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…

All of which were researched and recommended by the best.

Support for all major Plug-In formats on Mac and PC Add presence, air and crispness to your recordings and mixes: No matter, if you want to beef up a drum sound, inject more crispness into a guitar track or enhance a full mix: CHARACTER™ instantly increases the definition of your recordings. SPAN is a free real-time “fast Fourier transform” audio spectrum analyzer AAX, AudioUnit and Mastering VST plugin for professional sound and music production applications. For the most part it was derived from Voxengo GlissEQ dynamic parametric equalizer and reproduces its spectrum analysis functionality.

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.
Fixed wrong installation path for 32-bit Win VST plugin version Version 1.6 (Apr 14, 2015) - Fixed problems with target parameter - Fixed problems when using store button - Fixed meter inaccuracies Version 1.5 (Nov 18, 2013) - Licenser update (V3): Fixes and new features.

Quick answer: Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B is the favorite, but if you’re looking for something less costly, take a look at the FabFilter Pro-C2 as perhaps the most popular option out there.

However, picking off a couple isn’t good enough, compressors differ based on character and style.

So let’s take a closer look 🙂

Find more great gear here:

EQ Plugins for Vocals, Top Waves Audio Plugins, Tape Emulation Plugins,Vocal Microphones

https://cleverout.amebaownd.com/posts/16718105. The envelope is pretty standard (ADSR), and stays true to the SH-101. Image credit: TAL. Despite only having one envelope, you can modulate the amp separately if yo switch to gate mode.The LFO offers saw, square, random, and noise shapes, again just like the SH-101.

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Vocal Compression Guide

What is a Compressor?

Compressors are a bit of a controversial plugin in some ways, as to many it is mystery how it works… and even more of a mystery as to what it can do for them.

This is especially true when it comes to vocal compression.

But as simply put as possible, a compressor compresses dynamic range. So that means that above a set volume (threshold), the compressor will limit the amount of volume increase going out the back end (output) compared to what is coming in the front end (Input).

Given that basic function (compressing and audio signal’s dynamic range), you can imagine the vistas of creative potential open to producers. Imaginative engineers realized you could use them creatively to re-shape the transient shape of sounds. Presto! Compression algorithms became secret sauce.

Hence many fancy named compression techniques, such as of side-chaining, parallel compression, etc., are now used. But not just in a technical way, but as if the compressor was itself a musical instrument.

However, we are on the topic of vocal compressor plugins. So, keeping that in mind, there are a few features that every good compressor should have. Let’s find out.

Features to look for & How to choose

If you follow forum discussions, you will find a lot of opinions about the various types of processors out there. Each producer has their favorite because, given time and experience, one compressor can be somewhat like another.

All compressors ~~will~~ should have these:

Threshold – which determines the level your audio signal must be before the compressor can reduce its volume.
Ratio – determines the level of compression that will be applied to the audio signal once the loudness threshold is reached.
Attack – how fast or slow the compressor will be activated to reduce loudness.
Release – how fast or slow the compressor will be deactivated to return the audio signal to is original level.
Knee – smooths out the ratio so that there isn’t a sudden change in dynamics.
Make-Up Gain – used to “make-up” the amount of gain that has been lost from all that amplitude attenuation.
Output – allows you to increase or decrease the sound coming out of the compressor to a desired level.

For a more detailed explanation of each, read thisreal funny exposition of audio compression in music production.

Beside these featured listed, a compressor may function slightly differently, or offer some additional features that make them useful for whatever purpose you want to use it for… in this case, mixing and recording vocals.

Character and Vanilla

There are “Character” units, and “Vanilla” units. Like the name suggests, a good character compressor will add some depth and personality to your vocals. A vanilla compressor will get the job done without you know it was even in the room, like a good butler.

Other than that, another thing to look for in a compressor is versatility. That and the ability to get the results you want reasonably quickly.

Sometimes those things will conflict a bit. That is why we choose a plugin which fits our needs the best.

Best Compressor VST Plugins for Vocals

Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B

Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique

Softube is a great name in overdrive DSP and this FET emulation has many, many fans. This one is of an optical unit. A high-ticket opto unit that many love for its “musicality,” but may be out of some user’s budget.

Feature wise it’s a lot like the popular CLA-76 from Waves that we mention below, but the source unit has a unique behavior that made them a top choice. The optical method is prone to being softer and gentler to vocals, while still being able to lay down the law when necessary.

It is all about the secret DSP sauce of how nothing is really linear. Add 2db of Gain and suddenly your sound is different. Changing one knob is like changing five knobs on a “clean” compressor. Over time you can get a sense of what is going on. Until then…

You tend to start out wiggling the vaguely labelled knobs and suddenly something great appears in the murk. This is character processing at its best, and if the unit sounds good then you can’t beat it.

The only downside to nitpick at is that if you’re a control freak you can also find it frustrating, since you can’t so much “control” this unit but rather “guide” it like an air traffic controller guiding a Boeing 747 onto land.

That said, it’s good to give up some control, especially if you know there were some experts at the wheel behind this thing, and the results are often solid.

If this is the path for you then close your doors to the world and make this the only device you use for everything. Just like they did back in 1965. It is part of your “sound.”

Demonstration

Waves CLA-76

Price & Demos @ Waves Audio

Waves have been around for a very long time and for much of it as the top name in the game. Their plugins used to be really expensive. Nowadays if you catch them on sale they are cheap as chips. And general pretty good value for that.

The CLA-76 comes in two guises (blue & black) and both are emulations of versions of a classic 60’s Compressor/Limiter. People still pay big coin for hardware versions of these things for “modern” recordings.

Feature wise, these units don’t have a lot on offer. Input, Output, speed the Ratio Curve operates, and then a section of Ratio pre-sets. Sounds dull, I know, but in-practice they can be great.

CLA-76 has a pretty fast Attack, meaning there isn’t too much ti

Character Vst Plugin