honestly, before you spend a ton of money on vocal plugins, I’d start here!
2. GSnap
GSnap is a free pitch correction plugin that can be used to correct the pitch of vocals. It has a simple interface and is easy to use, making it a good choice for beginners.
3. MAutoPitch
MAutoPitch is a free pitch correction plugin that can be used to correct the pitch of vocals, as well as to add harmonies and other vocal effects.
It has a more advanced interface than GSnap, with more options for fine-tuning the pitch correction and vocal effects.
4. Spitfish De-Esser
Spitfish is a free de-esser plugin that can be used to reduce sibilance (harsh “s” sounds) in vocal recordings.
Almost every professional vocal chain contains some form of vocal de-essing; this is a huge part of making vocals sound more professional and “radio-ready.”
It has a simple interface, making it very easy to use and get great results quickly.
5. OTT Compressor
OTT is a free multiband compressor plugin that can be used to add dynamic range and punch to vocals. It’s great for adding both subtle compression as well as extreme effects, making it very versatile.
It has an intuitive interface, making it easy to use even for those who are new to multiband compression.
The OTT (which fittingly stands for “over the top”) compressor has a very recognizable sound, especially in the world of instrumental and electronic music.
It’s great for “squashing” vocals to give them that Howard Stern “podcast-y” sound. Or, you can use the plugin more sparingly for subtle effects.
It’s a great, easy-to-use vocal compressor that I recommend everyone have in their arsenal.
6. TDR Nova GE
TDR Nova GE is a free EQ plugin that can be used to shape and sculpt the sound of vocals. It’s great for adding clarity, presence, and brightness to recordings.
It has an intuitive user interface with graphical visualization of the EQ curves, making it easy to use even if you are new to EQing.
I use TDR Nova all the time, even though I’ve spent a ton of money on EQ plugins (lol). I love the fact that it can dynamically EQ certain frequencies (similar to a multi-band compressor).
It also has a professional and sleek-looking GUI, which honestly reminds me of something made by FabFilter.
I can’t get enough of this plugin, and for most of my graphical parametric EQ needs, I go to this bad boy first.
Best vocal compressor plugins
If I were to pick two “processing” effects that are the most important to get a professional-sounding vocal, it’s EQ and compression.
Aside from getting a good performance and overall good volume levels, these two are probably the most important.
Compression is the first part of the equation. If you’re not familiar with the concept, compression is basically a dynamic effect that reduces the dynamic range of a signal, which can help make it sound more uniform and smoother.
Certain vocal compression plugins present a very technical and straightforward GUI and offer a “transparent” sound.
Others attempt to emulate old pieces of analog compression hardware, including any vintage artifacts or other byproducts of using the compressor. These can “color” your vocal tracks to make them feel like they’re from a certain era or contained within a particular style of music.
1. Waves H-Comp ($29.99)
They say the best camera is the one you have on you. The same probably applies to effect plugins. 🙂
And the Waves H series, including the H-Comp, is my go-to plugin.
It’s got an easy-to-understand interface that lets you clearly see the real-time gain reduction. It’s also got all the features you’d need from a compressor, including a side-chain filter, stereo link, and four different types of compression curves.
I love the “punch” and “analog” settings, which allow you to mix in some gritty saturation and warble into your vocal tracks.
2. Waves C1 Limiter ($29.99)
Waves C1 Limiter. It’s a great plugin for getting your vocals to sit well in the mix without having to resort to heavy compression.
It is a bit complicated, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking at. That’s because it includes other dynamics processing features like a gate, expander, and more.
It can be used as a “brick wall” limiter, making sure no peaks go over a certain threshold, or it can be used in “soft knee” mode for more natural gain reduction.
It’s a great tool to have in your arsenal, and it really helps me get the most out of my vocal tracks without having to worry about over-compressing them.
3. FabFilter Pro-C2 ($169)
FabFilter Pro-C2 is pretty much the gold standard compressor and a favorite among producers and engineers because of its versatility and gorgeous GUI (a standard in all FabFilter products).
It has a unique “character” setting, which helps you dial in the desired amount of compression and gives you access to three different saturation levels.
You can also switch between different compression styles (fast, classic, clean), giving you the flexibility to use it for everything from light vocal compression to heavy drum pumping.
4. Waves Vocal Rider ($35.99)
This plugin is technically not a straightforward compressor, but a “level riding” plugin for vocal tracks.
One of the most underrated, yet crucial practices for getting a great vocal mix is “riding the fader” manually.
