• Best Free Vst Mastering Compressor Software
• Best Free Vst Mastering Compressor Download
• Best Free Vst Mastering Compressor Free

Due to their undeniable complexity, a seasoned engineer can easily spend hours mastering a single vocal track…

Afterall, compressing and paying special attention to levels on the most dynamic instrument only makes sense.

Luckily, there are several free vocal mastering VST plugins to assist in the process without breaking the bank.

• Home Studio Mastering has launched the Noiz-Lab LE Mastering Bundle, a collection of freeware mastering tools in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac. The free mastering bundle was developed as a learning tool along with the Home Studio Mastering ebook. It represents a basic mastering chainRead More.
• 10 BEST Free / Affordable Mastering VST Effects It has never been easier to enter the field of audio production because now we are living in a digital age. Producers no longer have to drop tens of thousands of dollars on pricey soundboards and studio spaces.

Luckily there are a lot of great software developers offering their plugins to the music production community for free. Here are a few incredible sounding compressor plugins that if they weren’t free I would gladly pay for. All of these plugins are 100% free and available in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats. Klanghelm MJUC Jr. Limiter No6 is easily one of the most popular options when it comes to free mastering plugins. The No6 engine has 5 modules: RMS compressor, peak limiter, high-frequency limiter, clipper and true peak limiter. Each of these modules uses different high-quality signal processes and gives incredible results for mastering.

In this article, we’ll dive into a couple of compressors, exciters, equalizers, and noise gate VSTs that mimic many of the tools used by the pros to give mixes the extra polish they need.

Free Plugins For Mastering Vocals

Compressor VSTs

With vocal audio constantly wavering between high and low levels, a good compressor is nothing short of essential to the final mastering process. Check out some of these options to achieve a cohesive, condensed vocal sound.

Related: Proper Compression Settings for Vocals, Best Paid Vocal Compressors

OTT by Xfer Records

Pick it up here

With a simple yet sleek user interface, this plugin is approachable to engineers at all ends of the spectrum. The VST consists of 3 bands and is geared towards trap/electronic genres. OTT has the standard controls of any compressor: In/Out Gain, depth, and time without the clutter from any unnecessary bells and whistles. Each band is equipped with a modest visualizer, allowing you to see how your sound is being altered at different frequency ranges.

Although some producers may find the lack of options control-wise limiting, OTT is quick to get you to the sound you desire without wasting unnecessary time. Overall, the price is more than right, and OTT does an excellent job at evening out levels.

DC1A by Klanghelm

Pick it up here

If you’re looking for a simple compressor to give your vocals a bit more of an analog/classic feel, the Klanghelm DC1A is an excellent free plugin to start with. Its most notable feature is the 4 built-in presets with deep, relaxed, negative, and dual mono compression modes.

To add to its retro vibe, the VST has an embedded meter that looks like those on vintage rack mounts and is just as useful. The meter itself is easily understood and has a delineated red threshold so you can tell whether or not you’re clipping even with just a quick glance. The main focus of the plugin is the input and output, nothing else really besides the compression modes, making it a great option for beginners.

Moreover, Klanghelm produces a bulkier compressor VST entitled DC8C, so DC1A acts as a great trial run before investing in a paid plugin. For a seasoned engineer, this VST may be oversimplified, but those looking for efficiency or that classic mono sound, this is an excellent choice.

Equalizers (EQ) VSTs

When mastering a vocal, especially in pop/more current styles of music, producers commonly boost/cut out frequencies to help it stand out a bit more in the master mix. Here are a couple of free EQs that can fulfill all of your vocal mastering needs.

Related post: Best Paid EQ plugins for Vocals

ReaEQ by Reaper

Pick it up here

In general, this EQ plugin is great for the entire production process, but it also has a couple of key features that lend themselves particularly towards vocal mastering. For example, the VST has a dial-in frequency feature that allows the user to enter precisely what frequency he/she would like to be emphasized or lowered. You are able to add an unlimited amount of bands to give absolute clarity to the vocal and add polish to its final master. The bandwidth can be widened or narrowed with a few mouse clicks, streamlining the process.

