Vocal Eq Vst Plugin

Posted on by
Vocal Eq Vst Plugin 8,4/10 8011 reviews

Article Content

Each and every voice is uniquely different, and therefore each voice presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. EQ is arguably the most effective tool in shaping the timbre and tone of a vocal so that it works correctly within the context of a mix.

Here are the five equalizer plugins that I find myself using most frequently when mixing vocals.

Plugin

The Waves 550a and 550b VST plugins not only great sounding but are also as versatile as it can get. As native reproductions of the API EQ, they can be great if you want to incorporate a touch of API sound on your tracks. Maybe you are already wondering what each has to offer. This impressive vocal dynamic processor, featuring compression, gating, limiting and level maximization is probably the easiest vocal mixing plugin you can find. And probably one of the best sounding too. In this little baby, you've got everything you need to make your vocals really pop, without taking the life out of. This is an autotune VST plugins designed and developed by Auburnsounds. This plugin is superb in the way it handles pitch correction. It not only supports pitch correction but supports the generation of throat sounds, making octave sounds, enriching, and enhancing vocal expressiveness. From here we can remove the low end of the vocal to remove the ‘p’ and popping sounds which get in the way an is unnecessary. Simply move the first EQ band up until you remove the bottom end of the vocal. After this we can notch out a little bit of the mid range of our vocal to make it cleaner (see EQ band 2 above).

1. FabFilter Pro-Q 2

In preparation of this series of articles on mixing vocals, I looked through dozens of sessions to see which plugins get the most amount of use in my mixes, and perhaps no single plugin gets more play than the Pro-Q 2. It’s the perfect surgical and subtle tone-shaper. It’s got a clean, transparent sound and a visually stunning user interface, which provides so much great useful information when mixing.

I generally like fixing problems via subtractive equalization before anything else, so the Pro-Q 2 is found as the first insert on many of my vocal tracks. In my sub-aux approach, all vocals are routed to their own aux before reaching the 2-buss, and I often have an instance of this plugin on this aux, as well.

Mix Tip:

Use the frequency analyzer to determine where to de-ess. The stock Pro Tools EQIII used to be my go-to for surgical attenuation, but since I got the Pro-Q 2, it’s now collecting metaphoric dust in the EQ plugins folder. This is mostly because the Pro-Q 2 has a simply stunning frequency analyzer, which I use to gain information about my program material. As I mentioned, each singer is unique, and sibilance will occur at different ranges in different voices. I use the analyzer to determine where it occurs in singers, do some subtle attenuation there, and apply what I’ve learned about the singer when I’m de-essing.

Introduction to FabFilter Pro-Q 2

Each and every voice is uniquely different, and therefore each voice presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. EQ is arguably the most effective tool in shaping the timbre and tone of a vocal so that it works correctly within the context of a mix. Here are the five equalizer plugins that

2. Maag EQ4

Available from both Plugin Alliance and UAD, the high end of the EQ4 is virtually unmatched. All of the individual bands (aside from the Air Band) are at fixed frequencies, so it’s not the best option for surgical applications, but for adding color and clarity, and really bringing vocals into focus, I love using the Maag.

Mix Tip:

The Air Band. No other EQ on the market does quite what the EQ4 can do in the high-frequency range. You’ve got five selectable frequency options (up to 40 kHz) and you can really crank the Air Band without your material sounding harsh and unpleasant. If I’ve got a vocal that seems a bit buried and dull, chances are this is what I’m using to fix it.

Plugin Comparison: Maag EQ2 vs. EQ4 – The Musical EQ Duo

Each and every voice is uniquely different, and therefore each voice presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. EQ is arguably the most effective tool in shaping the timbre and tone of a vocal so that it works correctly within the context of a mix. Here are the five equalizer plugins that

3. Pultec EQP-1A Emulations

One of the most widely used hardware EQs out there, we are fortunate that so many plugin companies have emulated the classic Pultec EQP-1A. We’ve got options from UAD, Waves, IK Multimedia, Avid and others. I’m partial to the UAD version, but there are many serviceable recreations of this Pultec on the plugin market. This is not for surgical applications, but for broad brush strokes, and adding clarity and proximity to vocals, I often use the EQP-1A.

