So you're wondering which audio plugin(s) you should buy, rent or otherwise try out. In this comprehensive buyer's guide, we'll go through everything worth considering before you make any decisions about an audio plugin.

If you've found yourself asking, “Which audio plugin(s) should I buy?” this extensive resource is for you.

Please feel free to jump around this article and read all the additional resources I have provided links to.

With that, let's get into this comprehensive audio plugin buyer's guide to help you in your next plugin(s) purchase!

Related articles:
• Top 11 Best Audio Plugin (VST/AU/AAX) Brands In The World
• Audio Plugins Database
• Audio Plugins Brands Database

Table Of Contents

• What Is Your Audio Plugin Budget?
• System Requirements Of The Audio Plugin
• Consider The Freebies
• Consider Plugin Bundles
• Audio Plugin Formats
• Understanding Audio Plugin Effects
  • Dynamic Effects
  • Time-Based Effects
  • Spectral Effects
  • Modulation Effects
  • Sound Manipulation Effects
• Amplifier & Speaker Modelling Plugins
• Audio Plugins That Emulate Hardware
• Noise Reduction Plugins
• Microphone Modelling Plugins
• Virtual Monitoring Plugins
• Common Signal Chains For Audio Plugins
• Best Audio Plugins By Type

What Is Your Audio Plugin Budget?

The first thing to consider when making any purchase is your budget. Money can be a touchy subject for some, so I'll keep this section brief.

I would never advise anyone to overspend on any audio equipment. Know what you can realistically afford, and do your best to stay within those limitations, whatever they may be.

Audio plugins, like many audio devices, range significantly in price. The market is rather large, and so there should be a good selection for any budget. Some plugins are even free, and most digital audio workstations have stock plugins for all the necessary audio processes.

Note that some retailers offer payment plans, which could be an option. Many audio plugin companies have bundles that could save you significant cash over purchasing each plugin individually. Other plugin companies offer subscription models.

Consider the cost-to-benefit ratio of the purchase of the audio plugin(s). For example, if the plugin(s) are needed for business, perhaps stretching the budget is more appropriate. If, on the other hand, you don't plan on making money with the plugin(s), perhaps a more conservative budget is appropriate.

Also, consider any additional accessories or upkeep that may be required for your audio plugins.

Only you can determine your budget. All I'm here to say is that you should consider it.

Related article:
• Full List: Audio Effects & Processes For Mixing/Production

Back to the Table Of Contents.

System Requirements Of The Audio Plugin

Audio plugins are software, and software has system requirements. These requirements represent the minimum specifications a computer must have in order for the plugins to work.

Audio plugin system requirements include:

• Operating System
• CPU
• Supported Hosts/DAWs
• RAM
• Storage Space
• Screen Resolution
• Hardware Requirements

Audio Plugin Operating System Requirements

A computer's operating system manages its memory and processes along with all of its software and hardware. The OS must be compatible with and powerful enough to run the audio plugin and the digital audio workstation (if applicable) that the plugin is used with.

The most popular operating systems are Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Note that these operating systems are updated on a regular basis. When considering a plugin, be sure to check both the compatible operating systems and the minimum/maximum version of the OS.

Audio Plugin CPU Requirements

A computer's central processing unit (CPU) performs calculations and actions and runs programs within the computer's operating system. It's regularly referred to as the “brains of the computer”.

The CPU, physically speaking, is generally a square chip in the motherboard of the computer/device. It takes instructional inputs from RAM (random access memory), decodes and processes the action, and delivers an output.

The bit-depth of a computer's CPU refers to how much data the computer can process.

Today, computers are generally either 32-bit or 64-bit. 32-bit computers can access 2³² bytes (units of digital information) of RAM, while 64-bit computers can access 2⁶⁴ bytes of RAM.

64-bit computers are faster, have better graphics, and are more secure. Additionally, some audio plugins will only work on 64-bit systems. Know your computer's bit-depth and CPU specifications, and ensure the plugins' system requirements are compatible with your computer.

Sometimes, plugin developers offer 32-bit and 64-bit versions of their plugins. Be sure to use the proper version.

Audio Plugin Supported Hosts/DAWs Requirements

There are numerous digital audio workstations on the market. DAWs also have system requirements in regard to computers and operating systems. Furthermore, an audio plugin must be compatible with a DAW to function properly within that DAW.

Make sure the plugins you plan on buying are compatible with your digital audio workstation of choice and, more specifically, the version of your preferred DAW.

Audio Plugin RAM Requirements

Random access memory (RAM) provides applications with a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. It stores the information the computer is actively using so it can be accessed quickly.

An audio plugin can be thought of as an application inside an application (the DAW). When processing digital audio, a computer must have adequate RAM. If it doesn't, the performance will be sluggish, causing latency, overloading and errors in the plugin and DAW.

Audio Plugin Storage Space Requirements

Storing audio plugin software takes up space on the computer's hard drive. Plugin developers generally give a minimum space requirement for installing and holding the plugin on the hard drive.

Audio Plugin Screen Resolution Requirements

Audio plugins don't only process audio. They also have graphic user interfaces. Therefore, there should be a minimum specification for screen resolution for the plugin to be visible on the computer screen.

Audio Plugin Hardware Requirements

Sometimes, audio plugins are designed as software expansions for specific audio hardware.

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Consider The Freebies

This may seem odd for a “buyers' guide,” but consider the freeware option when looking for your next plugin.

There are plenty of free audio plugins available for download. Some of these plugins perform just as well or even better than paid options.

Why spend money if you don't have to?

The stock plugins in your digital audio workstation should also be tested before opting for paid-for plugins. Though these plugins aren't technically “free” (unless your DAW is also free), they should be considered.

If you do happen to have your eye on a paid plugin, see if you can try a demo version before you buy. Oftentimes, there will be a demo with limited functionality or time usage. Demos should give you enough experience with the user interface and “character” of the plugin to make an informed decision on purchasing it or not.

Of course, I do not condone pirating/stealing software. That's not what I mean by free!

• Click the link to check out free audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out free audio plugins at Plugin Fox

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Consider Plugin Bundles

Many plugin developers offer bundles of their plugins at a discounted price. Rather than buying each plugin individually, we can save by buying a larger quantity.

Sometimes, we only need a single plugin, which is fine. If we need several plugins, it may be worth opting for a bundle and receiving the plugins we need and even some we may not need (at this very moment).

Of course, there's an argument to make about having too many options. Buying bundles may give us too many plugins, which may waste our time as we audition them.

Similar to bundles, some developers have switched to a subscription model, whereby a monthly fee is paid for access to a certain amount of the brand's plugins or even all its plugins.

Plugins and plugin bundles sometimes go on sale. If you're interested in a more expensive bundle or individual plugin, it may be worth waiting for the software to go on sale.

• Click the link to check out audio plugin bundles at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out audio plugin bundles at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out audio plugin bundles at Plugin Fox

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Audio Plugin Formats

Beyond the standard system requirements, audio plugins also come in a variety of formats to be compatible with different digital audio workstations (host software). These formats can be thought of as interfaces between the plugins and the DAWs they're plugged into.

In this section, we'll discuss the different audio plugin formats we tend to see on audio plugin datasheets. Let's list out the sub-topics:

• Native Vs. DSP-Powered
• VST (Virtual Studio Technology)
• VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology: Version 3)
• AAX (Avid Audio eXtension)
• AU (AudioUnits)
• RTAS (Real-Time Audio Suite)
• TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)
• A Note On Standalone Applications

Note that many plugins will come in a variety of these formats in order to accommodate the most digital audio workstations and computer operating systems possible. Still, it's important to know the differences between the formats.

Native Vs. DSP-Powered

Native plugins are processed by the computer's CPU. DSP plugins are processed on dedicated hardware (a separate interface or accelerator card) connected to the computer.

Native and DSP plugins aren't necessarily formats, but they are processed differently. DSP plugins free up your computer's processing power, thereby reducing latency. The catch is that you'll need additional software.

Native and DSP plugins can be used together in a DAW.

These plugins will also have to fit into one of the following audio plugin formats for compatibility with the various DAWs/hosts on the market.

• Click the link to check out native audio plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out native audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out native audio plugins at Plugin Fox

• Click the link to check out DSP audio plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out DSP audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out DSP audio plugins at Plugin Fox

VST (Virtual Studio Technology)

VST was originally developed by Steinberg and is the most widespread format. If you're using Windows, chances are your DAW will support VST/VST2 plugins (Pro Tools does not). VST/VST2 is also designed for Mac, though it's less popular on Mac OS DAWs.

• Click the link to check out VST audio plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out VST audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out VST audio plugins at Plugin Fox

VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology: Version 3)

VST3 is the newest Steinberg plugin format and is a completely separate format from VST/VST2. VST3 is more powerful than VST/VST2, allowing for increased functionality among its plugins. It is available on Windows and Mac and is becoming more and more widespread.

• Click the link to check out VST3 audio plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out VST3 audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out VST3 audio plugins at Plugin Fox

AAX (Avid Audio eXtension)

AAX (Avid Audio eXtension) is Avid's proprietary format, used exclusively to interface plugins with Pro Tools. Like Pro Tools, AAX is available on Windows and Mac.

• Click the link to check out AAX audio plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out AAX audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out AAX audio plugins at Plugin Fox

AU (AudioUnits)

AU is a format designed by Apple and is used with Apple's host software, notably Logic Pro and GarageBand.

• Click the link to check out AU audio plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out AU audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out AU audio plugins at Plugin Fox

RTAS (Real-Time Audio Suite)

RTAS is a plugin format developed by Digidesign, which is now Avid. This is the old format for Pro Tools.

• Click the link to check out RTAS audio plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out RTAS audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out RTAS audio plugins at Plugin Fox

TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)

The TDM plugin format is another format developed by Avid. This one is designed for outboard hardware DSP processors integrated with Pro Tools.

• Click the link to check out TDM audio plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out TDM audio plugins at Plugin Fox

A Note On Standalone Applications

Some plugin developers offer standalone versions of their plugins. Technically, these aren't plugins but rather standalone applications in their own right. This is popular with guitar amp simulation plugins but is more common with virtual instruments than “regular” plugins.

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Understanding Audio Plugin Effects

Understanding the typical audio effects and processes will give us a better idea of what various audio plugins will do. Oftentimes, an audio plugin will be designed to provide one or more of these effects/processes:

• Dynamic effects
• Time-based effects
• Spectral effects
• Modulation effects
• Sound manipulation effects

Dynamic Effects

Dynamic effects audio plugins alter the dynamics of an audio signal (the changes in amplitude over time).

By altering the signal’s amplitude, dynamic effects will also alter the shape of the signal waveform, which is, by definition, signal distortion.

Let's consider the various dynamic effects (I'll include links to in-depth articles when applicable):

Compression

What is audio compression? Dynamic range compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of an audio signal by attenuating the amplitude of the signal above a set threshold. A compressor can be software or hardware and performs compression on an audio signal (digital or analog).

• Click the link to check out compressor plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out compressor plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out compressor plugins at Plugin Fox

There are various styles of compression worth considering when opting for a compressor plugin:

FET compressor: A FET compressor is an analog compressor that utilizes a field-effect transistor at the core of the circuit. These compressors are fast-acting and offer greater transient preservation than other types of compressors. FET compressor plugins emulate this style of compression.

• What Is A FET Compressor & How Does It Work?

Multiband compression: Multiband dynamic range compression is a type of processing that splits the frequency spectrum of the input signal into different bands and compresses (reduces the dynamic range) each band with its own unique compression settings.

• What Is Multiband Compression & How Do MB Compressors Work?

Optical compressor: An optical compressor is an analog compressor that uses a light element and optical cell to alter the dynamics of an audio signal. As the amplitude of the audio signal increases, the light element emits more light and causes the optical cell to attenuate the amplitude of the output signal. Optical compressor plugins emulate this style of compression.

• What Is An Optical Compressor & How Does It Work?

Parallel/Manhattan compression: Parallel compression (also known as New York or Manhattan compression) is a technique where one audio track (or several) is sent to a bus, and that bus is heavily compressed. Both versions of the audio are then mixed together to achieve a punchy sound without losing the dynamic of the dry signal(s).

Sidechain compression: Sidechain compression is a compression style/technique where the compressor acts to compress/attenuate an input signal/track according to the control of a separate signal/track (external sidechain) rather than the typical sidechain signal, which is a modified version of the input audio signal.

• The Complete Guide To Sidechain Compression In Audio

Variable-mu compressor: A variable-mu (variable gain) compressor is an analog compressor centred around a vacuum tube. As the input signal increases, the current sent to the tube’s grid decreases, reducing the overall level. Variable-mu compressor plugins emulate this style of compression.

• What Is A Variable-Mu (Tube) Compressor & How Does It Work?

VCA compressor: A VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) compressor is an analog compressor that utilizes a VCA control to apply compression. The input signal is split through an integrated circuit into a detector path (to control the VCA compression) and an output path. VCA compressor plugins emulate this style of compression.

• What Is A VCA Compressor & How Does It Work?

De-Esser

What is an audio de-esser? De-essing is the process of attenuating sibilance and/or harshness in a vocal/voice audio signal. This can be achieved using a dynamic EQ, multiband compressor, sidechain compressor with automation in a mix, or manually.

• Click the link to check out de-esser plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out de-esser plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out de-esser plugins at Plugin Fox

Distortion

What is audio distortion? Audio distortion, technically speaking, is any change/deformation in an output waveform relative to its input caused by any non-linear behaviour of the signal path. There are many different types of distortion. Some are unwanted, but many are used as audio effects.

There are various styles of distortion worth considering when opting for a distortion-type plugin:

Bitcrushing: Bitcrushing is an audio distortion effect that causes distortion by reducing the resolution (bit depth) or bandwidth (sample rate) of a digital audio signal. Reducing the resolution and/or bandwidth makes the digital signal less accurate, with more quantization noise and distortion.

• Click the link to check out bitcrusher plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out bitcrusher plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out bitcrusher plugins at Plugin Fox

Clipping: Clipping is a form of distortion where the waveform's amplitude tries to exceed the maximum possible amplitude and is thereby “clipped” at its max. This is possible in analog amplifiers (both tube/valve and solid-state/transistor-based) and digital signal processing.

• Click the link to check out clipper plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out clipper plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out clipper plugins at Plugin Fox

Distortion: The “distortion” effect in audio is produced by hard-clipping the input signal through transistor-based or tube-based circuits. Distortion is the most common on electric guitars but also suits many other instruments.

• Click the link to check out distortion plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out distortion plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out distortion plugins at Plugin Fox

Fuzz: The Fuzz effect is caused by hard-clipping a signal so much that it nearly turns into a square wave. It’s perhaps the most extreme example of distortion as an audio effect and completely changes the sound of the audio signal.

• Click the link to check out fuzz plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out fuzz plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out fuzz plugins at Plugin Fox

Overdrive: Overdrive is a distortion effect that is caused by (or aims to emulate) pushing a tube amplifier just past its amplitude limits. The signal is compressed and “soft-clipped,” resulting in warm saturation in the signal. Overdrive plugins emulate this effect.

• Click the link to check out overdrive plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out overdrive plugins at Plugin Boutique

Tape saturation: Tape saturation is a type of distortion that happens when the voltage sent to an analog tape exceeds the tape’s ability to record it. In playback, this causes a non-linear saturation of the original source. Tape saturation plugins emulate this effect.

• Click the link to check out tape saturation plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out tape saturation plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out tape saturation plugins at Plugin Fox

Tube saturation: Tube saturation is a type of distortion that happens when a valve (vacuum tube) amplifier is overloaded at its output. If the amplification attempts to exceed the tube’s maximum output, clipping distortion/saturation will occur in which the output becomes distorted. Valve saturation plugins emulate this effect.

• Click the link to check out tube saturation plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out tube saturation plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out tube saturation plugins at Plugin Fox

Exciter

What is an audio exciter? An audio/aural exciter is a type of parallel saturation/filter combo effect. A signal is saturated only in the top-end (often above 3 kHz) to enhance or “excite” the sound. Think of it as duplicating the signal, high-passing and saturating the copy and mixing the two back together.

• Click the link to check out exciter plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out exciter plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out exciter plugins at Plugin Fox

Expanding

What is audio expanding? Expanding can be thought of as the opposite of compression. It aims to increase the dynamic range of the signal. An expander will reduce the signal's amplitude if it drops below the set threshold, thereby “expanding” the signal’s dynamic range.

• Click the link to check out expander plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out expander plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out expander plugins at Plugin Fox

Limiting

What is audio limiting? Limiting is a type of hard compression whereby the signal is not allowed above a certain threshold. Rather than attenuating the signal (above the threshold) by a ratio, the limiter will simply cut off the signal at the threshold. We can think of a limiter as a compressor with an infinite ratio.

• Click the link to check out limiter plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out limiter plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out limiter plugins at Plugin Fox

Noise Gating

What is audio noise gating? Noise gating is an effect that kills the output signal if the input signal drops below a set threshold. This helps to gate or remove noise from the signal when an instrument (or another sound source) is not playing.

• Click the link to check out noise gate plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out noise gate plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out noise gate plugins at Plugin Fox

Transient Shaper

What is an audio transient shaper? A transient shaper is a dedicated envelope control for manipulating the attack (and often the decay and release) of individual transients in an audio signal. These transients are typically percussive hits or notes. Transient shapers can either harden or soften the transient attacks within a signal.

• Click the link to check out transient shaper plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out transient shaper plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out transient shaper plugins at Plugin Fox

Time-Based Effects

Time-based effects include all processes where some form of time manipulation occurs to the signal. The most obvious examples of time-based effects are delay and reverb.

Let's consider the various time-based effects (I'll include links to in-depth articles when applicable):

Delay

What is the delay effect in terms of audio? Delay is a time-based effect where an input signal is recorded for a relatively short amount of time and is played back after a set period of time after the initial recording. There are many ways to achieve delay and different styles/types of the effect.

• Click the link to check out delay plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out delay plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out delay plugins at Plugin Fox

There are various styles of delay worth considering when opting for a delay plugin:

Analog (BBD) delay: Analog delay is a delay effect that utilizes bucket-brigade devices (BBDs). The BBD is a network of capacitors connected in cascade that, when controlled by a clock, will effectively delay the signal by a set time. The quality of each delay is degraded, giving a warm sound. Analog delay plugins emulate this effect.

