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Saturation: the secret ingredient for your mixes. It creates imperfection which everybody loves. We bring you below the best saturation VST plugins in free & paid format.

SSL Native X-Saturator Saturation by Solid State Logic (Paid)

Saturation is a mix engineer’s secret weapon. Add a little to a vocal, and it pops right out of a mix. Sprinkle some on a snare, and suddenly it’s cracky and full of life. Pile it on drum overheads for an aggressive sound that will grab your listeners by their ears. X-Saturator tackles all these tasks and more with aplomb.

Choose from second-order valve-style distortion, third-order transistor distortion, or blend the two for a perfect combination of tube warmth and transistor iron. Use X-Saturator with a light touch or drive it into grotesque, mangled distortion, which can be tucked back with the Shape control or folded underneath a mix with the Wet/Dry knob. Creamy and warm or biting and fierce, you’ve never heard a saturation plug-in quite like the SSL X-Saturator.

Features

• Saturation plug-in with a huge range of distortion characteristics
• Adds pleasing analog-style even- and odd-order harmonics
• Choose from valve saturation or transistor saturation or blend the two
• Control the edge of the distortion, ranging from smooth to hard
• Wet/Dry knob for processing in parallel

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

RC-20 Retro Color Saturation by XLN Audio (Paid)

RC-20 Retro Color is a creative effect plugin that adds life and texture to any recording. It easily recreates the warm, cozy feeling of vintage recording equipment, but also works perfectly in any modern production setting.

• Adds life and texture inspired by classic gear
• Great on drums, guitars, keys, bass and full mixes
• Flux Engine adds warm, analog-style fluctuations

Features

6 Unique FX Modules

RC-20’s six unique FX modules can replicate everything from vinyl records to VHS machines, adding noise, wobble and dropouts to your tracks. Its raw distortion and crunchy bit reduction will add grit to your bass and drums. The space and chorus effects will make your guitar sing like never before and the filtering effects fit right into the most modern club track.

Flux Engine

Our exclusive Flux Engine adds subtle (or not so subtle) instability and fluctuations to all of the FX modules, providing the character, warmth and analog goodness of yesteryear’s best technology.

Magnitude Slider

The Magnitude slider controls the intensity of all processing. Easily accessible all the time — even when browsing presets — it makes it easy to find the perfect sound and processing amount. Automate this control for awesome intros, breakdowns and transitions in your song.

Presets

The included presets for drums, keys, guitars, bass, full mixes and post-production let you get to work right away. The RC-20 interface invites experimentation, and you can access the processing amount of each FX module while browsing.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Tape Saturation by Softube (Paid)

Time to get reel! Softube’s Tape plug-in adds cohesion and weight to your mixes. But Tape goes far beyond your average tape machine emulation. It includes three distinctly different tape machine types, and it offers the ease of use and low CPU strain that today’s music creators rightfully expect. 

Features

• Realistic analog tape sound
• Three tape machine types included
• Easy to use
• Low CPU usage
• Includes Tape Multitrack which can be used in the MixFX slot of Presonus Studio One—adding individual channel crosstalk and single interface control of all tracks

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Distinct! Saturation by Kiive Audio (Paid)

Based on the incredible harmonic saturation found in the Overstayer: Modular Channel “Distinct!” packs all of those rich harmonic characteristics into an easy to use plugin.

Create subtle saturation to warm up drums, vocals, and mix bus, or drive this plugin into oblivion to create crazy fuzz bass tones, distorted vocal fx, and insane synth sounds. Use the added HF and LF knob to shape your sound before hitting the distortion.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

DAW Cassette Saturation by Klevgrand (Paid)

DAW Cassette brings back the magic era of the 1980s by emulating the sound of a tape deck. Saturation, distortion, noise, wobble, it’s all there. While there’s no real rational logic to it, the sound color gives us chills down the spines, (or it might be the mullet haircut that tickles). Fresh.

Choose your preferred level of cassetteness with the different controls for input/output gain, tape/motor/head quality, and tape/noise type. Now, look in the mirror and get stunned by your new mullet haircut.

Features

• Choose between three different tape types (Normal, Chrome, Metal)
• Control the noise level with Dolby emulation (including a noise-free option, Dolby K)
• Tape-, head- and motor quality knobs for dialing in the perfect sound
• Additional input gain, output gain, and dry/wet mix parameters

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

MIA Thin Saturation by MIA Laboratories (Free)

The most delicate member of the group, adds brilliance without harshness.

Recommended for dull sounds, will make them louder on smaller systems such as laptops, phones etc.

Dull sounding material becomes eloquently more defined especially on smaller systems such as laptops, smartphones, headphones etc.

Lift up that track and give it some ethereal essence.

Features

• Lift up that track and give it some ethereal essence.
• Recommended for material that may sound dull.

[ Click here to download + more info ]

FreeAMP Saturation by Klevgrand (Free)

ven though FreeAMP may look simple, all the algorithms from Klevgrand’s amplifying modeler plugin REAMP are still in there. In this free version, they’ve combined their favourite profiles from REAMP into one universal profile.

When processing audio through FreeAMP you’ll get the sound of tape and tube saturation at the same time. It can be used on anything that needs to be vitalized, from single tracks, stems, or full mixes. And the best thing is that it is totally free!

Features

• Carefully trimmed combination of a modelled tape algorithm and a tube algorithm
• Super-simple and friendly interface

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Finding the best gate VST plugin for your project may not be an easy task. Well, it is now! We bring you below the best gate plugins, free and paid.

MRhythmizer Gate by MeldaProduction (Paid)

MRhythmizer is a unique time manipulation effect that uses an integrated sequencer to control time, volume and filters. From gating to glitching, repeating to scratching, all with stunning audio quality. MRhythmizer brings your music to life, so say goodbye to boring audio performances! 

Features

• 36 available sequences for time, 36 available sequences for volume and 36 available sequences for filter – each sequence can be up to 64 quarter notes long and automatically synchronize with the song, time sequences can look up to 8 quarter notes into the past.
• Controllable via MIDI, modulation and automation – switch between sequences using the controller you like the most, whether it is MIDI keyboard, MIDI pad-type controller or even if you like to automate it in your host. You can even attach it to a modulator so that it switches automatically!
• Scratching slider – whenever you like to add some scratches, it is as easy as moving a slider.
• 4 global modulators – in each instance you can have up to 4 fully-featured modulators that can modulate any set of parameters including other modulators! In this way, you can make the sound move in time, be less static and more interesting. Each modulator works as LFO, follower, midi/audio triggered ADSR envelopes, a pitch detector or even a combination.
• Up to 8 channels surround processing – MeldaProduction plugins can handle not only mono and stereo signals but also up to 8 channels of surround audio, making them ideal for audio production for movies, games etc.
• Sinc interpolation and high-quality upsampling – MRhythmizer implements the most advanced technologies to provide the best audio quality.
• Extremely advanced and easy-to-use user interface – MeldaProduction products are always designed to enhance the workflow. You can easily change all values, fine-tune each control in multiple ways. Easy orientation in a standardized GUI, textual editing and smooth visualization with almost unlimited zooming are standard in all MeldaProduction plugins. Moreover, MeldaProduction plugins are the world first (and still the only ones), which support resizable and stylable GUI’s
• Automatic synchronization to host tempo – every oscillator and modulator in the plugin can automatically synchronize to the host providing as natural a sound as possible while not offending other tracks.
• MIDI controllers with MIDI learn – you can map any parameter to any MIDI controller or MIDI keyboard and control it in real-time or record and automate it.
• Very fast, optimized for SSE and SSE2 processors.
• Global preset management and online preset exchange – using a title button you can save your settings (which are shared on the computer) so you can easily access these in other songs. Moreover, all plugins can automatically share your presets and download presets of other users from MeldaProduction’s servers (if this feature is enabled).

