Best vocal VST plugins

1. Antares Auto-Tune Pro

Antares Auto-Tune Pro is perhaps one of the most recognizable vocal plugins on the planet. It is known even to those who are far from the world of audio engineering. This latest version of Auto-Tune Pro combines the best of previous releases while offering an elegant and intuitive interface. It is easy to use but has many outstanding features. Auto-Key automatically finds the key and scale of your track. Classic Mode brings back the famous Auto-Tune 5 sound. Plus, you’ll get Audio Random Access support for seamless integration with your DAW and real-time control via a MIDI controller.

2. Celemony Melodyne 4

In the field of precise manual vocal correction, Celemony’s Melodyne stands out as one of the leading tools in the industry. This tool is not limited to simple pitch correction, it can also penetrate the notes of polyphonic compositions, allowing you to correct sounds woven into chords. With Melodyne, users can not only enhance vocals, but also synchronously correct guitars, pianos and other musical instruments, which is a unique feature of this product. Since the fourth version, the plugin has become a key tool in studio recording.

3. iZotope VocalSynth 2

If you want an exciting vocal effect, then VocalSynth from iZotope is what you need. This comprehensive studio instrument includes five powerful vocal modules, giving your voice recordings a unique sound. The second version of this plugin features enhanced functionality, an updated interface and improved CPU optimization. The set includes a variety of stompbox-style vocal effects, three adaptive operating modes, and integration with iZotope products such as Neutron, Ozone, TonalBalanceControl, and more. In addition to VocalSynth, it is worth paying attention to the company’s other products, which, when combined, offer extensive capabilities for mixing and mastering music.

4. Synchro Arts Revoice Pro 3

For working with ADR, Synchro Arts Revoice Pro is an indispensable tool. This plugin will make your work much easier by providing voice dialogue customization functions through a specialized editor. Revoice Pro is also ideal for thickening background vocals and instrumental tracks. It allows you to create realistic dubbed tracks with full timing control and pitch correction. In addition, Revoice Pro automatically syncs and adjusts existing duplicate tracks and ADR. The third version of this plugin has become an integral part of the arsenal of music producers and post-production specialists.

5. FabFilter Pro-DS

That unpleasant whistling sound can be a disaster if the vocals aren’t going through a quality processor, as the sibilance starts to stand out from the other instruments. This is why it is important for any studio to have an effective de-esser such as FabFilter Pro-DS. This plugin stands out for its precision in suppressing sibilant sounds while doing so in a very discreet manner. Its versatile Allround mode is ideal for limiting high frequencies in any audio, be it drums or full mixes. Users also get the choice of wideband and linear phase processing with separate bands, switchable delay of up to 15 ms, customizable stereo linking with the option of processing only the center or side channels, and the ability to oversample up to four times. All these features are cleverly built into a simple and intuitive interface.

6. Reverb Foundry HD Cart

Reverb is an important element in vocal processing, helping to add depth and dimension to recordings. HD Cart from Reverb Foundry is a plugin based on one of the most famous and coveted hardware reverbs of all time. This original unit probably has one of the best reverb sounds ever created. Its Surround/HD Reverb card includes a unique algorithm that takes full advantage of the capabilities of dual-component DSP cards. Now, thanks to Reverb Foundry, you can take advantage of this legendary algorithm. HD Cart offers quadraphonic, 5.0 surround and high-density stereo modes, faithfully reproducing the sound of the original reverb. This is a reverb with a rich and rich sound that has no analogues.

7. Waves Vocal Bundle

If you’re looking for an all-in-one vocal processing solution, consider Waves VocalBundle. This comprehensive package contains everything you need to perfect your voice. Tune offers high-quality pitch correction and melody modification, while DeBreath effectively eliminates unwanted breathing sounds. RenaissanceChannel combines an equalizer, compressor and limiter to provide a complete virtual channel. The set also includes Renaissance DeEsser for eliminating sibilance, Doubler for enriching the sound and creating backing vocals, and RenaissanceAxx for simplified compression with intuitive controls. To automate volume levels in your tracks, use Vocal Rider – this innovative plugin supports dynamics and evens out peak values.

