Best Vocal Vst Plugin Rap Vocals
Waves Audio has a bunch of plugins designed specifically to save time in the studio when mixing vocals.
For this reason (among other reasons), they’ve become an industry standard, and many people know it.
Go make that perfect vocal. Vocals are tricky to mix. But with these handy plugin tools it doesn’t have to be so tough. The 7 Best Free Synth VST Plugins; 8 Free VST Plugins That Will Inspire You in Strange Ways. 22 Rap Genres That Define the Evolution of Rhyme and Beat. Explore the mainstay's countless sub-genres. 9 Best Vocal Compressor Plugin VST Software – Mixing the Perfect Vocals 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. In this list, we’ve compiled the absolute best plugins, ranging from stereo wideners to make your background vocals stand out, to powerful equalizers, compressors, exciters and more. A one-stop for past, present, and future vocal sounds, VocalSynth 2 features a Vocoder, Compuvox, Polyvox, Talkbox, and Biovox: a brand new effect based on the sonic qualities of the human vocal tract. The evolution of vocals. Elevate your vocal productions with the music production’s most unique plug-in experience for vocals. 20 Essential VST Plugins For Modifying & Improving Your Vocals Recording vocals almost always requires the most attention to detail in regards to performance and sound. Perhaps no other part of the recording process requires quite the level of delicacy, tact, experience, and expertise as capturing lead vocals.
So in this guide, we’ll go over the best Waves plugins for vocals….
… we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Quick answer: when it comes to the plugins Waves offers for mixing vocals, there are so many, and each offer different specified features you can use.
That said, CLA Vocals from Waves Audio is sometimes referred to as the one plugin you can use for vocals if you could only choose one.
Make sure you take a look at the others below for other choices specific for what you might need.
Let’s take a closer look 🙂
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- Waves Vocal Plugins Buying Guide
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Waves Vocal Plugins Buying Guide
Common Types of Vocal Effects
You might be surprised to know how much effects are applied to vocal tracks in your typical pop or rock production…
Although much ado is usually made about “clean” and “natural” vocals, most songs would sound pretty boring if the vocals weren’t unprocessed in some way.
Compression
Compression is one of the most commonly applied vocal effects. This serves to balance out the levels in the audio, preventing the peaks from clipping the circuitry and letting softer sections be heard over the music.
Read more about how to compress vocals.
Equalization
EQ is also frequently applied in order to enhance the tonal character of the vocal. In some cases, dynamic EQ is used to reduce brightness or bottom end in some sections, while boosting the same in others.
Effects
Other effects that may be applied to vocal tracks are reverb, delay, chorusing or doubling, or even distortion or modulation effects. Unless you are going for a harsh industrial vocal delivery however, effects are best applied judiciously, and always in the service of the song.
Read more about mixing vocals.
Why You Need the Right Plug-ins for Mixing Vocals
One of the reasons why you’d need any kind of plug-in is to make certain aspects of your recording stand out above the rest. And since vocals arguably are the most important aspect of a song, it makes it easier for vocals to be heard over the instrumental background if you apply the right effects or dynamics plugin.
Effects may also be applied for creative reasons, as would be the case when going for a special effect, or treating vocals in a genre-specific manner.
Then of course, dynamics processors such as limiters and compressors are used to address specific technical concerns (ie. in order to prevent clipping or to allow of an increase in RMS levels), or for artistic or creative purposes.
Who is Waves Audio?
Not that any introduction is needed… but Waves Audio is an audio software company that makes the industry standard plugins for music production. They’ve worked with a number of prominent people and companies in the audio industry over the years to develop audio tools and modeled emulations of hardware processors. They were even honored with a Technical Grammy Award in 2011 for its “contributions of outstanding technical significance” to the recording field.
However, the objective of this guide is not to “push” Waves plugins. If you check many music production and audio engineering forums, the question as to what Waves plugins are best for vocals always arise…
To settle this once and for all, and to make it easier for those that want to know, we’ve put together a buying guide to instruct you on the best choice to make among Waves Audio’s massive collection.
With that said, let us begin 🙂
The Best Waves Plugins for Vocals
CLA Vocals
CLA Vocals is an all-in-one vocal processing plug-in developed in collaboration Chris Lord-Alge, who is an award-winning engineer. It was designed to aid in vocal mixing using Lord-Alge’s very own effects parameter settings to so that users can produce quality vocal tracks in less time that it would normally take.
Six effects are include in the chain, helping you get your vocal tracks radio-ready with less effort as compared to standard vocal processing. This of it as your “instant Chris Lord-Alge” in a box.
Specs and useful features
- All-in-one vocal processor plug-in
- Developed in collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge
- Combines delay, reverb, and pitch modulation effects
- Tone controls for easy shaping of vocal tracks
- Multiple compression types for more control over dynamics
- Helps you achieve radio-ready sound quickly
User impressions
Like all the CLA plug-ins, CLA Vocals gets high marks from users for its sound and consistently results. For users that need polished, radio-friendly vocals quickly, this has become something of a go-to plug-in.
Although the CLA Vocals can do a great job of prettying up vocals in the majority of cases, some users found that it provides a little less control over certain parameters than they would have liked. While there is no doubt that it can provide all the sweetening that a vocal track needs most of the time, there are instances when a custom effects chain provided superior results.
Bottom-line
The CLA Vocals is pretty hard not to like, especially for its price. For perhaps 90% of all vocal-related processing applications, this could be the only plug-in you will need. For the other 10% of the time however, you might be better off rolling your own vocal processing chain using your DAW’s native plugins. Even so, we can heartily recommend the CLA Vocals as a useful addition to your sonic toolbox.
Demonstration
Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter
The Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is modeled after the original Aphex hardware processing unit. Developed in association with Aphex, the plug-in does a good job at capturing the character of the original hardware device, adding presence and brilliance to even the dullest audio. The Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is equally suited to vocal and instrumental tracks, making them stand out in a mix without the need for excessive EQing.
Specs and useful features
- Modeled after original tube-powered hardware processor
- Developed in association with Aphex
- Adds brightness, vibrancy and depth to audio
- Increases presence without increasing levels
- Suitable for vocals as well as instrumental tracks
- Mix and AX modes for insert or send configurations
User impressions
Users that have experience with both the original Aphex hardware unit and the Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter mostly have nice things to say about the plug-in. Although it can handle most any type of audio pumped through it, the plug-in has an especially attractive quality on vocals. In fact, most users that have used the Aural Exciter for vocal processing simply refuse to mix or master a track without it, citing the wonderfully ‘present’ sheen it provides.
Bottom-line
The Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter is one of those plug-ins that can be easy to overuse f you’re not careful, simply because it just sounds so good. With its ability to add life and vibrancy to even the dullest tracks, it is just way too tempting to slather it all over everything, resulting in a harsh and brittle sound. If you can manage to use the plug-in in moderation, it could be quite a potent ingredient in your recipe for vocal perfection.
Demonstration
Vocal Rider
The Vocal Rider is a vocal and dialog leveling plug-in that adjusts the level of vocal tracks automatically. It has the ability to limit the dynamic range of audio without introducing artifacts, so it saves considerable time and effort in mixing down vocals and making them stand out in a mix.
The Vocal Rider also allows for the drawing of the slider adjustments into an automation track in the DAW, enabling finer control over the level.
A Live component with Spill control is also included, which detects and processes just the vocal part alone without affecting the music or background audio.
Specs and useful features
- Automatic vocal and dialog leveling
- Automation of vocal parts speeds up mixing
- Writable to automation track for fine tuning
- Real-time processing
- Zero latency and no need for pre-scanning
- Vocal Rider Live component
User impressions
If there is one thing about the Vocal Rider that makes users almost fanatical about it, simplicity would have to be it. Many users are absolutely smitten with how easy it is to automatically control vocal levels with the plug-in, citing its great value as a timesaver in the studio.
The Vocal Rider is especially popular among those that want the dynamic limiting effect of compression without the artifacts that compressors can sometimes leech into the sound. For these users, the Vocal Rider is a more transparent and natural-sounding solution that often negates the need for a separate compressor.
Bottom-line
The Vocal Rider is such an amazingly simple plug-in in concept that you have to wonder why no one else has ever thought of it before. For the price, you simply can’t do better than this plug-in if you are after natural and musical volume leveling.
Demonstration
Renaissance Vox
One of the most powerful and versatile compressors in the Waves product line, the Renaissance Vox has been optimized specifically for processing vocals.
The controls you get for compression, gating and expansion, limiting, and level maximization are simple yet effect.
With this plug-in, producing polished-sounding vocals can be done with minimal effort.
Specs and useful features
- Combination compressors, gate, limiter, and level maximizer plug-in
- Soft-knee compression
- Auto make-up gain
- Gentle downward expander for gating noise
- Optimized for vocals
- Peak hold indicators for instant visual feedback on signal peaks
- Clip-Guard Output Limiter prevents clipping
User impressions
The Renaissance Vox has quite a surprising number of devotees, with lots of audio engineer forum users referring this as their go-to choice, which is all the more remarkable considering how long it has been around. The plug-in clearly appeals to those that live by the tenet: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
In any case, most of the complimentary reviews of the Renaissance Vox make mention of its utter simplicity and straightforwardness, which is especially impressive given the amount of control available. For many users, the plug-in suffices for most vocal processing applications, with the added benefit of usability for a variety of instrumental tracks.
Bottom-line
The Renaissance Vox is another time saving plug-in that makes quick work of producing polished and radio-ready vocal tracks. If there is anything negative that can be said about it, it is that it sometimes imparts a sort of metallic quality to the top end. But even this can be seen as a unique, distinctive, and not-wholly-undesirable characteristic. In any case, the Renaissance Vox is well worth adding to your plug-in tool chest, even if you already have a bunch of other compressor plug-ins.
Demonstration
Renaissance Compressor
This a multi-purpose compressor that is equally effective on individual tracks as it is on entire mixes, the Renaissance Compressor also works remarkably well on vocals.
“Warm” and “present” are among its most defining sonic characteristics, yet it can be as transparent as you need it to be for natural vocal treatment.
Specs and useful features
- Two compression modes: Vintage Opto and modern Electro
- Internal brickwall limiting prevents clipping
- Auto Release Control (ARC) allows increase of RMS levels
- Double precision bit resolution processing
- Up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Mono and stereo components
User impressions
The Renaissance Compressor seems to attract an equal number of users that praise it for its transparency and those that rave over its distinctive sonic character. Perhaps it is a testament to how versatile it is that people of seemingly different tastes and priorities keep finding uses for this venerable plug-in. As it is, this particular Waves classic is a favorite for vocal processing, but it can quickly switch roles and deliver punchy drum, bass, guitar, and piano tracks at the drop of a hat.
Bottom-line
There is a good reason why the Waves Renaissance Compressor still makes it to compressor plug-in rundowns years after it was released. Even with so many excellent plug-ins littering the market, the Renaissance Compressor still manages to command attention with its ability to be as transparent or as squashed as needed.
Now, you don’t necessarily want this to be the only compressor you have in your collection, and you definitely don’t want to pump all your audio tracks through it as a matter of course. But we would be lying if we said that the Renaissance Compressor didn’t have a place in every studio engineer’s arsenal.
Demonstration
Renaissance DeEsser
As we mentioned in the de-esser plugin guide, the Renaissance DeEsser is one of the best at reducing and eliminating the sibilant “ess” and “shh” sounds that can ruin a great vocal take.
Its ability to reduce unwanted high frequencies while preserving the audio quality is quite good, as it’s an accurate de-essing technology can handle sibilance in male and female vocals.
Specs and useful features
- Simple and effective removal of harsh sibilance from vocal tracks
- Ideally suited for recording, mixing, live sound, and broadcast
- Frequency-dependent dynamics control preserves original sound
- Simple adaptive threshold
- Adjustable gain reduction
- Phase compensated crossover reduces artifacts
- Audio and side-chain monitoring
User impressions
Most users of the Renaissance DeEsser have nothing but good things to say about this supremely useful plug-in. Cleanliness and transparency are among its most frequently-praised characteristics, although many users also attest to its ability to nuke sibilance aggressively without thrashing the source audio.
Some users did complain about the absence of an attenuation meter. Others felt that the graph doesn’t do an adequate job of displaying how much of the audio is being treated. Nevertheless, reviews are generally favorable for the Renaissance DeEsser. Many users even rely on it exclusively, even with many other de-esser plug-ins available on the market.
Bottom-line
In terms of quality, ease of use, and consistency, Renaissance DeEsser is classic Waves through and through. You simply can’t beat a classic, and this one definitely fits into that category. A very effective vocal de-esser that can also work wonders on cymbals, guitars, and other high frequency tracks, the Renaissance DeEsser is an essential add on to your set of studio goodies.
Demonstration
Waves Doubler
The simply-named, Doubler adds a doubling effect to source audio, making it sound bigger, wider, and more present in a mix. This particular plug-in more too, offering delay and pitch modulation effects as well. The Doubler is both a unique effects processor and a time-saver in the studio, negating the need for traditional double-tracking in most cases.
Specs and useful features
- Double-tracking and chorus capabilities
- Adds shimmer and presence
- Produces 1980s-style harmonizing and pitch detune effects
- Automatic vocal doubling
- Two-voice and four-voice capabilities
User impressions
Ease of use and efficiency are pretty much the most mentioned characteristics of the Waves Doubler, and it’s easy to see why. Making short work of turning even the most pedestrian solo vocals into angelic choirs, the Doubler is frequently praised for the ability to thicken and widen vocal tracks without introducing phasing.
Many users especially appreciate how much time they save in the studio by not having to record multiple vocal tracks. That being said, some users did feel that actually recording as many vocal takes as needed provides better results.
Bottom-line
The Doubler is a great way to add depth, width, and ambience to your vocal tracks. Although this won’t substitute for a meticulously-recorded array of vocalists–or even one or two vocalists recording multiple takes–it does have some charm and flavor of its own. Besides, for the price, you not only get a very capable vocal doubler, but a distinctive sounding plug-in that widens up most any sound source nicely.
Demonstration
Final thoughts – Which to Get?
Most of these plug-ins are so different from each other that it would be pointless to say which one is the “best.”
Suffice it to say, each one brings its own unique set of qualities to the table, and each could potentially find use in a studio setting.
That said, the CLA Vocals has to be mentioned as top choice for its convenient and extremely useful blend of multiple signal processors in one unit. There is also no denying how quickly and easily it can enable you to crank out radio-ready vocal tracks. Latest vst plugins vol 55. For that reason alone, we would have to give the CLA Vocals top marks.
Both the Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter and the Vocal Rider stand in a class of their own, but for different reasons. The Aural Exciter is at the very least a modern-day classic, with its tone enhancing qualities having become essential for vocal polishing.
The Vocal Rider for its part does what most other compressors are unable to do so simply and so elegantly: control dynamic levels without adding nasty artifacts. Going solely by that, the Vocal Rider deserves special mention.
As for the Renaissance Compressor and the Renaissance Vox, both of these are quite capable plug-ins that will stand proudly with the rest of your audio processing tools. Even though they have been around for a number of years, there is life in these old dogs yet!
Finally, the Renaissance DeEsser–and certainly the Doubler–might not be quite as essential as all the other plug-ins mentioned. Nevertheless, they do have their uses, and at the price they are going for these days, it would be silly not to at least consider them if you are eager to have a full suite of vocal processing tools at your disposal.
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.
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 🙂
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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 time between a loud transient arriving and the compression goblins leaping into action. Great for drums as you can really flatten them to add thickness, edge and size.
And for vocals? Depends on who you are. Some like the CLA-76 for vocals for that very same reason. Merciless attack times, the ability to really crunch those pop vocals. Others don’t. But some producers, like Chris Lord-Alge, swear by them for the “the sound.”
Another thing to watch out for is that these units add saturation which changes the “weight” of the sound with wee bits of distortion overtones (and some undertones too). This means the units respond very nicely to being hit hard.
Demonstration
Softube FET Compressor
Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique
More Softube, more emulation. Everyone loves a bit of bounty hunter scum. Or so it would seem with another 1176 emulation. This one looks more like a 70’s Hi Fi than the original though.
Price-wise, when it’s not on sale, it costs more than the Waves unit mentioned. So it’s a good idea to take a look to see if you’re lucky.
However, FET has more features. Softube added some more modern features (along with improving the flow of the knobs) so you can parallel process and alter what parts of the signal trigger the processing goblins. This is doable with some effort in your DAW with the CLA-76, but far easier in the FET.