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Gatekeeper Gate by Polyverse (Paid)

Gatekeeper is the cutting edge of volume modulation. Capable of sample-fast transitions and equipped with a unique variable smoothing algorithm, Gatekeeper allows for drastic, punchy gating and sequencing while keeping the output smooth. Breathe new life into your audio with the most basic, yet impactful way: silence.

Gatekeeper can now send MIDI CC data, giving it the ability to control parameters in other plugins.

Features

• Sample fast and precise volume modulation
• Expressive and fun envelope drawing tools
• Boost and clip features for extra punch
• Smoothing algorithm to eliminate clicks and pops
• 8 independent volume envelopes
• Fully customizable midi-triggering
• Panning tools
• Tempo mapped looping
• CV output for Modular synths
• Hundreds of presets

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Trance Gate Snapin Gate by Kilohearts (Paid)

What if ___ _____ easily chop up ____ __ the sound __ _ rhythmical pattern?

Well now you can! Trance gate is a gate sequencer which quickly adds a rhyth  to a pad or lead, chops up a beat or adds more staccato to an arpeggio.

The world of anthem trance lies at your feet!

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

poltergate Gate by denise (Paid)

Shape live drums, samples or any source you like in a swift, creative and intuitive way. Achieve better noise reduction, instrument separation and de-bleeding in a plugin optimised for power, fast results and creativity.

Features

• Built-in Sidechain EQ Graph – Detection of the signal in maximum detail.
• Transient Design, Gating and De-Bleeding in One – New possibilities and time-saving.
• Spike Control – Unique feature to detect transients more easily.
• Presets – Perfect to get you going.
• Transparent Clipper – Shape & colour to make your sound extra thick.
• Unique De-Bleeder Algorithm – Bleed shall not pass with these 3 simple controls.
• Audition Mode – Listen isolated to what’s being gated.
• Flip – Reverse gate to hear what’s left out of the signal.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Oxford Drum Gate by Sonnox (Paid)

Have you become frustrated with the results of unreliable drum gating using traditional tools; chatter, misdetection, choked or lost ghost notes? Are you tired of overly complex and manual workflows?

Then meet the new Oxford Drum Gate; it’s swift and logical workflow solves these problems and delivers the fastest, most musical and transparent results available. At the heart of the Drum Gate is intelligent drum-hit detection. First, the Plug-In detects them all with tailor-made transient detection. Then, you simply decide which ones to keep.

Features

• Precise transient detection and intelligent drum-type matching to effortlessly separate the hits you want to keep from the spill you don’t.
• Create custom drum profiles to isolate unusual drum types or fix the occasional kick, snare, or tom mismatch.
• A decay curve that adapts to the velocity of each drum hit, giving you consistent spill reduction on dynamic performances.
• The Spectral decay editor lets you preserve the resonance, ring, or rattle of each drum hit while quickly clamping down on the spill.
• The leveller’s dual-target and amount controls let you improve level consistency without losing the contrast between loud hits and soft ghost notes.
• Real-time MIDI output and MIDI file capture, for accurately triggering drum samples.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Gatelab Gate by Audiomodern (Free)

Gatelab is a Creative Gate Sequencer, Volume Modulation Generator and Beyond.

You can choose from a variety of randomization modes, density values, Flow or Gate mode and Built-in presets.

Gatelab randomizes a unique combination of parameters and is delivering ever-evolving patterns and endless rhythmic effects.

Features

• Generate Gate Sequences in real-time
• Syncs to Host tempo
• Wet / Dry mix control
• MIDI Controllable
• Infinity Mode
• Quick Load presets
• Instant / Tap Bypass for live performance
• Gate / Flow modes
• Disintegration & Grow modes
• Customizable Sequence Range
• MIDI Output
• No Two Patterns will ever be the same

[ Click here to download + more info ]

EFEKTOR Silencer Gate by Kuassa (Free)

Ssshh…. Be silence. Nobody likes unwanted noises from their sound. Especially the dreaded distorted noise. This noise gate unit was a basic feature on Kuassa Amplifikation Series. This improved version is now available as a standalone device. With a twist..

Features

• Smooth and precise noise gating effect via 3 knobs
• Useful dual-mono mode
• Bypass switch button

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Which are the best chorus plugins? No need to search anymore. We’ve discovered for you the best chorus VST plugins on the market (both free & paid).

Ensemble Snapin Chorus by Kilohearts (Paid)

The Ensemble effect creates the illusion of many voices playing in unison. Much like a chorus, it creates this effect by playing delayed copies of the incoming sound. On top of this, it also modulates the phases of each voice to create a silky smooth result without any metallic flanging. The delay times for each voice is also modulated in order to detune each voice slightly.

Features

• Voices: Number of voices to play simultaneously.
• Detune: How quickly to modulate the delay for each voice, affecting how detuned the voices will be.
• Spread: Pans voices left or right for a stereo effect.
• Mix: The dry/wet mix of this effect. A lower value will let some of the unmodified signal through.
• Motion: Selects between different patterns for the modulations of the voices.
• Settings panel: Whenever you have your mouse cursor over a snapin there is a small arrow at the top right corner (not visible in screenshot). It opens a settings panel where you handle presets. It also has a “randomize” button that can be useful. I guess…
• Enabled checkbox: The small checkbox to the left of the plugin name is a checkbox that bypasses the effect when disabled.
• Resize handle: The bottom right corner of all Kilohearts plugins is a resize handle for scaling the UI to any size. This allows you to get a good view of the controls whatever the screen resolution, and also comes in handy if you need big controls, e.g. when using Ensemble as a real-time effect on a touchscreen monitor during a live set. (This is not available when the snapin is used inside a snapin host.)

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Blend v2 Chorus by Sinevibes (Paid)

Blend is a multi-voice chorus comprised of up to 16 separate layers. Each of them actually is a chorus effect on its own – complete with a dedicated modulation generator and a feedback loop. Even with all 16 layers activated, the resulting mix is dense yet always silky smooth and musical – thanks to clever proportional modulation phase offsets.

Features

Sound Engine

• 16 chorus layers, each with its own individual feedback line
• 16 sine wave modulation generators with proportional phase offsets (one per each layer)
• Variable modulation stereo width
• Selectable interpolation algorithm: Lo-Fi, Vintage, and Modern
• Adjustable low-frequency cut filter
• Lag filters on all continuous parameters for smooth, click-free adjustment
• Supports mono › mono, mono › stereo, and stereo › stereo channel configurations

Graphic Interface

• Colour-coded graphic elements
• Consistent name, mapping, value, and unit implemented for all parameters in both graphic user interface and host control/automation
• Built-in preset management functions
• Supports window size scaling up to 200%

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

MChorusMB Chorus by MeldaProduction (Paid)

MChorusMB is a unbelievably sounding powerful multiband chorus which allows you to fully adjust its shape. Where other choruses end, this plugin just starts off. It processes anything from guitar tracks to complete mixes, all with outstanding audio quality and an inspiring set of features. 