Digital delay: Digital delay is a delay effect that utilizes digital signal processing to record an incoming signal and playback a delayed version of the signal. Parameters such as delay time, level, panning and feedback can be adjusted. Digital delay can also act to emulate/combine different types of delay.

Doubling effect: The doubling echo effect is a short single delay that mimics the effect of double-tracking or unison performance.

Reverse delay: Reverse delay is a type of delay where the delayed signal information is processed to reverse the audio before it is outputted. The reverse delay effect will have inherent lag, as reversing a signal cannot be done in real-time during playback.

Shimmer delay: Shimmer delay is a type of delay where the delayed signal is pitch-shifted upward (typically an octave) to give a direct signal with a “shimmering” delay tail.

Tape delay: Tape delay is a delay effect achieved by routing the audio signal to a second tape recorder. The audio would be fed to the secondary tape’s record head and be played back just milliseconds later on the playback head. This delayed playback signal would be sent back to the main recording.

Reverb

What is the reverb effect in terms of audio? The reverb effect recreates the natural effect of Reverberation, which happens when a sound wave hits a surface (or multiple surfaces). It reflects back to the listener at varying times and amplitudes. This creates a complex echo that holds information about the physical space.

• Click the link to check out reverb plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out reverb plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out reverb plugins at Plugin Fox

Reverb plugins emulate the various styles of reverb. Let's consider these various reverb types:

Acoustic emulation reverb: Acoustic emulation reverb is a digital reverb effect that aims to emulate the reverb of a physical space. Common acoustic emulation reverb types include room, chamber, hall, and cathedral reverbs.

Bloom reverb: Bloom reverb is an unnatural digital reverb that “blooms” into effect as the reverb evolves. It has very quiet initial reflections that continuously increase in amplitude until a certain point where the reverb tail is kicked in.

Convolution reverb: Convolution reverb is achievable by recording a physical acoustic space, sampling it and analyzing it thoroughly. Profiles are made for the initial reflections, decay time and frequency damping. An algorithm is then created to simulate that physical space.

Plate reverb: Plate reverb emulates the sound of reverb by vibrating a plate and recording the results. An input transducer vibrates the plate (converts an audio signal into vibrations). As the plate vibrates, an output transducer will convert these vibrations to audio.

Shimmer reverb: Shimmer reverb combines pitch-shifting with reverb. The wet/effected reverb signal is pitched up (typically by an octave) relative to the dry/direct signal.

Spring reverb: Spring reverb emulates the sound of reverb by vibrating a spring and recording the results. An input transducer vibrates one end of the spring (converts an audio signal into vibrations). The other end of the spring connects to an output transducer (converts the spring vibrations into audio).

Spectral Effects

Spectral effects refer to the frequency spectrum of audio and, sometimes, to the panoramic spectrum of an audio mix.

These audio plugins alter the frequency information of the audio by shifting pitch, filtering, and imaging.

Let's consider the various spectral effects (I'll include links to in-depth articles when applicable):

Equalization

What is audio equalization? Audio equalization (EQ) is the process of altering the amplitude of certain frequencies/frequency bands in an audio signal. This includes filtering out sound below or above a certain cut-off frequency (high-pass and low-pass filtering, respectively). It also refers to shelving, notching, boosting and cutting frequencies.

• Click the link to check out EQ plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out EQ plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out EQ plugins at Plugin Fox

Related articles:
• What Is Stereo Equalization/EQ In Audio & How Does It Work?
• What Is Mid-Side Equalization/EQ (Audio) & How Does It Work?
• The Complete Guide To Passive Equalization/EQ

There are various styles of compression worth considering when opting for a compressor plugin:

Dynamic EQ: Dynamic EQ is a type of equalization where the EQ of certain frequencies is triggered dynamically as those frequencies surpass a set amplitude threshold in the audio signal. Dynamic EQ, like a compressor, will have threshold, attack and release settings to alter the EQ of a signal dynamically.

• The Complete Guide To Dynamic Equalization/EQ

Graphic EQ: Graphic equalization is a style of EQ where predetermined bands, centred around set frequencies with set Q values, can be either boosted or cut. The name comes from the fact that the EQ settings of a graphic EQ unit typically look very obvious and “graphic”.

• The Complete Guide To Graphic Equalization/EQ

Linear phase EQ: A linear phase EQ is a type of equalization that does not alter the phase relationship of the source. There is no phase shift, and, therefore, the phase is “linear”. Achieving linear phase is not possible with analog circuits and has been made possible with computer coding.

• The Complete Guide To Linear Phase Equalization/EQ

Parametric EQ: Parametric EQ offers full customization of the frequency bands, including the choice of filter type, centre frequency, Q value and relative gain (boost/cut).

• The Complete Guide To Parametric Equalization/EQ

Pitch correction: Pitch correction is the process of identifying and altering the intonation of an audio signal in order to alter the pitch of notes without (ideally) altering any other aspects of the sound.

Pitch shifting: Pitch-shifting, as the name suggests, is any audio effect that shifts the input signal's pitch.

Semi-parametric EQ: Semi-parametric EQ offers some, but not all, of the customization of a parametric EQ. The customization of the frequency bands could include the choice of filter type, centre frequency, Q value, and relative gain (boost/cut).

• What Is Semi-Parametric Equalization/EQ In Audio?

Envelope Filter

What is envelope filtering? Envelope filtering is the filtering triggered by the envelope or transients of a signal. These filters, therefore, act according to the dynamic rise and fall of a signal and are most often used on bass, guitar and synthesizer instruments.

• Click the link to check out envelope filter plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out envelope filter plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out envelope filter plugins at Plugin Fox

Imaging

What is stereo imaging? Imaging, as an audio production technique, is any effect that involves the perceived spatial location of the sound source(s) in a mix, both laterally (stereo/surround direction) and in depth. Panning, level, time-based effects, recording position and mic techniques all play a role in imaging.

• Click the link to check out imaging plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out imaging plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out imaging plugins at Plugin Fox

Wah

What is wah-wah? Wah (or Wah-Wah) is a common filtering effect on guitars and keyboard instruments. Wah is achieved by sweeping one or more boosts in EQ up and down in frequency, thereby mimicking the human vowel sound of “wah”.

• Click the link to check out wah plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out wah plugins at Plugin Fox

Modulation Effects

Modulation effects modify the source audio signal with another signal (generally an oscillator) and are generally used to give the sound a sense of movement. Plenty of effects fall into the modulation category, ranging from the weird-and-whacky ring modulation to the lush and wide chorus effect.

Let's consider the various modulation effects (I'll include links to in-depth articles when applicable):

Chorus: Chorus is an effect that produces copies of a signal (the original signal and each of its copies has its own “voice”) and detunes each voice to produce a widening and thickening of the sound. Each voice interacts with the other voices to produce slight modulation and an overall larger-than-life sound.

• Click the link to check out chorus plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out chorus plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out chorus plugins at Plugin Fox

Flanger: Flanger is a modulation audio effect whereby a signal is duplicated, and the phase of one copy is continuously shifted. This changing phase causes a sweeping comb filter effect where peaks and notches are produced in the frequency spectrum or the signal’s EQ.

• Click the link to check out flanger plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out flanger plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out flanger plugins at Plugin Fox

Phaser: Phaser is a modulation audio effect whereby a series of peaks and troughs are produced across the frequency spectrum of the signal’s EQ. These peaks and troughs vary over time, typically controlled by an LFO (low-frequency oscillator), to create a sweeping effect known as phaser.

• Click the link to check out phaser plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out phaser plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out phaser plugins at Plugin Fox

Ring modulation: Ring modulation is an amplitude modulation effect where two signals (an input/modulator signal and a carrier signal) are summed together to create two brand new frequencies, which are the sum and difference of the input and carrier signals. The carrier is typically a simple wave selected by the effects unit, while the modulator signal is the input signal.

• Click the link to check out ring modulation plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out ring modulation plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out ring modulation plugins at Plugin Fox

Tremolo: Tremolo is a fast variation in amplitude. Tremolo is similar to vibrato, except that it acts on amplitude/level rather than pitch.

• Click the link to check out tremolo plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out tremolo plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out tremolo plugins at Plugin Fox

Vibrato: Vibrato is a fast but slight up-and-down variation in pitch. Vibrato is used in signing and in instruments to add character and improve tone.

• Click the link to check out vibrato plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out vibrato plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out vibrato plugins at Plugin Fox

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Amplifier & Speaker Modelling Plugins

Amplifier and speaker modelling plugins are designed to emulate the sound of instrument amplifiers and speaker cabinets. They also typically emulate various microphones and mic positions in front of the cabinet. Some even emulate the sound of the room.

These plugins often have a variety of virtual effects units as well, providing a full suite of guitar, bass, and other instrument signal flows.

• Click the link to check out amp & speaker modelling plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out amp & speaker modelling plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out amp & speaker modelling plugins at Plugin Fox

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Audio Plugins That Emulate Hardware

Many audio plugins are designed to emulate classic and popular hardware audio units. From classic channel strips, mic preamps, EQs and compressors to hardware flangers, phasers, choruses, delays, reverbs, and more, there are audio plugin emulations out there.

• Click the link to check out hardware emulation plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out hardware emulation plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out hardware emulation plugins at Plugin Fox

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Noise Reduction Plugins

Noise reduction plugins are designed to reduce or eliminate noise (pops, clicks, electromagnetic interference, mechanical noise, etc.) from a digital audio signal while having as little effect on the timbre of the audio as possible.

• Click the link to check out noise reduction plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out noise reduction plugins at Plugin Boutique
• Click the link to check out noise reduction plugins at Plugin Fox

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Microphone Modelling Plugins

Microphone modelling plugins are used in conjunction with special modelling microphones. The plugin processes the microphone signal and emulates the sonic character of classic and popular microphones.

• Click the link to check out microphone modelling systems at Sweetwater

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Virtual Monitoring Plugins

Virtual monitoring plugins aim to emulate physical listening environments for headphone and studio monitor playback. Typically, these plugins will work with headphones and deliver virtual listening environments such as treated control rooms.

• Click the link to check out virtual monitoring plugins at Sweetwater
• Click the link to check out virtual monitoring plugins at Plugin Fox

Back to the Table Of Contents.

Common Signal Chains For Audio Plugins

Now that we've gone over the different types of audio plugins, let's consider what plugins we'd likely need for specific applications. More specifically, we'll look at generic processes/effects for typical signal flow chains.

In this section, we'll generalize the following:

• Vocal Signal Chains
• Guitar Signal Chains
• Mastering Signal Chains
• Effects Bus Signal Chains
• Instrument Bus Signal Chains

Vocal Signal Chains

• Microphone Modeller: if you choose to use a modelling microphone, it will come with its own plugin to mimic the character of whatever mic is selected. These plugins aren't overly common.
• Compressor: compressing the vocal will help fatten it up and make it sit more upfront in the mix (if done tastefully).
• EQ: EQ will help us reduce/remove unwanted resonances and noise in the signal while bringing out the important frequencies in the vocal (if done tastefully).
• De-Esser: de-essers are a special type of multiband compressor that act to reduce sibilance in the vocal.
• Saturation: saturation is a useful audio plugin effect to help combat the clinical sound of digital audio. It's essentially distortion that produces warm harmonics in the signal, reminiscent of analog audio.
• Delay: delay helps thicken the vocal and gives it a sense of space in the mix.
• Reverb: reverb gives the vocal even more space in the mix.

Guitar Signal Chains

• Amplifier & Speaker Modelling: amp and speaker modelling plugins are designed to reproduce the sound of miking a guitar cabinet. Different plugins will offer different amps, speakers and effects.
• Compressor: compressors help sustain notes, fatten tone, and make the guitar sit better in the mix.
• EQ: EQ helps get rid of resonance, noise, and frequencies we don't want while bringing out the frequencies we do want.
• Saturation: saturation brings out the sonic character of the guitar's harmonic content and provides “warmth”.
• Modulation: modulation is a popular effect for guitar but isn't always necessary or wanted. Think of chorus, vibrato, flanger, phaser, tremolo, ring modulation, etc.
• Delay: delay gives the guitar a sense of space and can be used to great effect.
• Reverb: reverb gives the guitar a sense of space and can be used to great effect.

Mastering Signal Chains

• Compressor: compression helps glue the mix together at the master.
• Multiband Compressor: multiband compression will compress certain bands more than others and reduce pumping while also gluing the mix together.
• EQ: subtle EQ can really make a master shine.
• Limiter: hard but subtle limiting at the end of a master chain ensures the final master output does not exceed 0 dBFS (decibels Full Scale), which would cause digital clipping.

Effects Bus Signal Chains

Multiple tracks can be routed to a bus, which can then be sent through an effects chain of plugins. EQ and compression are commonplace in this situation, as always.

Sidechain compression of buses is popular in electronic music.

Inserting a delay and/or reverb plugin on a bus will bring multiple tracks into the same “sonic space”.

Any time you want the same effects chain on multiple instruments, an effects bus is the way to go!

Instrument Bus Signal Chains

Instruments can benefit from all sorts of effects and processes. There are no hard rules for instrument bus signal chains, though compression and EQ are popular. Saturation and time-based effects are also common. Modulation, pitch-shifting, spectral effects, and more can be used to varying effects.

Back to the Table Of Contents.

The post The Ultimate Audio Plugin Buyer’s Guide first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

Whether recorded naturally or as an audio effect, reverb plays a significant role in music production and sound design. So, it makes sense how so many reverb plugins have come to market. With so many reverb plugins out there, we'll discuss the top 11.

What is the reverb effect in terms of audio? The reverb effect recreates the natural result of Reverberation, which happens when a sound wave hits a surface (or multiple surfaces) and reflects back to the listener at varying times and amplitudes. This process creates a complex echo that holds information about the physical space.

There are various types of reverb effects, so in our top 11, we'll actually be discussing the top options of 4 different categories. These reverb types are:

• Spring
• Plate
• Algorithmic
• Convolution

The Top 11 Best Reverb Plugins Are:

1. Eventide Spring Reverb (spring reverb)
2. AudioThing Springs (spring reverb)
3. PSP Audioware Springbox (spring reverb)
4. Arturia Rev PLATE-140
5. LiquidSonics Lustrous Plates (plate reverb)
6. UAD Pure Plate (plate reverb)
7. Softube TSAR-1 (algorithmic reverb)
8. Eventide Blackhole (algorithmic reverb)
9. LiquidSonics Reverberate 3 (convolution reverb)
10. Audio Ease Altiverb XL 8 (convolution reverb)
11. SIR Audio Tools SIR3 (convolution reverb)

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 11 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best reverb plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the reverb plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the reverb plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the reverb plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve, and/or how many parameters are available for the reverb effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the reverb plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 11 best reverb plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Top 3 Best Spring Reverb Plugins

What is spring reverb? Spring reverb is produced by vibrating a spring and recording the results. An input transducer vibrates one end of the spring (that converts the audio signal into physical vibrations). The other end of the spring is connected to an output transducer (that converts the spring vibrations back into audio).

Spring reverb plugins emulate the performance of such reverb devices.

The top 3 spring reverb plugins are:

• Eventide Spring Reverb
• AudioThing Springs
• PSP Audioware Springbox

Eventide Spring Reverb

The Eventide Spring Reverb models the character of the guitar amplifier spring reverb with a notable amount of additional parameters.

Eventide's Spring Reverb captures the sound of Rockability, Garage and Surf music in a plugin that affords users much more control than vintage units.

This reverb plugin offers two virtual spring tanks (Small and Large) along with the ability to digitally morph the sound of the reverb between one and three springs. The Ribbon function found in Eventide's H9 Series plugins allows users to seamlessly blend the sound of this reverb between two distinct settings. The result is a wildly flexible spring reverb plugin.

Along with the impressive reverb effect, the H9 Series Spring Reverb features a tube-amp-style tremolo, pushing the sonic possibilities even further while maintaining a character reminiscent of many great guitar amplifiers. Route the tremolo before or after the reverb, and choose to sync the modulation to the host DAW's tempo or not.

Damp the effect at the low and/or high ends to your taste and change up the resonant characteristics of the reverb effect with ease. Dial in the standard reverb settings and have yourself a fantastic spring reverb effect in an easy-to-use audio plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Eventide Spring Reverb user manual.

AudioThing Springs

The AudioThing Springs features 11 vintage spring emulations along with a beautifully modelled 3-band Baxendall EQ for a distinct analog sound.

As mentioned, AudioThing's Springs has a whopping 11 different springs from which users can choose. The sonic character of each vintage spring unit has been carefully recreated via a combination of digital modelling and convolution (yes, this reverb plugin is both a spring and convolution reverb).

The 11 options the AudioThing Springs offers are:

1. A-199 (3 springs)
2. REV-25 (1 spring)
3. RA-844 (1 spring)
4. Audition (1 spring)
5. Echo Box (1 spring)
6. GBS (6 springs)
7. RE-201 (3 springs)
8. RV-1 (3 springs)
9. SR-202W (2 springs)
10. HR-12 (2 springs)
11. HVS-1 (2 springs)

In addition to all the standard reverb controls, the powerful editor provides users with a series of tools to adjust each spiring model's impulse response directly. Choose the perfect spring style for your application and dial in the ideal reverb for whatever needs that vintage spring reverb sound.

Filter the input signal and mix the dry/wet signals at the Bandwidth section of the plugin, and take full advantage of the superb Baxandall EQ at the output to fine-tune the equalization of the mixed signal.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the AudioThing Springs user manual.

PSP Audioware Springbox

The PSP Audioware Springbox is an excellent emulation of classic hardware spring reverberators, though not a direct model of any particular unit.

PSP's Springbox beautifully recreates the spring-like bounce on transients and offers accurate resonating reverb effects we've come to cherish about hardware spring reverbs.

Choose between 2 or 3 springs (or double of either) in mono-stereo or stereo-stereo modes. Quickly dial in 2 distinct settings (HPF, Presence, Damping, Time value and Trim) and A/B them by the flip of a virtual switch.

