In this article, we've listed eight of the best free VST plugins for vocal mixing. These include reverbs for vocal space creation, compressors for mixing glue, vocal doublers, and autotune – ensuring all those. In The Mix is all about simplifying the recording, production, mixing and mastering process and helping you unlock your creativity. No matter which DAW you use or what equipment you have, I'm. Since the plugin is on the master channel, adding only a small amount of the effect goes a long way. Keep the dry/wet knob down at 10% and turn the downward compression knob down to 90% to give it a little more presence and grit. Steve Duda’s OTT plugin.

Compression and EQ are the two most essential tools in mixing.

You’ll probably apply them on every single track in your session before the mix is complete.

With such a key part of the music production process, you need to have tools you can rely on.

But choosing the right compressor plugin isn’t easy. There are thousands of compressor VSTs out there, and not all of them work well for every task.

Even so, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. You’ll always get the right tool for the job if you know what a compressor does, the different compressor types and where they work best.

In this guide I’ll go through each style of compressor, recommend a smart choice for every budget and show the best ways to use them in your mix or master.

What is a compressor?

A compressor is an audio processor that’s used in mixing to reduce the dynamic range of audio signals. Dynamic range means the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of a sound.

You’ll need to reduce the dynamic range of most signals you record so that both the loud and quiet moments are equally audible in the mix.

Check out our detailed guide to compressors if you need a more in-depth overview to get you up to speed.

The concept seems simple, but there are different ways to implement compression that have different sounds and uses in a mix.

Most of them come from the days of analog hardware. Those classic sounds are still in high demand today.

Plugin manufacturers have developed digital equivalents to bring those timeless tones to your DAW.

Let’s get started.

FET compressor plugins

FET compression is one of the most essential compressor sounds in music.

FET compression is one of the most essential compressor sounds in music.

It stands for “field effect transistor” and it’s the mechanism used in the all-time classic UREI 1176 compressor.

The 1176 has a long and illustrious history and is still used by virtually every professional studio to this day. https://rialecopa1981.mystrikingly.com/blog/add-a-blog-post-title.

FET compression can be fast and aggressive while staying transparent enough to create extreme shifts in dynamics.

It has a pleasing vintage character with satisfying bloom and saturation when pushed.

FET compression is great on percussion, vocals and anywhere you need fast and aggressive yet stylish gain reduction.

Free plugin: Analog Obsession FETISH

Analog Obsession FETISH is an excellent free software 1176-style compressor.

Many independent developers are turning to new methods of distributing their software. Analog Obsesion dev Tunca has moved their entire plugin library to Patreon.

The plugins are still free, but consider getting a subscription if you use them often.

Cheap plugin: Plugin Alliance Lindell 7X-500

At just $29 USD (at the time of this writing) Plugin Alliance’s digital recreation of the popular Lindell 7X-500 series module is a charmingly inexpensive way to get started with FET compression.

This handy FET compressor packs all the snappy attack and analog warmth of the hardware and sounds great anywhere you might use an 1176.

Pro plugin: UAD 1176 Collection

UAD wrote the book on emulating the 1176 in software. Their take on its legacy is still widely respected as the best in the business.

The expanded 1176 collection includes several rare revisions of the original circuit modelled to perfection.

Optical compressor plugins

Optical compressors use photosensitive light cells to control the compression.

It’s one of the earliest methods of controlling gain reduction that’s often found in classic early units.

Optical compression has a particularly musical sounding action due to the physical properties of the photocell.

Optical compression has a particularly musical sounding action due to the physical properties of the photocell.

It’s a little slower and gentler than FET compression with a pleasing feel that works well on many different sources.

The legendary Teletronix LA-2A is an optical compressor with a tube makeup gain stage.

It’s probably the most well known optical compressor and many engineers all-time favorite for vocals.

Here are some great options based on the optical sound of the LA-2A

Free plugin: ADHD Levelling Tool

ADHD Levelling tool is a handy freeware compressor that will bring LA-2A style optical compression into your sessions without breaking the bank.

With additional controls for attack release and threshold, Levelling Tool isn’t exactly a direct clone, but the sonic inspiration is clear.

Cheap Plugin: Waves CLA-2A

Waves CLA-2A has been on the scene for a while now, but it’s still a great option for the smooth optical sound of the LA-2A in your DAW.

Waves plugins are often available on extremely deep discounts from sales and offers.

It’s worth waiting for one to come around if you want to get your hands on the CLA-2A without spending a fortune.

Pro Plugin: Softube CL1B

Softube CL1B is based on Danish manufacturer Tube Tech’s tube-driven take on the optical LA-2A design.

Softube’s recreation is spot on and this pro compressor plugin offers all the weight, heft and tube warmth of the original.

Tube compressor plugins

There are lots of tube compressors out there, but like the LA-2A, not all of them create their gain reduction effect using the tubes themselves.

