Crafting a professional-sounding vocal mix is essential for aspiring music producers. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, having the right tools is important. B

ut, high-quality vocal plugins are often expensive. That’s why, in this post, we’re exploring the 12 best free vocal VST plugins that deliver exceptional results. We’ll explore some hidden gems that rival premium plugins and discuss essential features to elevate your recordings, so you achieve a radio-ready sound.

Let’s dive into the 12 best free vocal VST plugins on the market today! 

Table of Contents:

Vocal Tuning Plugins

Pitch correction is essential for modern vocal production. Tuning vocals allows for subtle performance enhancements or dramatic effects. Here are three standout free plugins for achieving pristine vocals. These vocal tuning plugins are a great place to start.

Auburn Sounds Graillon

Auburn Sounds Graillon is a versatile tool for subtle pitch correction and creative vocal manipulation. The free version offers pitch shifting, pitch correction, and formant adjustment. It’s a favorite among producers adding a robotic or heavily processed effect to vocals.

Melda MAutoPitch

For producers seeking transparent pitch correction, MeldaProduction MAutoPitch provides a simple interface that’s ideal for beginners. This plugin subtly corrects pitch imperfections without sacrificing the natural nuances of the performance. It’s great for achieving that polished, radio-ready sound without making the vocals sound overly processed. Melda Mautopitch is a great plugin for this.

Voloco

Voloco shines in its user-friendliness. This makes it perfect for singers and producers who need to tune vocals quickly. Simply choose the key, scale, and tuning style. Then adjust the correction amount to dial in the desired effect. While Voloco may not have the advanced features of other plugins on this list, it’s a convenient and effective option for getting vocals in tune quickly.

EQ (Equalization) Plugins

A good EQ is a must-have for shaping the tone and clarity of your vocals. These free plugins offer diverse flavors to achieve a polished sound. Balancing the frequencies in a mix with an equalizer plugin can make or break the clarity and impact of a vocal track. This makes having a vocal EQ essential.

TDR Nova

TDR Nova stands out for its surgical precision. With its clean interface and wide range of filters, it’s great for tackling problem frequencies and achieving a clean, polished sound. Whether you need to attenuate harshness, boost presence, or eliminate muddiness, Nova equips you with the precision to do so.

Ignite Amps PTeq-X

For those drawn to analog warmth, Ignite Amps PTeq-X offers a beautiful emulation of the iconic Pultec EQP-1A hardware. PTeq-X is renowned for its musical curves and ability to add subtle coloration, bringing a vintage flavor to digital recordings. 

This makes vocals sit beautifully in a mix. It’s a particularly effective vocal EQ for adding air to the high end or a smooth, rich low-end presence.

VladG Sound Nova-67P

Looking for expanded control on your vocal EQ? The Nova-67P plugin gives you incredible flexibility. It has 4 bands, high and low pass filters, plus band solo. For producers who want a more hands-on approach to shaping their vocal sound, Nova-67P offers a comprehensive set of tools. These are both intuitive and effective.

Compression Plugins

Compression is crucial for controlling dynamic range, allowing vocals to sit consistently in the mix. This selection of free compressor plugins provides various flavors to achieve a professional sound. You can also use a vocal compressor plugin to control the dynamic range of instruments.

Klanghelm DC1A

Inspired by classic analog designs, the Klanghelm DC1A vocal compressor plugin excels at adding subtle warmth and character to vocals. Its straightforward controls and musical response make it ideal for achieving a smooth, cohesive vocal sound. This makes the DC1A incredibly versatile, as it can be used subtly for a natural sound or pushed harder for creative effects.

It is also one of the best free vocal VST plugins available. 

Analog Obsession FETish

For a more aggressive approach, Analog Obsession FETish faithfully models the iconic 1176 FET compressor, renowned for its fast attack and punchy character. This plugin is great for dynamic vocals that need taming. It can also add grit and energy. From subtle thickening to in-your-face compression, FETish offers a wide range of possibilities for shaping vocal dynamics.

