Top 10 Vocal Mixing Plugins
Introduction
Vocals are the centerpiece of any vocal mix. They’re usually the main focus of a track and demand the most attention. However, mixing vocals isn’t easy—there are countless techniques and tools for getting vocals to sound just right.
Listing the best vocal mixing plugins is a challenge. There are tons of VST plugins that do a great job with vocals, and plenty of plugins that are excellent at specific tasks.
When it comes to mixing, the best vocal plugins help you achieve the best vocal sound. If you’re planning to add vocals to your music, it’s crucial to have some of the top vocal mixing plugins in your toolkit.
This isn’t necessarily true for every area of music production. We’re big believers in learning how to use the tools you already have—we’re definitely not fans of gear acquisition syndrome.
So, why are vocals different?
Mixing vocals is a nuanced process, and some plugins simply work better than others. It’s that simple: if you want your vocals to sound as good as the artists you admire, you need some of the best vocal plugins.
In this article, we’ll share the very best plugins for mixing vocals. But before we get to the list, there are two important things you should know: how to get a great vocal recording, and the basics of the vocal processing chain.
To capture the best possible vocal recording, you need to check off a number of factors before you even think about mixing with plugins. If you’re unsure whether you’re recording vocals correctly, be sure to check out our article on recording vocals.
As for the processing chain, it will always depend on the specific vocals you’re working with, but there are some guidelines and basic steps that can help you get started in the right direction. Again, we have an article on mixing vocals that covers this topic.
To help narrow down the overwhelming number of choices, we’ve rounded up 10 vocal mixing plugins that are widely used by music producers and mix engineers.
1. UNIVERSAL AUDIO – TELETRONIX LA-2A
The Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier is another legendary analog compressor, highly respected for its clean, pure, and musical compression.
Universal Audio’s LA-2A is outstanding at smoothing out vocals, keeping the dynamic range consistent. The LA-2A also adds punch and a pleasing musical tone. However, be careful not to over-compress and crush the transients, as this can push the vocals further back in the mix.
This tool isn’t just for vocals—it works great on other elements too. We’ve found it especially effective on signals with sharp transients, like snares and other percussive elements.
We really love the color and character it brings to the sound, making it one of our favorite compressors for vocals. In our experience, this might be one of the best plugins for mixing vocals, thanks to its simplicity and the quality of its processing.
If you’re on the fence about trying this one, don’t hesitate. Go for it—you won’t be disappointed. This is an excellent vocal compressor, and it’s hard to find anything better on the market. There’s a reason why most studios keep the hardware version of this unit on hand.
Worth: $299.00
2. SLATE DIGITAL – EIOSIS E2DEESSER
The Eiosis e2deesser by Slate Digital is an excellent de-esser plugin. It precisely identifies sibilance in vocal recordings and attenuates it in a clean, transparent way.
It can also automatically detect sibilant frequencies and reduce them within the mix. On top of that, the e2deesser features an elegant display that shows a spectral analysis of the detected sibilants.
Vocal recordings often have a tonal harshness known as sibilance. Sibilance is the “sss” or “ts” sound created by sharp consonants like S, T, and Z. These sounds can cause harsh, resonant peaks.
The best way to reduce unpleasant sibilance is with a de-esser plugin. De-essers are specialized compressors that focus on a specific frequency range. They use a combination of equalization and sidechain compression to remove harsh sibilant sounds.
De-essers aren’t just for vocals. The e2deesser can also tame harsh resonances in drums, mix groups, full mixes, and other sound sources.
While we are big fans of FabFilter Pro plugins—especially the FabFilter Pro-DS—this one really works wonders on sibilances. You might assume any de-esser plugin will do, but there are plenty of features that some mixing plugins either have or lack.
That’s why we picked this one over the FF Pro-DS. For a reasonable price, you get a powerful tool that you can use not only on vocals, but on any element that needs some frequency trimming.
Worth: $149.00
3. FABFILTER PRO Q 3
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is an incredible digital parametric equalizer. It allows you to shape your vocals with exceptional precision and transparency. This fully-featured EQ comes with a powerful Retina interface and offers up to 24 frequency bands.
It also features high-quality phase modes, zero latency, mid/side processing, dynamic EQ capabilities, variable stereo placement of EQ bands, an intelligent solo function, optional Auto Gain, a customizable spectrum analyzer, and much more.
Some might say it’s just like a multiband compressor, but that’s not true at all.
Subtractive EQing on vocals is a crucial step. Equalization fixes problematic frequencies, creates clarity, and adds presence. Parametric equalizers are the best tools for corrective and surgical EQ work.
