Want vocals that truly shine in your mixes? Waves plugins can be your secret weapon. Known for their top-notch quality, Waves offers a range of tools designed specifically for the intricacies of vocal production.
But with so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to pick the best ones for vocals, especially if you’re not sure what each plugin does. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Waves plugins for vocals, from Waves Tune Real-Time to Abbey Road. So, whether you want to smooth out breaths, add warmth, or even get that iconic “Auto-Tune” effect, there’s a Waves plugin ready to elevate your vocal tracks.
Table Of Contents:
- Essential Waves Plugins for Cleaning Up Your Vocals
- Best Waves Plugins for Adding Warmth and Color
- Versatility and Creative Control
- All-in-One Solutions: Best Waves Plugins for Vocals for Quick Results
- Conclusion
- FAQs about Best Waves Plugins for Vocals
Essential Waves Plugins for Cleaning Up Your Vocals
Before you jump into creative effects, you need a clean, polished vocal recording as a starting point. Thankfully, Waves has plugins that make this part a breeze.
1. DeBreath
Dealing with unwanted breaths in your recordings? It happens. But manually editing them out can eat up valuable time.
DeBreath acts like a magic eraser, identifying and minimizing those breaths without affecting the natural tone of your vocals. For a quick and efficient way to clean up your recordings, DeBreath is an essential tool.
2. NS1 Noise Suppressor
If your recording space isn’t perfectly quiet, you know the struggle of unwanted noise. This is where a noise suppressor becomes invaluable for eliminating background noise.
Plugins like the NS1 Noise Suppressor are great at tackling everything from fan hum to traffic sounds in your vocal recordings. It will help you achieve a cleaner and more professional sound.
Best Waves Plugins for Adding Warmth and Color
Sometimes, vocals need that extra something to stand out in a mix. Here are a couple of plugins that can add warmth and character.
1. CLA-2A
Inspired by the legendary LA-2A, the Waves CLA-2A is a favorite for adding a warm, smooth compression. This plugin can tame dynamic inconsistencies while also adding subtle harmonic richness, making it a versatile tool for both vocals and instruments.
Try it on vocals, but don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s also popular for adding warmth to bass and drums. For those looking to achieve a specific sound, check out this guide that provides insights into chaining the Waves CLA-2A with another popular choice, the FET compressor.
2. PuigTec EQ
Another classic, the PuigTec EQ is famous for its ability to boost frequencies without sounding harsh. Try the EQP-1A for sweetening the high-end or the MEQ-5 for sculpting a powerful mid-range.
A subtle boost around 10kHz on the EQP-1A, for instance, can add shimmer and presence, making vocals sparkle in a mix. And unlike some EQs, the PuigTec is known for its musicality—even when pushing the boundaries with extreme boosts.
3. J37 Tape
For that sought-after analog warmth, look no further than the J37 Tape plugin. Developed with Abbey Road Studios, this plugin beautifully emulates a vintage tape machine, injecting richness and depth into vocals (and even instruments.).
It’s particularly useful for smoothing out harshness while simultaneously adding a touch of vintage warmth. Think of it as the perfect plugin for taking your tracks back to a time when recordings had that classic analog vibe. I often like to use it on my mastering chain for glue as well.
Versatility and Creative Control
Sometimes, you want to get creative with your vocal sound. Waves excels in this area, offering a variety of plugins that push the boundaries, including creative sampler plugins.
1. SSL EV2 Channel Strip
Modeled after the iconic Solid State Logic consoles, the SSL EV2 is Waves’ versatile take on a classic channel strip. Beyond just EQ and compression, you get gating, expansion, and even a choice between the punchy “Black” and warm “Brown” EQ modes for tonal flexibility.
2. Abbey Road Plates
Plate reverbs are a staple in vocal production for creating depth and spaciousness without sacrificing clarity. Waves captured the beauty of the legendary EMT 140 plates found at Abbey Road Studios, bringing you four distinct plates, each with its sonic character.
Experiment with the four EMT 140 plates from Abbey Road Studios, using subtle settings or dialing in more extreme settings to transform vocals completely.
All-in-One Solutions: Best Waves Plugins for Vocals for Quick Results
When time is of the essence or you’re new to mixing, a streamlined plugin that handles a chain of processes can be incredibly helpful. This is where Waves’ all-in-one vocal plugins come in handy.
1. Butch Vig Vocals
Crafted with input from legendary producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and more), the Butch Vig Vocals plugin is an all-in-one vocal processing powerhouse.
Many prefer it to other Waves vocal chains because it provides a great balance between control and ease of use. Instead of getting lost in effects, Butch Vig Vocals offers practical tools to quickly achieve a polished sound, allowing you to dial in that radio-ready sound Butch Vig is renowned for.
Conclusion
Which Waves plugin is best for vocals?
The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all best. If you need a clean and quick solution for recording, DeBreath is a lifesaver. To smooth out inconsistencies, go for the CLA-2A. Want color and warmth? The PuigTec EQ or the Abbey Road Plates are fantastic. For noise, the NS1 has your back. Experiment, have fun, and find your favorites.
Which plugin is best for vocals?
That’s like asking for the ‘best’ paintbrush—it depends on your artistic goals. Looking for surgical precision in pitch correction? Waves Tune Real-Time fits the bill. Want creative effects like vocoding and harmonizing? Ovox is your go-to. Each vocal plugin excels in its own right—explore and discover what works best for your particular needs and workflow.
What is the best EQ plugin for vocals?
There are several great ones. Waves’ PuigTec EQP-1A, known for its warm high-end boost, is a popular pick. For surgical mid-range shaping, the MEQ-5 shines. For dynamic EQ needs, you may want to consider a floating-band dynamic EQ. Experiment with each to discover your preference.
Should I use plugins while recording vocals?
It’s a debated topic. Some believe using plugins minimally during recording helps capture a cleaner vocal take, focusing on performance over effects. Others utilize plugins for real-time feedback, adjusting as needed. There’s no definitive right or wrong, ultimately choosing the approach you’re comfortable with is best.