Analog Obsession LA-LA

No list of free vocal plugins would be complete without mentioning the Analog Obsession LA-LA. Known for its transparent and smooth compression characteristics, LA-LA is just one of those compressor plugins that shines on lead vocals. 

It tames dynamics and adds warmth without introducing unwanted artifacts. The LA-LA is also extremely simple to use, often only requiring a few adjustments to dial in the perfect sound. While these are just three free compressors from Analog Obsession, consider supporting their work, as they provide exceptional plugins for free.

Effects Plugins

Beyond the foundational tools, these free plugins open doors to sonic exploration, adding depth, width, and character to vocals. From reverb plugins to modulation plugins, these effects can transform a good vocal into an amazing one. You can even use some of these on instruments as well. 

TAL-Reverb-4

Creating a sense of space can elevate vocals. This free reverb plugin offers both classic and modern algorithms. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle touch of ambience or create a cavernous cathedral sound, TAL-Reverb-4 is a great vocal reverb plugin that can help.

Dragonfly Reverbs

For those seeking diversity, Dragonfly Reverbs provides a bundle of eight unique reverb plugins with different reverb types. These range from intimate rooms to expansive halls. Each reverb boasts a smooth, high-quality sound and can add unique flavors to vocals and instruments alike.

DSP-2 Vocal Processor

As its name suggests, the free DSP-2 Vocal Processor plugin helps you simplify your workflow. It gives you access to vocal doubling, a gate, a de-esser plugin, and a tuner in one package. These tools, while often considered subtle, are instrumental in making a vocal cut through a mix and sound its best. A de-esser plugin is essential when mixing vocals.

Using these processors strategically during a mixdown can significantly enhance clarity and professionalism. This makes it great for producers who are new to mixing and want to explore several different vocal effects within a single, unified interface. It is also a great plugin to use with a delay plugin.

Achieving Professional Sound with 12 Best Free Vocal VST Plugins

Getting a “pro” sound doesn’t have to drain your budget. By utilizing these 12 best free vocal VST plugins detailed in this post, you can access the essential tools for capturing, shaping, and enhancing your vocals for free. From crafting that ethereal reverb to achieving powerful vocal doubling effects, free plugins can empower you with creative flexibility and a high-quality sound.

Conclusion

These 12 best free vocal VST plugins show that you don’t always need to pay a premium for impressive sound quality and creative potential. By incorporating these plugins into your workflow, you’ll be working smarter and expanding your sonic palette.

While exploring the best free vocal VST plugins is a great way to unlock your vocal potential, there’s nothing like putting those tools to work. To take your skills even further, join Mix Elite Academy.

With access to premium courses and over 500+ in-depth lessons, top-tier sample & preset packs, and student discounts of up to 50% off on thousands of plugins, you’ll have everything you need. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive, private community of fellow students.

We look forward to seeing you there!

FAQs About 12 Best Free Vocal VST Plugins

What are the best free plugins for vocals?

Some of the best free vocal VST plugins are Graillon from Auburn Sounds, MAutoPitch from MeldaProduction, and FETish from Analog Obsession. These freeware VSTs can achieve nearly identical sounds and use similar processing methods as their premium counterparts.

What is the best VST plugin for vocals?

The choice of the best VST plugin is subjective, but when considering free options, Auburn Sounds Graillon often tops the list. It’s packed with powerful features and, most importantly, delivers professional sound quality. With its wide range of modulation and pitch-shifting capabilities, it’s favored by both seasoned producers and aspiring artists.

What are the free voice-changing VST plugins?

When it comes to changing the character of vocals, plugins like Auburn Sounds Graillon and MeldaProduction MAutoPitch are great free options. These versatile tools empower you to craft various effects from subtle pitch shifts to robotic soundscapes.

What vocal plugins do professionals use?

While professional studios utilize premium tools from developers like Waves, FabFilter, and Universal Audio, it’s worth noting that free VSTs, particularly Auburn Sounds Graillon, TAL-Reverb-4, and Klanghelm DC1A, are also used by pros. They stand out for their excellent quality. What truly elevates a vocal is a producer’s ability to leverage any tool, free or paid, effectively during mixing and mastering.