The best free and paid online VST vocal plugins

The best free and paid online VST vocal plugins

The best free and paid VST vocal plugins for recording voices that you can find online, features, advantages and our opinion of each one.

Table of Contents

Vocal plugin to record and produce voice tracks

Although it is not easy to record, edit and produce voices given the many variables that must be considered to obtain a good take, with these free and paid vocal plugins, the task will be much easier for you.

Obviously, the vocalist must be talented and must use the correct type of microphone. Therefore, we recommend that you visit our guide to microphones for singing. But once you get your source material, you’ll need a few different plugins to properly produce, EQ, and mix your vocal tracks.

Here we present the best voice VST vocal plugins that you should consider buying -although some have their free version- to have a professional Home Studio.

The best plugins for voice processing

Vocal Processing Plugins include general mix plugins to add tuning solidity, EQ and sparkle to male or female vocals, or classic and colorful compression for a vintage vibe.

For vocalists with tuning issues or for that contemporary ‘Auto-tune’ effect, there are auto-tune vocal plugins to help your singer sing the right notes or recreate the classic Cher-like skip effect. Finally, there are more esoteric, custom-made vocal processors that focus on specific tasks like de-essing or double-tracking.

In this roundup, we’ll cover the best vocal processing plugins across the board, so you’ll find something to help you improve your vocal tracks, no matter what issues you’re experiencing.

Buying VST vocal plugins can be expensive, so to make sure you’re spending your money wisely, we’ve put together a list of the best plugins for vocals out there today.

Also, at the end we have included some detailed vocal plugin buying tips at the end of this guide.

Maybe, you are also interested to know about the best guitar amp simulator options.

List of the best free and paid Vocal plugins

  • Antares Auto-Tune
  • Celemony Melodyne 5
  • Synchro Arts Vocalign Ultra
  • iZotope Nectar 3 Plus
  • Fabfilter Pro-Q 3
  • Klanghelm SDRR
  • Mäag Audio EQ4 by Plugin Alliance
  • Little AlterBoy by Soundtoys
  • Radiator by Soundtoys
  • Capitol Chambers by UAD
  • Soundtoys Decapitator
  • Soothe2 by Oeksound
  • UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
  • Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
  • Waves Pultec EQP-1A

Antares Auto-Tune

Antares Auto-Tune Access interface, the best known and most used voice plugin on the market.

Antares Auto-Tune is perhaps the most famous vocal plug-in in the world and one of the most widely used. His name defines an entire genre of vocal effects, Jay-Z and other artists rap about Auto-Tune. Thus, pitch correction can do a lot to improve any vocal take.

The great thing about the modern version of Antares Auto-Tune is that it corrects the pitch in real time. So you can hear how it affects your voice right away. You can even sing in the studio with Auto-Tune enabled to create a pitched voice on the spot.

Auto-Tune is possibly the most famous vocal plugin in the world.

Auto-Tune Access is the easiest and most affordable way to include Auto-Tune in your workflow. It includes all the important features of the Pro edition in an affordable package that is friendly even to music production enthusiasts.

On the other hand, Auto-Tune Pro is the most complete option for professionals, or very demanding amateurs who want all the options of the powerful Antares plugin.

Antares Auto-Tune Pro interface, one of the best-known and most used voice plugins on the market.

Auto-Tune Antares Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Auto Tuning Plugin
  • Main features: real-time auto-tuning, graphical mode for manual editing, advanced scaling, MIDI and vibrato options.
  • System requirements: AAX/AU/VST3 (64-bit), Mac OSX 10.14 or later, Windows 10 or later; 4GB RAM
  • Price: USD 459 Perpetual license, USD 175 annual subscription, USD 25 monthly subscription.

Advantages of Auto-Tune Antares

  • Excellent automatic adjustment in real time
  • Low latency monitoring for live input
  • Auto-Tune 5 Classic algorithm option

Disadvantages of Auto-Tune Antares

  • Still only monophonic

Antares Auto-Tune official site.

Celemony Melodyne 5

Celemony Melodyne 5 is an exceptional vocal plugin for functional and creative audio manipulation.

The Celemony is an exceptional tool for functional and creative audio editing. Unlike Auto-Tune made famous by the ‘Sound of Cher’, Celemony’s Melodyne brings a more natural tuning to vocals and everything else. Plus, you can input and edit polyphonic material. The latest versions of this vocal plugin improve integration with your DAW has never been better.