Features

• Up to 10 voices with advanced adjustment – MChorusMB provides advanced control over the 10 voices giving you an extreme set of possible settings, while still providing the best possible sound.
• 6 stereoizing algorithms – whether you like panoramas, phases, MChorusMB knows it all. If something is not stereo-enough, this one can fix it.
• Dual user interface – the plugin is not only extremely versatile, but also quick and easy-to-use thanks to 2 graphical user interfaces. First there is a simple default one with several predefined modes, but just a few controls, which lets you start quickly and easily without any knowledge. All you need to do is choose what you want and use a few knobs. And the plugins also has an advanced mode, which provides all the extreme features the plugin offers.
• 1-6 fully configurable independent bands built on 3 perfectly transparent crossover algorithms (analog, linear-phase and hybrid) with fully adjustable limits and input gains. Includes peak meters for all bands and the master.
• Continuously adjustable oscillator shape – every oscillator in our plugins is defined by a mix of predefined oscillator shapes, custom waveforms edited using our MeldaProduction Envelope System (MES), step-sequencer and several methods for algorithmic postprocessing. It is the most advanced approach for defining oscillator shapes. 
• 4 global modulators – in each instance you can have up to 4 fully-featured modulators that can modulate any set of parameters including other modulators! In this way you can make the sound move in time, be less static and more interesting. Each modulator works as LFO, follower, midi/audio triggered ADSR envelopes, a pitch detector or even a combination.
• Integrated tube saturation gives the sound a great vintage analogue feel.
• Up to 8 channels surround processing – our plugins can handle not only mono and stereo signals, but also up to 8 channels of surround audio, making them ideal for audio production for movies, games etc.
• Full randomization – using a single button you can generate completely new settings. By clicking the button you can walk through the billions of possible settings and find the best one for you! And if that’s too much, you can just hold ctrl and MMultiBandChorus will only slightly modify existing settings.
• Sinc interpolation and high-quality upsampling – MChorusMB implements the most advanced technologies to provide the best audio quality.
• Adjustable up-sampling 1x-16x to minimize aliasing and get an even clearer sound.
• Extremely advanced and easy-to-use user interface – our products are always designed to enhance the workflow. You can easily change all values, fine-tune each control in multiple ways. Easy orientation in a standardized GUI, textual editing and smooth visualization with almost unlimited zooming are standard in all of our plugins. Moreover our plugins are the world first (and still the only ones), which support resizable and stylable GUI’s.
• Automatic synchronization to host tempo – every oscillator and modulator in the plugin can automatically synchronize to the host providing as natural a sound as possible while not offending other tracks.
• MIDI controllers with MIDI learn – you can map any parameter to any MIDI controller or MIDI keyboard and control it realtime or record and automate it.
• Very fast, optimized for SSE and SSE2 processors.
• Global preset management and online preset exchange – using a title button you can save your settings (which are shared on the computer) so you can easily access these in other songs. Moreover all plugins can automatically share your presets and download presets of other users from our servers (if this feature is enabled). We are building a community and you can be a part of it!
• Fully Automatable.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

BLEASS Chorus by BLEASS (Paid)

From subtle classic chorus effects to crazy textures, BLEASS Chorus brings stunning stereo modulations to any sound and allows wide creative freedom for sound design.

BLEASS Chorus is a two-stage chorus effect that offers full control of the stereo image as well as a large range of effects, from subtle stereo wideners to crazy texture generators which you can visualize thanks to a dedicated oscilloscope with a very low CPU usage.

Features

Input Stage

• Low-shelf/High-pass input filter
• Input Gain

Chorus Stage

• Delay Lines – Sets the stereo delay lines count.
• Time – Sets the average delay time.
• Rate – Sets the speed of the LFO.
• Left Depth – Sets the LFO’s amplitude for delay lines’ left channel.
• Right Depth – Sets the LFO’s amplitude for delay lines’ right channel.
• Equal Depths – When toggled on, left and right channels share the same depth. When toggled off, channels are independent of each other.
• Offset – Sets the offset between the delay lines’ LFOs.
• Width – Sets the offset between left and right channels for each delay line.
• Feedback – Sets the amount of feedback for each delay.
• Oscilloscope – Displays a representation of delay lines’ LFOs (tapping the oscilloscope pauses it).

Output Stage

• Dry / Wet Mix

Preset Manager

• Clear and easy to use. 

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Chorus JUN-6 Chorus by Arturia (Paid)

Chorus JUN-6 is an iconic effect that brings massive stereo richness, analogue warmth, and subtle modulated movement to your sound at the touch of a button.

Features

• Accurate recreation of the 2-mode Roland Juno 6 chorus.
• Include the original I+II position for vibrato-like sound.
• Additional Manual Depth and Rate controls for custom settings.
• LFO Phase knob allows for width adjustment.
• Sync to host tempo option.
• Mono/stereo input and Dry/wet Mix controls.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Cloud Chorus by Signalsmith Audio (Free)

A thick ensemble chorus with a multi-stage design, produces a dense cloud of echoes, giving you a smooth detuning even at extreme settings.

The phasiness control lets you slide between two detuning modes. Blending these together gives a rich and lively sound (particularly for low frequencies) – or try higher values for something less conventional.

The attack control uses envelope-followers to reduce or boost the detuning when an attack is detected. Give your attacks a little extra twang, or keep them clean and clear.

Depth and detuning are controlled independently – and because Cloud Chorus has dense echoes, depth goes up to 100ms for something between a diffuse slap-back and a small (detuned) room.

[ Click here to download + more info ]

Magic Switch Chorus by Baby Audio (Free)

Magic Switch is a free plug-in developed by BABY Audio. It is based on the ‘Magic’ feature from the brand’s lo-fi multi-fx plug-in Super VHS.

Super VHS was developed to give users an instantly gratifying suite of one-knob effects to infuse modern productions with the lo-fi magic of the 80s. The Super VHS plug-in hosts a channel strip of six effects, each adding a unique flavour of VHS-era goodness.

One of the most popular features in Super VHS is its ‘Magic’ button: A one-click chorus effect with a “deep, dark and rich tone”.

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Are you wondering which are the best bit crusher plugins available? Check out the list below. We help you find the best ones in free and paid format.

Decimort 2 Bit Crusher by D16 Group (Paid)

Decimort isn’t just another bitcrusher with only bit resolution and sampling frequency to tweak; in fact, it provides far more advanced features than you likely could have ever expected from an effect of this kind, all implemented in stunning quality.

