Vocal Preamp Vst Plugin

20 Essential VST Plugins For Modifying & Improving Your Vocals Recording vocals almost always requires the most attention to detail in regards to performance and sound. Perhaps no other part of the recording process requires quite the level of delicacy, tact, experience, and expertise as capturing lead vocals. So what is your favorite vocal preamp? Are there any preamps you are eager to try? If you need help picking a vocal preamp (or a variety of preamps) to fit your tastes and budget, get in touch with your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. Shop for Mic Preamps for Vocals here.

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Channel strips offer a lot of flexibility when processing vocals. Here are my favorite channel strips I use for mixing vocals, with some tips on how I may use them.

1. UAD API Vision Channel Strip

I keep going back to the API Vision for its unmatched sound quality. It’s clear, clean, open and beautiful. It can also get a little bit crunchy (if you want it to be). There’s very little you can’t do with this thing when mixing vocals. It can’t be completely reconfigured like some of the others on this list, and there’s no dedicated de-esser, but it doesn’t matter. The API Vision does not sound like a plugin.

I like it so much that I’ve begun using it when recording voiceover for my tutorial videos. If something can make my voice sound listenable, I know it’s special.

Mix Tip:

Drive the input gain for crunch. It’s a pleasant sound even when pushed to the extreme. Combine the gain with some extreme compression and EQ settings for a brash, bold, mangled vocal sound.

UAD API Vision Channel Strip Plug-In Trailer

Channel strips offer a lot of flexibility when processing vocals. Here are my favorite channel strips I use for mixing vocals, with some tips on how I may use them. 1. UAD API Vision Channel Strip I keep going back to the API Vision for its unmatched sound quality. It’s clear, clean, open and beauti

2. Waves Scheps Omni Channel

Arguably the most versatile and re-configurable channel strip listed here, you can easily move the modules on the Omni Channel around. Combine that with the fact that it has Saturation, Filters, EQ, Compression, two De-essers, a Gate, Limiter and more — and we’ve got an extremely flexible tool when mixing most any signal. The dual-band de-esser makes it a truly standout plugin for vocal mixing.

Mix Tip:

I know this is sort of a “cheap” mix tip, but because this thing has so many features, it can seem a bit overwhelming at first. Some of the artist presets are awesome and showcase what this thing can really do. You’ll see the Omni Channel used in ways you probably never would’ve tried yourself if you toggle through the presets. My favorites are the ones created by Andrew Scheps himself, and I’ve found spots in several recent mixes where the “Radio” preset works great.

Andrew Scheps’ In-Depth Mixing Tips for Scheps Omni Channel

3. Soundtoys Effect Rack

Alright, so I admit that the Effect Rack, which allows you to reconfigure all of the Soundtoys plugins in a virtually unlimited number of ways, is not technically a channel strip. However, this hasn’t stopped me from creating presets that I keep going back to when I mix vocals.

I usually start with the Decapitator used as a preamp — saturation to warm the vocals up, and then the low cut to remove mud. Sometimes I’ll swap out Decapitator with Radiator. The Sie-Q is a great EQ for adding color, and when the mix knob is scaled back, Devil-Loc/Deluxe is a nice up-front compressor. I do wish that Soundtoys had another compressor in their arsenal that was a bit more subtle, with more control. I’m not complaining, I just love the vibe of their plugins so much and would love to see their take on a more traditional compressor.

Mix Tip:

This whole point is a mixing tip. I suppose the global dry/wet blend? That’s something not many channel strips offer.

Getting Around In Soundtoys 5 Effect Rack

4. UAD Manley VOXBOX

Having used the hardware on numerous occasions, I was super excited when I heard UAD was releasing an emulation of this legendary unit. It has pretty much everything you want in a channel strip, even if the individual modules can’t be moved around like some of the others on this list.

It has a warm low-end and is transparent and airy on top — qualities found in most Manley gear — and a perfect match for many vocalists. You can also push the compressor pretty hard without it sounding smashed. This is one of those plugins that you don’t realize how good it sounds until you bypass it.

Mix Tip:

Sure, it’s called the VOXBOX, but don’t hesitate to use it on a variety of sources. The rich Manley sound works well on virtually anything, and I often find myself using this on Acoustic Guitar, Bass, and a variety of Drums.