Again, some people love it on vocals, as it can really rough them up add some punch where needed. Many think the parameter additions make this a better bet there. Just keep in mind that some have noticed that the FET can slide into distortion if you aren’t paying attention.
This is a character effect (processor to be accurate). So be aware that, while you can use it on everything, including vocals, you may find that you’d want to slap this bad boy onto different things in different places.
Demonstration
Softube Summit Audio TLA-100 Compressor
Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique
Another minimalistic blast from the past. The Summit Audio units got popular in the 80’s, particularly for vocals.
The reason this style of unit works so well for vocals is that it tends to be kind. Besides the Tube-Tech, the other compressors so far have tended to be rough and rowdy (which has its charm) but the TLA-100 is smoother and less noticeable as it goes about its work.
“Smooth”, “controlled”, and “softening” are common adjectives applied to the TLA-100. Softube added a few extra features including a separate saturation section so you can control how tubular it all gets.
The Parallel options seems slightly unusual as that effect is normally used with more brutal compressors but we won’t complain that it is there.
This compressor isn’t a jack of all trades. But if you want a character unit to supplement your core compression, or you want to choose one unit to live with then this could be it. I may just suggest that it could see you struggle with less controlled singers like Rappers.
If you ever feel the need to lay down the law in your vocal mix, refer to the other units mentioned. But for singer-songwriter tracks, this is great.
Demonstration
FabFilter Pro-C2 Compressor
Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique
This fellow is the real odd one out here. Not because it’s the best or the worst, but because it’s not a character unit. Pro-C2 is all about modern, practical, versatility, and clean.
This is the modern jack of all trades, cover every piece of ground, device that many of us bedroom boys love. Why buy and learn 78 devices when you can get one?
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It is also simply the go-to plugin for all your compressing duties on every track, not just vocals. So it is well worth it.
You get a lot of modes targeted at most of the common things you will want to do with a compressor. For instance, its vocal mode helps you to bring vocals to the front of the mix. A nice little addition to a plugin.
Analog, Classic & Optical style modes are also on the list. But honestly, it is doubted that they can really compete with the dedicated units mentioned above. Think of it as leaning a bit that way.
Upside? This is the only unit here to offer control over the Knee of the compression critters. Boggling if you don’t get it but super useful if you do. Especially when it comes to vocal mixing.
Also, if you ever needed to learn how to use a compressor for mixing vocals, you’ll probably find about as many engineers on Youtube showing you how to mix vocals via the FabFilter Pro-C2 than any other one mentioned. You probably think of it as the ‘Fruity Loops’ of compressors.
Also, rather than being stuck in an old-hardware frame of mind the interface is visually informative and very adjustable to suit your task or preferences. You can even pop it full screen on an unreasonable large Retina display!
Demonstration
Waves Audio V-Comp
Best Rap Vocal Plugins
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
Waves V-Comp rides on the vintage Neve’2254’s classic sound with its super-responsive dynamics processor.
It has all the typical compressor controls and its interface is intuitive and easy to use. The V-Comp also features a De-Esser switch which functions like a high-frequency side-chain to smoothen harsh high frequencies in the mix. This is a nifty feature that can be turned on and off with a single switch. Also included is a limiter that can be used independently.
While some user reviews do not seem convinced of the V-Comp’s emulation of the actual 2254 machine, many are satisfied with its silky smooth compression. V-Comp lends a unique ‘analog-ish’ color to the entire mix, which we believe to be a commendable feat in itself.
Its vintage-style squashing of the transients is also convincing. There is a bit of warmth in the processed signal which can be further shaped by the De-Esser and the limiter functions.
Needless to say, the V-Comp is a good option for those who want the most out of their buck, especially if you’re going for an easy-to-use plugin that fits most styles of sound.
Waves CLA-2A
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
Best Vst For Rap Vocals
The CLA-2A is modeled after the legendary Teletronix LA-2A, a tube-based compressor from the 1960s. The Teletronix LA-2A is prized for its electro-luminescent optical attenuator. The Waves CLA-2A emulates this frequency-dependent action for smooth gain reduction.
Producers love the multi-stage release and the CLA-2A’s quick response, both of which add character to the mix. It seems that most producers use the CLA-2A for leveling purposes, particularly for bass sounds. But it has also proven itself as a competent vocal compressor as well.