Auto-Tune was made famous by the ‘Cher sound’ while Melodyne brings a more natural pitch to vocals.

New additions to Melodyne 5 include a melodic algorithm that allows noise-based sibilant editing to be carried out separately from pitch-based parts. Additionally, vocal pitch editing is now also more natural thanks to features like a leveling macro that balances quiet and loud elements.

Melodyne 5 Studio offers all the multitrack polyphonic editing options you could ever need. But if you work primarily with monophonic material, the cheaper Melodyne 5 Assistant also offers many of the essential features. Whatever the version, Melodyne is powerful and remains an exceptional tool for functional and creative manipulation of audio.

Celemony Melodyne 5 Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Auto Tuning, Pitch and Noise Tuning Plugin.
  • Main features: Separate pitch and noise component editing with ‘Melodic’ algorithm; musical analysis and correction of pitch deviations; Fade tool and leveling macro; Algorithm of ‘Percussive Pitched’.
  • System requirements: AAX/AU/VST3 (64 bit)
  • Price: $399

Advantages of Celemony Melodyne 5

  • Excellent ‘Melodic’ algorithm
  • Edit pitch and noise separately
  • Great integration with your DAW

Disadvantages of Celemony Melodyne 5

  • Not the easiest vocal plugin to use
  • It is a very expensive plugin

Celemony Melodyne 5 Official Site

Synchro Arts Vocalign Ultra

Vocalign Ultra by Synchro Arts, industry standard plugin that makes editing and aligning vocals a breeze.

Synchro Arts’ Vocalign Ultra vocal plugin allows vocals to align perfectly with the beat of a song. This plugin is especially useful if you have multiple layered vocal performances.

Whether you’re working with a group of vocalists, or you’ve layered a selection of vocal parts, Vocalign will adjust everything to the beat of the track, while maintaining a natural-sounding performance. So Vocalign makes it very easy to align vocal parts and improve vocal performances.

It works for all kinds of vocal performances, including Rock, Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, and more. Additionally, it can also be used to reinforce instrumental performances such as guitar, drums, keyboards, and more. Thus, Vocalign is an ultra-powerful plugin that every singer and music producer should have in their arsenal of tools.

Vocalign Ultra, industry standard vocal plugin that makes editing and aligning vocals a breeze.

Vocalign Ultra Project 5 from Synchro Arts is the easiest and most affordable way to include Vocalign in your workflow. It includes the important functions of the Ultra edition in a cheaper package – less than USD 100-.

On the other hand, the Vocalign Ultra is the most complete option for professionals, or very demanding amateurs who want all the options of the powerful Synchro Arts plugin that you can buy for USD 266.

Vocalign Ultra Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Time & Pitch Alignment Software
  • Key Features: Instantly match the time and pitch of two or more signals, ideal for vocals, instruments, and sound effects.
  • System requirements: AU, AAX and VST3, Audio Suite for offline editing in Pro Tools and ARA2 (Audio Random Access) format. Requires Intel processor macOS 10.8 or higher, Windows 10.
  • Compatibility: Most DAWs are compatible with Reason, Digital Performer, and Garageband.
  • Price: $266

Advantages of Vocalign Ultra

  • Fantastic timing and pitch algorithms
  • Impressively transparent results
  • Multiple ways to modify the result

Disadvantages of Vocalign Ultra

  • Very expensive
  • The Project 5 version is cheaper, but it does not have the power of the Ultra version.

Vocalign Ultra official site.

iZotope Nectar 3 Plus

iZotope Nectar 3 Plus is one of the best plugins to work with your voice tracks.

Nectar is a powerful comprehensive vocal processing plugin. Additionally, this plugin is a go-to tool for the professional producer looking to easily achieve vocals of all kinds. You can work on voice tracks from sung and rapped to dialogues and voiceovers. But its ease of use is also great for beginning music producers who want their voice recordings to sound their best.

iZotope is a go-to vocal plugin for the professional producer but its ease of use also makes it great for beginning music producers.

Nectar also features a variety of rearrangeable modules for applying voice-optimized dynamics modeling, equalization, harmonization, pitch correction, de-essing, distortion, and other effects to your audio.