Features

• Ultra accurate resampling algorithm (ADC emulation, no harmonics above 22kHz)
• Approximative (pre) filter and Image (post) filter, both conjugated with resampler
• Adjustable jitter
• Quantization with controlled dithering
• Two quantization methods (mid-raiser, mid-tread)
• Analogue-like filters with adjustable resonance and cutoff
• Tag-based preset browser
• Two alternative GUI sizes
• MIDI-learn functionality throughout
• 64bit internal processing
• No unwanted harmonic distortions at the output

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

SampleX V3 Bit Crusher by BeatSkillz (Paid)

SampleX Version 3 brings you new features like – New LP/ HP Ladder resonant Filters, Stereo Width (Imaging) Control (Mono / M/S expander) & Beatskillz Dynamic Convolution System where we have sampled the real vintage samplers to get their exact sound at various levels.

Features

• 6 Iconic Vintage Samplers
• New Multi Convolution System
• New HP / LP Resonant Ladder Filters
• Width Control Stereo Expansion to Mono
• New Presets and GUI
• IR Machine on/off feature
• Popup value display for the 1/0 section and the Filter Section

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Bite Harder Bit Crusher by denise (Paid)

The Bite Harder offers the classic bit crushing features but adds unique controls to refine or destroy your sound even more. With the Silky dial, you can smooth out the effect of the individual bit and sample controls. Alongside this, denise added the push-pull graph, a layer of FX and a drive control.

Features

• Push-Pull Graph – Complete control over the frequencies that are going to be crushed, giving you endless possibilities and new sounds
• Drive – Sometimes less is more, but definitely not with this one. An extra layer of mayhem to make your loops, and sounds, break and scream even more!
• Solo – Solo frequency ranges to audition individual bands.
• Presets – Custom from Florian Meindl are included on top of presets from denise.
• Transparent Clipper – Use it heavily to add extra dirt and saturation.
• Side-Chain Control – Destroy the sound using an external input source.
• Silky Control – Smooth out the bit-crushing sound for more delicate, high-end, rounder and warmer sounds.
• Continuous Reduce & Re-Sample Control – Individually set the bit & sample rate.
• Looper & Stutter – Create extra arrangements, textures and glitches with a host syncing toggle.
• Glitch – An extra ring modulator for all your glitching needs. Perfect to create IDM, transitions and effects.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Degrader Bit Crusher by Klevgrand (Paid)

Degrader is a combined resampler and bit crusher plugin. It can be used to simulate the sound of vintage digital gear, as a lofi-effect or distortion unit.

Since all parameters are fully automatable it’s a handy plugin for creating unique and interesting drops, sweeps and other transitions.

Features

• Resamples between 250 Hz and 96 kHz
• Low pass filter with different characteristics both pre and post resampling
• Bit depth can continuously be altered between 3 and 24 bits
• Additional distortion algorithm
• Parameter linking (control several parameters with one knob)
• Input and output gain control
• Dry / Wet mix
• Several factory presets simulating different vintage gear

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Bitcrush Snapin Bit Crusher by Kilohearts (Paid)

When nostaliga hits, Bitcrush can bring you back to the digital hardware of times past. It simulates the audio being played back using a low quality sampler with limited sample rate and bit depth. Mm, crunchy.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

PCM2612 Retro Decimator Unit Bit Crusher by Inphonik (Free)

The PCM2612 Retro Decimator Unit is a bit crusher effect based on the same technology developed for Inphonik’s RYM2612 Iconic FM Synthesizer (their rendition of the Sega Genesis sound chip). The 8-bit decimation is inherited from the FM synth’s PCM playback feature, packed in a simple and compact effect unit. It gives a distinctive 8-bit quantized and aliased effect to any sound you plug into it. On one hand, it adds distortion due to the 8-bit quantization, and on the other hand, it adds aliasing due to the resampling. Also, the PCM2612 can emulate the line-out circuitry of the Sega Genesis Model 1, released in 1988.

Features

• 32-steps scalable 8-bit decimation
• Dry / Wet level knob
• Stereo / Mono switch
• Switchable output filtering between Legacy (modelled after the Sega Genesis Model 1 amp output circuitry) and Crystal Clear (purely digital)
• Graphical interface scaling options (1x, 1.5x, 2x)
• Switchable graphical form factor (vertical box or horizontal rack)
• Inphonik’s first native Linux and Apple Silicon plugin

[ Click here to download + more info ]

Krush Bit Crusher by Tritik (Free)

With its bit crushing and downsampling algorithms, Krush combines the crispy taste of the digital realm with the warmth of its drive stage and analog modeled resonant filters. A modulation section allows you to quickly add extra life to the sound by modulating any parameter.

Features

Main Controls:

• Crunchy drive stage
• Bit depth reduction
• Sample rate reduction
• Analog modeled resonant filters (low-pass and high-pass)

Modulation Section:

• Free or tempo-synced modulation speed
• 4 modulation waveforms
• Modulation depth for every parameter

Interface:

• Fully resizable interface !
• Clean and intuitive
• Tooltips and preferences in english, french, portuguese or spanish

Presets:

• File based preset system
• Access through menu or browser
• Presets ‘freezer’ for safe recall
• Copy/paste current state using the system clipboard

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Are you looking for the best limiter VST plugins? We will help you find the best limiters in both free and paid format.

Oxford Inflator Limiter by Sonnox (Paid)

A unique and powerful plugin to increase loudness, without sacrificing sonic quality or dynamic range. Add power and presence to your mix without the pumping of compression, or use on individual channels to bring them forward and add weight. Perfect to help vocals cut through the mix.

When driven harder, Inflator delivers tube-like musical warmth and provides the ‘sonic glue’ you need to gel your mix together!

Features

• Fully 64-bit compliant
• Adds presence and tube-like warmth
• Increases perceived loudness of any material
• Provides virtual headroom above digital maximum
• Direct and band-split modes

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Oxford Limiter V3 Limiter by Sonnox (Paid)

The Plug-In is a true peak limiter that offers recently enhanced levels of processing and metering accuracy. The result is that you get to see and automatically correct otherwise invisible reconstruction overloads – and conform to the accepted industry ITU-R BS.1770-4 standard.

Whether you’re after the Oxford Limiter’s hallmark transparency or heavier creative effects, its advanced look-ahead processing and unique Enhance function provide the sample-value limiting and musical boost needed to reliably avoid clipping and confidently increase apparent loudness.

Features:

• Peak limiting with attack, release & variable soft-knee
• Enhance section to increase perceived loudness 
• Recon meter shows actual rather than sampled signal 
• Auto Comp fixes recon errors without losing overall loudness: conforming to the industry’s true peak measurement standard (ITU-R BS.1770-4)
• Audition and apply TPDF dither for 24-bit and 16-bit output word lengths with four types of variable noise shaping
• Four variable-strength noise shaping modes for use with highly dynamic program material
• Full backwards compatibility with previous Plug-In versions
• Great library of factory presets to get you started

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

TDR Limiter 6 GE Limiter by Tokyo Dawn Labs (Paid)

TDR Limiter 6 GE is a modern dynamics compression and limiting toolkit featuring six specialized modules that can be arranged in variable order. Together, they cover a remarkable range of applications from delicate loudness control, to brutal “brick-walling” and creative mix bus crunching.

Features

Modules

• Dynamics Compressor
• Clipper
• High-Frequency Limiter
• Peak Limiter
• Output Protection Limiter
• True Peak and EBU Loudness Meter
• Each module offers dedicated control over different types of events, from macro to micro, and allows you to determine the signal path. Combined wisely they can greatly increase the perceived loudness of a mix while preserving superior musical fidelity, punch, and excitement.