This is something that the best producers have done since way back in the age of analog mixing, and it involves pushing up the volume of parts that drop out in the mix and pulling down parts that stick out too much.
The Waves Vocal Rider takes on this tedious task for you and does it in a really transparent way. It’s one of those plugins that you could put on every vocal track in your mix and it would make a huge difference.
It’s definitely worth having in your arsenal, especially if you’re mixing vocals and don’t have the time (or expertise) to manually ride each vocal track fader.
Here’s an example of it in use by Produce Like a Pro’s Warren Huart:
Best vocal saturation plugins
Saturation is a type of distortion effect that can add warmth and character to a vocal sound.
It does this by pushing an audio signal over the threshold for clipping, causing the waveform to become rounded off at the peak and valley points.
(This is not the same as digital clipping, which is when you push an audio signal over the digital ceiling and cause it to become distorted).
This produces non-linear harmonic distortion which adds a unique coloration to the track.
Saturation is used widely in various genres of music production including hip-hop, rock, EDM, and more.
Adding subtle amounts of saturation to vocals is one of the best ways to make them sound more analog, warm, and full.
A few popular saturation plugins for vocals include:
1. Softube Saturation Knob
The Softube Saturation Knob is an audio plugin designed to provide subtle yet powerful saturation at the touch of a single knob. It works by adding mild distortion to the input signal in order to add warmth, character, and excitement to any track.
Although it looks simple, the algorithm allows users to dial in a wide range of tonality from delicate harmonic enhancement to full-on saturation effects.
The plugin also features slew rate control, allowing users to adjust the transient response independently for each band, allowing for even more flexibility when shaping a sound.
At the excellent price of “free,” you really can’t beat this as a start saturation plugin.
2. Waves Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter ($29.99)
The Waves Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is a classic tool for adding warmth and presence to vocals and other sources.
It works by adding low-level harmonic distortion and subtle compression to the signal, creating a more natural-sounding, analog-like sound.
This plugin has been used on countless records and features a simple and intuitive interface so you can quickly dial in the desired effect.
Best vocal reverb plugins
Reverb is an essential tool for making vocals sound natural in a mix. It adds space and depth, creating the illusion that the vocal track is part of the room or environment that it was recorded in.
Here are a few of our favorite reverb plugins for vocals:
1. Waves H-Reverb Hybrid Reverb ($35.99)
The Waves H-Reverb Hybrid Reverb is one of the best reverb plugins available. It combines the sound of real acoustic rooms with advanced digital algorithms to create an incredibly realistic and natural-sounding reverb.
It features a range of controls including size, pre-delay, damping, EQ, and more so you can dial in the perfect reverb for any track.
2. Valhalla Plate Reverb ($50)
The Valhalla Plate Reverb is a powerful plugin that emulates the sound of classic plate reverbs from the ’70s and ’80s.
It features a range of controls for adjusting the size, decay time, pre-delay, and more so you can dial in the perfect reverb for any track.
I’m also a sucker for the minimalistic “flat” layout. 🙂
3. FabFilter Pro-R ($169)
The FabFilter Pro-R is a powerful reverb plugin that offers users an incredibly realistic and natural-sounding reverb. It features advanced digital algorithms, allowing you to dial in the perfect size, decay time, pre-delay, and more for any track.
Additionally, it also has controls for adjusting low and high pass filters as well as shelving EQs. This makes it easy to shape your sound just how you want it.
And, once again, the GUI is just… breathtaking.
Best vocal delay plugins
Whether you want to create John Lennon-style slapback vocals or just add some space before reaching for your reverb, delay is an essential part of any vocal mix.
Here are a few of my favorite delay plugins for vocals:
1. Waves H-Delay Hybrid Delay
My go-to delay plugin, the Waves H-Delay is an advanced hybrid delay plugin that combines the sound of real analog delays with digital algorithms to create a truly unique and natural sounding delay.
It features adjustable time, feedback, tone, panning, and more, so you can dial in the perfect delay for any track.
2. Eventide UltraTap Delay
The Eventide UltraTap is a powerful and creative delay plugin based on their classic hardware processors. It features a range of controls for adjusting the feedback, delay time, and even panning.
It also has an “UltraFeedback” control that allows you to add an extra layer of complexity by creating self-oscillating delays.
3. Soundtoys EchoBoy
The Soundtoys EchoBoy is a great delay for adding subtle space to vocals. It features an easy-to-use interface with controls for adjusting the time, feedback, and tone as well as a range of styles from classic vintage delays to modern digital delays.
Soundtoys can be a bit pricey, but everyone who uses them absolutely swears by them.