Moreover, each band has a separate bypass toggle, meaning that you can easily switch one on/off to compare a sound before/after processing. ReaEQ comes equipped with high and low pass filters, bands, much more. The central visualizer makes it easy to locate all of your bands. Although the plugin is not the most aesthetically pleasing, it certainly works well and has a lot of features that normally come with paid plugins.

It is a great plugin to download as a beginner, but able to translate into more mature mastering practices with its potentially highly specified input/output values. ReaEQ is a superb tool and comes as a part of the Rea PLugs bundle with many other useful VSTs.

Luftikus By Lkjb

Pick it up here

This EQ is super useful in achieving a retro sound, as it is a digitized version of an analog-style Equalizer. Luftikus is set up like a traditional rack mount and has 5 fixed-frequency EQ bands with corresponding knobs. This feature could be seen as limiting during the mastering process as you cannot type in specific frequencies in the same way that you can with previously mentioned ReaEQ.

However, if you’re mastering a vocal bus with multiple vocal tracks, having fixed bands can help simplify the process and give you a little boost without being excessive. In addition, the VST has an added “mastering” mode which removes superfluous features to get you in and out of mastering efficiently. Luftikus has a separate section dedicated to boosting the high-end frequencies and a couple of preset options between 2.5-40K Hz which is particularly useful during the vocal mastering process.

Outside of the presets, the high-end boost has a knob that can be altered for a more specific vocal top-end boost. The plugin has a “keep gain” button designed to make changes appear more subtle than drastic while EQing, ideal for mastering. The colorful interface makes it exciting to use and Luftikus proves to consistently create masters with a bit more of a vintage feel.

Nova-67P by Vladg/sound

Pick it up here

The Nova-67p is a hybrid between a compressor and an equalizer making it a fine resource for mastering. The plugin is centered around the main visualizer where you can view the waveforms and respective bands. It’s nice that you’re able to see the waveforms in realtime, especially since vocals are fickle and quick to change from one level to the next. Since it also acts as a compressor, there is a small level meter as well to prevent clipping the vocal tracks.

This unique combination makes the VST a one-stop-shop for vocal mastering. Although sidechaining is traditionally done within the mixing stage, it is certainly worth mentioning that this plugin has sidechain capabilities built-in, along with high and low pass filters. It comes with attack, release, and ratio knobs and a separate toggle for mastering. If you’re looking to EQ or compress exclusively, this plugin may not be the best choice as the two components are designed to be used together in the mastering process.

For those looking to do both processes anyway, this plugin certainly accelerates mastering and will give you a more put together sound as the EQ and compressor interact with one another beautifully.

Noise Gate VSTs

A less common but underrated gating possibility is centered around the vocals. Condenser and other common microphones, often pick up unneeded frequencies that can cloud your vocal clarity during the mastering process. In order to eliminate this, try out one of these free noise gate plugins and place it on a vocal track.

Related post: Best Paid Noise Reduction Plugins

preFix by Variety of Sound

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Prefix acts as a couple of plugins built into one with EQ, sidechain, compression, and phasing built-in. Similarly to Nova-67P, the features are meant to be used with one another without external interference. The noise gate feature is notable as it has specified attack, release, hold, and pre-gate knobs allowing the user to hone in on which frequencies they’d like to be ducked.

Although this plugin is best used during the mixing process, it can be a great reference point during mastering since it includes so many of the tools needed to create a polished track. If someone was stuck on a vocal mix and wanted to be able to visualize a finished or mastered product, preFix could be placed on the corresponding vocal bus and quickly adjusted to give the user a vague idea of the polished product. Since there are so many controls and a lack of a frequency visualizer, this plugin can certainly be intimidating and time consuming for a beginner. However, a reference track on its own is extremely valuable, especially for something as nuanced as vocals, and when mastered, preFix is as effective as comparable costly VSTs.

GGate by GVST

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This plugin is as simple as it can get, but don’t let its minimal approach fool you- GGate is very powerful and is straightforward enough to be added to all kinds of vocals. The plugin consists of 3 knobs: The threshold, attack, and fade; Each pretty self-explanatory in their own right. GGate has a dry/wet meter so that the gated signal can be played alongside the unaltered signal. This opens the door to parallel processing for vocals, which can make a significant difference in the listener’s experience.

Moreover, the “fade” knob is suited to create subtle changes in the overall level of a vocal track. For those looking to give a more processed/clear sound to vocals, i.e those centered around commercial/pop genres, this plugin may prove to be insufficient. However, if you’re in a pinch or just need to eliminate a minute level of noise without being too obvious, you can’t beat the control offered by GGate.

Exciter VSTs

In the same way it is helpful to boost the preexisting high-end of vocals in order to bring the sound more upfront during mastering, exciters generate artificial/organic tones typically in the 3K range and above.

Related post: Best Paid Exciter Plugins

Thrillseeker XTC by Variety of Sound

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This exciter is based around analog-style retro sounds and combines a traditional exciter/saturator with a 3-band EQ. Each set EQ range has a separate knob and bypass button so that different frequency ranges can be enhanced independently. This is particularly useful in scenarios where one is utilizing a vocal bus and wants to master an overall sound without emphasizing unwanted tones/frequencies.

The plugin has a “Mojo” and Drive section, catered to leveling out the amplitudes of generated frequencies running parallel to the dry vocal. Moreover, the VST can be switched in between blue or black versions depending on how precise an engineer desires the finished master to be. Thrillseeker in this way lends itself to a variety of genres and applications. Although it is somewhat limited in being linked to retro or vintage type sounds, the VST is absolutely worth a try at no cost.

BuzVintageMaxi by Buzzroom

Buzzroom has created a true exciter plugin with BuzVintageMaxi. The VST is very minimal, with two main knobs: gain and ceiling for the threshold level of the audio signal. The plugin is known for adding thick, warm sounds to any track it is applied to. This can be especially useful for mastering female vocals, where sometimes the upper register can lose warmth/low-end frequencies when translated to an audio signal. It has two included processing modes, normal and deep, to cater to the depth of harmonics applied to the signal.

Although this plugin cannot be used to master an entire vocal tracks alone due to its lack of complexity, it certainly produces a warm vocal within a short amount of time. It’s definitely worth a try, even just train your ears on what a warm/fat vocal should sound like.

Modern Exciter by Antress

Pick it up here

Antress has a number of strong plugins free for download on their website. Modern Exciter has a user interface resembling a standard rack mount and is not overly muddled by too many controls. Harmonics can be added to low or high frequencies and adjusted with their respective knobs. This lends itself well to mastering vocals as different voices will have different areas in which they need more widening depending on the frequency of the dry audio signal. Modern Exciter includes a VU meter, which especially lends itself to mastering since it helps display the average level of the processed signal.

If you want more of a retro sound, this VST has a built-in analog preset. Moreover, the VST processes in stereo and has separate left and right channels appropriately. The plugin does not have a whole lot of controls which may seem to limit to some, but it notably separates the high and low ends to organically fill in vocal frequency gaps.

Quick Tips For Mastering Vocals

In general, the mastering process involves adding the final polish to a preexisting mix. This includes leveling, preparing for distribution, and making sure that the project as a whole is cohesive. Let’s dive into a couple of tips that illustrate what that process is like for vocals.

#1. Keep Mixing and Mastering Separate

With any aspect of a song, especially vocals, it’s important that you’re giving the mixing and mastering processes their own space. This is because the philosophy behind mixing involves deep adding/subtracting, sometimes involving an entire rework of a track.