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NEVO Limiter by SoundSpot (Paid)

NEVO is SoundSpot’s new monster clipper, which has been developed by SoundSpot’s in house audio wizards to give you the ultimate peak control when either mastering audio, or enhancing your virtual instruments or hardware instruments.

Features

• Drive – This function allows you to transition from light tape drive to hard tube drive when raising and lowering the % control. 0 – 50% will give you a tape-style drive. 50 – 100% will then give you a tube style drive
• Curve – Adjusting this will allow you to transition through the clipping of the low and high end of your sound. Moving this control from Left to right will increase the effect on the high end, and then move Right to Left to increase the effect on the low end. Curve works by tilting the bias between high and low, whilst also lightly removing frequencies at the same time.
• Smooth – The Smooth control works by increasing the release on the 16 clipping bands, whilst also smoothing out the effect of the Drive distortion.
• Crush – This function allows you to dial in a Bit Crushing effect, which in turn provides control of how much sonic destruction is required for your signal. You will find that the Breach function will also affect this by softening the Crush strength when moving the dial from 0 to 100%.
• Breach – Using this function will allow you to control the amount of transients you may want to pass through the clipper control of your signal.
• Soften – This is like a smoothing function, but will only affect the single band of the hard clipper. Soften works in two ways: 1, When Breach is at Zero, it will soften the Crush effect. 2, When Breach is at 1 – 100%, it will give you a fatter sound whilst retaining the transients that Breach has allowed to pass. 
• Colouration – This control enables you to add three variations of colour to your sound. These options are, WARM, TRANSPARENT and BRIGHT.
• Transient Emphasis – This option gives you three types of transient emphasis in either the LOW, MID or HIGH frequencies.
• Clip Wall – This is a final brick-wall limiter that also allows for your signal to be aggressively PULLED/SQUASHED to extremes.
• Waveform Display, Soft / Hard Clipper Mix Controls & Signal Level Ring – This central display gives you visual feedback details on the effect NEVO is having on your sound. Effects like the amount of transient being allowed back through the clipper control. The controls which are situated to the left and Right of the Waveform Display Window are mix controls for the soft and hard clippers. Left mix control is for the soft clipper, and Right mix control is for the hard clipper. The Waveform Display Window has a coloured ring/glow surrounding it that measures the amount of gain reduction generated by the clippers and end Clip Wall Limiter. If you are reaching extreme signal levels, it will abruptly turn Red. If you then reach acceptable levels, the ring will fall back to Blue.

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smart:limit Limiter by sonible (Paid)

smart:limit delivers limiter settings that let your mix breathe and gives you all the loudness and dynamics info you need for confident publishing.

• Automatic parametrization in just a few seconds
• Extensive loudness and dynamics monitoring
• Unique set of sound-shaping tools

smart:limit is all about worry-free limiting: Its intelligent processing will preserve the detail of your track and provide a transparent, uncompromised limiting quality. With smart:limit’s extensive loudness and dynamics monitoring, you won’t have to use any additional metering plug-ins.

Monitor all relevant key metrics at a glance:

• Loudness [LUFS] – integrated, short-term, momentary
• Loudness Range [LU] – integrated, short-term, momentary Dynamics [dB ] – based on Peak to Loudness Ratio
• True Peak [dbTP] – using high-resolution oversampling
• Gain Reduction [dB]

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ClipShifter Limiter by LVC-Audio (Free)

ClipShifter is a wave-shaping audio plugin that functions like a clipping-style limiter.  It provides enough user controls to be useful in all mixing stages: from distorting basses and drums to maximizing mix buses and warming-up overall mixes. The sonic characteristics of the clipping distortion can be altered from hard, brick wall-style clipping, to softer saturation with compression.

Features

• Clipping style limiter: from transparent sounding compression to hard clipping distortion
• Controls for Clip Shape (hard to soft) and harmonics (even- and odd-order), so you can be in control of the sound
• Low CPU usage for running multiple instances on multiple tracks
• Standard LVC-Audio metering, including VU-style, PPM-style, and loudness meters to easily monitor input and output levels
• Scalable waveform history view with click-and-drag editing of threshold controls to easily change and set clipping levels based on the incoming signal

[ Click here to download + more info ]

Limiter Snapin Limiter by Kilohearts (Free)

Whether you want to crank the last drops of gain out of your track or just  want to control a few loud peaks, a Limiter can be the weapon of choice. By looking a little bit into the future, a limiter can make sure your signal  never goes louder than you want it to without distorting or destroying  transients. Even with the knob turned to 11.

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Finding the best reverb can sometimes be hard. We’ve compiled for you the best available reverb VST plugins, in both free and paid variants.

SSL Native FlexVerb Reverb by Solid State Logic (Paid)

FlexVerb is a brand new fully-featured and extremely versatile SSL reverb plug-in designed to deliver a professional mix-ready sound in a quick and intuitive way. FlexVerb’s versatile split early-late reflection interface allows you to add the natural body and tone of different early room reflections, complimented by the richness of a variety of expansive reverb tail options.

FlexVerb features a 6-band EQ, High and Low Pass Filters, 3-band reverb time multipliers and input sidechain compressor to help you craft reverb that sits perfectly in your mix. FlexVerb’s algorithmic architecture gives you the depth, character and detail of a professional reverb in a simple rewarding interface.

Features

• Flexible reverb plug-in with intuitive controls
• 4 algorithmic reverb types: room, hall, plate, and chamber
• Independently selectable early and late reflection types
• 6-band SSL EQ for shaping the reverb’s frequency response
• Output compressor helps the reverb sit in the mix
• Lockable wet/dry mix control for matched preset comparisons
• Infinite reverb switch and reverb tail kill switch for dramatic effects

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R4 Reverb by iZotope (Paid)

R4 delivers the historic warmth of time-tested reverb hardware units with expanded creative control. Add personality and depth to your music with reverb designed to color your mixes without compromising clarity. For less traditional projects, use creative effects like Warp and Freeze to mangle your reflections beyond recognition and create twisted time effects to take your audience by surprise.

Features

• Lush stereo reverb algorithm
• Warp controls with compression and overdrive
• Create ambient drones and texture with Freeze
• Pre-delay and reverb delay adjustable by tempo
• Chorus and Gate modules for musical effects
• 5 additional early reflection patterns and an additional hall algorithm
• Dynamic tail suppression to lower reverb in louder parts of a mix
• Over 1,200 presets (rooms, plates, halls, chambers, and more)
• EuControl support

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Spring Reverb by Softube (Paid)

Spring Reverb is an authentic spring reverb recreation that will add vintage character and grit to any audio track. It also includes novel features such as a fully automatable Shake control that will shake the virtual springs around for those thunderous spring effects. Get some recognizable character in your mix with the Spring Reverb!

Features:

• Personality and character for your mix
• Tension control to shape the spring character and reverb length
• Number of spring pairs continuously adjustable from 1 to 3
• Tube driver simulation with Bass and Treble in the reverb section
• Shake control that shakes the springs around
• Can be used both as a send and an insert effect
• Very CPU friendly

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Crystalline Reverb by Baby Audio (Paid)

Crystalline follows the tradition of the classic algorithmic reverbs but adds new features and higher fidelity thanks to modern computer power. It is meant to sound unreal – in the most positive sense of the word. Its rooms and halls won’t sound anything like those in your house – but closer to those of your dreams!