4. FabFilter Timeless 3
Once again, FabFilter comes out swinging with their delay plugin.
The FabFilter Timeless 3 is a powerful and creative delay plugin that offers users an amazing range of features and effects. It has controls for adjusting the time, feedback, stereo width, and more as well as a range of modulation options including chorus, flanger, phaser, and pitch shift.
It also offers users low- and high-pass filters for shaping the sound just how you want it. All in all, this is an incredibly powerful delay plugin that can be used to great effect on vocals.
All of these plugins are great for adding space, depth, and texture to vocal tracks. With careful use, you can create some truly amazing results! So go ahead and experiment – your vocal mixes will thank you for it!
Best vocal mastering plugins
Mastering is an essential part of any music production process, and vocals are no exception. Here are a few of my favorite plugins for mastering vocals (as well as your entire mix):
1. iZotope Ozone 10 Standard ($249)
iZotope’s Ozone 10, while definitely on the pricier side, is a comprehensive suite of mastering tools.
In fact, this may be the last mastering plugin you’ll ever need to buy.
It has a range of modules for adjusting the EQ, dynamics, and more as well as an impressive set of preset filters that make it easy to get great-sounding results quickly.
It also features an AI-assisted Master Assistant which listens to your track and recommends different settings based on what it hears. This makes it incredibly easy to get your vocal mixes to sound professional and polished in no time.
2. FabFilter Pro-L 2 ($169)
The FabFilter Pro-L 2 is a powerful, high-quality limiter that has been specifically designed for mastering vocals. It features an impressive range of controls for adjusting the threshold, attack, release, and more as well as an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.
It also offers a range of different processing modes for added flexibility as well as low- and high-pass filters for removing unwanted frequencies from your mix.
3. Waves L3 Multimaximizer ($39.99)
The Waves L3 Multimaximizer is a great plugin for mastering vocals (or your entire track). It has a range of controls for adjusting the level, dynamics, and stereo imaging as well as an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.
It also features an “Intelligent Filtering” mode which uses psychoacoustic processing to identify and reduce background noise without affecting the desired signal. This can come in very handy for vocal tracks!
4. iZotope Neutron 4 ($399)
iZotope’s Neutron 4 is a comprehensive mixing and mastering suite that offers a range of powerful tools for sculpting your sound.
It has an impressive set of features for adjusting the EQ, dynamics, and imaging as well as an AI-assisted “Mix Assistant” which can help you get your mix sounding great quickly.
It also features a variety of different modules for adding effects such as reverb, delay, and more to give your vocal tracks some extra depth and texture. All in all, this is a great plugin for mastering vocals as well as your entire mixes.
Best vocal autotune plugins
Listen. Everyone uses autotune.
I mean everyone.
Not just pop artists and T-Pain. Almost every studio producer or artist I’ve heard from or talked to uses some form of pitch correction on their vocals.
While it’s no excuse for a bad performance, no vocal sound is going to be perfectly in tune. It may clash with other instruments and create an overall unpleasant sound to the listener.
That’s why pitch correction (autotune) plugins are such a great tool to have in your arsenal.
Here are some of my favorite autotune plugins for vocals:
1. Melodyne 4 ($99-$699)
Melodyne is the grandaddy of vocal pitch correction plugins. It uses advanced algorithms to detect and correct off-pitch notes in real time, giving your vocals a smooth and natural sound.
It has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use as well as a range of different settings for customizing the amount of pitch correction. It even has a feature for creating harmonies from existing vocal recordings.
Out of all the pitch correction tools I’ve seen, Melodyne is the one that sounds almost imperceptible in its processing.
2. Waves Tune Real-Time
Waves Tune Real-Time is a great choice for live performances or on-the-fly adjustments.
It has an impressive range of parameters for customizing the amount and type of pitch correction as well as an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.
It also features a “Real-Time” mode which allows you to apply pitch correction in real time and even adjusts the vocal range on the fly.
3. Antares Autotune Pro
Antares Autotune Pro is a powerful and widely-used pitch correction plugin.
It has an impressive range of controls for adjusting the amount and type of pitch correction, as well as an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.
It also features “Auto-Motion” mode which allows you to create vocal effects such as vibrato, tremolo, and more. This can come in very handy for creating lush vocal sounds!
The best all-in-one vocal plugins
Thanks to the democratization of audio production tools and the influx of bedroom producers, there has been a newfound demand for simpler, all-in-one plugins that can do everything you need to process vocals from a single piece of software.
So what exactly are all-in-one plugins?