The Nectar 3 features a machine learning based system to automatically configure the plugin based on input signal analysis called Vocal Assistant. This wizard creates a custom preset to make your vocal track sound better and almost ready to mix. It has three assist modes: Vintage, Modern or Dialogue and the ‘Vibes’ source, and Light, Moderate or Aggressive as the processing ‘Intensity’.

This vocal plugin automatically corrects dynamic fluctuations, resonant peaks, sibilance, and even adjusts pitch correction and reverb mix. Plus, in Unmask mode, the Vocal Assistant clears room for vocals by applying EQ to any other tracks that are fighting for space. The results are excellent, giving vocals a perceived lift which is almost always a good thing.

iZotope Nectar 3 Plus Specifications

  • Plugin type: full set of voice editing modules
  • Main features: Vocal Assistant: get polished voices with AI; automatically configures reverb, compression equalizer and more; Automatic de-esser cleans up your sibilance
  • System requirements: AU, AAX, VST2, VST3 (64-bit for Nectar 3 Plus only; 32-bit and 64-bit for Nectar Elements); Mac: macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) – macOS Big Sur (11.6.x); windows 10
  • Price: $125

Advantages of iZotope Nectar 3 Plus

  • Intuitive and focused range of modules
  • The vocal assistant is fantastic
  • Dynamic EQ modes work perfect
  • That sounds great

Disadvantages of iZotope Nectar 3 Plus

  • Upgrading is expensive

iZotope Nectar 3 Plus Official Site

Fabfilter Pro-Q 3

Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 interface, possibly the best vocal equalization plugin on the market.

The Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 is the EQ plugin used by many music producers. This is due to its powerful features and its unique visual interface that gives users a wealth of information about your equalization.

Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 is possibly the best vocal equalization plugin on the market.

Plus, the visual interface makes the Pro-Q 3 especially useful for mixing vocals. Thus, you can easily find and sculpt specific frequencies to edit your voices.

Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 Specifications

  • Plugin Type: equalizer plugin with up to 24 bands
  • Main Functions: Filter shapes include Bell, Notch, High/Low Shelf, High/Low Cut, Band Pass, Tilt Shelf, Flat Tilt; Dynamic EQ mode, EQ matching, spectrum analyzer, external spectrum display, mid/side or left/right processing per band and many more features.
  • System Requirements: VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native, and AudioSuite formats (all 64-bit and 32-bit).
  • Price: $179

Advantages of the Fabfilter Pro-Q 3

  • EQ Match works great
  • Lots of useful shapes and slopes
  • The outer spectrum display classifies overlapping frequencies with ease.

Disadvantages of the Fabfilter Pro-Q 3

  • The Dynamic EQ implementation could be a bit clearer.

Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 Official Site

Klanghelm SDRR

Klanghelm SDRR interface is one of the best plugins to saturate your vocal takes.

If you want a saturation plugin that can do a lot with your vocal takes, Klanghelm SDRR is an interesting plugin to consider. The Klanghelm SDRR features compression, EQ, bit crusher and a stereo amp that can be used in four configurations Tube, Digi, Fuzz and Desk.

Don’t forget to check out the free Klanghelm IVGI, which is a light version of the SDRR.

Specifications of the Klanghelm SDRR

  • Plugin Type: Saturation plugin
  • Main functions: the Klanghelm SDRR has different models of valve preamplifiers that can be combined with each other. A mode for harmonics without coloring the signal too much, a bit crusher to reduce the sample rate. Two different models of classic germanium fuzz pedals with a very warm and inviting sound. 2-band EQ with specially designed curves to fit most material. It also offers control over the transient response of saturation and compression.
  • System Requirements: VST, VST3, AAX Native formats for ProTools® 11 or higher. Windows and MacOS 64 bit.
  • Price: $24

Advantages of the Klanghelm SDRR

  • Easy to use and with simple but effective functions
  • It is an affordable add-on
  • Variety of types of saturations

Disadvantages of the Klanghelm SDRR

  • None to highlight.

Official site of the Klanghelm SDRR

Mäag Audio EQ4 by Plugin Alliance

Mäag Audio EQ4 interface, plugin based on the original EQ 4 designed by Cliff Maag.  This is one of the fundamental plugins for vocals in the vocal mixing chain.

The Mäag Audio EQ4 based on the original EQ 4 designed by Cliff Maag is one of the essential vocal plugins in the vocal mixing chain.