Make space for Lushness

• Crystalline is a new, state-of-the-art, reverb plugin with a pristine and modern sound
• It gives you unprecedented creative control to shape your reflections
• You can sync reverb start and decay times to your song’s tempo
• An evolution of classic 20th-century studio reverbs – fully upgraded for today

Features

• BPM-Synced Start And End Times
• Reflections Section
• Depth Section
• Clean-Up Section
• Shape Section
• Output Section
• Top Panel
• Resizability

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NIMBUS Reverb by iZotope (Paid)

NIMBUS elevates the signature Exponential Audio reverb engine with surgical controls and timbral effects. Authentic, classic tone meets advanced filter mechanics, compression, overdrive, tempo-syncing, and warp effects, so you’re sure to have the perfect reverb for your music.

Features

• Natural stereo reverb algorithm
• Warp controls with compression and overdrive
• Pre-delay and reverb delay adjustable by tempo
• 5 additional early reflection patterns and additional plate reverb algorithm
• Dynamic tail suppression to lower reverb in louder parts of a mix
• Over 1,200 presets (rooms, plates, halls, chambers, and more)
• EuControl support

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Verberate Basic 2 Reverb by Acon Digital (Free)

The free Verbarate Basic is based on Verberate 2 and offers the same highly praised audio quality. The plug-in offers four high quality presets from Verberate 2 that showcase the quality and versatility of the algorithm:

• Plate, a realistic simulation of plate reverb with the typical frequency dispersion and decay properties that give plate reverb the airy touch
• Room, a beautiful and warm wooden room that gives a great sense of room without being obtrusive
• Hall, a natural and gorgeous-sounding hall
• Lush Hall, a colourful out-of-world hall with frequency-modulated tails that sounds amazing on synth pads

Features

• Based on the Vivid Hall that is time-variant and resonance-free
• Independent early reflections and reverberation tail processors
• True stereo processing
• Realistic early reflections that blend into the mix without unpleasant comb filter effects
• Dense late reverberation tails
• Able to model frequency dispersion in mechanical plate reverbs
• Optional swirl effect models the frequency modulated cloud-like reverb tails of vintage digital reverb units
• Uncluttered user interface

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TAL-Reverb-2 Reverb by TAL (Free)

TAL Reverb-II is the most popular TAL-Reverb. After some user feedbacks had to release TAL-Reverb-II again. It combines the retro sound of TAL-Reverb-I with additional features. Version 1.61 has some small improvements in the internal modulation algorithm. 

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Do you want to discover the best delay plugins? We help you find the best ones available in both free and paid format.

Tube Delay by Softube (Paid)

A tasty echo effect that can go from clean to rude by overdriving its three modeled tube stages. Create anything from realistic room echoes to rockabilly style slap backs, or take it all the way into dub reggae echo madness.

Features

• 1-1000 ms delay
• Sync tempo to host
• Vintage style passive EQ
• Gritty feedback feature
• Tube preamp simulation

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Mirror Delay by United Plugins (Paid)

Imagine a plugin that sees the future. It reverses your audio, applies effects and plays it back before the event even begins. This plugin would automatically create the much-loved reverse reverb and snare effects in seconds, allowing you to focus on the sound, not the process. Well, that is JMG Mirror – the world’s first reverse negative delay.

Features

• reverse negative delay
• ghost snares
• reverse reverb effect
• hassle-free software protection
• 64-bit audio quality at ANY sampling rate

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SSL Native X-Echo Delay by Solid State Logic (Paid)

SSL Native X-Echo is a vintage tape echo plug-in, inspired by the sound of definitive early tape delay hardware of the 1960s while introducing SSL’s signature analogue saturation and warmth. Aside from sounding great from the get-go, it is complemented by numerous other practical and creative features, such as built-in de-essing, waveform visualisation, and a brand-new reverb design.

Features

• Inspired by early hardware delay units from the 1960s such as the Echoplex tape echo.
• Combine tape-style analogue degradation with classic SSL-style distortion characteristics using the ‘Wow & Flutter’ and ‘Saturation’ controls.
• Models classic characteristics of hardware tape echo devices, including the looping EQ, soft clipping, gentle tape hiss and self-oscillation when raising the feedback above 100%.
• WOW AND FLUTTER emulates the effect of mechanical components like the capstan and pinchwheel, as well as the friction of the tape itself.
• Use FREEZE and KILL to build risers and drops in recordings and live performances.
• Bespoke one-knob DIFFUSION control, featuring a brand new reverb design.
• Built-in DE-ESSER for controlling the sibilant frequencies that tape echoes often accentuate.
• Designed to sound great from instantiation – even before you start tweaking it.
• Unique interface and waveform visualisation for seeing how the tape heads interact.
• Sync your delay to note values with a single click.
• 4 switch-able tape heads for adding variation.
• Cleverly stereoises mono => stereo signals using a phase-shifting technique.
• Built on the SSL Plug-in Engine.
• SSL’s cross-platform preset management and A/B-ing system.
• Built-in UNDO/REDO support.

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Dubstation 2 Delay by Audio Damage (Paid)

Audio Damage’s painstakingly modelled bucket-brigade delay has been the go-to plugin for that sound for over a decade, used in thousands of commercial productions, and with good reason. Dubstation’s intuitive topology brings the mojo of yesteryears’ hardware delays to your DAW.

Features

• Classic Delay Algorithm: Dubstation 2 features Audio Damage’s renowned model of bucket-brigade delay circuits, a faithful digital recreation of vintage hardware.
• Time Controls: The user can switch between two delay time ranges, encompassing 4 to 2000 milliseconds. Frequency-response characteristics vary with delay time – a fundamental aspect of the sonic personality of analog bucket-brigade delay circuits.
• Low-Frequency Oscillator: Delay time can be periodically altered with an LFO, producing changes in both the time between delayed signals and their apparent pitch.
• Filters: Low-cut and high-cut filters with user-controlled cutoff frequencies in the delay path offer a wide range of timbres
• Saturation: Analogue-style saturation with an amount of control allowing for distortion from the subtle to the extreme.
• Feedback: User-controllable feedback ranging from almost none to full feedback of the delayed signal back into the delay lines’ inputs.
• Loop Mode: Causes Dubstation to endlessly play the audio currently in its delay line without alteration. Filter and saturation effects are applied to the output signal in Loop Mode.
• Reverse Mode: The Reverse switch makes Dubstation reverse the current contents of its delay memory and the direction in which it records.
• Mix control: Blend of the processed and the dry input signal.
• Gain Staging Controls: Input and output gain controls range from -80dB to +3dB.
• Cross-Platform Preset Format: Dubstation 2 utilizes an XML-based preset manager. Work between multiple systems without troubles, make a preset on your desktop machine and paste it to the iOS version with Handoff, easily share your creations with your friends, or make a preset bundle to sell.
• Fully Resizable Hi-Dpi/Retina GUI: Dubstation 2’s vector-based GUI is resolution-agnostic, and displays the same on every system and resolution. Easily resize the UI (per instance) to match your visual needs, from postage stamp to poster-sized.