5-Minute UAD Tips: Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Plug-In

5. Softube Summit Audio Grand Channel

This thing is big and vibey, and the large, luxurious user interface is a pleasure to look at and operate. Out of all these listed channel strips, I can dial in a sound most quickly with the Grand Channel. This is in part because the compressor only has two settings each for attack and release with no ratio control. You can place the compressor before or after the equalizer, which is always helpful, and you have control over a dry/wet blend for the saturator.

Mix Tip:

The saturator gets pretty hairy, and I find that if I want to create an up-front, in-your-face sound with a lot of excitement and energy, the Grand Channel fares better than most other channel strips. If your source material is lacking in energy, and you need to add some intensity to a vocalist, this might be the best option on the list.

Summit Audio Grand Channel

6. UAD Neve 1073

Most UAD plugins do this special thing that their hardware counterparts do — not only are they great for sculpting tone and dynamics, but they help your tracks sit right. Something about the space and depth changes when they’re used properly, and I find that’s exactly what the 1073 does. Technically not a channel strip, I can still dial in a vocal sound that sits perfectly among other tracks, despite the 1073 not having a compressor or de-esser.

Mix Tip:

Crank the preamp. It’s an absolutely bonkers sound. I use it on things that really need attention, and for a distorted special-effect vocal, almost megaphone-like, the 1073 is what I reach for.

“The Sound of ’73” – UAD Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Plug-In Collection

7. UAD Century Tube Channel Strip

Certain UAD plugins including the Ampex ATR-102, the Vertigo Sound VSM-3, and the Ocean Way Studios rank among some of the deepest and complex pieces of audio processing software currently available. Wisely, Universal Audio has begun releasing plugins that are simpler to learn and operate, but at no detriment to the sound quality, whatsoever.

The Century Tube Channel Strip represents one of the easiest to use channel strips I’ve come across. It features a preamp, 3-band equalizer, and opto-leveler/compressor. The sound ranges from transparent, to highly colored, depending on how hard you drive the plugin. I’ve found it great for adding vintage vibe and weight to a wide variety of sound sources including vocals, bass, and drum buss, but I can’t picture any sound source that the Century Tube Channel Strip wouldn’t fare wonderfully on. The plugin is designed to work with Unison Mic Preamp technology, so UAD interface users can benefit from tracking through it if they’re looking to add inspiring color and vintage characteristics to their recordings.

Mix Tip:

More and more often these days, plugins are designed to be able to be pushed hard and introduce pleasing harmonic characteristics, and I’ve found that to be the case with the Century Tube Channel Strip. From a grinding bass, to an explosive snare, to a howling lead vocal, I’ve had a lot of fun dialing back the master output, and then driving the preamp section until I’ve achieved the desired effect. I often use a parallel buss to blend in some subtle pumping and warmth to certain elements of the mix, and recently have had great luck using the Century Tube Channel Strip for that exact application. Having saturation, equalization, and compression available in one place allows for a fast and efficient workflow, regardless of how you use this plugin.

Introducing UAD Century Tube Channel Strip. Colorful Tones, Timeless Results.

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Waves Audio has a bunch of plugins designed specifically to save time in the studio when mixing vocals.

For this reason (among other reasons), they’ve become an industry standard, and many people know it.

So in this guide, we’ll go over the best Waves plugins for vocals….

… we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Quick answer: when it comes to the plugins Waves offers for mixing vocals, there are so many, and each offer different specified features you can use.

That said, CLA Vocals from Waves Audio is sometimes referred to as the one plugin you can use for vocals if you could only choose one.

Make sure you take a look at the others below for other choices specific for what you might need.

Let’s take a closer look 🙂

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Table of Contents

Waves Vocal Plugins Buying Guide

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Waves Vocal Plugins Buying Guide

Common Types of Vocal Effects

You might be surprised to know how much effects are applied to vocal tracks in your typical pop or rock production…

Although much ado is usually made about “clean” and “natural” vocals, most songs would sound pretty boring if the vocals weren’t unprocessed in some way.

Compression

Compression is one of the most commonly applied vocal effects. This serves to balance out the levels in the audio, preventing the peaks from clipping the circuitry and letting softer sections be heard over the music.

Equalization

EQ is also frequently applied in order to enhance the tonal character of the vocal. In some cases, dynamic EQ is used to reduce brightness or bottom end in some sections, while boosting the same in others.