Simply put, these are plugins that combine multiple features into one convenient package. This means you can access EQ, compression, reverb, and more from the same plugin without having to use multiple separate plugins for each task.
What makes these so handy is for folks like me who are, how shall I say this, “bi-vocational hobbyist producers.”
I don’t have a whole lot of money to throw at mixing engineers, and I definitely don’t have the time (or motivation) to pour hours into a mix every time I want to release a song.
That’s where all-in-one plugins come in. And the best part?
They sound pretty freaking good.
Here are some of my favorite all-in-one vocal plugins:
1. CLA Vocals ($29.99)
The CLA Vocals plugin from Waves, developed by the legendary mixer Chris Lord-Alge, is one of the most popular all-in-one vocal plugins.
It offers a range of features such as EQ, compression, reverb, and more to give vocals an instant professional mix.
2. iZotope Nectar 3 ($129-$249)
iZotope’s Nectar 3 is another popular all-in-one vocal plugin. It has a range of tools for processing vocals such as EQ, compression, de-essing, and more.
It also features an impressive array of preset settings so you can quickly get the sound you’re looking for.
3. Oeksound Soothe ($199)
Oeksound’s Soothe is a unique take on vocal processing. It uses advanced algorithms to detect and reduce harsh frequencies in vocals without sacrificing the clarity or punch of the sound.
This makes it an ideal plugin for cleaning up dirty recordings or adding warmth and depth to your track.
FAQs about mixing vocals and vocal plugins
What is the best vocal plugin for mixing vocals?
There are many great plugins available for mixing vocals, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, some popular options include Waves CLA Vocals, iZotope Nectar 3, and Oeksound Soothe.
Do I need a plugin bundle to mix vocals?
No, you don’t need a plugin bundle in order to mix vocals. While bundles can be helpful, especially for beginners, there are plenty of individual plugins that are designed specifically for vocal processing.
What is the best way to process vocals?
The best way to process vocals ultimately depends on the specific song and artist. However, some general guidelines include using EQ to shape the tone, compression to even out dynamic range, and reverb to add depth and space.
Do I need a compressor for vocals?
Compression can be helpful for vocals as it helps even out the dynamics of the performance. However, it’s not absolutely necessary – some vocal performances may sound better without compression.
How do you get airy pop vocals?
Airy pop vocals can be achieved by using EQ to remove the low end, adding a subtle amount of reverb, and maybe even using a de-esser if needed. It’s also important to pay attention to the natural dynamic range of the performance and not overdo it on any single effect.
What reverb is best for vocals?
This depends on the specific sound you’re going for, but generally speaking, a small amount of slapback or room reverb can help to give vocals depth and space. Plate and hall reverbs are also popular choices for adding warmth and ambiance to vocals.
What is the ideal vocal plugin chain?
The ideal vocal plugin chain will depend on the specific song, but generally speaking, it could include EQ, compression, reverb, and potentially a de-esser. It’s important to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for each track.
I really like the plugin chain from Musician on a Mission, which you can find here.
Should compression go after EQ or before?
Generally speaking, compression should go after EQ. This is because compression works best when the signal has already been shaped with EQ and any other effects applied beforehand.
However, there are no hard and fast rules – experiment with different combinations to find what sounds best for each track.
Resources for learning to mix vocals
Mixing vocals is a lot more than just having the right plugins.
Here are some YouTube channels, experts, and articles that have greatly helped me in my journey of learning how to mix vocals:
Bobby Owsinski – if you’re looking for more of the technical side of things, then check out his blog and podcast. He goes into great detail about all the nitty-gritty details of vocal mixing.
Joe Gilder – this guy is a master at getting great-sounding vocals. His YouTube channel has lots of awesome tutorials on vocal production and mixing techniques.
Recording Revolution – if you’re looking for more general information about recording and mixing, this is the blog for you. There are tons of great articles that cover all sorts of topics related to music production.
Sound on Sound – this website has a lot of great articles and tutorials covering all sorts of topics related to music production, including vocal mixing.
Produce like a Pro YouTube Channel – this channel has lots of great tutorials on vocal mixing, production, and more.
Musician on a Mission – this website has tons of great tutorials and resources for all levels of music production, including vocal mixing.
Final thoughts
Vocal mixing is an essential part of music production and can be a lot of fun to do. Finding the right plugin chain, knowing when to use compression, and experimenting with reverb are all key aspects of getting great-sounding vocals.
By taking the time to learn and understand the basics, you can start to create your own signature sound when it comes to mixing vocals. Good luck!