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Space Station UM282 Delay by Audiority (Paid)

The Space Station UM282 is a faithful simulation of the Ursa Major Space Station SST-282, an early 80’s echo and reverb unit.

Unlike other reverberation devices from that era, the Space Station used delay techniques to transform a mono signal into a new reverberated stereo signal.

Where traditional delay units of the past have only one or two taps, the Space Station has many: 8 taps are used for listening and the others are used to synthesize the reverberation. That’s why the Space Station has been the secret weapon of many producers and engineers over the years.

Features

• Single Multi-tap Delay Line
• 8 Audition Taps
• 16 Audition Delay Programs
• Up to 255ms delay time (extendable to 2.55 secs)
• Up to 3.5s reverb time
• Reduced bandwidth (20Hz-7kHz)
• Echo Sync
• Full Stereo Mode
• Echo Only Mode
• Delay Extension
• Ducking
• Resizable interface

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HZ Delay by Higher Hz (Free)

HZ Delay is a character effect which means that it doesn’t do all things equally. Matter of fact it deliberately does some things oddly or not at all to allow it to have the sort of character so sought after in older analog gear.

The sorts of effects or outcomes HZ Delay will help you to achieve are:

• Saturation
• Chorus – simple and BBD
• Echo – simple and multi-tap
• Reverb – simple early reflections

[ Click here to download + more info ]

HY-Delay4 Free Delay by HY-Plugins (Free)

This is the FREE VERSION of HY-Delay4. This free version only has 1 delay mode as opposed to the 5 of the full version.

Features

• 1 delay mode(Simple delay)
• EQ
• Ducker
• Randomizer

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Are you looking for the best EQ plugins? We will help you find the best ones available in both free and paid format.

SSL Native X-EQ 2 EQ by Solid State Logic (Paid)

X-EQ 2 is the ultimate SSL EQ toolkit for audio professionals. Built upon SSL’s proprietary anti-cramping algorithms, X-EQ 2 simply sounds stunning. With 17 different classic and modern EQ type/curve options, X-EQ 2 is a formidable and powerful contender to be your new ‘go-to’ EQ plug-in.

Features

• Fully parametric 24-band mastering-grade EQ
• 17 different EQ types and filter shapes for incredible versatility
• Anti-cramping algorithms preserve high-frequency information sometimes lost in a digital-audio environment
• DSP-optimized for light and efficient CPU use
• Mid-side and independent left/right processing
• Pinpoint trouble frequencies with band soloing
• Real-time visual frequency analysis

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FabFilter Pro-Q 3 EQ by FabFilter (Paid)

Pro-Q 2 offers everything that a demanding engineer could wish for: top quality linear phase operation in addition to the zero latency and unique Natural Phase modes, Mid/Side processing, variable stereo placement of EQ bands, an intelligent solo feature, optional Auto Gain and a built-in, fully customizable spectrum analyzer.

Features

• Highest possible sound quality
• Up to 24 EQ bands
• NEW – Optional Dynamic EQ mode for all bands (Bell and Shelf shapes), using any slope setting and with perfect analog matching
• IMPROVED – Gorgeous Retina interface with large interactive EQ display, multi-band selection and editing for maximum ease of use and efficiency
• NEW – Ultra-steep ‘Brickwall’ slope setting for LP and HP filters
• NEW – Full surround support (up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2) with intelligent speaker selection
• NEW – External spectrum visualization from any other Pro-Q 3 instance, including collision detection
• NEW – Per-band mid/side or left/right processing, so you can EQ the mid, side, left or right signals separately
• Operates in zero latency mode, linear phase mode with adjustable latency or the unique Natural Phase mode
• NEW – Flat Tilt filter shape, a flat tilting correction curve over the whole audible frequency spectrum
• IMPROVED – Spectrum Grab: just grab and adjust a peak in the real-time spectrum analyzer right away!
• Different interface sizes and additional Full Screen mode
• IMPROVED – Filter shapes: Bell, Notch, High/Low Shelf, High/Low Cut, Band Pass, Tilt Shelf, Flat Tilt
• Universal filter slope support for all filter types, up to 96 dB/oct
• IMPROVED – EQ Match feature to automatically match the spectrum of another Pro-Q 3 instance or an external signal
• IMPROVED – Built-in spectrum analyzer with Pre-EQ, Post-EQ and external spectrum visualization, adjustable range, speed, resolution, tilt, freeze and collision detection
• Auto Gain and Gain Scale
• Optional piano roll display to quantize EQ frequencies to musical notes
• Different display ranges: 3 dB and 6 dB ranges for mastering, 12 dB and 30 dB for mixing
• Intelligent solo mode makes it easy to find problem frequencies and hear the effect of a band
• Phase Invert option to change polarity
• Large output level meter with peak level readout
• Extreme CPU optimization: Pro-Q 3 uses very little CPU and memory, so you can use hundreds of instances in a session
• GPU-powered graphics acceleration
• Double-click text entry of parameter values
• IMPROVED – Supports stereo, mono and surround channel layouts (up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2)
• Supports common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces
• IMPROVED – MIDI Learn with option to control the currently active band
• Undo/redo and A/B comparison
• Smart Parameter Interpolation
• Sample-accurate automation of all parameters
• Extensive help file with interactive help hints
• Available in VST, VST3, Audio Units, AAX Native and AudioSuite formats (all both 64-bit and 32-bit)

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Claro EQ by Sonnox (Paid)

Claro is a comprehensive EQ Plug-In that serves the production process from composition to final mix, with three distinct views, progressively adding deeper insight and precision to prevent mud, clutter, or harshness, helping you blend your tracks into a clear and balanced mix.

Features

• Claro’s EQ is highly flexible, with each of its 26 bands offering:
  • A clean, musical-sounding EQ that resembles the well-loved Neve types, their modern derivatives and the SSL G Series, as well as many high-end outboard equalisers.
  • Left, Right, Mid, Side, Mono, or Stereo channel processing giving you the capability to correct, widen, narrow, or make space within each track. 
  • A wide 20hz – 40kHz range. The extended high-frequency range offers a smooth, airy quality – excellent for vocals and mix busses. 
  • Variable Q, including resonance and overshoot on the cut and shelving filters, respectively, giving you the ability to mimic classic synth filters and hardware EQ curves. 
  • Variable slopes on all band shapes, up to super-steep (120dB per octave) for surgical work and treating precise audio bands
  • Claro’s automation is smooth and artefact-free, unlike most premium EQs.
• Auto Gain uniquely keeps your track at the same loudness, no matter the signal content or how you choose to EQ it.

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SplitEQ EQ by Eventide (Paid)

SplitEQ is a groundbreaking EQ that offers a new approach to corrective and creative audio equalization. It excels at Enhancing, Repairing, Rebalancing, and Widening any musical source or audio signal. SplitEQ is both a surgical tool for fixing particularly nasty problems and a creative tool that opens up exciting new musical possibilities. More than just an EQ—It’s a new and better tool.