When you master, you are looking to polish and heighten the parts of something that is already complete. By keeping the two operations independent of one another, you allow for your vocals to be better thought out in terms of context (mixing) and the overall level/vibe of the song as a whole (mastering). A good master on a bad mix still produces a poor track. Therefore, make sure you do your homework before jumping into the world of mastering plugins- The real work comes out during mixing.

#2. Know your Vocals

What type of voice is presented on your track? What kind of frequency is it lacking? Is your vocal the focus of your song or more in the background? It’s vital that you consider these questions deeply before beginning the mastering process so that you have a clear roadmap to lead you down the right mastering path with plugins that fit accordingly.

#4. Use a Reference Track

Vocals are by far the trickiest aspect of understanding audio engineering since they are so unique. It can be extremely helpful to use a reference track during the mastering process to get your vocal exactly where you desire. Moreover, so many of these free plugins include bypass features, sometimes for each separate band, which makes it easy to compare against your model track.

Mastering is the icing on top of the cake, not the cake itself, but that does not diminish its importance- especially with vocal tracks. A good master sets your music apart and is a mark of a seasoned producer. Try out one of these free vocal mastering VSTs on your next track to get you one step closer to the coveted warm, thick vocal our ears crave.

Multiband compressor plugins are about as prized as they are misunderstood.

Those that know them, love ’em. Those that don’t know much about how they work, believe they have magical powers (and hence would be as useful as you’d feel it might be to the uninitiated… depending on whether or not you believe in magic or snake oil marketing).

However, the best multiband compressor plugin is not magic, my friend, they are extremely useful if you plan on doing your own mastering, or tightening up your vocals, guitars, or other tracks in your mixes.

Quick answer: iZotope Neutron and the FabFilter Pro-MB are two of the best options out there now n the realm of multiband compression.

If you want something that’s not as expensive, take a look at Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor.

Let’s take a closer look 🙂

Best Free Vst Mastering Compressor Software

Table of Contents

• Multiband Compressor Plugin Buying Guide

Find more great guides here:

Multiband Compressor Plugin Buying Guide

What is a Multiband Compressor?

A multiband compressor is simply an advanced compressor that gives you the ability to compress different parts of the audio frequency spectrum…

Think of it like a cross between your typical equalizer and compressor, where instead of attenuating or amplified different frequency bands in your audio signal, you’re applying and adjusting compression settings instead.

(See this Wiki article on multiband compression for more info.)

Moving forward, this gives you more control over the different aspects of the sound than standard compressors.

For example, in mastering a mix, you may want to reduce the attack transient of a guitar track which occupies a certain portion of the frequency spectrum, while letting the punch of a kick drum get through in another part of the spectrum.

When it comes to mixing, one of the many applications of multiband compressor is in vocals. You can use it for smoothing out the vocal performance of a singer with a wide frequency range. This way you don’t lose any of the “information” from completely cutting out lower end.

You can also read on the typical compression settings used for vocals.

Features to Look for in a Multiband Compressor Plug-in

There are only a few essential features you will need to pay attention to…

At the very least you want a multiband compressor that lets you compress four different bands. This gives you a good range of frequencies to work with, which should be suitable for vocal processing and other tasks.

A ‘solo’ function is helpful for pinpointing problem areas, as well as for hearing what the compressor is doing to a specific frequency range. What solo will do is allow you to listen in on a specific frequency band alone, to the exclusion of everything else.

The ability to solo individual bands will also help you hear how the transients are affected by the attack and release settings.

Choosing a Multiband Compressor Plug-in

The ability to target specific frequency ranges is a good thing to have in your mixing or mastering chain…

… and a good multiband compressor will certainly supply that.

Most designs limit you to certain frequency bands, which might be sufficient for most basic tasks. In order to hone in on problem areas however, the ability to pinpoint exact frequency ranges is essential.