They can boost or cut frequencies with pinpoint accuracy. They’re also the most versatile, with adjustable frequency bands and a clean, transparent sound. FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is one of the best vocal plugins out there, providing transparent sound without adding any unwanted color to your signal.
There isn’t much more to say about this plugin, except that it’s a must-have in every mix we do. Since we discovered it, there hasn’t been a single mix where it wasn’t included.
As you can see in our YouTube video, this is the first plugin we use to identify and reduce problematic frequencies. For vocals, it offers the flexibility to create a well-balanced signal that’s ready for further processing. It’s truly a gem.
Worth: $179.00
4. SOUNDTOYS – ECHOBOY
EchoBoy is truly one of the best echo and delay plugins out there! It brings together 30 different echo types, all modeled after classic, iconic gear. On top of that, it offers deep editing options and expressive tools, allowing you to craft any kind of delayed sound you can imagine.
This versatile plugin can even create chorus, reverb, flanger, and rhythmic effects. EchoBoy also includes various types of analog saturation to give your echoes extra character. It really does it all—and sounds incredible while doing it!
Applying subtle amounts of stereo delay can also add width and depth to your vocals.
You might be wondering why we included this delay plugin on our list instead of another. The reason is that EchoBoy offers so many extra features.
Beyond the standard delay controls, it also has saturation knobs that let you adjust the harmonics of the delay, making it sound fuller and rounder to better fit your vocals. All in all, this is a complete delay plugin every mixing engineer should own.
While we don’t think it’s absolutely mandatory—there are plenty of other options—we really love the EchoBoy analog processor. That’s why it earned a spot on our list.
Worth: $199.00
5. MAAG AUDIO – EQ4
There are plenty of excellent analog-style EQs that can enhance vocals, but finding the perfect one can be a challenge. However, this roundup chose the Maag Audio EQ4 for its standout performance.
The Maag EQ4 is famous for its legendary ‘Air Band,’ which does an incredible job of boosting the high end to add color and clarity. You can increase the ‘Air Band’ to bring vocals to the front of your mix without making them sound harsh or unpleasant.
After using subtractive EQ and compression for corrective work, try shaping your vocal’s tone with additive EQ. Tonal equalization gives your vocals presence and character.
For example, it’s common to boost the high end of a vocal to add presence in pop and electronic music.
The best way to add presence and shape tone is with an analog-modeled EQ. These EQs add warmth, presence, punch, character, and sheen to vocals. If your vocals sound dull or buried, try the Maag EQ4 to bring them to the front of your mix.
This is another plugin we often use in mixes where we want to enhance simple-sounding vocals. Not only does the Air Band shine, but the other bands also provide great tone and are designed to address specific vocal issues.
At 40Hz, you can cut unnecessary lows. With 160Hz, you can tame any boominess in the vocal. At 650Hz, depending on the voice, you can either boost or cut, and with the 2.5kHz high-shelf band, you can start adding presence to the vocal track. This EQ is a complete solution that you should definitely try out.
Worth: $229.00
6. FABFILTER – SATURN
There are plenty of fantastic saturation plugins for vocals, making it tough to choose the perfect one—many are just that good.
For this roundup, FabFilter’s Saturn takes the spotlight because of its versatility. Saturn can deliver a wide range of saturation and distortion styles, making it an all-around powerhouse for your mix.
Saturn offers a variety of high-quality distortion models, inspired by the classic sounds of tubes, tape, and guitar amps. Plus, it features a multiband design with extensive tone and dynamics controls.
You’ll also find modulation options, XY controllers, envelope followers, and more. This flexible plugin excels at adding warmth and definition to anything you run through it!
Applying small amounts of saturation or distortion can really thicken up a vocal track and help it cut through a dense mix. Saturation brings harmonics, presence, character, warmth, excitement, and cohesion.
On top of that, saturation makes your vocals easier to hear on smaller speakers, like laptops, earbuds, and phones.
We try a lot of different saturation options, but most of the time, we rely on Saturn and SPL’s Twin Tube. These two plugins are our go-to choices for adding saturation to vocals, and we almost always use them at the end of the vocal chain for that final bit of magic.
If you want your vocals to sound their best and reach their full potential, these saturation plugins are the answer. While Saturn might be a bit pricier than some alternatives, it’s definitely worth every penny.
Worth: $154.00
7. WAVES – VOCAL RIDER
Waves Vocal Rider automatically adjusts vocal levels for you, saving time so you don’t have to manually automate every change or ride faders throughout the track.
Vocal recordings can be very dynamic, with loud and quiet moments scattered through the performance. Managing these dynamics is important so the vocal stays consistent throughout the mix.
Modern production standards require vocals to be steady, present, and easy to understand. This plugin is one of those vocal mixing tools that makes the job much easier for the person behind the mix.
Controlling vocal dynamics usually means combining volume automation and compression. With real-time processing from this plugin, you can achieve smooth vocals without complicated moves or a lot of extra thought.
Using gain automation to even out the vocal before compression is the cleanest and most transparent way to control vocal volume. This approach also takes some of the load off your compressors.
This plugin almost always fits into our vocal chain, either before or after a corrective EQ. It helps reduce the workload on the compressor, so you don’t have to use as much gain reduction later on.
While it’s not quite the same as the subtle touch of a human hand, the Vocal Rider is very sensitive and can easily bring up or tame parts to keep the vocal level balanced. It’s a great choice for the price, and if you have it in your toolbox, you’ll definitely find yourself using it.
Worth: $49.99
8. WAVES – DOUBLER
The Doubler plugin by Waves uses delay and pitch modulation to add width and texture to vocals. With Doubler, you can create double-tracking, harmonizer and pitch detune effects, chorus effects, and much more.
Vocal doubling adds width, fullness, presence, and character to vocals. Doubling vocals and processing them differently can create interesting vocal sounds. This technique can add emotion, build depth, and bring excitement to choruses and hooks.
The main effect of using Doubler is “enriching the sound.” It’s commonly used to double vocals or guitar tracks. For example, if you have a vocal or instrument track that you want to make sound more open, you can use this approach.
Take voice 1, detune it down by 4 cents, and pan it to the right. Take voice 2, detune it up by 4 cents, and pan it to the left. Setting each voice’s gain to around –12dB already makes a big difference, and bringing it up to –6dB can make the sound even more open.
Changing the delay time for each voice, and further offsetting or modulating the detune, will also change the color of the sound. Running a track through Doubler’s presets is a great way to get familiar with the different sounds it can create.
So if you’re missing some doubles or want to make your signal richer, Doubler can be a lifesaver. Just be careful not to let the signal stay in the anti-phase region to avoid any mono compatibility issues.
Worth: $29.99
9. SLATE DIGITAL – VERBSUITE CLASSICS
VerbSuite Classics is a versatile reverb processor that captures the evolving and modulating qualities of ten iconic hardware models. You can’t go wrong with this plugin—it delivers 40 years of the most widely-used digital reverb processors in the industry.
With this plugin, you get that legendary sound from classic reverbs in a user-friendly interface, plus modern features not found in the original hardware units.
Adding subtle amounts of short stereo reverb gives vocals width and depth. Reverb can also place a dry vocal in a natural-sounding space, helping it blend more smoothly into the mix.
Many reverb plugins sound fantastic on vocals, making it tough to pick the absolute best, as many are equally impressive. In this roundup, we chose VerbSuite Classics by Slate Digital—one of the top vocal mixing plugins from Slate.
A great reverb plugin can make a huge difference—not just for vocals, but for any track where you want to add space and dimension. The Slate reverb suite has the potential to elevate your music to the next level.
Our philosophy is never to skimp on great reverbs. That’s why this one is in our toolbox, along with a few other favorites that we believe are excellent choices for enhancing any sound.
Worth: $149.00
10. OEKSOUND – SOOTHE
Soothe is a powerful tool for taming harshness in the mid and high frequencies. It works wonders on vocal recordings, smoothing out harsh resonances and making your tracks sound polished.
Soothe uses a dynamic equalizer with self-adjusting frequency bands. Unlike traditional EQs, it analyzes your signal and automatically reduces problematic frequencies as needed.
This means you don’t have to manually notch out troublesome areas. The reduction only happens where it’s needed, without affecting nearby frequencies.
As a result, your vocals gain detail and presence. Soothe is a secret weapon among vocal mixing plugins, so definitely try it out if you get the chance.
It’s especially useful for poorly recorded vocals with unwanted noise, crackles, or bumps. Soothe can clean up these issues, leaving you with a clear vocal ready for further processing.
Worth: $161.43
Conclusion
So that pretty much wraps it up! While our list may not be perfect, it’s definitely a solid one—and we’ve included plenty of plugins that can help take your vocal sound to the next level. Mixing vocals is all about enhancing your vocal performance, and these tools are here to help.
We didn’t include auto-tune and pitch correction plugins here because we already have a separate article dedicated entirely to that topic. You can check it out if you’re looking for more info on pitch correction methods and plugins.
We hope this article gives you some fresh ideas to boost your vocal mixing process. Once you’ve picked out the plugins you want to try, dive in and mix those vocals to perfection!
