When it comes to producing modern pop hip-hop and house music the quality of your vocal mixing is absolutely crucial. Vocals are often the heart of a song and they need to sound clear powerful and well balanced. In this in-depth guide we’ll introduce the best audio plugins to help you bring your vocal tracks up to a professional level. From pitch detection to sonic enhancement these plugins are essential tools for every music producer.
Top 6 audio plugins for vocal production
VocAlign Ultra
If you have stacked vocals in your mix and want them to blend seamlessly VocAlign Ultra is your best friend. This timing correction plugin is known for its precision and ease of use. It helps you align your vocals perfectly and gives your song a polished professional feel.
- VST, AU, AAX
- Plugin type: Timing correction
- Click here to see the current price on Plugin Boutique
FabFilter Pro Q3
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is a highly flexible dynamic M/S EQ with an intuitive interface and oversampling. It allows detailed tonal shaping and is perfect for fitting vocals precisely into the mix.
- VST, AU, AAX
- Plugin type: Equalizer
- Click here to see the current price on Plugin Boutique
Oxford SuprEsser
Oxford SuprEsser was designed specifically to eliminate harsh sibilance and “ess” sounds in vocal recordings. It offers a focused and effective solution to one of the most common vocal problems without compromising clarity.
- VST, AU, AAX
- Plugin type: De-esser
- Click here to see the current price on Plugin Boutique
Antares Auto-Tune Pro X
Antares Auto-Tune Pro X is extremely versatile and offers extensive pitch correction options. It can go from subtle transparent tuning to the iconic Auto-Tune effect and it works smoothly in most modern DAWs.
- VST, AU, AAX
- Plugin type: Pitch correction
- Click here to see the current price on Plugin Boutique
Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor
The Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor remains a go-to choice in professional studios when it comes to vocal compression. It delivers smooth radio-ready dynamic control for vocals and it also works beautifully on guitars bass and more.
Get the LA-2A compressor from Universal Audio for free here at Plugin Boutique just for a limited time!
- VST, AU, AAX
- Plugin type: Compressor
- Click here to see the current price on Plugin Boutique
Little AlterBoy
Little AlterBoy is a creative tool for vocal transformation. It enables pitch shifting and formant shaping and more so you can craft unique vocal textures that are perfect for doubles harmonies and ad-libs.
- VST, AU, AAX
- Plugin type: Vocal manipulation
- Click here to see the current price on Plugin Boutique
Step by step to the perfect vocal mix
Step 1: Alignment and timing correction with VocAlign Project 5
VocAlign Project 5 is a real game changer for vocal mixing. With precise alignment and timing correction it helps multiple vocal takes lock together smoothly.
Step 2: Fine tonal shaping with FabFilter Pro-Q 3
FabFilter Pro Q3 allows subtle moves or more radical tonal changes. Reduce problematic frequencies and bring out the harmonics you want.
Step 3: Removing sibilance with Sonnox DeEss
Sonnox SuprEsser is essential for removing sharp “S” sounds and harsh sibilance in vocal recordings. High-frequency sibilance can be especially annoying at louder levels.
Step 4: Pitch correction with Antares AutoTune
Antares AutoTune offers flexible options from subtle pitch correction to creative effects. Transform your vocals completely or use Auto-Tune subtly to support a singer and help them hit every note.
Step 5: Dynamic control with Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor
Give your vocals a professional smooth radio-ready dynamic response with the Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor for a balanced powerful mix. For vocals choose a short attack time and a slightly longer release time to get the best results.
Step 6: Creativity and effects with Little AlterBoy
Little Alterboy opens up a world of creativity for unique vocal effects and transformations. Perfect for harmonies doubles and ad-libs.
Frequently asked questions about vocal mixing and audio plugins
Which audio plugins are especially good for beginners in vocal mixing?
For beginners we recommend starting with FabFilter Pro Q3 and the Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor—two essential tools you’ll use again and again. FabFilter Pro Q3 has a user-friendly interface for basic EQ moves. Universal Audio LA-2A Tube Compressor delivers great compression without complex settings.
How can I reduce unwanted sibilance in my vocal recordings?
Unwanted sibilance can be reduced effectively with Sonnox SuprEsser. It offers precise de-essing that removes harsh “S” sounds gently without harming vocal quality. Using a pop filter such as the K and M Popkiller can also reduce sibilance and plosives at the recording stage.
Which audio plugins are best for creative vocal effects?
For creative vocal effects Little Alterboy is ideal. It gives you many options for unique vocal transformations and effects that add a personal signature to your music.
Are there free alternatives to the audio plugins mentioned here?
Yes there are free alternatives. For example the free plugin Spitfish can work as a de-esser and TDR Nova is a free EQ. These plugins are great for budget-conscious musicians.
Which DAWs are these plugins compatible with?
The plugins mentioned are compatible with most common DAWs such as Ableton Live, Avid Pro Tools, PreSonus Studio One, FL Studio, Logic Pro and others.
Black Friday – The best deals for musicians
The most exciting time of the year for musicians and music producers is just around the corner. On November 24 2023 it’s finally happening: Black Friday at Plugin Boutique and Thomann! That means plenty of audio software and hardware brands will be dropping their best offers. Whether you’re a musician producer audio engineer artist or content creator—there’s something in it for all of us.