Convincingly classic with modern controls, the vintage sound of the Springbox can be shaped further by users via the Diffusion, Spead and Pan/Balance knobs. Use the Pan/Balance control to either pan the stereo output jointly left or right or rebalance each channel's levels.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Springbox at PSP Audioware.

Top 3 Best Plate Reverb Plugins

What is plate reverb? Plate reverb is produced by vibrating a plate and recording the results. An input transducer will convert the audio signal into a mechanical vibration to get the plate moving. As the plate vibrates, an output transducer will convert these vibrations into an electrical audio signal, which sounds like the input signal with reverb.

The top 3 plate reverb plugins are:

• Arturia Rev PLATE-140
• LiquidSonics Lustrous Plates
• UAD Pure Plate

Arturia Rev PLATE-140

The Arturia Rev PLATE-140 is a circuit-accurate recreation of the iconic EMT 140 reverb and its vacuum tube preamp.

Like the original EMT 140 (first released back in 1957), Arturia's Rev PLATE-140 offers the silky-smooth, resonant tones of vintage plate reverb with ease. Dialling in the perfect plate reverb of the Rev PLATE-140 is made easy with straightforward controls and an authentic-looking user interface (though much different than the original hardware).

This plugin offers different 3 plate models for a variety of reverb options.

Along with the evolving decaying characteristics we'd expect from such an emulation, Arturia's 140 brings forth a chorus modulation unit and post-equalizer for even more control over the superb sound of the plugin.

Use the modelled tube preamp to inject a vintage character to the reverb by adding subtle saturation to overt analog-style soft clipping.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Arturia Rev PLATE-140 user manual.

The UAD EMT 140 is another superb EMT 140 emulation, though this plugin requires the appropriate UAD hardware to be run.

LiquidSonics Lustrous Plates

The LiquidSonics Lustrous Plates recreates seven incredible plate reverbs.

LiquidSonics has mapped seven advanced plate reverb algorithms into this powerful plugin using its proprietary Temporal Acoustic Spectral Mapping technology. TASM profiles the sound of real plates using multiband dynamic capture and analysis to provide a beautiful sonic representation.

So, the LiquidSonics Lustrous Plates is considered an algorithmic/plate reverb plugin. It offers the wonderful sound and diffusion of real plates with the controls of an algorithmic reverb.

The plate options provided by the Lustrous Plates are:

• Chrome: rich, full-bodied plate with a classic plate multiband decay profile
• Silver: light, airy plate with de-emphasized low-mids for enhanced clarity
• Steel: similar to the chrome plate with a reduced low band decay time
• Rhodium: bright and rich, with a very neutral decay profile
• Beryllium: very reflective, lustrous metal inspiring a plate with a bright tone
• Corbomite: very dense and heavy plate
• Iridium: very dense, with a highly emphasized low decay profile

Choose 1 of the 7 plates and adjust the pre-delay and width, modulation, and overall mix of the effect. Utilize the left-side panel to dial in the perfect amount of reverb damping time and frequency dispersion for the perfect plate reverb.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the LiquidSonics Lustrous Plates user manual.

UAD Pure Plate

The UAD Pure Plate is another superb plate reverb plugin from UAD (along with the EMT 140 emulation I briefly mentioned earlier).

In fact, UAD's Pure Plate sounds a lot like the EMT 140. However, rather than having two direct emulations of the 140, I decided to add the Pure Plates to this list instead. That being said, the EMT 140 is likely a better choice due to its greater functionality.

This relatively affordable and straightforward plugin gets us to lovely plate reverb with minimal effort on our part. Pure Plates has all the essentials of an ideal plate reverb plugin without all the bells and whistles. It's a user-friendly, sonically superior reverb.

Get all the warmth and texture you need and want from effectively 7 controls: the 3-way low-cut (high-pass) filter and pre-delay switches, reverb dial roll, 2-band shelving EQ (bass and treble), balance, mix and wet solo.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the UAD Plugins manual.

Top 3 Best Algorithmic Reverb Plugins

What is algorithmic reverb? Algorithmic reverbs utilize digital algorithms with delay lines, loops and filters to simulate the general effects of a natural reverberant environment. These algorithms are often programmed to achieve space emulations such as rooms, chambers, halls and cathedrals.

The top 3 algorithmic reverb plugins are:

• Softube TSAR-1
• Exponential Audio R4
• Eventide Blackhole

Softube TSAR-1

The Softube TSAR-1 is a true stereo algorithmic reverb.

Softube's TSAR-1 is remarkably versatile, even as an algorithmic reverb. This modernized reverb will effectively get us whatever reverb sound we're after: from light and vibrant to dark and dreary to otherworldy to incredibly natural, this reverb will provide it.

This feature-rich plugin has a superb user interface reminiscent of early digital hardware units. Its interactive display makes it easy to dial in the exact reverb we want or, if we so choose, to select one of the many amazing presets.

Adjustable parameters in the TSAR-1 include the typical pre-delay, time, density, tone and high-cut (low-pass) filter, diffusion and mix. The modulation of the plugin offers superb vintage chorus and modern movement alike. The algorithms include early reflection types (large, medium or small rooms), and these reflections can be mixed into the signal exactly how we see fit.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Softube Plugins user manual.

Eventide Blackhole

The Eventide Blackhole is defined accurately as an “otherworldly reverb”. It only has a single algorithm with a history that ties back to the superb rackmount DSP4000 (first released in 1994).

Eventide's Blackhole got its start in the 90s and is as much of a great reverb now as it was then. This effect, now in plugin form, allows users to create virtual spaces that would otherwise never be possible on Earth.

The Blackhole's single algorithm boasts a wide range of sizes, soft attacks and ethereal release times. From the vastness of outer space (if sound could be heard in the vacuum) to the impossible tightness of negative space, the Eventide Blackhole pushes the reverb effect beyond the physical realm.

The novel Gravity control of the Blackhole reverses the arrow of time by inverting the reverb's decay. As was mentioned previously in the discussion of the Eventide Spring Reverb, the Ribbon allows for continuous morphing between two settings. The featured Hot Switch will enable users to change any combination of parameters simultaneously.

Of course, we love talking about the extremes. However, the Blackhole is also a superb tool for everyday reverb applications. This plugin is equally at home in standard mixing procedures as it is in the unknown.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Eventide Blackhole user manual.

Other notable algorithmic reverb plugins:

• Togu Audio Line TAL Reverb 2 (link to check the price at Splice)
• ValhallaDSP Room (link to check the price at Valhalla)
• Klevgrand Kleverb (link to check the price at Klevgrand)
• Acon Digital Verberate 2 (link to check the price at Sweetwater)
• 2CAudio Aether (link to check the price at 2CAudio)
• Rob Papen RP-Verb 2 (link to check the price at Rob Papen)

Top 3 Best Convolution Reverb Plugins

What is convolution reverb? Convolution reverb is achievable through a rather involved process. A physical acoustic space is recorded, sampled and analyzed thoroughly. Profiles are made for the initial reflections, decay time and frequency damping. An algorithm is then created to simulate that physical space.

The top 3 convolution reverb plugins are:

• LiquidSonics Reverberate 3
• Audio Ease Altiverb
• SIR Audio Tools SIR3

LiquidSonics Reverberate 3

The LiquidSonics Reverberate 3 is a modulated true-stereo convolution reverb.

LiquidSonics' Reverberate 3 takes impulse responses of legendary hardware reverbs and expands their sonic possibilities beyond what could seemingly even be achieved in hardware.

With a comprehensive set of editing and modulation tools and proprietary Fusion-IR technology, this plugin takes any third-party stereo or true stereo impulse response to the next level.

Mix various IR emulations together, add or take away effects, expand the stereo image, or adjust the original IR in any number of ways. In addition to being able to recreate the sound of legendary reverb units, the Reverberate 3 allows us to morph them into entirely new sonic effects.

This is another complex plugin that is impossible to explain in a few paragraphs. To learn more about its superb features, including Fusion-IR editing, enhanced true stereo simulation and extended split modulation, consider reading the manual linked below.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the LiquidSonics Reverberate 3 user manual.

Audio Ease Altiverb XL 8

The Audio Ease Altiverb XL 8 is proclaimed by Audio Ease as the successor of the original, professional convolution reverb.

This list wouldn't be complete without this industry-standard convolution reverb plugin. This convolution reverb plugin has it all from the Sydney Opera House and Cathedral Notre Dame to the cockpit of a jumbo jet and a private washroom to various natural caves.

The XL version of this excellent plugin offers up to 5.1 surround input and output processing. Whether it's recreating the space for ADR in the next big movie release or mixing whatever style of music you're into, the Altiverb XL 8 is ready to deliver the most professional results on the market today. And being industry standard, you'll get along with other sessions famously as a professional audio engineer with this awesome plugin.

There's much more to say about this plugin, yet its continued success on the market speaks for itself.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Altiverb XL 8 at Audio Ease.

SIR Audio Tools SIR3

The SIR Audio Tools SIR3 is a user-friendly, high-quality convolution reverb plugin.

With a wide variety of excellent HDIR impulse responses made by Pinguin Ingenieurbüro from Hamburg, the SIR3 will convincingly transport our audio into practically any physical space we need it to. Whether in post-production or music production, this plugin is a go-to.

The plugin offers control over imported IRs via the basic pre-delay, decay, pitch, early reflections cap, mix, forward/reverse and input controls. Further tweaking of the reverb is made possible with an impressive modulation section.

Detailed controls allow users to dial in frequency-dependent damping and superb dynamic control (with sidechain functionality).

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the SIR Audio Tools SIR3 user manual.

Other notable convolution reverb plugins:

• Lernvall Audio LAConvolver
• LiquidSonics Seventh Heaven

If you're interested in reading what my friends at Integraudio believe to be the best reverb plugins, visit their site by clicking here!

Former Top Reverb Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer.

Audio Ease Altiverb XL 7 (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The Audio Ease Altiverb XL 7 (discontinued/upgraded to version 8) is proclaimed by Audio Ease as the successor of the original, professional convolution reverb. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original publishing year) to 2023.

Compatibility

The Audio Ease Altiverb XL 7 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU, VST, RTAS, MAS, TDM and AudioSuite formats.

This list wouldn't be complete without this industry-standard convolution reverb plugin. This convolution reverb plugin has it all from the Sydney Opera House and Cathedral Notre Dame to the cockpit of a jumbo jet and a private washroom to various natural caves.

The XL version of this excellent plugin offers up to 5.1 surround input and output processing. Whether it's recreating the space for ADR in the next big movie release or mixing whatever style of music you're into, the Altiverb XL 7 is ready to deliver the most professional results on the market today. And being industry standard, you'll get along with other sessions famously as a professional audio engineer with this awesome plugin.

There's much more to say about this plugin, yet its continued success on the market speaks for itself.

iZotope Exponential Audio R4 (Discontinued)

The iZotope Exponential Audio R4 (discontinued) was a world-class reverb from a world-class plugin designer (Exponential Audio), now owned by the renowned audio plugin company iZotope. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original publishing year) to 2023.

Compatibility

The iZotope Exponential Audio R4 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.

iZotope's Exponential Audio R4 is incredibly powerful. Its comprehensive and creative range of controls allows for simple dialling of superb reverb effects (with over 1,200 presets) and more complex configurations of the ideal reverb (if we're willing to get into the details).

To get into all the possibilities would require a whole series of articles. From the rooms, plates, halls and chambers to plates and lesser-used but equally impressive algorithms from the Freeze, Gated and Effects categories, the R4 has it all.

Let's instead stick to the key features of the superb plugin:

• Warp controls with compression and overdrive
• Pre-delay and reverb delay are adjustable by tempo
• Chorus and Gate modules for musical effects
• 5 additional early reflection patterns
• Dynamic tail suppression
• EuControl support

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post 11 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution) first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

Equalization is also invaluable, considered to be one of the most important tools in the audio engineer's toolbox.

So then it makes sense how there are so many equalizer plugins on the market. Though some parametric EQ plugins aim to emulate analog parametric EQ and even specific hardware EQs, there are plenty of digital EQ options to choose from.

In this article, we'll consider what I believe to be the top 7 stand-out digital parametric EQ plugins.

What is parametric audio equalization? Parametric EQ offers full customization of a set number of EQ filters. Each frequency band/filter may have the choice of filter type, centre/cutoff frequency, Q factor/bandwidth, and relative gain (boost/cut). It is the most flexible type of EQ.

The Top 7 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins Are:

1. FabFilter Pro-Q 3
2. Melda MAutoDynamicEq
3. Voxengo PrimeEQ
4. Eiosis AirEQ
5. Tokyo Dawn Records Nova GE
6. DMG Audio EQuilibrium
7. Waves Q10

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 7 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best parametric EQ plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the parametric EQ plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the parametric EQ plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the parametric EQ plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the parametric EQ?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the parametric EQ plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 7 best parametric EQ plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

FabFilter Pro-Q 3

The FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is an excellent fully parametric EQ plugin with up to 24 bands of completely customizable EQ filters.

The Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW

FabFilter Pro-Q 3 is exemplary of the company's world-class plugins. This highly versatile, fully parametric EQ offers incredible sound quality and a beautiful, resizable Retina user interface. Whatever you need in an EQ, the Pro-Q 3 has it (I've added links for more detailed articles on each EQ type/function):

• Linear phase option
• Zero-latency option
• Natural phase option
• Dynamic EQ capabilities
• Per-band mono, mid-side, stereo and surround (up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2) processing
• Intelligent solo feature
• Auto gain option
• Fully customizable spectrum analyzer (Pre-EQ, Post-EQ and external spectrum visualization)

This parametric EQ offers up to 24 user-defined bands. Add bands as you wish and select between 9 different filter shapes with slopes from 6 dB/oct to 96 dB/oct. The high-pass and low-pass filters even have a “brickwall” slope setting. Quickly add and adjust bands within the spectrum analyzer to achieve the exact EQ you need.

The Pro-Q 3 also provides superb EQ match functionality. Other features include optional collision detection for external spectrum visualization, piano roll EQ quantization, various display ranges, phase inversion and output level metering.

In typical FabFilter fashion, the Pro-Q 3 comes with interactive MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B switches, Smart Parameter Interpolation, “Help” documentation with interactive hints, sample-accurate automation, double-click text entry of parameter values and more.

With all of this power and functionality, the Pro-Q 3 uses minimal CPU and memory. Whether you need one instance or several hundred, the Pro Q-3 won't slow you down (unless you're using linear phase).

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 user manual.

Melda MAutoDynamicEq

Melda MAutoDynamicEq, as the name would suggest, is a high-performance automatic EQ plugin with dynamic processing controls. It features 7 fully parametric bands.

The Melda MAutoDynamicEq is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW

This parametric EQ combines dynamic and automatic EQ functionality, making it a super flexible and remarkably powerful plugin.

The sound of the MAutoDynamicEq is unbelievably transparent and musical-sounding, and with so much functionality built into its design, the plugin is especially beautiful.

Within the resizable interface, the MAutoDynamicEq shows the results of your processing along with an integrated analyzer, sonogram, spectrum areas and more.

Automatic equalization is a super powerful tool in the MAutoDynamicEq plugin. This plugin does an amazing job of matching the overall EQ of an audio signal to a defined source. The source could be a predefined analysis, a separate source recording, a user-defined EQ curve or a pre-recorded mixed or mastered track. Set up the auto EQ and let the plugin do its magic, setting up the EQ bands for you.

On the dynamic side of things, the MAutoDynamicEq features expertly crafted dynamic filters complete with sidechain control.

De-essing and bass drum enhancement are made easy without the need to reach for a compressor. This superb plugin can provide the necessary dynamic control while also offering beautiful equalization.

Each of the MAutoDynamicEq's 7 bands is fully parametric, offering frequency, Q, gain and, as mentioned, dynamic controls.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Melda MAutoDynamicEq user manual.

Voxengo PrimeEQ

The Voxengo PrimeEQ is a straightforward yet powerful “drag and drop” style parametric EQ plugin.

The Voxengo PrimeEQ is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW.

Voxengo designed the PrimeEQ to be user-friendly. The user interface is optimized with a differential display to show exactly how each band affects the overall EQ curve. Up to 32 individual parametric filters can be added to and dragged around the display, and there are 13 filter types to choose from.

All control points are adjustable on the overall EQ shape, further improving the already efficient workflow of the PrimeEQ.

This zero-latency equalizer plugin provides a real-time FFT spectrum analyzer for the processed audio. The transparent equalization can shape the sound of individual tracks, stereo signals and busses, and even 5.1 surround formats.

Voxengo has also included a preset manager, undo/redo history, and A/B comparison features to streamline its superb equalization further. If you're ever stuck trying to figure something out in this plugin, there are also contextual hint messages to help you unlock the full potential of this powerful EQ plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Voxengo PrimeEQ user manual.

Eiosis AirEQ

The Eiosis AirEQ is a well-laid-out and user-friendly 7-band parametric EQ plugin designed with musical, technical and sonic excellence.

The Eiosis AirEQ is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW.

Eiosis has developed the AirEQ to be simple, intuitive and fast. This parametric EQ plugin sounds incredible and is remarkably powerful, given its relative simplicity.

This plugin offers transparent EQ and zero-latency processing, affording users high-end equalization in real-time without demanding much CPU. It's deeply impressive as a tracking, mixing and mastering EQ.

The Character parameter of the AirEQ alters the resonance and shape of each band “beyond analog”. Slide the control from Water through Neutral to Fire to a variety of EQ flavours.

• Water: the smoothest sound possible, open and natural, ideal for transparency. Clear highs, compact bass and balanced mids.
• Fire: very tight and focused sound, with punch and impact, ideal for precision. Snappy mids, sharp highs and powerful lows.
• Neutral: the usual equalization curves, perfectly matched to their analog references.

Adjust the low-end and high-end intuitively with the Earth and Air parameters, respectively. Use the strength knob to bring in some of the original signal for easy parallel equalization.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Eiosis AirEQ user manual.

Tokyo Dawn Records Nova GE

The Tokyo Dawn Records Nova is a powerful and highly versatile parametric EQ plugin with impressive functionality.

The Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW

The Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova is a seriously versatile parametric EQ plugin that combines parallel parametric EQ capabilities with a full-featured dynamic processing section.