For vocal processing, you don’t necessarily want the ‘pumping’ or ‘breathing’ that many compressor circuits typically provide. For this specific task, you want a compressor that can be as transparent as possible.

Finally, choose a multiband compressor that gives you control over as many parameters as possible. Even if you don’t know how to use them all right now…

Best Free Vst Mastering Compressor Download

…the added control will come in handy as you gain familiarity with multiband compressors.

With that said, let’s look in the top multiband compressors you can consider.

Best Multiband Compressors – Plugin Overview

iZotope Neutron 2

The iZotope Neutron 2 is a very attractive an all-in-one mixing tool that packs together a variety of mix processors in a very user-friendly package. In addition to two compressors and a limiter, it also comes with an EQ, an exciter, a gate, and a transient shaper. Many of the processors can be operated in single-band or multi-band mode.

Specs and useful features

• Proprietary spectral-shaping for fine-tuning of tracks
• Tonal balance control helps in analysis and optimization
• Seamless integration with Ozone 8
• Visual mixer provides control over individual tracks
• Masking meter identifies frequency collisions and prevents track masking
• Mix tap allows integration of third-party plug-ins
• Redesigned interface for better workflow

User impressions

One thing that most users of the iZotope Neutron 2 always mention is how readily it lends itself to a new way of mixing. With its wealth of features and innovative user interface, it seems to attract a fair share of “tweakers” that really like to get deep into the nitty-gritty of a mix.

Many users also appreciate the ability to get tracks in the ballpark by way of the Track Assistant feature. Even though most users ultimately end up fine-tuning the parameters, getting workable settings for the compressors and equalizer help speed up the process considerably.

Bottom-line

For a little more than the price of a single plug-in, the iZotope Neutron 2 is an impressive tool box. Some may argue whether or not this is the best multiband compressor plugin as it’s actually a set of plugins than simply. However, based on what your requirements are in the studi, it requires a worthy look. It’s more than just a vocal mix tool, Neutron 2 can pretty much handle most any compression-related task.

Demonstration

FabFilter Pro-MB

The FabFilter Pro-MB is a multiband compressor/expander for experts, but it follows in line with the company’s modern design aesthete. Also like all the other FabFilter plug-ins, you can get precise control over all the parameters, yet it remains very easy to use. You could even create new bands at any of the frequencies you wish, so you aren’t limited by traditional preset crossover systems.

Specs and useful features

• Six processing bands can be placed anywhere in the spectrum
• Bands snap together for use as a traditional crossover system
• Dynamic phase processing ensures zero latency, reduces phasing, and eliminates artifacts
• Linear phase processing eliminates artifacts when changing crossover frequencies
• Allows different types of dynamics processing
• Fully customizable per band
• Variable stereo linking
• Mid- or side-only processing
• External side chain input
• Triggering on a separate frequency range

User impressions

For many users, the main selling point of the FabFilter Pro-MB is how it allows for in-depth tone shaping with no coloration or artifacts. One reviewer uses it exclusively for vocal and acoustic guitar tracks, citing the convenience of having a dynamic EQ along with the compressor.

Another user did wish that the display could be zoomed in horizontally. We’re inclined to agree, as this could make it easier to hone in on a specific frequency range.

Bottom-line

The FabFilter Pro-MB is an excellent multiband compressor that delivers a superb array of features. As with all FabFilter plug-ins, the user interface is absolutely top-notch, and the sound quality is impeccable. The mark of a good plug-in is how easy it is to use even with a wealth of features. In that regard, the Pro-MB qualifies as one of the best multiband compressors around.

Demonstration

Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor

The Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor is a musical and transparent multiband compressor that gives you control over your levels without adversely affecting the sound. It’s quite effective at processing vocal tracks, it’s also fully capable of handling entire mixes. With a host of features that include adaptive thresholds and automatic makeup gain, the Linear Phase Multiband Compressor delivers consistently outstanding results.