Effects

Other effects that may be applied to vocal tracks are reverb, delay, chorusing or doubling, or even distortion or modulation effects. Unless you are going for a harsh industrial vocal delivery however, effects are best applied judiciously, and always in the service of the song.

Why You Need the Right Plug-ins for Mixing Vocals

One of the reasons why you’d need any kind of plug-in is to make certain aspects of your recording stand out above the rest. And since vocals arguably are the most important aspect of a song, it makes it easier for vocals to be heard over the instrumental background if you apply the right effects or dynamics plugin.

Effects may also be applied for creative reasons, as would be the case when going for a special effect, or treating vocals in a genre-specific manner.

Then of course, dynamics processors such as limiters and compressors are used to address specific technical concerns (ie. in order to prevent clipping or to allow of an increase in RMS levels), or for artistic or creative purposes.

Who is Waves Audio?

Not that any introduction is needed… but Waves Audio is an audio software company that makes the industry standard plugins for music production. They’ve worked with a number of prominent people and companies in the audio industry over the years to develop audio tools and modeled emulations of hardware processors. They were even honored with a Technical Grammy Award in 2011 for its “contributions of outstanding technical significance” to the recording field.

However, the objective of this guide is not to “push” Waves plugins. If you check many music production and audio engineering forums, the question as to what Waves plugins are best for vocals always arise…

To settle this once and for all, and to make it easier for those that want to know, we’ve put together a buying guide to instruct you on the best choice to make among Waves Audio’s massive collection.

With that said, let us begin 🙂

The Best Waves Plugins for Vocals

CLA Vocals

CLA Vocals is an all-in-one vocal processing plug-in developed in collaboration Chris Lord-Alge, who is an award-winning engineer. It was designed to aid in vocal mixing using Lord-Alge’s very own effects parameter settings to so that users can produce quality vocal tracks in less time that it would normally take.

Six effects are include in the chain, helping you get your vocal tracks radio-ready with less effort as compared to standard vocal processing. This of it as your “instant Chris Lord-Alge” in a box.

Specs and useful features

All-in-one vocal processor plug-in
Developed in collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge
Combines delay, reverb, and pitch modulation effects
Tone controls for easy shaping of vocal tracks
Multiple compression types for more control over dynamics
Helps you achieve radio-ready sound quickly

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User impressions

Like all the CLA plug-ins, CLA Vocals gets high marks from users for its sound and consistently results. For users that need polished, radio-friendly vocals quickly, this has become something of a go-to plug-in.

Although the CLA Vocals can do a great job of prettying up vocals in the majority of cases, some users found that it provides a little less control over certain parameters than they would have liked. While there is no doubt that it can provide all the sweetening that a vocal track needs most of the time, there are instances when a custom effects chain provided superior results.

Bottom-line

The CLA Vocals is pretty hard not to like, especially for its price. For perhaps 90% of all vocal-related processing applications, this could be the only plug-in you will need. For the other 10% of the time however, you might be better off rolling your own vocal processing chain using your DAW’s native plugins. Even so, we can heartily recommend the CLA Vocals as a useful addition to your sonic toolbox.

Demonstration

Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter

The Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is modeled after the original Aphex hardware processing unit. Developed in association with Aphex, the plug-in does a good job at capturing the character of the original hardware device, adding presence and brilliance to even the dullest audio. The Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is equally suited to vocal and instrumental tracks, making them stand out in a mix without the need for excessive EQing.

Specs and useful features

Modeled after original tube-powered hardware processor
Developed in association with Aphex
Adds brightness, vibrancy and depth to audio
Increases presence without increasing levels
Suitable for vocals as well as instrumental tracks
Mix and AX modes for insert or send configurations

User impressions

Users that have experience with both the original Aphex hardware unit and the Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter mostly have nice things to say about the plug-in. Although it can handle most any type of audio pumped through it, the plug-in has an especially attractive quality on vocals. In fact, most users that have used the Aural Exciter for vocal processing simply refuse to mix or master a track without it, citing the wonderfully ‘present’ sheen it provides.

Bottom-line

The Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is one of those plug-ins that can be easy to overuse f you’re not careful, simply because it just sounds so good. With its ability to add life and vibrancy to even the dullest tracks, it is just way too tempting to slather it all over everything, resulting in a harsh and brittle sound. If you can manage to use the plug-in in moderation, it could be quite a potent ingredient in your recipe for vocal perfection.