Needless to say, this superb plugin has plenty of applications. It may not be the most intuitive plugin, but once you understand what's under the hood and how to use it, it becomes a forceful plugin for many tasks.

The drag-and-drop display makes things easy with the Nova GE. Combine this functionality with the classic virtual knobs, and users can quickly dial in parameters in several ways.

This plugin features 4 dynamic EQ bands along with high and low-pass filters. These filters can be utilized for general parametric EQ, dynamic EQ, frequency-selective compression (i.e. de-essing), multiband compression, wideband compression and more.

Use the Mix knob to attain parallel EQ and take full advantage of the preset manager, undo/redo, A/B comparison, detailed documentation, copy & paste, and other top-notch functions.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Tokyo Dawn Records Nova GE user manual.

DMG Audio EQuilibrium

The DMG Audio EQuilibrium is a custom-designed parametric EQ tool for audio professionals, drawing upon 50 years of EQ heritage.

The DMG Audio EQuilibrium is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW.

DMG Audio's EQuilibrium is an excellent user-adaptable parametric EQ with an impressive feature set, capable of handling all critical equalization applications. It demands very little CPU and can be selected to work in FIR mode, Linear, Analogue, Minimum, Zero-Latency Analogue or even Free Phase control.

This plugin has 32 fully parametric bands of EQ with adjustable Q and a ±36 dB gain range. Choose between peak, high-pass, low-pass, shelf, bells or notch filters in digital or analog styles. Use it in stereo, mid-side or even surround sound.

Configure the user interface to benefit your specific workflow. Choose the analyzer style or spectrograph in the display and set up a piano roll for instrument equalization, among many other features.

To cover all the features of this spectacular EQ plugin, I would need an entirely separate article. For more information on this top pick, check out the user manual in the link in the following paragraph.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the DMG Audio EQuilibrium user manual.

Waves Q10

The Waves Q10 is a multiband paragraphic EQ with 10 bands of customizable high-precision equalization.

Waves' Q10 is a superb equalizer for mixing and mastering. It's incredibly precise, easy to use and optimal for subtle colouring and surgical repairing alike.

Users can choose between the classic Legacy or the new Modern user interface to best suit their workflow. Processing control can be selected between 32-bit and double-precision 64-bit processing. Each GUI offers easy access to the well-defined controls of this awesome parametric EQ.

Each of the 10 bands offers 6 different filter types and complete control over the gain, frequency, and Q. The Waves Q10 is configurable either as two independent mono equalizers or as a high-precision stereo equalizer.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves Q10 user manual.

Former Top Digital Parametric EQ Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer.

iZotope Neutron 3 (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The iZotope Neutron 3 (discontinued/upgraded to version 4) was a fully-featured 6-module mixing tool with intelligent Mix Assistant and Track Assistant technology that suggests an overall mix automatically. This super powerful mixing plugin featured all the mixing essentials and includes, of course, a superb parametric EQ. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original publishing year) to 2023.

Compatibility

The iZotope Neutron 3 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats. In addition to the Mix Assistant and Visual Mixer, it features 6 other modules: Sculptor, Transient Shaper, Exciter, Gate, Compressor and, of course, Equalizer.

This genuinely impressive mixing suite has an equally impressive equalizer module. Though we'll focus on the Equalizer module in this article, feel free to check out the Neutron Documentation for more information on the plugin.

This powerful parametric EQ module features 4 different displays: Spectrum analyzer, composite EQ curve, Filter response curve and meter scales. Though we should be relying mostly on our ears when EQing a signal, these visual aids can certainly help us out.

Up to 12 fully parametric bands can be easily added and removed from the EQ, including a high-pass/high-shelf and low-pass/low-shelf filter. Each band features a discrete utility menu with static and dynamic mode controls (except the pass filters), as well as access to Neutron's powerful sidechaining capabilities.

In dynamic mode, each parametric band has its own threshold, direction (upward or downward) and sidechain parameters in addition to the Q, frequency and gain controls. Use the internal/program signal as the sidechain or any external signal to trigger the dynamic EQ bands. The resulting EQ boost or cut will engage as the threshold is passed (can be set above or below).

iZotope Ozone 9 EQ (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The iZotope Ozone 9 Equalizer Module (discontinued/upgraded to version 11) was part of iZotope's famed Ozone mastering suite. Its Equalizer module was among the best of the best parametric EQ plugins. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original publishing year) to 2022.

Compatibility

The iZotope Ozone 9 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.

iZotope's Ozone 9 actually contains three different EQ modules: the Equalizer, Dynamic EQ and Vintage EQ.

The Ozone 9 Equalizer Module is a versatile parametric EQ combining asymmetrical analog-matched filters with high-precision digital linear phase filters. Whether we're the gentle warmth of analog-style EQ or the surgical exactness of digital-style EQ, the Ozone 9 Equalizer will deliver superior results without fail.

Ozone 9's Dynamic EQ features 8 parametric bands of adjustable filters and a variety of filter shapes. Use the Equalizer for the initial shaping of your master, then take advantage of Post-EQ later in the signal chain.

Note that the Vintage EQ is based on the famous Pultec equalizers, which are not fully parametric.

Within the Ozone 9 mastering suite, we can use the Equalizers for the initial shaping of the master bus and follow it up with the Post-EQ later in the signal chain. Of course, the Equalizer Module can also be used on its own to EQ individual tracks or mix buses with superb results.

Use the Ozone 9 in stereo (left/right) or mid-side processing modes to ensure the stereo field is being EQed to your exact liking.

Depending on the desired results, the Ozone 9 Dynamic EQ and Equalizer bands can also be selected as analog minimum-phase IIR filters or digital linear-phase FIT filters. The analog filters mesh together nicely when applied gently and do not create any pre-ringing, though they do cause frequency-dependent phase shifting. The digital filters cost more CPU but are much more clinical and precise and do not cause phase shift (though they are prone to pre-ringing).

Sonible smart:EQ 2 (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The Sonible smart:EQ 2 (discontinued/upgraded to version 4), as the name suggests, was an intelligent parametric EQ plugin. It was featured in this article in 2021 (original publishing year).

Compatibility

The Sonible smart:EQ 2 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.

This intelligent parametric EQ plugin utilizes Sonible's proprietary smart:engine learning engine and artificial intelligence to correct tonal imbalances in audio signals with incredible precision and dependability.

The Sonible smart:EQ 2 effectively analyzes the audio and generates a custom EQ curve to produce a natural-sounding balance.

Though the sonic possibilities are virtually endless, the smart:EQ 2 is incredibly focused on achieving the best results with the fastest workflow. A few parameter adjustments will allow the smart:EQ 2 to augment the detail and clarity of a mix with ease.

Not only is the A.I. expedient in analyzing and producing results, but the intuitive user interface is also a blessing for improving workflow speed. With easily accessible controls and a high-definition analyzer (with pre, post and pre/post settings), we can efficiently get the results we're after in a fraction of the time it would take with classic EQ units.

The smart:EQ 2 offers plenty of filter options and even includes mid-side processing.

The smart:EQ 2 comes with several profiles (presets) for content-aware audio processing and allows users to save their own. These profiles will provide a superb starting point for EQ and adapt to the audio signal in question to generate professional results with a simple click of a button.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 7 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

There are plenty of plugins that aim to emulate analog hardware in an attempt to make digital audio sound more like its [arguably] nicer-sounding analog counterpart.

There are plenty of excellent analog optical compressors and plugin emulations of such compressors. With so many options to choose from, I've compiled what I consider to be the 9 best optical compressor emulation plugins.

What is an optical compressor? An optical compressor is an analog compressor that uses a light element and optical cell to alter the dynamics of an audio signal. As the amplitude of the audio signal increases, the light element emits more light and causes the optical cell to attenuate the amplitude of the output signal.

For more information on optical compressors, check out my article What Is An Optical Compressor & How Does It Work?

The Top 9 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins Are:

1. Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II
2. Cakewalk CA-2A
3. Native Instruments VC 2A
4. IK Multimedia T-RackS Opto-Compressor
5. Waves CLA-2A
6. Brainworx bx_opto
7. Audiority LDC2 Compander
8. Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
9. Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Collection

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 9 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best optical compressor emulation plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the optical compressor emulation plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the optical compressor emulation plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the optical compressor emulation plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the optical compressor emulation effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the optical compressor emulation plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 9 best optical compressor emulation plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II

As the name would suggest, the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II is an emulation of the world-famous Tube-Tech CL 1B optical compressor.

Since 2006, Softube and Tube-Tech's partnership has brought forth many superb plugins. This CL 1B Mk II brings the warm, punchy analog sound of the original and is truly a modern classic.

This optical compressor plugin is a complete ground-up model of the CL 1B Mk II compressor. From the sound of the software to the graphic user interface, this plugin is spot on. In addition to the original controls, Softube has included extra features to make this compressor's legendary character even more versatile.

The standard features are plentiful in this opto compressor emulation. Dial in the Output Volume, Ratio, and Threshold with virtual continuously variable knobs. Set the attack/release controls to one of three settings and fine-tune the time constants with their own virtual knobs.

Select what the VU meter will display (input, compression or output) with a 3-way knob and choose whether the sidechain signal is internal or external.

The parallel blend and sidechain low cut are now standard features on many compressor plugins. Softube offers both features for easy parallel compression and improved compression detection, respectively.

This plugin is also capable of mid-side processing (along with stereo processing), making it even more versatile in DAW applications.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the CB 1B Mk II at Softube.

Cakewalk CA-2A

The Cakewalk CA-2A is a T-Type Leveling Amplifier plugin modelled after the legendary Teletronix LA-2A.

Cakewalk has meticulously modelled the Teletronix LA-2A to program an opto compression plugin that offers the same silky smooth sound as the legendary hardware unit. From the opto-electric gain reduction circuit to the 4 vacuum tubes, this plugin is spot on.

The limited controls of the plugin make it super easy to use, and, like the original, it sounds great on pretty much everything. From tracking to mixing, this zero-latency plugin performs incredibly well.

Choose a softer or harder knee for this largely program-dependent compression via the Compress/Limit switch. Adjust the high-end with the expertly-modelled “R37” HF Pre-emphasis control.

Dial in the Gain and Peak Reduction knobs for the perfect amount of compression and meter one of four options in the virtual VU display: GR (gain reduction), dBFS (decibels full-scale), +4 or +10 dB.

To learn more about decibels (dB), check out my article What Are Decibels? The Ultimate dB Guide For Audio & Sound.

This superb compressor plugin offers up to 40 dB of transparent frequency-dependent compression with relatively slow program-dependent time constants (attack and release times).

Choose between Classic & Fast Reset modes to control the release time to some extent.

The modern functionality of external sidechain control has been included in this amazing optical compressor plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the CA-2A at Cakewalk.

Native Instruments VC 2A

The Native Instruments VC 2A is one of many emulations of the classic LA-2A Leveling Amplifier/optical compressor hardware to make this list.

Native Instruments' VC 2A is an easy-to-use and sonically accurate emulation of the legendary Teletronics LA-2A. It's part of the Vintage Compressors collection that has come about from the successful Native Instruments and Softube collaboration.

Along with the classic program-dependent attack and release controls, this slow-response compressor has an external sidechain input with a variable low-cut (high-pass) filter in the detector path.

Described as smooth and silky, the electro-optical tube compression and limiting of the NI VC 2A is as musical and “vintage-sounding” as the original hardware it aims to emulate.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the VC 2A at Native Instruments.

IK Multimedia T-RackS Opto Compressor

The IK Multimedia T-RackS Opto-Compressor is an optical compressor emulation plugin that affords all the characteristics of an opto compressor without specifically mimicking a specific hardware unit.

We've already spent some time describing the character of optical compression with terms such as “smooth”, “silky”, “transparent”, “slow,” and “vintage”. The T-RackS Opto-Compressor captures all these adjectives in a fantastic stereo opto compressor plugin.

IK's proprietary DSM and SCC modelling have been used to recreate the distinct analog sound of optical compression. However, as we've discussed, this plugin isn't a direct clone of any particular hardware.

This plugin offers 6 simple controls: Input, Ratio, Attack, Release, Compression and Output. Dialling in the perfect amount of opto compression is made easy.

There is no distortion or coloration during gain reduction, and the compression is of a gentle, transparent, and organic sonic nature.

In typical T-RackS fashion, The Opto-Compressor is designed for operational mode with both L/R and M/S channels. Choose linked or independent channel sidechaining with the Link switch.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the T-RackS Opto Compressor at IK Multimedia.

Waves CLA-2A

The Waves CLA-2A is a third emulation of the famous LA-2A Leveling Amplifier.

This plugin version of the LA-2A features all off with Chris Lord-Alge's personal presets, offering a variety of ready-to-go smooth frequency-dependent optical compression options.

Like the original, the CLA-2A has both compressor and limiter modes, a high-frequency sidechain filter, and Gain and Gain Reduction knobs. This super-simple zero-latency plugin presents users with the same beloved character of the original 1960s Teletronix unit.

Users can choose to engage Analog modes in either 50 Hz or 60 Hz for realistic mains hum in the output signal. The VU meter can be set to meter the input, gain reduction or output amounts.

With low total harmonic distortion, variable release times and a distinct program-dependent compression style, the Waves CLA-2A is a top choice for those needing an audio plugin version of the classic LA-2A.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves CLA-2A user manual.

Brainworx bx_opto

The Brainworx bx_opto is a superb opto compressor emulation plugin that offers the best characteristics of optical compression without aiming to recreate the sound of any particular unit.

Brainworx is one of the best when it comes to modelling hardware and creating world-class plugin emulations. The bx_opto compressor is one such example of the superior modelling and meticulous attention to detail Brainworx is known for.

Taking the best aspects and anomalies from top-performing optical compressor circuits, Brainworx has developed a sonically masterful software plugin.

This musical compressor features the typical peak reduction and output controls.

The Speed knob adjusts the compression envelope, altering the attack and release times of the virtual gain reduction circuit. A Mix knob makes for super-simple parallel compression without the need for any mix buses.

The sidechain signal can be manipulated even further with fully sweepable sidechain filters (choose between high-pass, low-pass, band-pass and bell).

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the bx_opto at Plugin Alliance.

Audiority LDC2 Compander

The Audiority LDC2 Compander is a unique opto compressor emulation plugin.

Audiority's LDC2 Compander offers warm, analog-sounding optical compression and expansion with a variety of modelled optical circuits, solid-state diode-based preamplifiers and output stages.

Mix and match the following for optimal optical compression:

• 17 real-time optical circuit models
• Fixed ratio (4:1) Optical Compressor (max. GR of 40 dB)
• Fixed ratio (3:1) Optical Expander (max. GR of 30 dB)

Dial in the compression even further with independent sidechain gain and high-pass filters and utilize the Mix control for easy parallel processing. With zero-latency performance, this plugin is a superb choice for tracking, mixing, mastering and live performances.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Audiority LDC2 Compander user manual.

Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

The Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is a plugin emulation of the superb Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor hardware.

The Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW.

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is an impressively powerful optical compressor and is revered as the “godfather of dynamics control.”

Brainworx has meticulously modelled the legendary hardware circuitry of the Mastering Compressor and has produced one of the greatest compressor plugins on the market in doing so.

The plugin has been approved and endorsed by the founder of Shadow Hills Industries, Peter Reardon.

Of course, adding this plugin to this list is a bit of a stretch. Since it has both an optical gain reduction circuit and a VCA reduction circuit, it's not a “true” optical compressor emulation plugin.

That being said, putting it last on the list, we could consider it as a bonus plugin after the “top 10” we've already discussed.

Sending the signal through both compression stages is a large part of the Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor charm. Adjusting both these stages offers superior control over signal dynamics. With a bit of fine-tuning, this compressor will sound amazing on any source material.

Select between three different modelled output transformers to add extra character to the signal. Nickel adds high-end sparkle, Iron adds mid-range character, and Steel adds additional harmonic distortion.

The Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor works in either stereo or dual-mono modes. Each compression stage features all necessary compression parameters.

In addition to all that functionality, Brainworx went ahead to include Parallel Mix control, a Sidechain Filter and an External Sidechain option in the proprietary toolbar. These controls further enhance an already incredible compressor plugin!

I'd need a whole other article to get through all the features of this incredibly powerful plugin. Please consider checking out the Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor user manual for all the information you'll need.

Check out the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor specifications at Plugin Alliance for more information on system requirements and authorization instructions.

Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Collection

The Universal Audio LA-2A Grey | LA-2A Silver | Original LA-2 are plugin emulations, recreating the variations in character across multiple versions of the legendary Teletronix/Universal Audio LA-2A.

This superb bundle of UAD plugins is the definitive plugin collection of the most famous LA-2A compressor versions.

The history of Universal Audio and Teletronix goes all the way back to the 1960s, as both companies were acquired by Studio Electronics Corporation (which would eventually be rebranded as UREI). Bill Putnam, the founder of Universal Audio, is even credited with manufacturing the Silver version of the hardware.

Universal Audio's first release of a plugin version of the LA-2A came in 2001, which helped set the stage for the company to become one of the biggest names in audio plugins today.

Since then, UAD's modelling has become much more precise, and today, the company offers the most authentic emulations of three distinguished versions of this iconic compressor.

This bundle offers 3 distinct versions of the legendary Teletronix optical compressor:

• LA-2A Grey: manufactured by Jim Lawrence, this version has average time constants, providing excellent medium-speed compression.
• LA-2A Silver: manufactured by Bill Putnam (founder of Universal Audio), this flexible plugin has relatively fast time constants (for an opto-comp). It is suitable for a wide variety of program materials.
• Original LA-2: from the early 1960s, this rare model offers the slowest response and a uniquely mellow style of compression.

Select the best option for your applications and enjoy some of the greatest vintage compression ever in the flexibility of your digital audio workstation.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the UAD Plug-Ins Manual.

Former Top Optical Compressor Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer. Currently, there is only one plugin on this list.

Variety Of Sound ThrillseekerLA (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The Variety Of Sound ThrillseekerLA (discontinued/upgraded to version 2) is a freebie and a rather loose emulation of the LA-2A optical compressor. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original year of publishing) to 2022.

Compatibility

The Variety Of Sound ThrillseekerLA is compatible with Windows OS and comes in the VST format.