Specs and useful features

• Controls levels without squashing sound
• Five user-definable bands
• Linear-phase crossovers for each band
• Adaptive threshold, automatic makeup gain, and finite response filters
• Suitable for mastering as well as other precision applications

User impressions

The Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor has quite a number of fans due to its excellent sound and straightforward user interface. It’s simple enough for quick level matching, and it’s also capable of the most demanding mastering tasks.

This a combination of power and simplicity, and makes it attractive to a broad range of users. Like all multiband compressors however, many users advise using it sparingly in order to avoid introducing unwanted artifacts.

Bottom-line

The Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor is a pretty impressive plug-in that won’t mess with the phase of your audio or add any coloration. Used just a touch on your vocal tracks, it can make them sound more present and more ‘alive’. The price is actually pretty amazing for what you get. For other plug-ins of similar quality, you could easily spend a lot more.

Demonstration

Softube Drawmer 1973

Softube Drawmer 1973 might be familiar to those that have worked in a big studio in the early 1970s. Like the name suggests, it’s based on the original Drawmer 1973 hardware compression unit. The software plug-in brings all the warm analog response of the venerated unit to the 21st century. However, a host of new features have been added to the Ivor Drawmer-approved design, which means more control and better definition, with the same unmistakable Drawmer sound.

Specs and useful features

Best Free Vst Mastering Compressor Free

• Three-band FET compression
• Precise control over dynamics
• Mid-side mode and side chaining
• Drawmer-approved design

User impressions

Mix engineers that have used the Softube Drawmer 1973 on vocals like that it is able to remove the sharper consonant from vocal tracks without any loss in clarity or detail. Many have used it to great effect on lead as well as background vocals, attesting to its versatility.

Bottom-line

The Softube Drawmer 1973 is an excellent example of what can be achieved by modeling a great sounding vintage piece of equipment and adding modern features and functionality. It’s ideally suited to treating individual tracks, even though it could just as easily be a mainstay of your mastering chain.

No matter how much–or how little–familiarity you have with multiband compressors, you will most likely find use for the Softube Drawmer 1973.

Demonstration

Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor

The Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor is an updated version of the company’s C4, which for many years was the standard in multiband compressor plug-ins. All the features of the C4 are still present, and have been augmented with two additional floating bands and a sidechain, among other features. Suitable for studio, live, and post-production, the C6 is a flexible and versatile multiband compressor that lets you precisely target troublesome frequencies.

Specs and useful features

• Internal and external sidechain per band
• Individual band listen mode
• Four crossover bands
• Two additional floating bands
• Dynamic EQ, compression, and expansion

User impressions

Most users of the Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor are unanimous in their appreciation of the plug-in. It’s equally capable of sweetening vocals as it is of pumping up drum tracks, so the C6 is frequently praised for its ability to consistently deliver great sound.

Some users have reported satisfactory results when using the C6 live as well. They cite its ability to help lead vocalists cut through the mix, one user even reported using it in his vocal tracks exclusively.

Bottom-line

The Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor is a professional is the professional’s choice. From taming wayward peaks to making a vocal track sound more consistent across the singer’s frequency range, this one is pretty hard to beat for the price.

Demonstration

Final Thoughts – Which to Get?

The iZotope Neutron 2 and the FabFilter Pro-MB are pretty much neck-and-neck when it comes to sound quality, features, and versatility. Both pack a wealth of features in innovative and cutting-edge user interfaces, and both could easily handle all your vocal compression, mixing, and even mastering tasks. You certainly can’t go wrong with either one, so your choice will basically boil down to which mode of working you prefer.

The Softube Drawmer 1973 is a great multiband compressor in its own right. Although Neutron 2 and the Pro-MB are more than capable of delivering “vintage”-style sound and performance, this is something that the Drawmer 1973 does especially well.

If you’re looking of the cheapest that you can find without compromising on performance, the Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor would the one to get.