Demonstration

Vocal Rider

The Vocal Rider is a vocal and dialog leveling plug-in that adjusts the level of vocal tracks automatically. It has the ability to limit the dynamic range of audio without introducing artifacts, so it saves considerable time and effort in mixing down vocals and making them stand out in a mix.

The Vocal Rider also allows for the drawing of the slider adjustments into an automation track in the DAW, enabling finer control over the level.

A Live component with Spill control is also included, which detects and processes just the vocal part alone without affecting the music or background audio.

Specs and useful features

Automatic vocal and dialog leveling
Automation of vocal parts speeds up mixing
Writable to automation track for fine tuning
Real-time processing
Zero latency and no need for pre-scanning
Vocal Rider Live component

User impressions

If there is one thing about the Vocal Rider that makes users almost fanatical about it, simplicity would have to be it. Many users are absolutely smitten with how easy it is to automatically control vocal levels with the plug-in, citing its great value as a timesaver in the studio.

The Vocal Rider is especially popular among those that want the dynamic limiting effect of compression without the artifacts that compressors can sometimes leech into the sound. For these users, the Vocal Rider is a more transparent and natural-sounding solution that often negates the need for a separate compressor.

Bottom-line

The Vocal Rider is such an amazingly simple plug-in in concept that you have to wonder why no one else has ever thought of it before. For the price, you simply can’t do better than this plug-in if you are after natural and musical volume leveling.

Demonstration

Renaissance Vox

One of the most powerful and versatile compressors in the Waves product line, the Renaissance Vox has been optimized specifically for processing vocals.

The controls you get for compression, gating and expansion, limiting, and level maximization are simple yet effect.

With this plug-in, producing polished-sounding vocals can be done with minimal effort.

Specs and useful features

Combination compressors, gate, limiter, and level maximizer plug-in
Soft-knee compression
Auto make-up gain
Gentle downward expander for gating noise
Optimized for vocals
Peak hold indicators for instant visual feedback on signal peaks
Clip-Guard Output Limiter prevents clipping

User impressions

The Renaissance Vox has quite a surprising number of devotees, with lots of audio engineer forum users referring this as their go-to choice, which is all the more remarkable considering how long it has been around. The plug-in clearly appeals to those that live by the tenet: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

In any case, most of the complimentary reviews of the Renaissance Vox make mention of its utter simplicity and straightforwardness, which is especially impressive given the amount of control available. For many users, the plug-in suffices for most vocal processing applications, with the added benefit of usability for a variety of instrumental tracks.

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Bottom-line

Best Mic Preamp Vst Plugin

The Renaissance Vox is another time saving plug-in that makes quick work of producing polished and radio-ready vocal tracks. If there is anything negative that can be said about it, it is that it sometimes imparts a sort of metallic quality to the top end. But even this can be seen as a unique, distinctive, and not-wholly-undesirable characteristic. In any case, the Renaissance Vox is well worth adding to your plug-in tool chest, even if you already have a bunch of other compressor plug-ins.

Demonstration

Renaissance Compressor

This a multi-purpose compressor that is equally effective on individual tracks as it is on entire mixes, the Renaissance Compressor also works remarkably well on vocals.

“Warm” and “present” are among its most defining sonic characteristics, yet it can be as transparent as you need it to be for natural vocal treatment.

Specs and useful features

Two compression modes: Vintage Opto and modern Electro
Internal brickwall limiting prevents clipping
Auto Release Control (ARC) allows increase of RMS levels
Double precision bit resolution processing
Up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
Mono and stereo components

User impressions

The Renaissance Compressor seems to attract an equal number of users that praise it for its transparency and those that rave over its distinctive sonic character. Perhaps it is a testament to how versatile it is that people of seemingly different tastes and priorities keep finding uses for this venerable plug-in. As it is, this particular Waves classic is a favorite for vocal processing, but it can quickly switch roles and deliver punchy drum, bass, guitar, and piano tracks at the drop of a hat.

Bottom-line

There is a good reason why the Waves Renaissance Compressor still makes it to compressor plug-in rundowns years after it was released. Even with so many excellent plug-ins littering the market, the Renaissance Compressor still manages to command attention with its ability to be as transparent or as squashed as needed.

Now, you don’t necessarily want this to be the only compressor you have in your collection, and you definitely don’t want to pump all your audio tracks through it as a matter of course. But we would be lying if we said that the Renaissance Compressor didn’t have a place in every studio engineer’s arsenal.