This free stereo levelling amplifier plugin offers non-linear analog sonic qualities similar to the renowned LA-2A.

For a variety of smooth feedback compression styles, adjust the Input, Attack, Release, Range (similar to threshold) and Output knobs.

Engage the SC Low-Cut switch to remove low-end information from the sidechain for a more concise triggering of gain reduction. An additional 6dB/octave SC low-cut filter adjustable from 20 to 500Hz with a virtual knob.

This modernized plugin features external sidechain support along with a variety of colour-inducing options.

Adjust saturation in a designated spectrum by engaging an optional modelled transformer and control the amount of total harmonic distortion with a horizontal slider. The Interstage switch offers even more subtle distortion to the output.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 9 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

Stereo imaging is also considered an important tool in the audio engineer's toolbox (when mixing in stereo, which is common).

Then, it would make sense that a stereo imaging plugin would be a worthy investment for mixing engineers. With plenty of options on the market, I've collected what I believe to be the best 9 stereo imaging plugins on the market today.

Note that we won't be discussing doublers or delay plugins in this article, though they are certainly great choices for adding additional width to a mono or stereo signal.

The Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins Are:

1. MeldaProduction MStereoProcessor
2. CredlandAudio Stereo Savage
3. iZotope Ozone Imager 2
4. Waves S1 Stereo Imager
5. Polyverse Music Wider 2.0
6. Alex Hilton A1StereoControl
7. Brainworx bx_stereomaker
8. Nugen Audio Stereoizer
9. Waves PS22 X-split

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 9 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best stereo imaging plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the stereo imaging plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the stereo imaging plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the stereo imaging plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the stereo imaging effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the stereo imaging plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 9 best stereo imaging plugins in greater detail.

Related article: Is Stereo Or Mono Audio Better? (Applications For Both).

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

MeldaProduction MStereoProcessor

The MeldaProduction MStereoProcessor is an advanced mastering multiband stereo analyzer and enhancer plugin.

The MStereoProcessor is highly functional yet straightforward, allowing users to easily control the stereo image and the necessary depth and space perception. It offers 4 separate bands and 3 crossover types, with each band providing its own width control and an aural exciter for additional clarity.

Integrated analyzers (Default, Mid and Side) present accurate visual information regarding the output stereo profile, thereby improving decision-making with an objective representation of the stereo image. Easy-to-read meters show the input, output and width of the output.

Automatic gain compensation makes this plugin a joy to work with, especially on master channels. The plugin quickly adapts to current settings and ensures the output sounds as loud as the input, even as users toggle through various presets.

The A/B comparison featured is also remarkably advanced with the MStereoProcessor. It features 8 instances (A through H) that can be quickly and easily switched between. The first 4 slots (A through D) can even be morphed via an X-Y pad, allowing for a unique interpolated blend of various stereo width settings.

Additionally, you can easily check by listening that your recording is mono-compatible and what the stereo content actually is.

The MStereoProcessor also looks as excellent as it sounds with its advanced GUI engine. The beautiful GUI Accelerated interface utilizes GPU to run fast. It can be resized and styled to the liking of the user for optimal workflow.

Other noteworthy features of the powerful MeldaProduction MStereoProcessor include:

• Up to 16x upsampling
• Integrated help system
• Safety limiter
• MIDI learn
• Multiparameters
• Global preset management and online preset exchange

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the MStereoProcessor support page at MeldaProduction.

CredlandAudio Stereo Savage

The CredlandAudio Stereo Savage is a versatile plugin capable of turning mono sources into stereo signals, complex panning and controlling other stereo image parameters.

CredlandAudio's Stereo Savage is a powerful yet easily navigated plugin. As mentioned, it does a superb job of turning mono sources into stereo signals. It's also a rather advanced panning plugin, offering additional adjustments unavailable in typical channel strips.

In terms of stereo widening, the Stereo Savage offers a simple Width knob in addition to its Pan, Rotation and Level controls. Dial in the perfect amount of stereo width in seconds and utilize the bass bypass feature to maintain superb mono compatibility.

To make the plugin even better, CredlandAudio includes modulation and optional Vox, Delay and Expand effects modelled after modern and classic tools. Use these subtle tools to allow the stereo field of your track(s) to shine truly.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the StereoSavage user manual.

iZotope Ozone Imager 2

The iZotope Ozone Imager 2 is a stereo imager included as a module in iZotope's industry-leading Ozone mastering suite.

iZotope's Imager 2 is a relatively simple plugin. The basic version works on the entire signal at once, while the Ozone Standard and Advanced versions work with up to 4 independent frequency bands.

The integrated Vectorscope and Correlation meters offer invaluable visual feedback for the mastering process, including Polar vectorscope modes and a Stereo Balance meter. With immersive, fluid visuals and full resizability, this stereo imager looks as amazing as it sounds.

Whether we're after a super-wide stereo field or a narrow, nearly mono output, the Imager 2 delivers with stunning clarity. Mono compatibility can be easily achieved in multiband versions by tightening up the low end and expanding the high end.

The two Stereoize functions can turn mono into stereo without the need for reverb or doubling. Use the new Stereoize II mode for a subtle enhancement or Stereoize I for a colourful phasing effect.

As a standalone insert or as part of the Ozone mastering suite, the Imager 2 is undoubtedly one of the best stereo imager plugins on the market today.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Imager V2 system requirements webpage at iZotope.

Waves S1 Stereo Imager

The Waves S1 Stereo Imager is a unique and powerful set of tools that uses psycho-acoustic spatial imaging techniques to enhance and alter stereo separation.

This powerful Waves plugin is a superb choice for individual stereo tracks and full mixes alike. Featuring Shuffler, Imager and MS Matrix components, the S1 is a powerful tool for achieving all your stereo width goals. This 3-in-1 plugin actually has 4 distinct components. They are:

• S1 Shuffler: the full plug-in, with all controls, including Width, Rotation, Asymmetry, and Shuffling, plus all channel controls (phase, gain, etc.), and does not count clips. It's perfect for:
  • Mastering
  • Fixing off-centre or unbalanced mixes
  • Precision image adjustment
  • Changing wide-band width
  • Expanding low-frequency image
  • Rotating true stereo sources without collapsing the image
  • Creating strong anti-phase content
• S1 Shuffler (48): the full mastering plug-in (TDM only) in 48-bit double-precision resolution
• S1 Imager: omits the Shuffler and Bass trim controls (saves processing power if Shuffling is not needed)
• S1 MS: a simple MS converter/matrix that converts left-right input into MS output or vice versa

If you require a fully functional stereo width plugin, I highly suggest giving the Waves S1 a shot, especially when it goes on sale!

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the S1 Imager user manual.

Polyverse Music Wider 2.0

The Polyverse Music Wider 2.0 takes the popular stereo width section from the company's Manipulator Pitch Shifter plugin and offers it in its own plugin.

Polyverse Music's Wider is designed to create the illusion of an expanded stereo image of a mono signal while maintaining full mono compatibility. Any signal widened by the Wider will always remain in phase with itself when summed to mono.

To do so, Polyverse has programmed a one-of-a-kind all-pass and comb filtering algorithm. This specialized algorithm produces a natural-sounding stereo image from a mono channel without compromising the phase between the sides.

This super simple plugin has a single control and can increase the stereo image of any mono signal up to 200% of full stereo for an extra-wide, exaggerated effect. With a stamp of approval from the experimental electronic music duo Infected Mushroom, you can count on this user-friendly freebie to get superb and interesting results.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out Wider 2.0 at Polyverse Music.

Alex Hilton A1StereoControl

The Alex Hilton A1StereoControl is a versatile yet easy-to-use stereo imager plugin, and it's absolutely free!

The entire stereo widening (or limiting) control of the A1StereoControl is available using a single knob. All other controls aim to enhance the stereo expansion/compression while mitigating any all-to-familiar unwanted side effects.

The A1StereoControl has an integrated “Safe Bass” algorithm to centre all bass frequencies below an adjustable value to the middle of the stereo field with minimal effort.

Its expert mode opens up the doors for more creative stereo widening, allowing users access to different “pan laws” (0db, -3db, -6db), different pan curves (linear, logarithmic, sin/cos), as well as classic “balance” mode or “dual panning”.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the downloads webpage at A1Audio.

Brainworx bx_stereomaker

The Brainworx bx_stereomaker is a superb frequency-optimized mid-side upmixer capable of converting any mono signal to stereo while keeping it 100% mono-compatible.

By creating a virtual side (S) signal with analog-style filters, Brainworx's superior M/S stereo algorithms can effectively produce the illusion of enhanced width on any mono signal. By using filters, the focus of the pseudo-stereo widening effect can even be focused on particular frequency bands.

Adjust the stereo-width added to the mono source signal from 0% to 300% while maintaining mono compatibility; use the Hi-Damp shelving filter to keep the image warm and, if you're feeling extra experimental, solo the virtual side signal of the track within the mix.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the bx_stereomaker user manual.

Nugen Audio Stereoizer

The Nugen Audio Stereoizer is a mono-compatible stereo width plugin that works equally as well with mono signals as it does stereo signals.

Nugen Audio's Stereoizer has been designed to sound amazing in stereo (of course) and mono. It can be used to add natural sounding width and depth to both mono or stereo signals, leaving the character of the source intact. It can also be pushed to the extremes for super-wide imaging.

This plugin keeps total mono compatibility and does not cause any artifacts. The advanced algorithms of the Stereoizer adapt to the audio using techniques based on natural human hearing. IID (Interaural Intensity Difference), ITD (Interaural Time Difference) and Linear Width algorithms all work independently of each other to ensure maximal flexibility and superior sonic performance across the panorama.

Check mono compatibility easily with the ‘Collapse output to mono' option to ensure the plugin is doing its job.

In addition to improving the stereo width of individual tracks and mixing at large, the Nugen Audio Stereoizer also excels at taming eccentric material and revamping old recordings, all while helping to strengthen the centre image while enhancing stereo information.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Stereoizer user manual.

Waves PS22 X-split

The Waves PS22 X-split is a top-level mono-to-stereo plugin.

Waves' PS22 X-split offers a superb set of controls for creating convincing stereo results from a mono source. True stereo signals can also be used to synthesize a richer stereo effect from existing true stereo (mono left + mono right) material.

This “pseudo-stereo” effect is a perfect choice for psycho-acoustic spatial enhancement and phase compensation. It retains mono compatibility and the original frequency response on the mono signal.

With left/right or MS meter monitoring, the X-split offers a variety of parameters to dial in the perfect stereo effect. Panning and rotating of the signal are made easy. A second stage offers parameters to control the stereo spread across the frequency spectrum and how certain bands will be affected by such stereo spread.

With tonal neutrality and ultra-low phase cancellation, the PS22 X-split creates a smooth spreading of sounds across the stereo stage. Users can quickly access professional results via the plugin presets or dive into the immersive technical document that is the user manual to master the concepts of the plugin and produce exact results themselves.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the PS22 Stereo Maker user manual.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

When used consciously as an effect, distortion is also considered an important tool in the audio engineer's toolbox. With so many distortion plugins on the market, 10 stand out as being top performers.

What is the audio distortion effect? The “distortion” effect in audio is produced by hard-clipping the input signal through transistor-based or tube-based circuits. Distortion is the most common on electric guitars but also suits many other instruments.

In this article, we'll discuss the top 10 best distortion plugins.

The Top 10 Best Distortion Plugins Are:

1. Soundtoys Decapitator
2. Ohm Force Ohmicide
3. FabFilter Saturn 2
4. Dada Life Sausage Fattener
5. Waves OneKnob Driver
6. Native Instruments Driver
7. AudioThing Wave Box
8. kiloHearts Faturator
9. Kuassa Efektor DS3603
10. Universal Audio Distortion Essentials Bundle

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 10 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best distortion plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the distortion plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the distortion plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the distortion plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the distortion effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the distortion plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 10 best distortion plugins in greater detail.

Related article: Top 11 Best Distortion Pedals For Guitar & Bass

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Soundtoys Decapitator

The Soundtoys Decapitator is a popular distortion plugin with 5 different analog distortion models.

The Soundtoys Decapitator is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW.

As the second Soundtoys plugin to grace this list, the Decapitator is a relatively straightforward hardware-modelled distortion plugin, given its superb versatility. From subtle saturation to extreme breakup, this plugin will get you the distortion your tracks need.

Bringing the best analog distortion to the digital realm, the Decapitator adds character in 5 distinct styles. It allows users to process distortion in parallel with the original dry signal via the Mix knob. The 5 styles are as follows:

• A: modelled after the Ampex 350 tape drive preamp
• E: modelled after the Chandler/EMI TG Channel
• N: modelled after the Neve 1057 input channel
• T: modelled after Thermionic Culture Culture Vulture triode setting
• P: modelled after Thermionic Culture Culture Vulture pentode setting

These analog distortion styles have been programmed with a natural-sounding changing response indicative of real analog hardware. The Punish button can be engaged to push any of the styles beyond typical distortion, which kicks in an extra chunk of gain to produce extreme results.

Shape the contour of the distortion with analog-modelled tone control, low cut and high cut filters to really dial in the perfect saturation/distortion for any track in any situation.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Soundtoys Decapitator user manual.

Ohm Force Ohmicide

The Ohm Force Ohmicide is an awe-inspiring 4-band distortion plugin offering more than 80 professional-level distortion models.

Ohmicide is a popular distortion plugin and for a good reason. With 4 bands, over 80 distortion models and a wide variety of adjustable parameters, the sky's the limit in terms of distortion character.

Each independent distortion band has its own noise gate, dynamics, distortion, feedback, and mixer and can be set anywhere between classic to extremely harsh tones.

Choose an algorithm and dial in the desired effect, or choose from thousands of presets to get you exactly what you need.

In conjunction with Ohm Force's Melohman technology, the Ohmicide features full MIDI compatibility to command preset changes via a hardware controller, with 7 different modes, with the possibility of customizing the morphing speed, making it equally at home in the studio and on the stage.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Ohm Force FAQ Page.

FabFilter Saturn 2

The FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband saturation plugin with 28 different distortion styles.

The FabFilter Saturn 2 is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW.

FabFilter is one of the top boutique plugin manufacturers in the world. Their feature-rich plugins offer amazing sound quality. The Saturn 2 exemplifies the brand's excellence, delivering everything from subtle warmth to the wildest multiband guitar amp distortion.

Inspired by the vintage sound of tubes, tape, transformers and guitar amps, the Saturn 2 provides a whopping 28 different distortion styles. Each of up to 6 bands can have its own distortion style with independent feedback, dynamics, drive, tone and modulation controls.

The superb distortion of the FabFilter Saturn 2 can be easily modulated for impressive results.

Virtually unlimited modulation possibilities of the crossover frequencies, dynamics, band levels and tone controls are made possible with built-in XLFOs, EGs, XY controllers/sliders, envelope followers and MIDI sources.

With drag-and-drop functionality with a 50-slot modulation matrix, modulation has never been easier!

The plugin also works well on the mastering chain, as it's fully capable of subtle saturation and optional linear phase processing. Add warmth to the master channel without overly affecting important phase relationships and waveform characteristics.

In typical FabFilter fashion, the Saturn 2 comes with interactive MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B switches, Smart Parameter Interpolation, “Help” documentation with interactive hints, sample-accurate automation, double-click text entry of parameter values and more.

Here are a few more noteworthy specifications of the superb FabFilter Saturn 2 plugin:

• Adjustable crossover slope (6, 12, 24 or 48 dB/oct)
• Live modulation visualization for targets and sources
• Optional HQ modes:
  • (8x oversampling)
  • Superb (32x oversampling)
• Interactive multiband display
• Supports common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces
• Mid/side processing
• Various interface sizes and Full-Screen mode
• GPU-powered graphics acceleration
• Unique per-component presets
• Interactive MIDI Learn
• Carefully designed and curated Factory Presets, plus the support of V1 presets
• Per-band solo and mute options
• Smart Parameter Interpolation
• Extensive help file with interactive help hints
• Undo/redo
• A/B comparison

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Saturn 2 user manual.

Dada Life Sausage Fattener

The Dada Life Sausage Fattener, developed by Tailored Noise, is a super-simple yet wildly popular distortion/compression plugin.

With only 2 knobs, Dada Life's Sausage Fattener is super easy to use. Insert it on a track (or several) and quickly dial in the Fatness knob for overall compression and Color knob for tone.

From moderate compression to pleasing saturation to dirty distortion, the Sausage Fattener hastily gets you a variety of distortion effects.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Sausage Fattener user manual.

Waves OneKnob Driver

The Waves OneKnob Driver is even simpler than the Sausage Fattener with only a single knob. Waves Audio has created something truly amazing with this easy-to-use distortion plugin.

Waves OneKnob Driver has been inspired by famed guitar overdrive pedals, especially those that can provide everything from light overdrive to full-on distortion.

Of course, the OneKnob Driver isn't restricted to guitar guitars. It sounds incredible on nearly everything you could think of putting it on.

Related overdrive pedal articles:
• Guitar Pedals: Boost Vs. Overdrive Vs. Distortion Vs. Fuzz
• Top 10 Best Overdrive Pedals For Guitar & Bass

As part of Waves' OneKnob Series, the Driver (as the name would suggest) is controlled by a single knob. The OneKnob Driver has been designed with the best of Waves award-winning audio processes, coupled with the simplest, most intuitive interfaces ever.

Expedient and sonically powerful, the OneKnob Driver is certainly a distortion plugin worth checking out for yourself.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the OneKnob Driver user manual.

Native Instruments Driver

The Native Instruments Driver is a creative distortion plugin with superb modulation capabilities.

Native Instruments' Driver offers a variety of amazing textures, from subtle to devastating. It combines distortion with EQ/filtering and audio modulation to add dynamic motion to flat-sounding audio, bringing productions to life one instance at a time.

The smooth filter section offers a wide range of effects, from super-subtle to exceptionally rich, while two modulation sources allow for creative textural shifts. The distortion section is proficient in everything from light saturation to complete sonic destruction.

Together, the sections of the NI Driver make up one amazing distortion plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Driver at Native Instruments.

AudioThing Wave Box

The AudioThing Wave Box is a rather involved dynamic dual waveshaper capable of fantastic symmetrical and asymmetrical distortion.