Included when buying the CLA-2A are presets made by Grammy-winning mix engineer Chris-Lord-Alge, a side-chain frequency filter, and a limiter mode.
The CLA-2A does not have a lot of tricks, but its historic sound and simplicity makes up most of its charm. It has more than you would ever expect from a product of its price point.
Waves CLA-3A
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
Based on the original 1969 solid-state compressor, the Waves CLA-3A boasts a transparent compression curve. This ensures a fast response from attack to release, a perfect tool for high-tempo music.
Moreover, it packs a subtle harmonic distortion for some added spice. This works best for bass, as it brings out a unique kink from the sound. Nonetheless, the CLA-3A infuses this edge to your vocals without ruining the signal.
Like the CLA-2A, it uses an optical attenuator for gain reduction. The algorithms behind the compression are program dependent. This means that it is hard to say how a particular setting would change the quality of the sound. This unwieldiness is expected out of any ‘vintage-style’ compressor and is what makes it fun to use.
The CLA-3A’s interface is fairly simple. It has a Peak Reduction knob for controlling the desired compression, and a Gain knob for adjusting the levels after compression.
Overall, the CLA-3A can be used for a wide variety of applications. But its magic is most potent on bass, vocals, and guitars.
Waves Renaissance Vox
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
None other than Drake’s producer Noah “40” Shebib has praised this plugin as “one of the most important plugins ever made.” These high words of praise are only equaled by the Waves Renaissance Vox’s packed features.
What the R-Vox lacks in visual appeal, it makes up for in its ‘under the hood’ bag of tricks. It deploys an entire array of expansion, compression, and limiting gadgetry, most of which happens by way automation.
But despite the complex tech behind R-Vox’s processing chain, users are only given three controllable parameters, which are expander and compressor thresholds and output attenuation. Needless to say, producers who want more control over the attack and release times may find the Renaissance Vox too wild of a beast to tame.
Nevertheless, this plugin’s ‘plug-and-play’ philosophy helps producers focus on other mixing aspects by automating the gritty details. And it does this to excellent effect. An instance of R-Vox instantly puts your signal into the front and center of the mix. It adds weight to any signal, which can help for weak-sounding vocals to stand out.
Another added bonus is its relatively small CPU footprint. You can chuck in multiple instances of the plugin without putting a strain on your machine.
Final Thoughts
What to do?
The Tube-Tech CL 1B unit is the favorite by far. But being a high-ticket item, you may want to consider the other four units mentioned if you’re on a tighter budget.
Then, you can decide if you want to commit to a path, like owning one unit that you use for everything, or having a couple that fits diverging tastes. In the latter case you won’t have one unit that you have to “fight with” to submit to every path that comes across your DAW.
If you’re thinking a character unit, then it really comes down to what appeals to you mostly. Namely:
Waves CLA-76, Softube FET and Summit Audio TLA-100.
Waves CLA-76 and Softube FET may suit people who mix harder and louder (as most of us have to these days), and whose vocalists need more discipline. Submitting to the Summit Audio TLA-100 could be perfect for the folksier amongst us.
But if dollars are the deciding factor, then check if Waves is having one of their many sales right now go grab it!
But for the vanilla producer/engineer, the FabFilter Pro-C2 has so many possibilities. Not only in the “I can’t believe it’s not butter” processing, but in dramatic or effect processing that makes it hard to pass by.
If you want just one compressor and don’t mind the vanilla, FabFilter Pro-C2 is the one ring to rule them all.
The Tube-Tech CL1B, when powered up with the Collection Upgrade, proves itself to be a very competent product. While definitely among the most expensive in the list, its versatility and its added features make it worth every buck.
But one cannot also ignore the CLA-2A and CLA-3A, as these are also very powerful compressors. What makes them interesting are their unique vintage features. If you’re looking for something that would help you develop your personal sound, these two products might suit you the best.
Of course, one could never go wrong with the Renaissance Vox. While also learning more towards the pricier side, the simplicity and the sheer power of this plugin makes it an awesome choice for newbies and vets alike.
On the other end of the spectrum is the FabFilter Pro-C2 which is as simple and vanilla as you can get. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense compressor that does its job, the FabFilter is an ax that will never fail you when you need it the most.