Demonstration

Renaissance DeEsser

As we mentioned in the de-esser plugin guide, the Renaissance DeEsser is one of the best at reducing and eliminating the sibilant “ess” and “shh” sounds that can ruin a great vocal take.

Its ability to reduce unwanted high frequencies while preserving the audio quality is quite good, as it’s an accurate de-essing technology can handle sibilance in male and female vocals. Sampler free vst.

Specs and useful features

Simple and effective removal of harsh sibilance from vocal tracks
Ideally suited for recording, mixing, live sound, and broadcast
Frequency-dependent dynamics control preserves original sound
Simple adaptive threshold
Adjustable gain reduction
Phase compensated crossover reduces artifacts
Audio and side-chain monitoring

User impressions

Most users of the Renaissance DeEsser have nothing but good things to say about this supremely useful plug-in. Cleanliness and transparency are among its most frequently-praised characteristics, although many users also attest to its ability to nuke sibilance aggressively without thrashing the source audio.

Some users did complain about the absence of an attenuation meter. Others felt that the graph doesn’t do an adequate job of displaying how much of the audio is being treated. Nevertheless, reviews are generally favorable for the Renaissance DeEsser. Many users even rely on it exclusively, even with many other de-esser plug-ins available on the market.

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Bottom-line

In terms of quality, ease of use, and consistency, Renaissance DeEsser is classic Waves through and through. You simply can’t beat a classic, and this one definitely fits into that category. A very effective vocal de-esser that can also work wonders on cymbals, guitars, and other high frequency tracks, the Renaissance DeEsser is an essential add on to your set of studio goodies.

Demonstration

Waves Doubler

The simply-named, Doubler adds a doubling effect to source audio, making it sound bigger, wider, and more present in a mix. This particular plug-in more too, offering delay and pitch modulation effects as well. The Doubler is both a unique effects processor and a time-saver in the studio, negating the need for traditional double-tracking in most cases.

Specs and useful features

Double-tracking and chorus capabilities
Adds shimmer and presence
Produces 1980s-style harmonizing and pitch detune effects
Automatic vocal doubling
Two-voice and four-voice capabilities

User impressions

Ease of use and efficiency are pretty much the most mentioned characteristics of the Waves Doubler, and it’s easy to see why. Making short work of turning even the most pedestrian solo vocals into angelic choirs, the Doubler is frequently praised for the ability to thicken and widen vocal tracks without introducing phasing.

Many users especially appreciate how much time they save in the studio by not having to record multiple vocal tracks. That being said, some users did feel that actually recording as many vocal takes as needed provides better results.

Bottom-line

The Doubler is a great way to add depth, width, and ambience to your vocal tracks. Although this won’t substitute for a meticulously-recorded array of vocalists–or even one or two vocalists recording multiple takes–it does have some charm and flavor of its own. Besides, for the price, you not only get a very capable vocal doubler, but a distinctive sounding plug-in that widens up most any sound source nicely.

Demonstration

Final thoughts – Which to Get?

Most of these plug-ins are so different from each other that it would be pointless to say which one is the “best.”

Suffice it to say, each one brings its own unique set of qualities to the table, and each could potentially find use in a studio setting.

That said, the CLA Vocals has to be mentioned as top choice for its convenient and extremely useful blend of multiple signal processors in one unit. There is also no denying how quickly and easily it can enable you to crank out radio-ready vocal tracks. For that reason alone, we would have to give the CLA Vocals top marks.

Both the Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter and the Vocal Rider stand in a class of their own, but for different reasons. The Aural Exciter is at the very least a modern-day classic, with its tone enhancing qualities having become essential for vocal polishing.

The Vocal Rider for its part does what most other compressors are unable to do so simply and so elegantly: control dynamic levels without adding nasty artifacts. Going solely by that, the Vocal Rider deserves special mention.

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As for the Renaissance Compressor and the Renaissance Vox, both of these are quite capable plug-ins that will stand proudly with the rest of your audio processing tools. Even though they have been around for a number of years, there is life in these old dogs yet!

Finally, the Renaissance DeEsser–and certainly the Doubler–might not be quite as essential as all the other plug-ins mentioned. Nevertheless, they do have their uses, and at the price they are going for these days, it would be silly not to at least consider them if you are eager to have a full suite of vocal processing tools at your disposal.

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