Wave Box features 2 separate waveshapers that can be mixed together while being modulated by 2 LFOs and 1 Envelope Follower.

Unique waveshaping curves are user-defined by combining and adjusting 12 pre-defined shaping functions (tanh, erf, sinh, sin, linear, abs, invert, floor, round, ceil, gauss 1, gauss 2).

From mild tube-flavoured overdrive to extreme digital harshness, the AudioThing Wave Box does it all!

The Wave Box's distortion can be further refined with a built-in pre or post-waveshaping filter section offering low-pass, band-pass, high-pass and notch filters. With oversampling up to 16x, the plugin can be set to provide only the “good” distortion.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Wave Box user manual.

kiloHearts Faturator

The kiloHearts Faturator is a straightforward distortion plugin with simple controls, making it easy to dial in the perfect amount of distortion on any given source.

As is the case with all great distortion plugins, the Faturator's effect ranges from a subtle and warm gritty character to heavy saturation and digital fuzz. However, unlike many distortion effects, this kiloHearts plugin is able to preserve the dynamics of that audio and work its wonders on it regardless of input gain.

Adjust the Drive, Fuzz and Color bars to achieve the most desirable distortion and take advantage of the Mix control for parallel distortion effects.

In addition to the wide variety of distorted tones, the plugin also offers a stereo width control to widen stereo signals.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Faturator user manual.

Kuassa Efektor DS3603

The Kuassa Efektor DS3603 is a versatile distortion plugin with 5 different types of distortion available and easy-to-use yet adaptable parameter control.

The DS3603 provides 5 superb distortion algorithms, ensuring a perfect distortion sound for any situation. Users can choose between:

• Lead Distortion: ringing mids for screaming leads
• Heavy Distortion: penetrates from mild to heavy
• Metal Distortion: dark and thick, the solid metal gear
• Classic Distortion: singing leads and rockin’ hard
• Pro Distortion: fat and sharp edge for your tone

Clipping the input signal by increasing the signal to maximum overload allows the Kuassa Efektor DS3603 to achieve its musical distortion while preserving the characteristics of the original sound. Of course, this process can be pushed to the extreme as well, thereby removing any semblance of the original signal.

Choose an algorithm and set the independent Gain, Tone, and Output volume controls to produce the perfect distortion for your track(s). Use A/B comparison, and Dry-Wet controls to ensure you're getting the best sound out of this flexible distortion plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Efektor DS3603 at Kuassa.

Universal Audio Distortion Essentials Bundle

The Universal Audio Distortion Essentials Bundle is a three-for-one on this list. It includes 3 different stompbox emulation plugins: The Raw distortion, TS overdrive and Bermuda fuzz/distortion effects.

Each of these classic emulations features Universal Audio's Unison technology, giving you the individual touch, tone, and feel of these prized stompboxes.

UAD TS Overdrive

The TS Overdrive is an emulation of the famous Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 overdrive pedal, offering beautiful dynamic, touch-sensitive distortion and throaty midrange.

Versions of the Ibanez Tube Screamer are featured in My New Microphone's Top 10 Best Overdrive Pedals For Guitar & Bass.

Ibanez is featured in top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!

UAD Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle is an emulation of the famous Electro-Harmonix Big Muff fuzz pedal, offering powerfully fat sustain, aggressive attack, and an over-the-top sonic personality.

Versions of the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff are featured in My New Microphone's Top 12 Best Fuzz Pedals For Guitar & Bass.

Electro-Harmonix is featured in top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!

UAD Raw Distortion

The Raw Distortion is an emulation of the famous Pro Co Rat distortion pedal, offering superb dynamic and tonal range, smoothness, and heaping amounts of gain.

The Pro Co Rat is featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Distortion Pedals For Guitar & Bass.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the UAD Plug-Ins Manual.

Former Top Distortion Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer.

iZotope Trash 2 (Discontinued)

The iZotope Trash 2 is a highly functional multiband distortion/saturation plugin with a whopping 60 different distortion algorithms. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original year of publication) to 2022.

Compatibility

The iZotope Trash 2 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, AU and VST formats.

iZotope's Trash 2 is arguably the most creative distortion/saturation plugin ever produced. It is versatile enough for any situation and ranges from subtle to extreme distortion, with practically every creative sonic possibility in between.

The plugin's 4-band dual-stage distortion signal path includes over 60 different distortion algorithms (in addition to the user-definable graphic waveshaper option). With advanced filtering and dynamic effects, Trash 2 offers immediate sonic transformation.

Along with the 60+ distortion algorithms, this iZotope plugin also offers over 20 selectable filter types, along with versatile oscillators on each band. This is a super high-functioning distortion plugin.

Other noteworthy features of the iZotope Trash 2 include:

• Realistic speaker and space simulation
• Amp, device, cabinet, effect, and speaker modelling
• 100 impulse responses with the Convolve module
• Delay module
• Dynamics module
• Pre-distortion filter (with 20+ evocative filter types)
• Post-distortion filter (with 20+ evocative filter types)
• 2 LFO-enabled EQ filters
• Output limiter
• Expansion Libraries: Over 100 additional Trash 2 patches

Camel Audio Camel Crusher (Discontinued/Defunct Company)

Camel Audio's Camel Crusher (disconitnued/defunct company), if you can find it, can easily become a go-to distortion plugin for your DAW. It is a simple yet effective distortion plugin. However, since Apple acquired Camel Audio in 2015, the plugin has ceased to exist for official sale or download. Indeed, this plugin was out of production when this article was first published in 2021.

Compatibility

The Camel Audio Camel Crusher is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.

The Camel Audio Alchemy synthesizer has been incorporated into Apple's Logic Pro DAW. Similarly, certain aspects of the Camel Crusher have been added to Apple's extensive database of audio programs.

However, there is no clear transfer of the plugin into the Logic Pro DAW, per se.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 10 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

Saturation is an essential tool in the audio engineer's toolbox when dealing with digital audio, which is sterile and clean relative to analog. With so many saturation plugins on the market, 10 stand out as being top performers.

What is saturation? Saturation is an audio effect fusing soft-knee/program-dependent compression with harmonic generation/distortion. It has the effect of producing and enhancing a signal's harmonic profile in a sonically pleasing way. Saturation is achieved naturally with tubes and tape or digitally with plugins.

The Top 10 Best Saturation Plugins Are:

1. FabFilter Saturn 2
2. Softube Harmonics | Saturation Knob | Tape
3. Klanghelm SDRR
4. Waves J37 Tape
5. D16 Group Redoptor 2
6. Soundtoys Radiator
7. Soundtoys Decapitator
8. Sonnox Oxford Inflator
9. Unique Recording Software URS Saturation
10. Brainworx bx_saturator V2

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 10 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best saturation plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the saturation plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the saturation plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the saturation plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the saturation effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the saturation plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 10 best saturation plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

FabFilter Saturn 2

The FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband saturation plugin with 28 different distortion styles.

The FabFilter Saturn 2 is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW.

FabFilter is one of the top boutique plugin manufacturers in the world. Their feature-rich plugins offer amazing sound quality. The Saturn 2 exemplifies the brand's excellence, delivering everything from subtle warmth to the wildest multiband guitar amp distortion.

Inspired by the vintage sound of tubes, tape, transformers and guitar amps, the Saturn 2 provides a whopping 28 different distortion styles. Each of up to 6 bands can have its own distortion/saturation style with independent feedback, dynamics, drive, tone and modulation controls.

The superb saturation/distortion of the FabFilter Saturn 2 can be easily modulated for impressive results.

Virtually unlimited modulation possibilities of the crossover frequencies, dynamics, band levels and tone controls are made possible with built-in XLFOs, EGs, XY controllers/sliders, envelope followers and MIDI sources.

With drag-and-drop functionality with a 50-slot modulation matrix, modulation has never been easier!

The plugin also works well on the mastering chain, as it's fully capable of subtle saturation and optional linear phase processing. Add warmth to the master channel without overly affecting important phase relationships and waveform characteristics.

In typical FabFilter fashion, the Saturn 2 comes with interactive MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B switches, Smart Parameter Interpolation, “Help” documentation with interactive hints, sample-accurate automation, double-click text entry of parameter values and more.

Here are a few more noteworthy specifications of the superb FabFilter Saturn 2 plugin:

• Adjustable crossover slope (6, 12, 24 or 48 dB/oct)
• Live modulation visualization for targets and sources
• Optional HQ modes:
  • (8x oversampling)
  • Superb (32x oversampling)
• Interactive multiband display
• Supports common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces
• Mid/side processing
• Various interface sizes and Full-Screen mode
• GPU-powered graphics acceleration
• Unique per-component presets
• Interactive MIDI Learn
• Carefully designed and curated Factory Presets, plus the support of V1 presets
• Per-band solo and mute options
• Smart Parameter Interpolation
• Extensive help file with interactive help hints
• Undo/redo
• A/B comparison

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Saturn 2 user manual.

Softube Harmonics | Saturation Knob | Tape

At number 2 on this list, we have a three-for-one. Each of these Softube plugins offers superb saturation in its own right. I've cheated a bit in an attempt to pack as much value as possible into this top 11 (you can think of it as a “top 13” if you'd like).

Let's begin with the Harmonics before moving on to the Saturation Knob and Tape.

Softube Harmonics

The Softube Harmonics is a saturation plugin with 5 component-modelled distortion sounds.

Softube's Harmonics is a smart saturation plugin that uses Revolutionary' Dynamic Transient Control' technology to track incoming signal dynamics and react to the dynamics according to DTC parameters (when engaged).

Additionally, Harmonics offers low and high-pass filters (pre and post-distortion), wet/dry knob for parallel mix control, and THD (total harmonic drive) metering, allowing users to define the perfect amount of saturation or distortion for each and every track in which the plugin is inserted.

I have a video dedicated to parallel saturation if you're interested:

The 5 superb component-modelled distortion/saturation types are Solid, Transformer, Master, Tube and Modern. Control each of these excellent flavours of saturation with the Drive and Character knobs.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out Harmonics at Softube.

Softube Saturation Knob

The Softube Saturation Knob is a freebie that offers three modelled distortion modes. It works as a standalone plugin and as part of Softube's Modular virtual Eurorack platform.

This free plugin is very straightforward but sounds incredible. Whether it's as an insert or as part of Modular, the Saturation Knob brings easily-dialled saturation to any digital audio workstation.

The plugin has a single knob and a three-way switch to choose between 3 different kinds of distortion/saturation: Keep High, Neutral and Keep Low. The Keep High mode “keeps” the high-end relatively clean while distorting the low-end, while the Keep Low does the opposite. Neutral mode offers saturation/distortion across the frequency spectrum.

As a quick, easy and free way of adding weight and colour to your tracks, look no further than the Softube Saturation Knob.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out Saturation Knob at Softube.

Softube Tape

The Softube Tape is a tape saturation emulation plugin with 3 different tape machine types.

This straightforward tape saturation plugin from Softube provides realistic analog sound, adding cohesion and warmth to individual tracks and mixes at large. Its straightforward design has 3 distinct tape machine types (A, B and C). For quick and easy saturation, choose a tape machine and dial in the Amount knob or, alternatively, choose from the superb presets.

• Type A emulates a precise and linear high-end Swiss reel-to-reel machine
• Type B emulated a colourful transformer-based machine
• Type C emulates a vintage-style British tape machine

Additional control is to be had in the back end, where users can adjust tape speed settings, stability, and crosstalk amount, as well as a mastering grade high shelf filter, stability control, wet/dry mix knob and more.

PreSonus Studio One users are in luck with the Softube Tape since it includes Tape Multitrack, which can be used in the MixFX slot of Presonus Studio One. This means that individual channel crosstalk and single interface control of all tracks are made easy within the DAW.

PreSonus Studio One is featured in My New Microphone's Top 7 Best Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) On The Market.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out Tape at Softube.

Klanghelm SDRR

The Klanghelm SDRR is a superb saturation plugin with 4 distinct modes.

Klanghelm's comprehensive SDRR saturation plugin offers incredible flexibility to ensure the resulting saturation will work perfectly with any audio source in any mix. This saturation plugin has 4 main modes, each of which can be altered by an impressive set of control parameters. The 4 modes are:

• Tube: consists of two different models of a two-stage tube preamplifier
• Digi: designed to precisely add even and/or odd harmonics to program material
• Fuzz: consists of two different models of classic germanium fuzz stompboxes
• Desk: flexible mixing desk channel strip plugin with just a few controls

Related article: Top 12 Best Fuzz Stompbox Pedals For Guitar & Bass.

Each mode has its own unique crosstalk behaviour and reacts dynamically to the input signal to impart its distinct flavour of saturation.

With an impressive collection of parameter controls, the SDRR is an amazing saturation plugin but can also act as a compressor, an EQ, a bit-crusher and a stereo widener.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Klanghelm SDRR user manual.

Waves J37 Tape

The Waves J37 Tape is a tape saturation plugin modelled after the EMI-modified Studer J37 4-track tape machine from Abbey Road Studio. It has been developed in association with Abbey Road Studio.

The Waves J37 is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW.

The Waves Abbey Road J37 tape emulation plugin provides stunning analog warmth, delivering a level of hardware realism never before experienced “in the box.” It offers an impressive number of controls, including Tape Speed, Bias, Noise, Saturation, Wow and Flutter, Low-pass Filter and High-Pass Filter. This plugin is subtle yet powerful when it comes to adding realistic tape saturation to digital audio.

With 3 exclusive EMI-developed oxide tape formulas modelled, the J37 brings 3 unique frequency responses and harmonic distortion characteristics with a single plugin. Waves has included a comprehensive tape delay unit with a sync control to improve upon an already stunning design further.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves J37 Tape user manual.

D16 Group Redoptor 2

The D16 Group Redoptor 2 is an excellent plugin designed to emulate the organic sound of vintage tube saturation.

D16 Group perfectly emulates the character of a tube amplifier being pushed to break up with its Redoptor 2 plugin.

The Redoptor 2 smoothly responds to the dynamics of the source material, just like a real tube amp, adding both odd and even harmonics to the signal in a sonically pleasing way.

Louder signals get saturated more aggressively with plentiful harmonics and gradually return to their clean state as they decay. This natural tube-style saturation emulated by the Redopter 2 provides superb dynamic distortion.

On top of expertly modelled vacuum tube circuits, the D16 Group Redoptor 2 offers several powerful and interactive parameters.

Adjust the tube bias parameter to add subtle amplification of even harmonics and gentle transient reshaping.

Set the preamp's frequency range, set the high and low cutoff points before or after the signal is processed and engage the 4-band parametric equalizer for advanced tone shaping.

This stereo plugin offers independent stereo channel processing without cross-bleed. Taming the dynamics is made easy with the inclusion of a pre-gain compressor module and master output limiter.

This powerful saturation plugin will get you whatever style of tube saturation you're after with stunning results, and with two alternative GUI sizes, it looks great while doing so!

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Redoptor 2 user manual.

Soundtoys Radiator

The Soundtoys Radiator is a straightforward saturation plugin modelled after the classic Altec 1567A tube mixer from the 1960s.

Soundtoys' Radiator is a dual drive tube input channel and EQ.

The hardware it emulates is a coloured and gritty 1960s rack-mounted five-input tube mixer with a massive 97 dB of gain, removable transformers and a simple 2-knob EQ (with bass and treble control).

Indeed, the Altec 1567A was a distinctive part of the Motown sound from that era.

The warmth and punch of the Altec 1567A are made possible in the box with the Soundtoys Radiator. It, too, has input, output, bass and treble controls. It also has a mix knob for parallel processing.

The plugin also has a switch to emulate the inherent noise of the original or not, along with an input level switch between mic level and line level.

So, although this plugin isn't explicitly labelled as a saturator, you can be sure that its colourful tube circuit emulation will yield top-level saturation.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Soundtoys Radiator user manual.

Soundtoys Decapitator

The Soundtoys Decapitator is a popular saturation plugin with 5 different analog saturation models.

The Soundtoys Decapitator is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW.

As a second Soundtoys plugin to grace this list, the Decapitator is a relatively straightforward hardware-modelled saturation plugin, given its superb versatility. From subtle to extreme, this plugin will get you the saturation your tracks need.

Bringing the best of analog saturation, the Decapitator adds character in 5 distinct styles and allows users to process this character in parallel with the original signal via the Mix knob. The 5 styles are as follows:

• A: modelled after the Ampex 350 tape drive preamp
• E: modelled after the Chandler/EMI TG Channel
• N: modelled after the Neve 1057 input channel
• T: modelled after Thermionic Culture Culture Vulture triode setting
• P: modelled after Thermionic Culture Culture Vulture pentode setting

These analog saturation styles have been programmed with a natural-sounding changing response indicative of real analog hardware.

The Punish button can be engaged to push any of the styles beyond typical saturation, which kicks in an extra chunk of gain to produce extreme saturation.

Shape the contour of the saturation with analog-modelled tone control, low cut and high cut filters to really dial in the perfect saturation/distortion for any track in any situation.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Soundtoys Decapitator user manual.

Sonnox Oxford Inflator

The Sonnox Oxford Inflator is a unique plugin for increasing loudness without sacrificing sonic quality or dynamic range. It utilizes gain and tube-like musical saturation to boost the perceived loudness of the source material.

As Sonnox's best-selling plugin, the Oxford Inflator is a popular and easy-to-use plugin that simply makes audio sound better, increasing perceived loudness and adding life to the tracks it's inserted on. With a simple layout and easy controls, it's no wonder it's such a well-received plugin.

Though it's not marketed specifically as a saturation plugin, the Inflator does utilize saturation as it works its magic, increasing loudness without sacrificing sonic quality or dynamic range.

By utilizing saturation, the Oxford Inflator is able to do its job, satisfying amateurs and professionals alike.

Of course, the plugin can work subtly. However, when driven harder, it delivers tube-like musical saturation and provides the ‘sonic glue' needed to “glue” mixes together for professional results.

This plugin can even add apparent dynamic range to previously clipped signals and can be run in Flexible Direct and Band-split modes.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Oxford Inflator user manual.

Unique Recording Software URS Saturation

The Unique Recording Software URS Saturation is a powerful, user-friendly saturation plugin with several high-quality saturation algorithms, including 6 vintage preamp saturation, 2 tape saturation and 2 transformer core saturation algorithms.