Creating compression with vacuum tube circuitry alone is possible, but it’s considered much more difficult and expensive than other methods.

That’s why true tube compressors (sometimes called “delta-mu” compressors) are large, bulky and expensive.

The tubes and transformers required to make these processors work are impractical for all but the most serious setups.

But all that iron and tubey goodness results in an incredibly powerful sound.

The most well known all-tube compressor is the vintage Fairchild 670. These classics are so rare and expensive (authentic units have sold for over $100K) that most producers will never even see one, let alone hear it on their tracks.

Luckily, plugin manufacturers have been creating digital recreations of the Fairchild and other beefy sounding tube comps since the dawn of digital.

Creating compression with vacuum tube circuitry alone is possible, but it’s considered much more difficult and expensive than other methods.

Tube compressors sound fantastic in many situations, especially any time you want to enhance the source material with pleasing colouration and saturation.

Free plugin: Klanghelm MJUC jr.

Klanghelm produces a suite of excellent analog modelling plugins for free. MJUC jr. is no exception.

MJUC jr. is the little brother of the highly regarded MJUC delta-mu style compressor. This completely free plugin will get you the tube driven compression tones of the larger version with ease.

It’s hard to imagine that a mixing tool this useful and musical could be available completely free…

Cheap plugin: Arturia TUBE-STA

This stylish delta-mu style compressor has the vibey look—and sound—of the legendary Gates STA-Level hardware unit that dates back to 1956.

This near mythical vintage comp commands the typical high prices of old school tube compressors and is famous for its ability to utterly squash the signal without unpleasant artifacts.

Arturia’s fantastic take on it gives you all the tube texture of the original.

Pro Plugin: UAD Fairchild Collection

UAD produces some of the most highly regarded digital replicas of analog gear.

With the Fairchild collection, they’ve gone all out, modelling each and every component down to its most idiosyncratic elements.

This is as close as you can get to a real Fairchild in your DAW—and that’s a wonderful thing.

VCA compressor plugins

VCA compressors came on the scene in the 70s with the introduction of integrated circuits (ICs) that could perform gain reduction cheaply and with more predictable results than earlier methods.

This technology gave rise to classic units like the DBX 160 and SSL Bus Compressor.

The SSL Bus Compressor in particular has become a secret weapon on the mix bus for many producers.
It offers a clear and classy sound that enhances punch and impact while providing the “glue” factor that makes a mix sound cohesive and integrated.

Free plugin: Ableton Glue Compressor

I’m cheating a bit here since this is a built-in DAW plugin. But if you’re an Ableton Live Suite user you already have access to an excellent VCA style compressor modelled on the SSL bus comp.

Glue compressor works great for providing that subtle sonic adhesive that holds individual busses and entire mixes together.

Cheap plugin: Cytomic The Glue

Cytomic’s The Glue is another great take on the SSL Bus compressor design.

It’s a lightweight plugin that will give you that classic VCA gain reduction without choking your CPU.

Pro plugin: SSL Native Bus Compressor

If you’re searching for the classic SSL sound, why not go straight to the source?

SSL’s suite of native plugins includes an excellent take on their classic VCA bus compressor design that can give you all the glue, punch and flavor of the original.

Digital Compressor plugins

The sound of analog hardware has an enduring appeal for most engineers.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t excellent compressors out there with completely digital DNA.

Digital compressors are perfect whenever you want ultra-transparent compression that doesn’t affect the basic sound of the source material.

In fact, the lack of limitations in the digital domain gives developers the freedom to create some ultra high performance compressor plugins.

Digital compressors are perfect whenever you want ultra-transparent compression that doesn’t affect the basic sound of the source material.

Free Plugin: TDR Kotelnikov

TDR Kotelnikov is a legend of the free plugin scene.

This well-designed VST shows off the power of high-fidelity digital compression with a classy sound and deep control.

Cheap plugin: Klanghelm DC8C

Klanghelm DC8C is a chameleon of a compressor plugin that can cover a huge range of different sounds.

With extremely detailed control over nearly every possible aspect of the sound, the sheer flexibility of this compressor makes it a top pick to showcase the power of digital.

Pro plugin: Fabfilter Pro C-2

Fabfilter Pro C-2 is the undisputed king of advanced compression.

This top quality compressor plugin sounds gorgeous and features a user interface that makes even advanced compression features simple to use.

Deep dynamics control

Compressors are extremely important in music production, no matter what genre or style of music you mix or master.

Today there are more plugin compressors available than ever before. Having so many options is great, but sorting through them is a challenge.

Now that you know some different types of compression and what they’re good for, get back to your DAW and squash some signals.

Time to update your producer toolkit.

There’s no shortage of innovative VST plugins out there right now. The hardest part is picking from the thousands of available ones.

Don’t worry, we got your back. We’ve hand-picked a selection of plugins to make it easier for you. Oh, and they’re free!