Features

• World-class 8-band parametric EQ with pristine musical filters.
• EQ Transient and Tonal parts of a sound separately using Eventide’s patented Structural Split™ technology.
• Control Transient and Tonal Output levels.
• Enhance the stereo-field with continuous Transient and Tonal panning controls (L/R and Mid/Side modes).
• Control the underlying Split technology for fine-tuning and experimentation.
• Globally scale the EQ curves together or independently.
• Peak, Notch, Bandpass, High Shelf, Low Shelf, Tilt Shelf, High Pass, and Low Pass filter types with slopes from 6 to 96 dB/octave.
• An innovative real-time spectrum analyzer displays the Transient and Tonal streams independently.
• Comprehensive Presets Library includes 150+ presets.
• A/B buttons allow quick auditioning of two presets or settings plus Undo/ Redo functionality.
• Resizable GUI with zoom options.

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MIXROOM EQ by Mastering The Mix (Paid)

MIXROOM is an intelligent EQ that guides you to set the perfect balance of richness and clarity whether you’re working on a vocal, a synth or mastering your music.

MIXROOM analyses your audio and shows you which frequencies could be adjusted to improve your sound. The EQ target suggestion helps you get a solid starting point, from which you can tweak your sound to suit your preference.

Features

• Specifically designed EQ filters that deliver maximum clarity & transparency in the mid and high-frequency range.
• Genre and channel-specific EQ target suggestions to take out the guesswork and give you pro-sounding results in seconds.
• Create your own EQ targets by importing reference tracks so you can get closer to the sound of your favourite tracks.
• Level match pointer on output gain to help you make sure you’re making real improvements to your music.
• Super-fast workflow with easily adjustable EQ bands and mid-side functionality.
• Clear and immersive mixing experience with the retina 3D & fully resizable user interface.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Warmy EP1A Tube EQ by Kiive Audio (Free)

The Warmy EP1A Tube EQ is a FREE 1 to 1 analogue modelled plugin based on a modern take of the classic Pultec EQs.

The EP1A offers low boost, low cut, high boost, high cut, and an added tube emulation knob to dial in the amount of tube intensity you want.

Features

• Low Cut and Boost
• High Cut and Boost
• Two High Frequency Selectors
• Tube Emulation Mix Knob
• Resizable GUI
• Oversampling

[ Click here to download + more info ]

EQ1A Equalizer EQ by Mellowmuse (Free)

EQ1A is a super smooth, analogue-style equalizer, with minimal phase colouration. It features a high pass filter with variable Q, frequency sweepable low and high shelf filters, and sweepable low and high peak filters with variable Q. A bypass switch is available for each filter section for increased flexibility.

The interface takes its inspiration from classic outboard EQs, with all controls in easy reach. The CPU efficient design allows high instance counts, making it a versatile EQ for all tasks.

Features

• HP: 10hz – 1khz / sweepable Q.
• Low Shelf: 30hz – 500hz.
• Low Mid: 70hz – 2khz / sweepable Q.
• High Mid: 500hz – 6k / sweepable Q.
• High Shelf: 1.5k – 18k.
• Phase switch.
• Output level.
• 64-bit internal processing.

[ Click here to download + more info ]

“Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission.”

Finding the best compressor plugin for your projects can be hard. Here we compiled for you the best available compressor VST plugins, in both free and paid variants.

SSL Native X-ValveComp Compressor by Solid State Logic (Paid)

X-ValveComp is a fully-featured mono or stereo channel compressor with a full set of classic channel compressor controls and an added ‘valve’ emulation stage. The valve emulation stage sits after the compressor in the signal path and adds a variable degree of primarily 2nd order harmonic saturation and distortion that thickens and colours the sound.

Features

• Traditional compressor layout with threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release, and hold controls
• Engage the valve emulation stage for rich 2nd-order harmonics
• Use it in parallel, à la New York–style compression, for extra heft and weight
• Operate in Peak and RMS modes
• Includes sidechain architecture with highpass and lowpass filters

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

smart:comp Compressor by sonible (Paid)

smart:comp finds the parameters for well-balanced compression results in just a few seconds and ensures unparalleled transparency through frequency-selective processing.

• Tonal and dynamic balance with spectral compression
• Intelligent parametrization with a single click
• Sidechain mode with frequency-dependent ducking

The spectral compression is all about giving a track the best possible definition and maximum transparency. By continuously analyzing the input signal across more than 2000 bands, smart:comp acts like an intelligent, ultra-high-resolution multiband compressor that dynamically smoothes out tonal imbalances. Once you experience its power, you wouldn’t want to miss it.

Features

• Balance makes the difference: Getting the Best Out of Your Track
• Speed and Precision – Powered by A.I: Intelligent Compression Parametrization in Seconds
• A Smooth Mix: Give your Sidechain Signal the Space it Needs

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

SSL Native X-Comp Compressor by Solid State Logic (Paid)

X-Comp is a sophisticated and extremely versatile stereo compressor that cuts through the mass of freeware and bundled plug-ins available with genuinely professional features, results and interface. The audio performance, specifications, analysis tools and depth of control offered by X-Comp are exemplary.

Features

• Flexible dynamics processing for classic and modern compression styles
• Mastering-grade audio fidelity
• Excels at subtle dynamics-shaping and smashed, brickwall-style limiting
• Dual symmetrical knee design for detailed compression shaping
• Advanced sidechain architecture for ducking, pumping, and de-essing
• Intuitive interface with click-and-drag controls
• MIDI compatibility for real-time parameter manipulation

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

I Heart NY Compressor by Baby Audio (Paid)

Parallel compression – also known as ‘New York compression’ – is an essential technique for creating more powerful mixes. But it can be a hassle to deal with the extra routing when you’re in the creative zone.

Baby Audio have made a plugin that does the hard work for you — with a fat and punchy flavour.

Features

• Parallel bus hosted internally for an intuitive workflow.
• Unique & adaptive compression algorithm.
• Compatible with all major DAWs on Mac and PC.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

OptoRED Compressor by Tone Empire (Paid)

OptoRED is a transparent Optical Attenuator (compressor) based on the classic American unit used on countless hit records. This is part of the new Enhanced Classics series.

This optical compressor has a built-in side chain circuit, A Low pass filter, automatic gain, wet/dry mix, and other features. This allows it to go beyond the original intent of just being suitable for vocals and bass. OptoRED kills on Drums, Synths, Percussion, and both Electronic & Acoustic instruments.

Features

• Parallel bus hosted internally for an intuitive workflow.
• Unique & adaptive compression algorithm.
• Compatible with all major DAWs on Mac and PC.

[ Click here to buy + more info ]

Rough Rider 3 Compressor by Audio Damage (Free)

Rough Rider is one of the most popular dynamics processors on the planet, with well over a half a million downloads over its decade-plus lifespan, and is in heavy daily use by producers the world over. With Rough Rider 3, Audio Damage have expanded the original to include an external sidechain input, the ability to turn off the built-in “warming” filter (the FULL BANDWIDTH button), and much more accurate metering.

[ Click here to download + more info ]

ComBear Compressor by W.A. Production (Free)

ComBear is an EXTREMELY powerful and incredibly dynamic Parallel Compression effect plugin that brings an amazing sound and feel to Drums, Synth, Vocals and anything else you can thank of! This plugin is going to change the game and sound the EDM Industry. 

[ Click here to download + more info ]

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Ends May 02, 2022.