URS Saturation includes 10 vintage analog algorithms, each with its own character, ready to offer the ideal saturation for your project. The character of each algorithm ranges in its effect on even and odd-ordered harmonics, overall saturation and soft clipping.

The 6 preamplifier saturation algorithms include:

• Vintage Motorcity: Class A Tube Mic Pre Amplifier
• German: Class A Tube Mic Pre Amplifier
• British: Class A Discrete Pre Amplifier
• Modern: Class A Discrete JFET Pre Amplifier
• 1951: Class A Tube Mic Pre Amplifier
• Tape Deck: Class A Tube Mic Pre Amplifier

The 2 mono tape head algorithms add analog tape saturation. This non-linear saturation produces a smoothing effect on high-frequency transients. 

• 15ips Tape 
• 30ips Tape

The transformer core saturation algorithms add non-linear transformer core saturation found on vintage consoles, tape machines and outboard gear.

• Transformer American
• Transformer British

Mix and match the algorithms above for a wide range of sonic possibilities in this super-versatile plugin. Use the input level, output level, drive, mix (parallel processing) and other parameters to dial in the exact effect that will most benefit your work!

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the URS Saturation user manual.

Brainworx bx_saturator V2

The Brainworx bx_saturator V2 is a mid-side multiband saturation plugin offering everything from subtle mix glue to insane crunch.

Brainworx's bx_saturator V2 multiband saturation plugin boasts a wide range of parameters. It processes the signal in mid-side.

The plugin's “True Split” crossover technology ensures that the Mid and Side channels are always perfectly in phase, allowing for incredible bass results on stereo tracks, mix buses and master channels alike.

The wide-ranging sonic possibilities of the bx_saturator V2 make it an ideal choice for saturation in practically all scenarios.

The plugin works on four different bands, each with dedicated gain, drive, and XL (mix) controls. Increase the perceived volume of each band without boosting its actual output level, delivering louder, punchier mixes without sacrificing dynamics.

Former Top Saturation Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer. Currently, there is only one plugin on this list.

iZotope Trash 2 (Discontinued)

The iZotope Trash 2 (discontinued) was a highly functional multiband distortion/saturation plugin with a whopping 60 different distortion algorithms. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original year of publication) to 2022.

Compatibility

The iZotope Trash 2 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, AU and VST formats.

iZotope's Trash 2 is arguably the most creative distortion/saturation plugin ever produced. It is versatile enough for any situation and ranges from subtle to extreme distortion, with practically every creative sonic possibility in between.

The plugin's 4-band dual-stage distortion signal path includes over 60 different distortion algorithms (in addition to the user-definable graphic waveshaper option). With advanced filtering and dynamic effects, Trash 2 offers immediate sonic transformation.

Along with the 60+ distortion algorithms, this iZotope plugin also offers over 20 selectable filter types, along with versatile oscillators on each band. This is a super high-functioning distortion/saturation plugin.

Other noteworthy features of the iZotope Trash 2 include:

• Realistic speaker and space simulation
• Amp, device, cabinet, effect, and speaker modelling
• 100 impulse responses with the Convolve module
• Delay module
• Dynamics module
• Pre-distortion filter (with 20+ evocative filter types)
• Post-distortion filter (with 20+ evocative filter types)
• 2 LFO-enabled EQ filters
• Output limiter
• Expansion Libraries: Over 100 additional Trash 2 patches

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 10 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. With modern technology, we don't even need to mic up guitar amps to get the best guitar sounds.

Instead, it's completely possible (and perhaps even more cost-affordable) to plug directly into an interface and utilize one of the many superb guitar amp simulator plugins on the market.

In fact, there are so many guitar amp simulation plugins on the market that it can be overwhelming to pick just one to start with (or the next plugin to add to the collection). In this article, we'll look at what I consider the 10 stand-out guitar amp simulator plugins on the market today.

The Top 10 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins Are:

1. IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 Max
2. Line 6 Helix Native
3. Positive Grid Bias Amp 2
4. Overloud TH-U Full
5. Waves GTR3
6. Softube Amp Room
7. Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro
8. Blue Cat’s Axiom
9. Audio Media Research/Peavey ReValver 4
10. Audiffex/Audified ampLion Pro

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 10 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best guitar amp simulator plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the guitar amp simulator plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the guitar amp simulator plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the guitar amp simulator plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the guitar amp simulator effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the guitar amp simulator plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 10 best guitar amp simulator plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 Max

The IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 Max is a top-rated guitar/bass amp and effects simulator plugin with over 400 of the most sought-after guitar & bass gear ever.

Developed with top brands and artists, the AmpliTube 5 Max is a super powerful and versatile amp emulation plugin.

With proprietary DIM (Direct Impulse Response), DSM (Dynamic Saturation Modeling), VIR (Volumetric Impulse Response) and VRM (Volumetric Response Modeling) technologies, IK Multimedia has modelled hundreds of pieces of audio gear with remarkably realistic results. The over 400 gear models include:

• Fender Collection 1 & 2
• AmpliTube SVX 1 & 2
• AmpliTube Orange
• AmpliTube Mesa/Boogie
• AmpliTube Slash
• AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix
• AmpliTube Brian May
• Dimebag Darrell CFH Collection
• AmpliTube Joe Satriani
• Fulltone Collection
• AmpliTube Leslie

This plugin covers the entire signal chain, offering virtual stompboxes, amplifiers, cabinets, rooms and rack effects. Route these devices whichever way you want inside the beautifully intuitive interface.

The drag-and-drop signal chain supports up to 57 simultaneous models with series and parallel routing and DI blending for virtually limitless tonal possibilities.

In addition to the extraordinary sonic flexibility, IK Multimedia's AmpliTube 5 Max is also its own standalone digital audio workstation (if you choose to use it that way).

The software features its own 8-track recorder and a looper, tuner, various practice tools and an impressive set of live performance implementations.

To learn more about loopers, check out my article What Are Looper Pedals (Guitar/Bass FX) & How Do They Work?

Though this software/plugin has everything you'd ever need in an amp simulator, it also offers a custom impulse response loader, which allows users to load, tilt and re-size their own impulse responses in place of any cabinet.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the AmpliTube 5 specs at IK Multimedia.

Line 6 Helix Native

The Line 6 Helix Native brings Line 6's award-winning HX Modeling technology to a super powerful audio plugin.

Like its hardware counterparts, the Helix Native plugin offers remarkably authentic tones with 60+ vintage and modern amplifiers, 30+ cabinets, 16 microphones (and 23 recording distances), and 100+ effects.

Preset compatibility makes it easy to transfer user-defined and stock presets between all devices of the Helix family, including the Helix Floor, Helix Rack, and Helix LT hardware units (link to check them out at Sweetwater).

Workflow is made fast with an intuitive interface. Instant access to the entire signal chain makes dialling in the perfect tone as straightforward as possible.

Like the aforementioned AmpliTube plugin, the Helix Native offers everything you'd need, but in the off chance you need more, the plugin also supports 3rd party impulse responses.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Helix Native user manual.

Positive Grid Bias Amp 2

The Positive Grid Bias Amp 2 is a fan favourite fully customizable virtual amplifier designer with versatility in design that extends right down to the component level.

The advanced modelling of the Positive Grid Bias Amp 2 takes things well beyond a wide range of impulse responses. This super customizable plugin allows users to swap out virtual vacuum tubes and tailor preamps, power amps, transformers, and tone stacks to their exact liking.

Send the signal through open/closed-back virtual cabinets and choose from a variety of virtual mics (with different mic placements) to achieve limitless sonic possibilities.

This intelligent plugin can even match the tone of any miked amp or recorded audio signal. Use the Bias Amp 2 to recapture the magic from sessions past or even improve upon what would otherwise be the best tone from your hardware amp.

Download and share tone within Positive Grid's online ToneCloud community. Offer your own masterful setting or opt to use custom virtual amps created by world-renowned artists, session players and guitarists.

Check out the Bias Amp 2 specs at Positive Grid for more information on system requirements and authorization instructions.

Overloud TH-U Full

The Overloud TH-U Full is a superb amp simulation plugin that includes both amp modeling and capturing technologies to capture the entire sonic performance of a real-world guitar rig.

Overloud's TH-U Full models an impressive 89 guitar amplifiers and 4 bass amplifiers, 50 guitar cabinets and 2 bass cabinets, 77 pedal and rack effects, 18 microphone models, and up to four mics on each cabinet.

With authorized modelling (45 fully authorized models in total) from brands such as Randall, DVmark, Brunetti and THD, it's no wonder this plugin sounds so amazing.

The cabinet modelling technology is particularly spectacular. Fluid Convolution functionality offers a full matrix of 4 microphones, which can be placed anywhere in the virtual 3D space in front and even behind the cabinet for a superb stereo response.

Additionally, ReSPiRe 2 technology allows users to choose between the real response of the cabinet and a processed version optimized to fit into the mix.

Though not as meticulous as the Bias Amp 2, this Overloud plugin does allow customization of its preamp and power amp tube models.

More than 8000 rigs are made available in Overloud's massive library, and the TH-U can use any of the TH3 user presets.

Choose the best presets for your sound and further refine each preset with Scenes functionality, which instantly recalls different model configurations within any given preset.

The impulse response loader of the TH-U Full allows users to load two different IRs and blend them for even greater tonal variety. Moving beyond standalone and plugin versions, the TH-U also comes in a mobile app.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the TH-U user manual.

Waves GTR3

The Waves GTR3 is somewhat of a gold standard guitar amp simulator plugin that also works tremendously well as a standalone software thanks to the host-free Standalone ToolRack.

Waves Audio is a big name in the plugin game. The GTR3 ups the ante, bringing in other huge names such as Fender, Marshall, Mesa/Boogie and Vox. With expertly modelled versions of the finest vintage and contemporary amps from these brands and more, the GTR3 earns its spot on this list of the best guitar amp simulator plugins.

Fender, Marshall, Mesa/Boogie and Vox are all featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Guitar Amplifier Brands In The World. Fender and Mesa/Boogie are also featured in the Top 11 Best Bass Guitar Amplifier Brands In The World.

This outstanding plugin models 32 Amps, 30 Cabs, and 25 Stompboxes. Sure, these may seem like small numbers compared to the previous plugins mentioned in this article.

However, 87 ultra-realistic models are still superb. Waves combine quantity with quality in this stunning guitar amp plugin.

Less is more when it comes to this plugin. Having fewer high-quality options is often better than scrolling through hundreds of settings you'll never use. Speaking of superb workflow, the GTR3 is super user-friendly, with all controls laid out in a straightforward interface.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the GTR3 tech specs at Waves.

Softube Amp Room

The Softube Amp Room is more than just an amplifier simulation plugin. It offers a full professional studio's worth of virtual processors.

In addition to a wide variety of classic Marshall amps and cabinets, pedals, and mics, Softube's Amp Room provides emulations of legendary compressors and EQs.

It's everything you need and more to get the optimal guitar or bass guitar tones in any application.

Softube has made a name for itself, emulating top-level hardware with superior precision.

The Tube-Tech and Trident processors included in Amp Room are exemplary of this faithfulness. Upon teaming up with the legendary amp manufacturer Marshall, it's no surprise that Softube's amp simulations are among the best in the world.

Tube-Tech is featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Audio Compressor Brands In The World, while Trident is featured in the Top 10 Best Studio Recording/Mixing Console Brands.

The Softube Amp Room comes with the following features:

• 6 amplifiers, component modelled to perfection
• 16 cabinets with multiple microphone options
• 10 effect pedals from distortion to delay and reverb
• 3 studio effects as modules
• 8 utility modules, such as short delay for phase aligning
• 260 presets in many different genres and styles

Mix and match in whatever way you like via the stunning user interface to achieve the perfect tonal results. All Softube amplifier plugins can be loaded in Amp Room with heads and cabinets as separate modules.

The comprehensive utility modules make adjusting gain, volume, pan, phase alignment and frequency-splitting easy. It also offers filters and mute options. There is a built-in gate. The Headphones Mode of the plugin adds subtle room ambience in stereo when you're working with headphones.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Vintage Amp Room at Softube.

Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro

The Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro is a compact guitar amp simulation plugin with a straightforward interface and remarkably great sound.

Using Studio Devil's proprietary ToneBrain digital vacuum tube modeling technology, this software models amp hardware to provide an authentic sound. The interface is super straightforward, with practically all parameters in a single window, making it somewhat limited in tonal variety but superb at what it offers.

The Studio Devil Amp Modeler Pro offers the following features (I've included links to in-depth articles on the processes/effects when applicable):

• 15 Preamp Models
• Authentic Tone Controls (Gain, Bass, Mids, Treble, and Presence)
• Boost, Deep, and Bright Switches
• 3 Power Amp Models with Drive Control
• Impulse Modeler / Cabinet Processor (import your own IR)
• 32 Studio Devil Cabinets plus 58 ReCabinet modles
• 7-Band Graphic EQ with Master Level, 3 Modes, and Pre/Post Switch
• Sweepable Parametric EQ
• Wah-Wah Effect
• Compressor / Sustainer
• Chorus
• Flanger
• Phaser
• Tremolo
• Echo / Delay Modeler
• Reverb (Room, Club, and Hall)
• Noise Gate
• Chromatic Tuner
• Level Meters
• Master Volume
• Import and Export Presets and Banks via XML

Looks are deceiving with this plugin. Check it out for yourself and marvel at the surprising versatility of this superb amp simulation plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Amp Modeler Pro user manual.

Blue Cat’s Axiom

The Blue Cat's Axiom is a powerful multi-effect/amp simulation modeling software.

This powerful amp simulator offers virtually endless options for bass and guitar tones.

Axiom includes 32 module slots that can host any of the 44 superb built-in effects or third-party AU or VST plugins.

There are even 3 dedicated slots for virtual instruments (cue the metronome, drum machine, sequencer, or whatever else you like).

This flexible routing features 2 parallel amp simulation channels with effects along with input and master sections. The integrated precision tuner and brickwall limiter make this software even better.

Whether you decide to tinker with the amp edition to build your own custom tone or search for the perfect sound within the hundreds of loadable presets, this excellent zero-latency amp simulator will not disappoint.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Blue Cat's Destructor user manual.

Audio Media Research/Peavey ReValver 4

The Audio Media Research ReValver 4 is a top-of-the-line amp simulator offering exquisitely component-modelled guitar amplifiers, stompboxes and effects.

ReValver provides unmatched realism, dynamics and tone in a super intuitive software package. The proprietary RIR 2 Cabinet Modeling technology takes convolution cabinet modeling to a whole new level.

The trademarked ACT (Audio Cloning Technology) provides precise instrument modeling at the input and perfect tone matching at the output. ACT can clone the sound of instruments, speaker cabinets, amps and even recorded tracks and mixes.

Create and load amp clones in the ReValver ACT Combo module and host your favourite third-party AU or VST plugins directly in the software. Thanks to full MIDI control and GIG Mode, the ReValver is equally at home as a studio plugin and on the road.

Whatever guitar tone you're after, you can make it happen with the excellent ReValver 4 amp simulator.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out ReValver 4 at Audio Media Research.

Audiffex/Audified ampLion Pro

The Audiffex/Audified ampLion Pro is an ultra-precise amp simulation plugin/software with an intuitive interface and stunning tonal opportunities.

Audified's ampLion Pro offers the mixing and matching of 9 guitar preamps, 7 power amps, 12 speakers, 8 microphones and 30 effects.

With meticulous modelling of world-class amps, this software provides tones indistinguishable from the variety of top-level hardware.

These emulated hardware preamplifiers include such big names as:

• Fender Super Reverb
• Fender Deluxe Reverb
• Fender Bassman '59
• Marshall JCM800
• Marshall JCM900
• Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
• Engl Ritchie Blackmore Signature
• Engl Tube Preamp 530 (Lead mode)
• Engl Tube Preamp 530 (Clean mode)

And power amplifiers such as:

• Mesa/Boogie Dual Rect (solid state)
• Mesa/Boogie Dual Rect (tube)
• Fender Bassman
• Fender Super Reverb
• Marshall 100W
• Marshall 50W
• Fender Deluxe Reverb

The virtual amplifier output signal can be split and processed by 2 independent speakers. Cabinets are miked by 7 different microphone types with the simulation of distance, position and axis.

Chose up to 8 virtual stompboxes in the pedalboard to unleash effects from subtle to extraordinary.

To learn more about pedals and pedalboards, check out the following My New Microphone articles:
• Ultimate Guide To Setting Up A Guitar Effects Pedalboard
• How Many Guitar Effect Pedals Is Too Many?

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the ampLion Pro at Audified's downloads webpage.

Other Guitar Amp Simulator Plugin Options

Other amp simulator plugins to consider are:

1. Amp Designer [Logic Pro X stock plugin]
2. Black Rooster Audio Cypress TT-15
3. Blue Cat Audio Blue Cat's Re-Guitar
4. Brainworx ENGL Amps
5. Ignite Amps Amp Simulation Plugins
6. JST Toneforge
7. Kuassa Amplifikation 360 Bundle
8. LePou Amp Sims
9. Line 6 POD Farm 2.5 Platinum
10. Nembrini Audio Amp Simulation Plugins
11. Neural DSP Amp Simulation Plugins
12. Scuffham S-Gear
13. Shattered Glass Audio Ace
14. SimulAnalog Guitar Suite
15. ToneLib GFX
16. Universal Audio Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe
17. Voxengo Boogex
18. Waves PRS SuperModels

Former Top Amp Simulation Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer. Currently, there is only one plugin on this list.

Native Instruments Guitar Rig Pro 6 (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The Native Instruments Guitar Rig Pro 6 (discontinued/upgraded to version 7) is a big name in the amplifier simulation/virtual guitar effects world, and for good reasons.

Compatibility

The Native Instruments Guitar Rig Pro 6 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU, VST and standalone formats.

This super powerful software is available in the plugin and standalone versions. It's highly customizable and offers an incredible amount of processes. More specifically, the NI Guitar Rig comes with the following number of modules:

• 21 amplifiers
• 4 cabinets
• 7 delay/echo effects
• 15 distortion effects
• 12 dynamics effects
• 5 EQs
• 10 filter effects
• 12 modulation effects
• 5 pitch effects
• 12 reverb effects
• 7 special effects

Additionally, the Legacy Cabinets and Mics model various cabinets, the microphone's type and position, and the room response from previous Guitar Rig versions.