The theme of this selection is effects – they’ll give your mix that extra crunch, oomph or whah.

Here are 10 free VST effects plugins that’ll add flavour to your sound:

1. Best free echo VST: Valhalla Freq Echo

The Freq Echo is a frequency shifter with analog echo emulation. My personal favourite.

It adds chorus, phasing and flanger effects. Go ahead and create some wild glissandos and runaway echos.

It’s great for dub and psychedelic effects. Use it for beefing up basslines.

If you’re a fan of electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire you’ll love it.

Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU in 32 and 64-bit, AAX 64-bit, RTAS).

Download it here.

2. Best free fuzz VST: FuzzPlus3

Here’s the updated FuzzPlus distortion VST pedal emulation from Audio Damage.

The central knob is the fuzz distortion. There’s also a Korg MS-20 style low-pass filter. And you can feedback the signal for some extra juice.

Amazing on synths and drums for meaty, distorted effects.

Use the presets or save your own.

Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/VST3/AU 32 and 64-bit).

Download it here.

3. Best free EQ VST: MH Thump

MH Thump adds low end to your track. It recreates that nice thump you get on a vintage TR-808 drum machine.

It’s an audio processor that analyzes an audio input – say your drum track. Then it synthesizes a low frequency signal to add some body.

There are two independent oscillators and many knobs for fine-tuned control.

Go ahead and beef up those beats!

Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit)

Download it here.

4. Best free bitcrusher VST: Krush

Krush is a very interesting bit crusher VST.

It creates that crunchy digital bit reduction effect. But it can also imitate a warmer analog effect with the drive and resonant filter.

If there can be such a thing: the Krush is a very elegant bit crusher.

The Dry and Wet faders allow you to play with how much of original signal and the effect you want.

The modulations can be free form or synced to a rate of your choice. Save and recall presets easily.

Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit)

Download it here.

5. Best free overdrive VST: Mercuriall Tube Screamer 808

Meet the Mercuriall Tube Screamer 808 – your new overdrive VST effect plugin.

It’s modeled after the holy grail of tube screamers: the Ibanez TS-808 pedal.

Make your guitar sounds grungier. Flip between the TS-808 and MOD modes with the metal switch.

MOD will give you a slightly darker sound.

Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).

Download it here.

6. Best free tremolo VST: Pecheneg Tremolo

The Pecheneg is a tremolo VST effect. It gives you the power to create rhythmic modulations with your sound.

The Tempo section allows you to play the frequency either by selecting a Note or a Frequency.

Just like when you use LFOs, the Pecheneg Tremolo allows you to change the wave shape.

This effect will improve the groove of your track. It’ll give life to your synth or bassline.

Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU 32 and 64-bit)

Download it here.

7. Best free chorus VST: TAL Chorus -LX

TAL‘s stereo Chorus-LX is inspired by the Roland Juno-60 chorus. It’s a simple but powerful chorus VST.

It has two different modes (I and II) that you can use separately or together.

Vst Mixer Plugin

Select how much of the effect you want with the Wet/Dry knob.

Use it to give some grit and body to your bass or synth line.

Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).

Free Vst Plugins For Vocals

Download it here.

8. Best free EQ VST: TDR Nova

The TDR Nova is a four-band dynamic Equalizer (EQ). A true workhorse.

/filter-vst-plugin.html. It allows you to make a drum track crisper or boost certain frequencies as needed.

Any producer needs a bread and butter EQ VST. This is the one.

It has a built-in spectrum analyzer for precise EQing.

It’s also got a preset manager, A/B comparison, undo/redo functions and more.

/how-to-use-vst-plugins-with-audacity.html. Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).

Download it here.

9. Best free reverb VST: Protoverb 1.0

The Protoverb 1.0 by U-He is a different kind of reverb VST.

The coolest thing about the Protoverb is that you can generate random settings and save the ones you like.

The spirit of this plugin is trial and error – we like that. It encourages users to share their favourite settings from a button on the plugin.

Compatible with Mac OS, Windows and Linux (VST/VST2/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).

Download it here.

10. Best free panning VST: PanCake 2

Last but not least: the most flexible panning VST effect you’ll ever find.

PanCake 2 lets you manually draw the curves of your panning modulation. You can also generate one randomly.

It’s easy to use and very visual. The LFO in the PanCake 2 can be synced to your DAW.

Pan your sounds sharply for dramatic effects. Pan them smoothly for subtle variations.

Compatible with Mac OS or Windows (VST/AU in 32 and 64-bit).

Download it here.

Free Vst Mixing Plugins

Spice up your mix

A mix can go from bland to grand with the right effects.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for that.

Best Free Vst Plugins

We’ve selected 10 VST effects plugin that we know you’ll love.

Grab all ten and try them out. Tell us what you think of them in the comment section!

Best Professional Vst Plugins

And check out other VST plugins we recommend: