A compressor plugin for vocals is a software tool that is used to control the dynamic range of a vocal recording. It works by automatically reducing the volume of loud parts of the recording and increasing the volume of quieter parts, creating a more consistent overall sound. This can help vocals sit better in a mix and prevent them from getting drowned out by other instruments. Some popular compressor plugins for vocals include Waves Vocal Rider, FabFilter Pro-C, and iZotope Ozone Dynamics.
Top Rated 8 best compressor plugin for vocals
1: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, for the Guitarist
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB audio interface is a popular choice for guitarists because of its high-quality audio performance and ease of use. Some of its top features include:
- High-quality microphone preamp: The preamp in the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is designed to provide a clear and detailed sound for recording vocals and guitar.
- High-performance converters: The audio interface uses 24-bit/192kHz converters to ensure that the recorded audio is of the highest quality.
- Direct monitoring: The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen allows guitarists to monitor their playing in real-time, without any latency, for a more responsive recording experience.
- USB connectivity: The audio interface connects to a computer via USB, making it easy to use with a wide range of recording software.
- Compact and portable: The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is small and lightweight, making it easy to take on the road or use in a home studio setup.
- Software Bundle: You will get access to a wide range of software like Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s control, 2GB of Loopmasters sounds and samples.
- Input/Output: It has one microphone input, one line input and one headphone output, which is enough for a guitar player.
- Switchable Air Mode: This feature adds brightness and presence to your microphone recordings, making them sound more like recordings made in professional studios.
2: Zoom V3 Vocal Processor, Harmony, Pitch Correction, Reverb, Delay, 16 Studio Grade Effects
The Zoom V3 Vocal Processor is a powerful tool for singers and vocalists, offering a wide range of features to enhance and improve their performances. Some of its top features include:
- Harmony and Pitch Correction: The V3 Vocal Processor includes advanced algorithms that can automatically correct pitch and add harmonies to vocals in real-time, helping singers to stay in tune and add depth to their performances.
- Reverb and Delay: The V3 Vocal Processor also includes high-quality reverb and delay effects, which can be used to create a sense of space and depth in the vocal mix.
- 16 Studio-grade Effects: The V3 Vocal Processor includes a variety of studio-grade effects such as compression, EQ, and distortion, which can be used to shape and enhance the sound of the vocals.
- Built-in Looper: The V3 Vocal Processor includes a built-in looper, which allows singers to create loops and layers of vocals in real-time.
- Easy to use interface: The V3 Vocal Processor has an easy-to-use interface with clear and intuitive controls, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
- Battery-Powered: The V3 Vocal Processor can be powered by batteries, making it easy to use on stage or on the go.
- Versatile Connectivity: The V3 Vocal Processor has a variety of input and output options, including XLR and 1/4″ inputs, USB, and headphone output.
- Built-in Phrase Sampler: This allows you to record a phrase and then play it back as many times as you want, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
- Multiple Presets: The V3 Vocal Processor has multiple presets that can be easily selected, allowing you to quickly switch between different settings and effects.
3: UA Volt 276 USB Audio Interface for recording, podcasting, and streaming with essential audio software
The UA Volt 276 USB audio interface is a versatile device that can be used for recording, podcasting, and streaming, and comes with essential audio software. Some of its top features include:
- High-quality audio performance: The Volt 276 offers high-quality audio performance with 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A conversion, ensuring that your recordings, podcasts, and streams sound professional.
- Multiple Inputs and Outputs: The audio interface has multiple inputs and outputs, including 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs, 2 TRS inputs, 2 TRS outputs, and 2 headphone outputs, providing ample flexibility for different recording and streaming setups.
- Built-in microphone preamp: The audio interface has a built-in microphone preamp which can provide a clear and detailed sound for recording vocals and other instruments.
- USB connectivity: The audio interface connects to a computer via USB, making it easy to use with a wide range of recording software.
- Compact and portable: The Volt 276 is small and lightweight, making it easy to take on the road or use in a home studio setup.
- Software bundle: The Volt 276 comes with a software bundle, including UA’s exclusive OX Amp Top Box, Unison preamp emulations and UA’s own Teletronix LA-2A, 1176 and Fairchild 670, Pultec EQs, and more.
- Real-time control: The audio interface has LED metering, input and output level control, mute, and phantom power buttons, which can be used to control the audio levels in real-time.
- Multiple headphone outputs: The audio interface has two headphone outputs, which can be used to provide independent headphone mixes to different musicians or hosts during a recording or streaming session.
- Low latency monitoring: The audio interface has a built-in DSP mixer that provides low-latency monitoring, allowing you to hear yourself clearly while recording or streaming.
4: FLAMMA FV01 Vocal Effects Processor Pitch Correction Pedal with Delay Reverb
The FLAMMA FV01 Vocal Effects Processor is a compact and versatile pedal designed for singers and vocalists. Some of its top features include:
- Pitch correction: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor includes advanced algorithms that can automatically correct pitch in real-time, helping singers to stay in tune.
- Reverb and Delay: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor also includes high-quality reverb and delay effects, which can be used to create a sense of space and depth in the vocal mix.
- Compact and Portable: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor is small and lightweight, making it easy to take on the road or use in a live performance setup.
- Easy to use interface: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor has an easy-to-use interface with clear and intuitive controls, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
- True Bypass Switching: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor features a true bypass switching, which ensures that the original tone remains intact when the pedal is not in use.
- Durable construction: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor is built with durable components that can withstand the rigors of live performance.
- Multiple modes: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor has multiple modes, including pitch correction, delay, and reverb, which can be easily selected, allowing you to quickly switch between different settings and effects.
- Low noise operation: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor is designed to operate at a low noise level, ensuring that your vocals come through clearly and without any unwanted noise.
- Power Supply: The FV01 Vocal Effects Processor can be powered by an external power supply (9V DC, center negative), which is included in the package.
5: Boss VE-20 Vocal Effects Processor
The Boss VE-20 Vocal Effects Processor is a compact and powerful effects processor designed for singers and vocalists. Some of its top features include:
- Multiple Effects: The VE-20 offers a variety of effects such as pitch-correction, harmony, reverb, delay, and more, which can be used to enhance and shape the sound of vocals.
- Simple and Intuitive Interface: The VE-20 has a simple and intuitive interface with large buttons and knobs, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
- Phrase Looper: The VE-20 includes a phrase looper which allows singers to record and loop phrases in real-time, creating a backing track for live performances.
- Compact and Portable: The VE-20 is small and lightweight, making it easy to take on the road or use in a live performance setup.
- Battery-powered: The VE-20 can be powered by batteries, making it easy to use on stage or on the go.
- Multiple Input and Output: The VE-20 has a XLR and 1/4″ input and output for connecting to a microphone or an amp.
- USB Connectivity: The VE-20 can be connected to a computer via USB, allowing you to use the device as an audio interface or to update the firmware.
- Built-in Harmony: The VE-20 can generate a harmony based on the notes you are singing, adding depth and dimension to your vocals.
- Automatic Pitch-Correction: The VE-20 automatically corrects pitch, ensuring that your vocals stay in tune during live performances.
- Multiple Memory: The VE-20 has multiple memory locations to store and recall effect settings, allowing you to easily switch between different setups.
6: Behringer MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600 V2
The Behringer MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600 V2 is a professional-grade multi-channel compressor and limiter designed for use in recording studios, live sound, and broadcasting applications. Some of its top features include:
- 4-channel Operation: The MDX4600 V2 can process up to 4 channels of audio simultaneously, making it ideal for use in multi-track recording and mixing applications.
- Advanced Automatic Gain Control: The MDX4600 V2 features advanced automatic gain control (AGC) algorithms that can automatically adjust the gain of each channel to maintain a consistent output level, regardless of the input level.
- Dual Auto-sensing XLR and 1/4″ TRS Inputs: The MDX4600 V2 has dual auto-sensing XLR and 1/4″ TRS inputs, which can automatically detect the type of input connected and adjust the settings accordingly.
- Expander/Gate Function: The MDX4600 V2 includes an expander/gate function, which can be used to reduce background noise and eliminate unwanted signals.
- RMS and Peak Level Metering: The MDX4600 V2 has RMS and peak level metering, which can be used to monitor the input and output levels of each channel.
- Low-noise Operation: The MDX4600 V2 is designed to operate at a low noise level, ensuring that the audio signal remains clear and accurate.
- Balanced Outputs: The MDX4600 V2 has balanced XLR and 1/4″ TRS outputs, which can be used to connect to a wide range of professional-grade audio equipment.
- External Side Chain Input: The MDX4600 V2 has an external side chain input, which can be used to control the compression and limiting of the audio signal.
- High-quality Components: The MDX4600 V2 is built with high-quality components that ensure durability and longevity even under heavy use.
- Ultra-low Noise Design: The MDX4600 V2 has an ultra-low noise design, which ensures that your audio remains clear and accurate even at high levels.
7: Wrugste USB Audio Interface Solo(24Bit/192kHz)+48V Phantom Power for Computer Recording Podcasting
The Wrugste USB Audio Interface Solo is a compact and versatile audio interface designed for computer recording and podcasting. Some of its top features include:
- High-quality audio performance: The Wrugste USB Audio Interface Solo offers high-quality audio performance with 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A conversion, ensuring that your recordings and podcasts sound professional.
- USB connectivity: The audio interface connects to a computer via USB, making it easy to use with a wide range of recording software.
- Phantom Power: The audio interface has a built-in 48V phantom power, which can be used to power condenser microphones.
- Compact and portable: The audio interface is small and lightweight, making it easy to take on the road or use in a home studio setup.
- Input and Output: The audio interface has one XLR input, one 1/4″ input, and one stereo output, providing flexibility for different recording and podcasting setups.
- Low-Noise Operation: The audio interface is designed to operate at a low noise level, ensuring that your audio remains clear and accurate.
- Plug and Play: The audio interface is plug and play, meaning it can be used with a computer without the need for additional drivers.
- LED Indicator: The audio interface has an LED indicator, which displays the status of the device and the audio signal.
- Mute and Gain Control: The audio interface has a mute button and gain control, which can be used to adjust the audio levels in real-time.
- Compatible with Mac and Windows: The audio interface is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems, making it easy to use with a wide range of computers.
8: Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer , Black
The Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer is a compact and powerful effects processor designed for singers and vocalists. Some of its top features include:
- Vocal Effects: The VT-4 offers a variety of vocal effects such as pitch-shifting, harmonizing, formant shifting, and more, which can be used to enhance and shape the sound of vocals.
- User-friendly Interface: The VT-4 has a user-friendly interface with easy-to-use knobs and buttons, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
- Real-time Control: The VT-4 offers real-time control of pitch, formant, and effects, allowing you to shape the sound of your vocals in real-time.
- Compact and Portable: The VT-4 is small and lightweight, making it easy to take on the road or use in a live performance setup.
- Battery-powered: The VT-4 can be powered by batteries, making it easy to use on stage or on the go.
- Multiple Input and Output: The VT-4 has a XLR input and output for connecting to a microphone or an amp.
- USB Connectivity: The VT-4 can be connected to a computer via USB, allowing you to use the device as an audio interface or to update the firmware.
- Built-in Harmony: The VT-4 can generate a harmony based on the notes you are singing, adding depth and dimension to your vocals.
- Multiple Presets: The VT-4 has multiple presets that can be easily selected, allowing you to quickly switch between different settings and effects.
- Vocal Tune: The VT-4 has a Vocal Tune effect that can automatically correct pitch and keep your vocals in tune.
Why You should need a best compressor plugin for vocals
There are several reasons why a best compressor plugin for vocals is an important tool for recording, mixing, and mastering vocals:
- Dynamic Range Control: A compressor plugin for vocals can be used to control the dynamic range of a vocal recording, automatically reducing the volume of loud parts and increasing the volume of quieter parts. This can help vocals sit better in a mix and prevent them from getting drowned out by other instruments.
- Consistency: A compressor plugin can help create a more consistent overall sound by evening out the variations in volume and tone. This can make vocals sound more polished and professional.
- Clarity: A compressor plugin can help to bring out the clarity of a vocal recording by reducing background noise and eliminating unwanted signals. This can help vocals stand out in a mix and make them more intelligible.
- Punch: A compressor plugin can add punch and power to vocals by increasing the overall level of the recording and adding sustain.
- Emphasis: A compressor plugin can be used to emphasize specific parts of a vocal recording, such as the attack or sustain of a word or phrase. This can help to make vocals more expressive and engaging.
- Create a professional sound: A good compressor plugin for vocals can be used to create a more polished and professional sound, making vocals sound more like they were recorded in a commercial studio.
- Efficiency: With a compressor plugin, you can achieve the same results as a hardware compressor but with the convenience of being able to use it in a computer-based recording setup.
- Variety: There are many different compressor plugins available, each with their own unique characteristics and sound. This allows you to find the perfect compressor plugin to suit the specific needs of your recording or mix.
How to choose a compressor plugin for vocals
When choosing a compressor plugin for vocals, there are several factors to consider:
- Quality: Look for a compressor plugin that offers high-quality audio performance and low noise operation. Avoid plugins that introduce distortion or noise to the audio signal.
- Compression Algorithm: Different compressor plugins use different compression algorithms, which can affect the sound and character of the compressed audio. Experiment with different algorithms to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Attack and Release: Look for a compressor plugin that allows you to adjust the attack and release time, as this can have a big impact on the sound of the compressed audio.
- Ratio: Look for a compressor plugin that allows you to adjust the compression ratio. A higher ratio will result in more compression and a lower ratio will result in less compression.
- Threshold: Look for a compressor plugin that allows you to adjust the threshold, which is the level at which the compression begins to take effect.
- Sidechain: Some compressor plugins offer a sidechain function, which allows you to compress the audio based on the level of a different audio source. This can be useful for ducking the vocals when the kick drum hits, for example.
- Additional Features: Look for a compressor plugin that offers additional features such as EQ, limiting, and stereo imaging.
- Compatibility: Make sure that the compressor plugin is compatible with your DAW and operating system.
- Preset: Look for a compressor plugin that offers multiple preset options, which can be easily selected, allowing you to quickly switch between different settings and effects.
- Price: Consider the cost of the compressor plugin and compare it to other options in the same price range to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
It’s also important to test the plugin on your own recording or mix to see how it affects your vocal sound. Sometimes, it’s better to try a few different options before making a final decision.
How to use a compressor plugin for vocals
Using a compressor plugin for vocals typically involves the following steps:
- Insert the compressor plugin on the vocal track in your DAW.
- Adjust the threshold: Start by setting the threshold so that the compressor is only affecting the loudest parts of the vocal recording.
- Adjust the ratio: The ratio controls the amount of compression applied to the audio signal. Start with a moderate ratio (around 4:1) and adjust as needed.
- Adjust the attack and release: The attack controls how quickly the compressor begins to take effect, while the release controls how quickly the compressor stops compressing the audio. Experiment with different attack and release settings to find the best sound for your recording.
- Adjust the gain: Use the gain control to adjust the overall level of the compressed audio.
- Use the sidechain: If your compressor has a sidechain function, you can use it to compress the audio based on the level of a different audio source. This can be useful for ducking the vocals when the kick drum hits, for example.
- Listen to the compressed audio: Listen to the compressed audio and make adjustments as needed. Pay attention to how the compressed audio sounds in relation to the other tracks in your mix.
- Use the preset: If your compressor has preset options, you can use them as a starting point, and then make adjustments as needed.
- Experiment with different settings: Experiment with different settings and find the best settings for your vocal recording.
- Use it in the mastering stage: Apply the compressor plugin to the final mix. This will help to balance the overall level of the mix and make it sound more polished and professional.
It’s important to note that different songs or vocal tracks may require different settings, so it’s always a good idea to experiment with different settings to find the best sound for your specific recording.