The Mäag Audio EQ4 Plugin Alliance is the legendary equalizer that has been used on many number 1 hits over the years.

The MAAG EQ4 is best known for its band “Air” and “Air Gain” controls that are perfect for adding life to a dull vocal take, the mix bus, and more. It also has five SUB frequency controls of 10 Hz, 40 Hz, 160 Hz, 650 Hz and 2.5 kHz.

Mäag Audio EQ4 Specifications

  • Plugin Type: equalizer
  • Main features: The Mäag Audio EQ4 features the legendary AIR BAND®. Includes a unique SUB band (10Hz!) to control or enhance bass rumble on bass instruments and the mix bus. Fixed frequency bandpass filters for phase coherent equalization. High shelving boost available at 2.5kHz, 5kHz, 10kHz, 20kHz or 40kHz.
  • System requirements: AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3 formats. From macOS 12 to macOS 10.11 and Windows 11 to Windows 8.
  • Price: $229

Advantages of the Mäag Audio EQ4

  • A favorite of leading mixers and artists across vocals, instruments, and the master bus.
  • Simple and easy to use.
  • Unique Air Band Control
  • Free demo for 14 days

Disadvantages of the Mäag Audio EQ4

  • It is a very expensive plugin.

Plugin Alliance’s Mäag Audio EQ4 official site

Little AlterBoy by Soundtoys

Little AlterBoy a simple and cheap but effective Monophonic Voice Manipulator Plugin ideal for professional producers and beginners.

The AlterBoy is one of the most used vocal plugins by music producers. This simple and inexpensive yet effective plugin has only a few controls, but can deliver powerful results on any audio. The Soundtoys AlterBoy is specifically targeted at vocals for pitch and format editing.

This format and pitch editor plugin features three main modes: Transpose, Quantize and Robot. Additionally, the AlterBoy features Pitch and Formant controls and then a Drive and Mix area. The -Pitch- control alters the incoming audio in semitones. But this change of tone is much more natural than others.

Little AlterBoy, an easy, inexpensive, and much-loved vocal tone and format editor.

The Formant option can, again very naturally, turn a male voice into a female one, or vice versa in super convincing ways.

Then you have the Transpose option, you have the Quantize mode, where notes are forced to the nearest semitone for that Auto-Tune like effect. Finally, it also features Robot Mode where the pitch freezes on one note, no matter what the original input is singing.

Add saturation via a Drive option and AlterBoy is a wonderful and diverse vocal plugin that gets the job done and does it very well. Ideal for beginners and professionals, and excellent value for money.

Soundtoys Little AlterBoy Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Vocal Pitch and Format Editor
  • Key features: pitch and formant, three mode options (transpose, quantize, and robot), and drive and mix.
  • System Requirements: AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2 and Audio Units 64-bit only; macOS X 10.10 or later; Windows 7 or later.
  • Price: $99

Advantages of the Soundtoys Little AlterBoy

  • Instant and excellent results.
  • So easy to use it is ideal for both professionals and beginners.
  • Very effective way of treating vocals.

Soundtoys Little AlterBoy Disadvantages

  • Sometimes the processing is a bit hit and miss.

Official site of the Soundtoys AlterBoy

Radiator Soundtoys

SoundToys Radiator Interface, one of the best vocal plugins for digitally adding those same warm colors of vintage tube mixers to your tracks.

Soundtoys Radiator is based on the classic Altec 1567A tube mixer. The Altec mixer was used in many recording studios for years, including Motown Records. With Radiator, music producers can digitally add those same warm colors of vintage tube mixers to their tracks.

Soundtoys Radiator is based on the classic Altec 1567A tube mixer.

The Radiator plugin also includes Little Radiator, a simpler single-stage valve preamp model based on the Altec 1566A hardware, the little brother of the Altec 1567A.

Soundtoys Radiator Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Valve Mixer Plugin.
  • Key Features: Analog Modeled Tube Mixer with EQ; independent input and output amplification stages; Load transformers in two different ways with the Mic/Line switch for different sounds.
  • System Requirements: AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2 and Audio Units 64-bit only; macOS X 10.10 or later; Windows 7 or later.
  • Compatibility: Pro Tools (11 or later), Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, Studio One, Digital Performer.
  • Price: $99

Advantages of the Soundtoys Radiator

  • Tube type mixer, based on the Altec 1567A, which gives warmth to your recordings.
  • It immediately gives character to your mixes, making them more real and energetic.
  • So easy to use for professionals and beginners.
  • Includes the Little Radiator based on the Altec 1566A.

Soundtoys Radiator Disadvantages

  • Sometimes the processing is a bit hit and miss.

Soundtoys Radiator official site

Capitol Chambers by UAD

UAD's Capitol Chambers is a truly boutique reverb vocal complement.

UAD ‘s Capitol Chambers is one of the best reverb plugins on the market, ideal for vocals.

In the early 1960s, engineers Bill Putnam Sr. and Les Paul set out to build the perfect echo chambers for Capitol Records. The famous trapezoid-shaped rooms with tuned concrete walls were capable of producing surprisingly natural and beautiful sound reverberation.

UAD’s Capitol Chambers is a plugin that recreates the echo chambers of Capitol Studios’ famous trapezoid-shaped rooms.

Thanks to Universal Audio, music producers can access the same reverb sounds from Capitol Studios. Thus, you can have four different cameras that the Capitol Chambers plugin has. This plug-in was meticulously designed in collaboration with the engineers at Capitol Records.

Choose from Capitol’s most popular cameras: 2, 4, 6 and 7 with different microphone/speaker configurations. You can also use artist presets from the engineers: Al Schmitt -Ray Charles, Steely Dan-, Darrell Thorp –Beck, Radiohead-, Frank Filipetti -Madonna, Paul McCartney-, and more.

Capitol Chambers Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Reverb and Echo Chambers
  • Key Features: Les Paul-designed echo chambers from Capitol Rooms 2, 4, 6 and 7; different microphone / speaker configurations; location adjustment with UA’s Dynamic Room Modeling; Decay settings, Pre Delay, Sweep Cut Filter, 3-Band EQ, Wet/Dry Mix, and Artist Presets.
  • System Requirements: AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2 and Audio Units 64-bit only; macOS X 11 or later; Windows 8 or later.
  • Price: USD 175 with a 50% discount.

Advantages of the Capitol Chambers

  • Recreation of exceptional echo chambers designed by Les Paul.
  • Precise adjustment of microphone placement with UA’s Dynamic Room Modeling.
  • Universal Audio boutique quality

Disadvantages of the Capitol Chambers

  • Expensive plugin.

UAD Capitol Chambers Official Site

Soundtoys Decapitator

Soundtoys Decapitator interface an analog saturation modeling voice plugin to add to your tracks.

The Soundtoys Decapitator is an analog saturation modeler to add to your tracks. This is an ideal plugin if your vocal take sounds thin.

Soundtoys has worked hard to reproduce the same overdrive effects that analog tubes and transistors add to a track. Also, it has excellent equalization controls so you can sculpt your vocal track.

Soundtoys Decapitator Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Analog Saturation Modeler Plugin.
  • Key Features: Five analog saturation models; modeling tone control that lets you shape the overdrive sound; Mix control that allows you to mix the dry signal.
  • System Requirements: AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2 and Audio Units 64-bit only; macOS X 10.10 or later; Windows 7 or later.
  • Compatibility: Pro Tools (11 or later), Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, Studio One, Digital Performer.
  • Price: $199

Advantages of the Soundtoys Decapitator

  • Add the natural character of analog gear to your tracks.
  • Analog and dynamic saturation with 5 models.
  • Extensive Tone controls let you shape your track.

Soundtoys Decapitator Disadvantages

  • It is an expensive plugin

Official site of the Soundtoys Decapitator

Soothe2 by Oeksound

Oeksound soothe2 interface, a powerful dynamic resonance suppressor, excellent plugin for vocals.

Oeksound’s Soothe 2 is an excellent voice plugin. Soothe is an automatic dynamic frequency editor and is designed to remove harshness from vocal and instrumental recordings. This plugin features well thought out controls that help you isolate and remove unwanted frequencies in your vocal performance track.

Soothe2 is a perfect tool to easily locate those unpleasant resonances that can cause harshness in your mix. An easy to use, customizable and transparent dynamic equalizer that every music producer should have. The Oeksound plugin uses spectral processing to detect unpleasant resonances and dynamically attenuates them through numerous level-sensitive notch filters.

Oeksound’s Soothe2 will make any vocal or instrument recording much less harsh, without losing punch and impact.

This latest version of Soothe reduces CPU load and latency and has much faster rendering than its predecessor. Additionally, this plugin has a wider frequency range that covers the low end down to 20 Hz. It also comes with a lot more EQ options than the debut version.

The soothe2 will make any vocal or instrument recording much less harsh, without losing punch and impact.

The latest version 2 reduces CPU load and latency and has much faster rendering, as well as a wider frequency range that covers the low end down to 20 Hz. It also comes with a lot more equalization options than the version of debut.

Soothe2 Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Dynamic EQ / Resonance Suppressor plugin to remove harsh frequencies.
  • Main features: Soft/Hard mode, Attack and Release parameters, frequency graph, optimized performance and lower latency, external sidechain input.
  • System Requirements: macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) and newer as VST, AU, and AAX 64-bit, Intel-based Macs; Windows 7 and later as VST and VST3 32/64-bit, AAX 64-bit (PT11 and later); Installation of iLok account and iLok license manager is required.
  • Price: $219

Advantages of the Soothe2

  • Very easy to use dynamic equalizer
  • Particularly good on rougher vocals
  • Excellent envelope controls and flexible filters
  • Great features like Balance and a sidechain input

Disadvantages of the Soothe2

  • It would be nice if it had attack and decay options per frequency band.

Soothe 2 Oeksound official site

UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection

Universal Audio's 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, based on the best compressors, is one of the best plugins for vocals.

The UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is the definitive collection of famous compressors. Thus, this plugin digitally brings Universal Audio’s original external limiter to life in your DAW, the 1176 in three versions: Rev A, Rev E and AE.

The 1176 was the first compressor with solid state circuitry and ultrafast 20 microsecond FET gain reduction. Thus, this “desert island” compressor gives character and strength to your voice recordings.

The UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is the tool that will give your vocal takes a pop.

UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Compressor
  • Key Features: Accurately models ultrafast hardware attack time: 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds; “No Ratio” or Attack “Off” functions provide amp solo mode, adding 1176 distortion without compression; Includes artist presets from Andy Johns, Andrew Scheps, Carl Glanville and more.
  • System Requirements: AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2 and Audio Units 64-bit only; macOS X 10.10 or later; Windows 7 or later.
  • Price: USD 149 with a 50% discount.

Advantages of the UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection

  • Universal Audio Quality
  • Desert Island Compressor gives character and strength to your voice recordings.
  • Expanded controls for Headroom, Mix, and custom Sidechain Filter to reduce LF pumping

Disadvantages of the UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection

  • The price is not the most affordable

UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection official website

Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection

Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection interface, an excellent opto compressor plugin.

The LA 2A is another classic compressor that has served as a choice for music producers for decades.

With its smooth program-dependent optical compression and tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the OPTO compressor of choice for professional mixers worldwide. In 2001, Universal Audio set the standard in analog emulation with the original UAD LA-2A plug-in.

This great package features three versions of the classic compressor. Thus, you will be able to add classic textures to your vocal tracks.

Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Optical Compressor Plugin.
  • Key Features: Ideal optical compression textures for vocals, bass, drums, and more; real-time recording with Apollo interfaces; presets from LA-2A users Ross Hogarth, Darrell Thorp, and Vance Powell.
  • System Requirements: AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2 and Audio Units 64-bit only; macOS X 10.10 or later; Windows 7 or later.
  • Price: USD 149 with a 50% discount.

Advantages of the Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection

  • Universal Audio Quality
  • Proven optical compressor to give classic textures with unmistakable analog character to your vocal tracks.
  • Incredibly easy to use gain and peak reduction controls.

Disadvantages of the Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection

  • The price is not the most affordable

Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection official website

Waves Pultec EQP-1A

Pultec's Interface EQP-1A is a classic tube EQ plugin used on countless tracks over the years.

The Pultec EQP-1A is a classic tube EQ plugin used on countless tracks over the years. Waves’ Puigtec Plug-in Pack emulates the classic EQP-1A and its complementary midrange EQ called the MEQ-5.

This EQ plugin is a great tool for adding sweet vintage EQ textures and tube warmth to your track.