Mix Tip:

On a recent mix, I popped the UAD EQP-1A on the vocal buss and automated the plugin so that it would add an extra 3 dB at 10 kHz during the chorus only. This did a great job of adding excitement and really helped the vocals cut through a dense chorus arrangement.

UAD Pultec Passive EQ Plug-In Collection Trailer

31 Band Eq Vst Plugin

Each and every voice is uniquely different, and therefore each voice presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. EQ is arguably the most effective tool in shaping the timbre and tone of a vocal so that it works correctly within the context of a mix. Here are the five equalizer plugins that

4. UAD Harrison 32C

There are so many great analog-style plugin options for general tone sculpting duties, but I keep coming back to the UAD Harrison 32C. Modeled after the preferred desk of legendary engineer Bruce Swedien, the 32C has tone for days, but can also handle more precise tasks if asked to. The filters are some of the best you’ll find in a plugin, and the midrange can be pushed pretty hard without becoming unpleasant (depending on the source material, of course.) All of these qualities make the 32C one of the most musical plugin equalizers on the market, in my opinion.

Mix Tip:

On a recent mix, I used an instance of the 32C on my Vocal Buss. Summed together, all of the vocals became a little bit harsh, yet still needed some additional clarity. A gentle cut at 2 kHz and a slight bump at 10 kHz using the Harrison did just the trick. I also like using the 32C after my reverbs. Some verbs seem to need some tone, warmth, or other fixes, and the vibrant-sounding 32C does a great job at these applications.

Harrison 32C EQ Plug-In for UAD

Free Vocal Harmony Vst Plugin

Each and every voice is uniquely different, and therefore each voice presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. EQ is arguably the most effective tool in shaping the timbre and tone of a vocal so that it works correctly within the context of a mix. Here are the five equalizer plugins that

5. Softube Trident A-Range

Rounding out my favorite EQ plugins for mixing vocals is yet another analog emulation. I find myself wanting to add color, character, and vibe to vocals especially, and the A-Range is a much-used tool in my arsenal. Available from Softube native and for UAD platforms, the A-Range is a meticulously recreated plugin version of the equalizer section found on the famed British console.

Hundreds of rock hits were recorded using the Trident desk, and chances are if I’m working on in-your-face rock vocals, this is the plugin I’m using. Additionally, from a user interface perspective, the sliders offer a nice alternative way of working as compared to the many knob-based equalizers out there.

Mix Tip:

Push this thing. Mangle your vocals with it. Combine the filters with the ability to boost or attenuate 15 dB of gain at each band, and you have a lot of bold sonic possibilities. The Softube Native version has a saturation knob. I love abusing my signals with this thing.

Trident A-Range plug-in by Softube

Each and every voice is uniquely different, and therefore each voice presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. EQ is arguably the most effective tool in shaping the timbre and tone of a vocal so that it works correctly within the context of a mix. Here are the five equalizer plugins that

FREE Masterclass: Low-End Mixing Secrets

Downloaded Over 19,455 times!

Discover how to make your kick and bass hit hard by cutting (NOT boosting) the right frequencies! Plus, more counterintuitive ways to get fuller yet controlled low-end in your mix. Download this 40-minute workshop by Matthew Weiss, now for FREE!

EQ is one of the most basic—and important—tools you have as an audio engineer.

But there are so many different EQs out there, how do you know which ones are for you?

You might be thinking your DAW’s channel EQ is perfectly fine. But not all EQs are the same. There’s more types than you might think.

Here’s the 15 best EQ Plugins on the market today:

This article will teach you about the common styles of EQ and how to use them to shape the perfect sound.

Let’s dive in!

Analog EQ

Early EQs were all analog. Some of the earliest equalizer designs are still around today.

Engineers covet these analog beauties for the musically pleasing way they shape sounds. The musical qualities are the result of the unique circuit design of each unit.

Certain EQs became so sought after that plugin designers developed software to emulate them as closely as possible in the digital domain—leading to a mind-boggling ocean of plugin choices.

So what are the different styles of analog EQ? How do they work? What are they used for and where do they work best?

There’s no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing an EQ. But there are some helpful guidelines that will help you get started with the classic designs.

Pultec-style EQ

The Pultec EQP-1A is the most sought after EQ ever. Well-preserved original units can sell for over $10,000.

The Pultec EQP-1A is the most sought after EQ ever.

Fortunately for us, the EQP-1A has a long history of software emulation. Today’s Pultec-style plugins can sound good—if you know how to use them.

Pultec-style EQ can work wonders to subtly boost top end or extend lows. It can even make broad EQ enhancements without sacrificing any of the original vibe of the sound.

Since the EQP-1A hails from the earliest era of equalizers, it’s control scheme is a little less intuitive than modern designs.

The bandwidth control affects both the high and low band, but low band works differently from the high band.

For the low band, the boost and attenuate knobs are both linked to one of four frequency options. This quirk allows you to both boost and cut at the selected frequency.

The overlapping filters create a steep bump that’s fantastic for boosting the fundamental frequencies of low end instruments.

The high band has separate frequency options for boosting and cutting with overlaps at 5 and 10 kHz.

These controls are interactive and can result in some unique equalization curves.

Best Pultec EQ VSTs

Free Plugin: Ignite Amps PTeq-X

Ignite Amps PTeq-X is a fantastic (and free) way to get started with Pultec-style EQ. It works just like the original so you can get a sense for creating those quirky overlapping curves.

Cheap Plugin: Waves PuigTec EQP-1A

The Waves PuigTec EQP-1A is a well-emulated, workhorse Pultec EQ. It’s very affordable if you can catch it on sale.

Pro Plugin: UAD Pultec EQP-1A

The UAD Pultec EQP-1A is the industry standard software Pultec. UAD spared no expense in creating the perfect Pultec for your DAW.

SSL Channel EQ

SSL console strips did a lot to inform our idea of what a modern EQ is.

SSL console strips did a lot to inform our idea of what a modern EQ is.

Classic features we’re familiar with today like integrated high/low-pass filters and variable Q were popularized by these consoles.

The SSL consoles are famous for their incredibly powerful filters.

The sharp high/low-pass filters, precise frequency ranges and extremely narrow Q options make this a EQ a first choice for surgical suturing and dramatic tonal changes. Their character is precise but aggressive.

Best SSL EQ VSTs

Free Plugin: Smacklabs Logic Channel

Smacklabs Logic Channel is a good entry-level SSL EQ. This free plugin models the entire SSL channel strip, so you can try out the classic SSL-style compressor and gate/expander while you’re at it.

Cheap Plugin: Slate FG-S

The Slate FG-S comes bundled with their very affordable VMR channel strip collection. The FG-S packs all the features and sound of the aggressive, surgical SSL channel EQ.

Pro Plugin: SSL Native Channel Strip

SSL recently jumped into the software game with its own line of plugins—including an in-house version of their classic console channel strip. Why not go straight to the source?

API-style EQ

Experienced engineers often refer to API as the “American” sound in contrast to the “British” Neve tone.

They’re two sides of the same classic console coin.

If you’re a fan of music from the 60’s and 70’s, there’s a good chance some of your favourite records were recorded one of these desks.

The classic API EQ comes in a three band (550a) or four-band (550b) flavour.

The bands don’t have individual Q controls, but the EQ is designed so that the Q becomes progressively sharper as you apply more extreme cuts or boosts.

It’s intuitive and keeps you from worrying too much about the Q setting.

API-style EQ splits the difference between surgical and sculpting. Mild settings can be very transparent, while extreme cuts or boosts can be dramatic and vibey.

Best API EQ VSTs

Free Plugin: Bee-Happy 550

Bee-Happy 500 is a free API-style plugin for those looking to start with classic 70’s console EQ.

Cheap Plugin: Sly-Fi Axis

Sly-Fi Axis is part of the UBK family of products that includes the innovative Kush Audio hardware and software. This EQ is an API on steroids that’s meant to exaggerate the analog colouration of the original.

Pro Plugin: Waves 550a & 550b

Waves 550a and 550b are fantastic native emulations of the API EQ. These are great-sounding and versatile plugins to get the API sound on your tracks.

Neve-style EQ

Neve consoles are the world’s most prized vintage recording equipment.

From the early sixties until the mid-eighties, Neve Electronics produced consoles legendary for their warm, musical sound.

The preamp section of the Neve console strip often gets the most attention, but the EQ is a big part of the Neve sound.

Neve EQs are another great option for broad, smooth cuts and boosts with lots of character.

Neve EQs are another great option for broad, smooth cuts and boosts with lots of character.

There are several different flavours of Neve EQ from the various revisions of the console, but they mostly share the same architecture with a high-pass filter, two or three parametric mid bands and one fixed high band.

The fixed 12 kHz high band found on the Neve 1073 EQ is famous for its ability to add air to vocals, drum rooms and overheads.

Best Neve EQ VSTs

Free Plugin: Smacklabs SL84 Console EQ

Smacklabs SL84 Console EQ will give you a taste of the Neve EQ sound for free. It’s accurately modelled using IR technology.

Cheap Plugin: Sonimus Burnley 73

Sonimus Burnley 73 is super economical way to get the sound of a 1073 on to your tracks.

Pro Plugin: UAD Neve 1073

The UAD Neve 1073 is a tremendously accurate emulation of the classic 1073 preamp and EQ. It’s incredibly smooth and musical with tone that screams Neve. Vst plugins fender peaino bass.

Digital EQ

We all drool over the analog EQ beauties. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t extremely useful and creative tools that don’t have anything in common with the classics.

Digital EQ is essential for any DAW. It’s the most precise tool in your EQ tool box.

Reach for digital EQ when you want to make changes without colouring your sound at all. In the right hands, digital EQ can be powerful, flexible and utterly undetectable.

Professional Vst Plugins Vocal Effects

Reach for digital EQ when you want to make changes without colouring your sound at all.

It’s a first choice for “problem solving” duties like notching out room resonances.

Best Digital EQ VSTs

Free Plugin: Your built-in DAW EQ

Most DAWs come bundled with a capable digital EQ. We’re talking about stock DAW plugins like Ableton EQ Eight, Logic Channel EQ, and Avid EQIII. These are all effective entry points into digital EQ.

Cheap Plugin: Voxengo PrimeEQ

Voxengo PrimeEQ is a robust, well-designed digital EQ from a respected company. Look no further if you’re after a nice workhorse digital EQ.

Pro Plugin: Fabfilter ProQ 2

Fabfilter ProQ 2 is the most technologically advanced EQ on this list. The raw power of this EQ is staggering—it’s a singular feat of DSP engineering. Listing all its incredibly powerful features would take far too long, let’s just say this a top-tier professional EQ!

Great Equalizer

There’s a whole world of EQ out there.

Best Vocal Eq Vst

It’s such a fundamental tool that engineers will always have strong opinions about it. And that means that designers will always be creating new and better versions.

Best Free Vocal Vst Plugins

Wading through that water is daunting and exciting at the same time.

Best Eq Vst For Vocals

But now that you know a little bit about the types of EQ, go head try some of the plugins on this list. You’ll find out which EQ works best for you!