8. Ignite Amps PTeq-X

The Ignite Amps PTeq-X emulates one of the most iconic vintage passive equalizers ever available. This free vocal equalizer plugin reproduces all the features of the original device while offering the benefits of digital processing.
Ignite Amps has updated it with a number of unique features for greater versatility and tweaked the circuit design to create a warm, melodic sound. PTeq-X is great for any vocal track, whether recording, mixing or mastering.
The highs in this plugin sound great, allowing you to enhance sound detail and add air without making vocals too harsh. Mids can be neatly reduced by using music filters to remove boxy or unwanted sounds.
This plugin is generally best used after compressors, as it allows vocals to shine through and sound dynamic without restriction.

9. Klanghelm DC1A

The Klanghelm DC1A may justifiably be one of our favorite free compressor plugins for vocals and other audio materials. This versatile instrument is great for adding tone and controlling the dynamics of any track. It’s one of the easiest to use analog-style compressors we’ve worked with.
The DC1A’s core algorithm is identical to that used in Klanghelm’s advanced DC8C compressor, meaning access to high levels of audio quality and power without any cost. And in the “Punch” compression mode this plugin really shows its power.
With its intuitive interface with just two controls – input and output levels – it is exceptionally easy to use, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced audio engineers who value fast workflows and high-quality compression.

10. Tonmann de Esser

Using an EQ to give vocals extra brightness can greatly improve their sound in a mix, adding a radio-ready sheen. However, this often results in the highlighting of sibilants such as “s” and “z”. In these cases, plugins such as Tonmann De-Esser come to the rescue.
Tonmann De-Esser is an easy-to-use plugin that effectively eliminates the sibilance that often becomes more noticeable after applying high-quality EQs or heavy compression.
The Tonmann developers have carefully tuned this compressor to minimize the artifacts that often occur in other de-essers. The plugin has a simple interface with several controls, including Bandwidth, Center Frequency, Threshold, Attenuation, Lookahead and Release.

12. Clanghelm IVGI

Using EQ to add brightness to vocals can greatly improve their presence in the mix, making them broadcast-ready. However, this sometimes results in an increase in sibilant sounds such as “s” and “z”. In such situations, plugins like Tonmann De-Esser come to the rescue.
Tonmann De-Esser is an intuitive plugin designed to effectively eliminate sibilance that becomes more apparent after using high-end EQs or heavy compression.
Tonmann’s developers have carefully designed this compressor to minimize artifacts often found in other de-essers. This plugin has a user-friendly interface with several settings including Bandwidth, Center Frequency, Threshold, Attenuation, Lookahead and Release Time.

13. iZotope Ozone Imager

iZotope Ozone Imager stands out on the market as one of the most adaptive plugins for enhancing the stereo field of vocals, providing the ability to not only expand the sound of vocals, but also shape them at will.
In the plugin’s interface you’ll find width and stereo isolation settings that allow you to expand vocals to full stereo width or narrow multiple vocal tracks to mono. The technology behind Ozone Imager is identical to that used in iZotope’s famous mastering plugin suite.
Although the controls have been simplified for ease of use, they still provide detailed control over the stereo image. In the spirit of all iZotope products, the plugin provides clear visual feedback showing how your settings affect the audio signal.

14. Valhalla Freq Echo

Valhalla, known for its outstanding temporary effects, has introduced Valhalla Freq Echo, which stands apart from similar products. Although it’s not a classic delay, the plugin offers an original way to add amplitude and space to your vocals.
This delay echo plug-in combines analog echo with frequency shifting to create a sound reminiscent of 60s psychedelic music. With Freq Echo you can create many different sound variations, making its possibilities almost limitless. By adjusting the feedback, you can achieve everything from a chorus sound to a flanger to a double.
Freq Echo can also be used as a traditional echo effect. With free track tempo syncing, you can customize it to match the beat of your song. Without pitch shifting, the plugin may sound like a normal delay.
We recommend experimenting with Freq Echo’s frequency shift control automation to achieve unique and exciting echo effects.

15. u-He Protoverb

u-He stands out in the market with their great products that are developed with active community participation, making them one of the most respected companies in our eyes. They promote the spirit of musical collaboration by offering innovative ways for composers and musicians to work together, even from a distance.
One of their products, ProtoVerb, is an experimental space emulation reverb plugin. It creates complex resonances, creating a spacious and airy sound for dry audio signals. The reverbs in ProtoVerb sound amazingly natural, which sets it apart from many other reverb plugins.
ProtoVerb is capable of processing multiple vocals while maintaining clarity and separation, unlike other plugins that can create blurriness in the sound. Additionally, it can be used to create deep resonant build-ups and ghost-like effects.