The Pultec EQP-1A is renowned for its unique ability to boost and cut the same frequencies simultaneously, thus creating a resonant shelf. The PuigTec EQP-1A is a remarkable replica of the original handcrafted unit owned by iconic producer/engineer Jack Joseph Puig that recorded U2, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, and more. You can hear this equalizer on popular recordings by Weezer, Black Crowes, and many more artists.

Pultec EQP-1A Waves Specifications

  • Plugin Type: Tube EQ plugin to warm up your vocal tracks.
  • Key Features: Modeled on vintage Pultec EQs; the EQP-1A offers a unique bass resonant shelf brace; MEQ-5 is the mid-range complement to EQP-1A.
  • System requirements: RTAS, VST 2, Audio Units, and TDM for macOS X 10.15 or later; Windows 10 or later.
  • Price: USD 30 with a 90% discount.

Advantages of the Pultec EQP-1A Waves

  • The best equalizer to give warmth to your voice tracks or any instrument.
  • Ability to boost and cut the same frequencies simultaneously to create a resonant shelf.
  • Get textures used by great artists.

Disadvantages of the Pultec EQP-1A Waves

  • Nothing relevant to comment.

Pultec EQP-1A Waves official website

Summary table of the best voice plugins

Plugin namePlugin TypePrice
Antares Auto-TuneAutomatic fine tuning$459
Celemony Melodyne 5Automatic tuning, tone and noise adjustment.$399
Synchro Arts Vocalign UltraPitch and time adjustment$266
iZotope Nectar 3 PlusFull set of voice editing modules$125
Fabfilter Pro-Q 3Equalizer with up to 24 bands$179
Klanghelm SDRRSaturation$24
Mäag Audio EQ4 by Plugin Allianceequalizer$229
Little AlterBoy by SoundtoysVocal tone and format editor$99
Radiator Soundtoysvalve mixer$99
Capitol Chambers by UADReverb and echo chambers$175
Soundtoys DecapitatorAnalog Saturation Modeler$199
Soothe2 by OeksoundDynamic EQ / Resonance Suppressor$219
UA 1176 Classic Limiter CollectionCompressor$149
Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collectionoptical compressor$149
Waves Pultec EQP-1Avalve equalizer$30
Some of the prices are discounted at the time of publication of this review.

Powerful vocal plugins

Mixing vocals is a fundamental part of music production. The tools you use to build your vocal mixes have a huge impact on the end result. With this review you will be able to build your arsenal of vocal plugins to mix your voices in an exceptional way.

How to choose the best vocal plugin according to your needs?

When choosing which vocal plugin to buy for vocals, you should define what your needs are by thinking about the features and weaknesses or problems that vocalists have. It could well be that all you need is an auto-tune, a compressor, a simple equalizer. Remember that the adjustment needs should tell you which plugin is the right one. If you have a frequency problem, the best may be an equalizer to boost certain frequencies to give more body to your voice, or on the other hand remove the mid and high frequencies to reduce the overall harshness. Also, if you want to level the volumes, a compressor may be the right complement. If you need to solve tuning issues, Auto-Tune is the solution.

Do not miss our selection of the best cheap studio monitors for your Home Studio to better listen to your recordings.

Most common problems when recording voices

Even the best singers can have small, almost imperceptible out of tune. Instead of repeating shots, with Auto-Tune you can save a lot of time and energy.

Also, you can simply use software to help ‘guide’ your vocalist as they sing. So you can use Celemony Melodyne to edit out pitch problems, or even simple vocal plugins like Little AlterBoy that manually push your pitch.

So you need Auto-Tune?

The Auto-Tune effect is probably the fundamental tool that a music producer cannot do without. In addition to allowing you to correct for note drift, you can also achieve that slightly synthetic, quantized vocal sound that has been a chart staple in many genres of EDM, Rap, Hip Hop, and other styles of electronic music. A great example of this is the famous Cher Believe song from 1998.

Thus, you definitely need Auto-Tune to correct any mistuning or to achieve the characteristic synthetic voice sounds so widely used today. If you are looking for a more natural option, the Melodyne is an excellent option. There are many more alternatives to Auto-Tune or Melodyne, and programs that have similar functions such as AlterBoy and Vocalign Ultra.

Have you tried any of the vocal plugins we chose? Would you add another vocal plugin to the list? Leave us your opinion below in the comments section.

We also recommend that you read our guide on how to make Beats online for free: best software and apps for Beatmakers.

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