On that note, 54 of the original world-class effects have been brought forward to this most recent edition.

This inspiring plugin offers the best of the best effects and virtual amps. There are numerous presets to choose from as well if you don't want to fall down the rabbit hole of this deeply versatile software.

But if you do want to customize your tone, the intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to select and route modules as needed. On top of that, each module itself offers its own controllable parameters. All in all, this plugin has limitless sonic potential worth exploring.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 10 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

Channel strips have been an invaluable part of recording studios and signal processing for decades.

Today, there is a wide variety of channel strip plugins on the market, and in this article, we'll be discussing what I believe to be the top 9 best channel strip plugins available.

The Top 9 Best Channel Strip Plugins Are:

1. Softube Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series
2. Acustica ACQUA Sand3
3. Brainworx bx_console N
4. Arturia TridA-Pre
5. Waves Scheps Omni Channel²
6. Eventide UltraChannel
7. Softube Summit Audio Grand Channel
8. Metric Halo ChannelStrip3
9. DDMF The Strip

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 9 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best channel strip plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the channel strip plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the channel strip plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the channel strip plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the channel strip effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the channel strip plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 9 best channel strip plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Softube Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series

The Softube Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series is a plugin emulation of the revered SSL XL 9000 K made for Softube's Console 1 Hardware/Software Mixer.

Softube is known for its spectacular plugin emulations of high-end hardware.

The company's Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series channel strip plugin exemplifies Softube's incredible modelling and plugin programming. Developed in collaboration with SSL engineers, this digital recreation is about as close to the wide and smooth sound or the “real deal” as we'll get.

This channel strip features a beautifully clean, smooth and natural EQ, extended gate and compressor features, and a model of SSL's Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) for additional drive and saturation.

The EQ offers 4 parametric bands (Low, Low Mid, High Mid and High). The Low and High bands can be set up as bell, cut or shelving filters, while the 2 mid bands are fully parametric.

The compressor offers continuously adjustable ratio, threshold, attack and release parameters, and parallel control (from 0 to 100%) for easy parallel compression.

The VHD section of the channel strip allows users to dial in the perfect amount of saturation to the signal. From tube to transistor harmonic distortion, this section truly brings the classic analog warmth to the digital audio realm.

This is an incredibly useful feature as the original SSL 9000 consoles were, themselves, impeccably clean.

The Softube Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series compressor can be switched between peak and RMS detection modes, offering additional versatility in the performance of this powerful plugin.

The gate unit of the XL 9000 K's Shape section is highly adaptable. Employing the Punch and Sustain knobs control, users can quickly and precisely control the range and hold levels of the dynamic gate.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series at Softube.

Acustica ACQUA Sand3

The Acustica ACQUA Sand3 is an entire suite of plugins that includes an impressive channel strip. They emulate the sonic behaviour of various high-end SSL consoles.

This suite is impressively powerful. In addition to the superb channel strip, the Acustica ACQUA Sand3 also includes 5 other plugins. The package comes with the following:

• SAND3 Channel Strip
• SAND3 EQ
• SAND3+G EQ
• SAND3+E EQ
• SAND3 COMP
• SAND 3 PRE

The Channel Strip offers 14 different routings, which are made accessible via a simple 14-step knob at the centre of the plugin interface, making the internal chain of the plugin's superb components easily adjustable.

This centre Control section also offers 5 switchable preamps, input and output level controls, and another rotary knob control for parallel compression.

Below the Control section is an easy-to-use filter section (in addition to the EQ section) that offers a high-pass and low-pass filter based on one of 3 consoles (A, B or C).

The EQ section features 4 independent bands, two of which are fully parametric (LMF and HMF) and two of which are shelving filters (LF and HF).

Each of the bands (like the aforementioned high-pass and low-pass filters) can be selected 1 of 3 as a particular console emulation:

• Console EQ A: 4000G Black Knob
• Console EQ B: 5000 Brown Knob
• Console EQ C: 9000K J

Likewise, the compressor section offers 3 different emulations and features all the typical compressor controls, including makeup gain. The emulations are:

• Comp A: Quad-Bus Comp
• Comp C: Modified components of Comp A to sound a bit more modern
• Comp D: The channel comp on 4000G

This channel strip also features multivariable meters for both input and output stages. Metering styles include VU, Peak, True Peak, LUFS, K12, K14, and more.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the ACQUA Sand3 at Acustica Audio.

Brainworx bx_console N

The Brainworx bx_console N is an emulation of the classic Neve VXS channel strip.

This incredibly accurate recreation of the Neve VXS channel strip is made possible with Brainworx's patented Tolerance Modeling Technology. The distinct analog sound of this beloved yet rare console is now available in the easily accessible bx_console N plugin.

Tolerance Modeling Technology is a big deal. With this method, Brainworx has accurately replicated the naturally occurring variations in the values of over 150 individual electronic components of the original console.

The original console had 72 channels, and so the bx_console N offers up to 72 TMT variations of the plugin.

Each instance of this plugin will sound slightly different. In the digital world, this is a breath of fresh, analog air. Expect slight differences in the equalization curves, compression times, frequency and phase responses from instance to instance and a great analog sound.

In each of these instances, the Brainworx bx_console N offers a comprehensive Compressor/Limiter, full-featured Expander/Gate, powerful 4-band EQ, and wide-ranging High Pass and Low Pass filters, just like the original Neve VXS analog mixing console.

In addition to the incredible functionality based on the original hardware, Brainworx has included a few extra features to further improve upon an already impressive design.

For example, the Mix knob now allows for quick and easy parallel compression within the plugin itself. The release of the compressor section features its own threshold control, and the sidechain has its own high-pass filter.

The superb 4-band EQ can be put in the signal chain post or pre-compression, and the plugin has comprehensive metering, including a mid-side solo feature.

Other impressive features of the bx_console N include:

• THD (total harmonic distortion) control helps add even more analog warmth to the output of the channel strip
• Gate has continuously variable Hysteresis control that prevents on-off chattering near the gate threshold
• Continuously variable Virtual Gain control adds simulated analog noise to the signal

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the bx_console N user manual.

Arturia TridA-Pre

The Arturia TridA-Pre is a plugin emulation of the beloved Trident A-Range console channel strip. More specifically, it is a spot-on digital recreation of channel 3 of Flemming Rasmussen's 1976 Trident A-Range console from Sweet Silence North studio in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Arturia's TridA-Pre, like the original hardware it emulates, is incredibly musical with a beautiful sonic richness. Only 13 consoles were ever made, though, with the Arturia TridA-Pre plugin; this rare channel strip has been made available to the masses!

The Trident A-Range EQ plugin is featured in My New Microphone's Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs.

Unlike the other plugins on this list, the Arturia TridA-Pre does not include a dynamics section. Rather, this Preamp/EQ combination is spectacular enough to hang with channel strip plugins deemed with considerable functionality advantages.

Arturia's groundbreaking True Analog Emulation technology brings the character from the golden age of recording to modern DAWs with this user-friendly stereo channel strip plugin. From the GUI to the sonic character, this plugin matches the legendary hardware.

Drive the preamps creatively to achieve harmonically rich analog distortion and program-dependent compression. This is where the iconic tone begins.

Shape this tone further with the stereo EQ. Each channel has 4 bands (high, high-mid, low-mid, and low) with 4 switchable frequencies. Boost or cut up to ±15 dB independently or link them together.

Alternatively, this plugin offers mid-side equalization, a feature unavailable in the original hardware.

Phase inversion and automatic gain control are two more noteworthy features of this superb plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the TridA-Pre user manual.

Waves Scheps Omni Channel²

The Waves Scheps Omni Channel² is a flexible 5-module channel strip plugin based on Andrew Schep's tried and tested processing combinations.

With the Waves Scheps Omni Channel², we get a mixed bag of superb audio processes, affording us immense functionality and a versatile collection of sonic characteristics.

Each of the diverse processors works cohesively together, based on the professional combinations of Andrew Scheps, to provide outstanding results, no matter the genre.

Waves' Scheps Omni Channel² features 6 modules that can be mixed and matched in whatever signal flow order we see fit:

1. Pre (preamp): provides 3 types of analog saturation/harmonic distortion. Includes filters and thump (resonance) controls.
2. Comp (compressor): features 3 completely different compressors with a wet/dry control for easy parallel compression.
3. EQ (equalizer): 4-band parametric equalizer.
4. DS2 (de-esser): de-esser with 2 full-range bands and 4 filter types.
5. Gate: gating/expansion module with standard controls (threshold, attack and release) and adjustable maximum noise reduction.
6. Insert: an insert for an additional Waves plugin of your choice, including an extra instance of any of the Scheps Omni Channel modules.

This impressive channel strip offers zero-latency performance and fully discrete control over each stereo channel. In fact, each module has independent internal MS/Duo/Stereo routing capabilities for maximal flexibility.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Scheps Omni Channel² user manual.

Eventide UltraChannel

The Eventide UltraChannel is a channel strip plugin featuring a strip's worth of legendary Eventide effects.

This high-precision channel strip is an all-in-one industry-benchmark mixing tool for digital audio workstations.

This versatile plugin offers 8 incredible modules. Let's discuss the functionality of each.

The Input module adjusts the overall input of the signal and offers an invert phase option.

The Gate will mute the signal if it drops below the set threshold. It can be triggered via an external sidechain signal.

The Compressor is a standard compressor with de-essing and sidechain functionality. The O-Pressor, which is derived from the company's Omnipressor, provides tons of character and remarkably hard compression when dialled in to do so.

The 5-Band Parametric EQ, as the name suggests, offers 5 transparent bands of fully parametric EQ with a variety of filter types to choose from.

Eventide's Micro Pitch Shift & Stereo Delays module utilizes patented pitch shifting and superior stereo delay spread/panning to produce incredible delay and/or stereo widening.

Finally, the output module controls the ultimate output level of the channel strip plugin. It also contains a model of an analog transformer, which can be driven into wonderful-sounding saturation.

Eventide's trademarked FlexiPath routing allows processors to be ordered based on desired signal flow for ultimate control and experimentation. Simply drag and drop modules to reorder the signal path.

With over 200 presets, getting the best tone could be as simple as finding the right preset or as involved as tweaking every single parameter to your exact liking.

All in all, this highly versatile channel strip sounds amazing and is designed in a user-friendly, straightforward manner.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the UltraChannel user manual.

Softube Summit Audio Grand Channel

The Softube Summit Audio Grand Channel combines the EQF-100 parametric passive equalizer with the TLA-100A compressor in a powerful and flexible channel strip plugin.

Softube's Summit Audio Grand Channel is a highly versatile channel strip that will cover a large part of your mixing needs. This plugin has been carefully modelled to sound precisely like the superb original analog hardware it aims to emulate.

The EQ and compressor can be bypassed independently of one another, and the plugin also offers a switch to put EQ before compression or vice versa in the signal chain.

The Grand Channel's EQF-100 Full Range Equalizer offers a high and low-pass filter along with an incredible 4-band EQ section. From the enormous bottom end to the silkiest top-end and musical mid-range control in between, the equalization of this plugin sounds amazing.

The Grand Channel's TLA-100A Compressor is super easy to use with gain, gain reduction, attack/release and internal/external sidechain controls. The powerful compression of the TLA-100A is distinctly analog and brings even the weakest tracks out in an authoritative way.

In addition to the perfectly modelled EQ and compressor, the Grand Channel offers extra modern controls such as Parallel Compression, Saturation Control and Low Cut Filtering on input or detector.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Softube user manual.

Metric Halo ChannelStrip3

The Metric Halo ChannelStrip3 is an impressive feature-rich channel strip plugin reminiscent of a large console (though not a particular emulation of anything specific) with a great deal of additional functionality.

Metric Halo's ChannelStrip3 is well laid out and notably powerful. It's as if it gives us a large format analog console channel strip in our DAW, only with modernized features included. It works fantastically on individual tracks as well as mix buses.

At first glance, this plugin may look intimidating. However, its controls all make sense and apply intuitively to the module they belong to. The metering to the right-hand side gives us a superb amount of information, and once we get the hang of the layout, this powerful plugin is rather straightforward.

With everything laid out as is, this plugin provides a world-class workflow along with its world-class sonic performance.

The modules of the ChannelStrip3 are all unified in one interface. They include an Expander, Compressor, 6-band EQ, and a limiter with EQ/Compressor routing control.

This plugin also offers phase invert, channel delay, comprehensive metering and Metric Halo's trademarked SpectraFoo spectrum analysis.

The Fully parametric interpolated EQ features 6 bands with a variety of filter options.

Individually switchable sidechains (internal or external) are made possible for both dynamics blocks (gate/expander and compressor). There's also a sidechain EQ to affect the dynamics of the channel strip.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the ChannelStrip3 user manual.

DDMF The Strip

The DDMF The Strip is a superb channel strip plugin inspired by vintage design but completely original otherwise.

DDMF's The Strip may be a simple plugin, but it covers all the essentials and performs with sonic excellence. It features the finest EQ, gate and compressor all in one easy-to-use plugin. That's not to mention how great it looks in terms of its user interface.

This straightforward channel strip provides a low and high-pass filter along with 4 peak filters and a low-shelf filter in a natural-sounding EQ with just the right mix of character and transparency.

The Strip's compressor is smooth and utilitarian. There's nothing overly special about this section, but its simple threshold, ratio, attack and release controls can be dialled in for the perfect style and amount of dynamic range compression.

Similarly, the gate with variable threshold, range, attack, and release to prevent unwanted noise.

In addition to solid, reliable performance, the DDMF The Strip offers phase invert, signal flow (Comp into EQ or EQ into Comp) and 2x oversampling switchable options.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out The Strip at DDMF.

Other Channel Strip Plugin Options

Other excellent channel strip plugins to consider (with the hardware models they emulate, if applicable) are:

1. SSL 4000 E
   • Waves SSL E-Channel
   • Universal Audio SSL 4000 E
   • Brainworx bx_console 4000 E
2. SSL 4000 G
   • Brainworx bx_console 4000 G
   • Waves SSL G-Channel
3. Neve 80 Series
   • Smacklabs SL84 Console EQ
4. EMI TG12345
   • Waves Abbey Road EMI TG12345
5. API Vision
   • Universal Audio API Vision
6. Original
   • WaveArts TrackPlug
   • Voxengo Voxformer

Former Top Channel Strip Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer.

Solid State Logic SSL Native Channel Strip (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The Solid State Logic SSL Native Channel Strip (discontinued/upgraded to version 2) was a channel strip plugin that emulates two of SSL's most iconic console EQ sections: the E-Series and G-Series. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original publishing year) to 2023.

Compatibility

The Solid State Logic SSL Native Channel Strip is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.

The SSL Native Channel Strip plugin has been developed by the same company that produced the legendary consoles the plugin emulates.

For decades, Solid State Logic has been a big name in the world of professional audio and today, they offer a select line of plugins that capture all the legendary character of their highly sought-after consoles and hardware.

Many other plugins aim to emulate SSL channel strips, but I've decided to include the most accurate ones in this list. Check out the alternative options in the Other Channel Strip Plugin Options section of this article.

So, this plugin offers the legendary tone and features of an SSL console channel strip. The 4-band parametric EQ can be switched between E & G Series characteristics and can even be applied to the dynamics side chain. The Dynamics section offers a separate Compressor and Gate/Expander.

Each of the EQ options features a variable high-pass and low-pass filter, a low and high-shelf filter with a switchable bell-type filter option, and LMF and HMF parametric filters for a total of 6 bands.

The E-Series EQ is slightly more aggressive, while the G-Series has a more restrained and focused character. Both EQ options are stellar, allowing for generous amounts of EQ without adding significant phase distortion to the signal.

The SSL Native Channel Strip compressor section has a switchable soft and hard knee option for two different flavours of compression.

The Compressor and Gate/Expander sections feature fast/slow attack switches, each with independent sidechains.

High and low-pass filters can be used to shape the sidechain signal for improved compression and frequency-dependent triggering.

The SSL Native Channel Strip compressor section is based on the exquisite musical VCA designs that have made SLL compressors go-to tools for pro engineers around the world.

With natural Ratio, Threshold and Release controls, this compressor offers an effortless setup and outstanding sonic performance.

The other superb dynamic control section of this channel strip is the gate/expander which does an amazing job at smoothly eliminating or reducing signal below a set threshold. This process is perfect for ridding the signal of mic bleed and background noise and sounds remarkably natural in doing so.

To make this channel strip plugin even more powerful, SSL has designed it with variable process order routing, allowing users to customize the signal flow routing to the desired order.

iZotope Neutron 3 (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The iZotope Neutron 3 (discontinued/upgraded to Neutron 4) was a fully-featured 6-module mixing tool. In other words, it was a highly functional channel strip plugin. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original publishing year) to 2022.

Compatibility

The iZotope Neutron 3 is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats.

iZotope is well-known for its superb modular mixing and mastering suites. The Neutron 3 is a standout channel strip with 6 versatile modules.

Marketed as the easiest, most intelligent way to bring unrivalled quality and speed to your mix, Neutron 3 delivers with Mix Assistant technology and its unique Sculptor module.

The Mix Assistant effectively listens to the track/bus in the context of the greater mix to intelligently suggest initial mix settings after a single listen. The Sculptor module allows for fast tone shaping with 25 instrument profiles.

The Neutron 3 sounds incredible and offers tons of functionality. Its modules include:

• Sculptor: a spectral shaper to reduce resonance and boost important frequencies (similar to EQ).
• Transient Shaper: changes the contour of transients with dedicated attack and release controls.
• Exciter: a frequency band-dependent aural exciter that adds subtle saturation to select frequencies.
• Gate: a multiband gate that mutes unwanted noise from the signal as specified bands drop below a defined threshold.
• Compressor: a fully functional compressor.
• Equalizer: a fully functional, intelligent EQ.

This powerful plugin also offers a Masking Meter that conveniently displays how the audio in question may be masked by other signals in the mix, offering suggestions to help achieve a more cohesive and cooperative EQ in the overall mix.

On top of all that, this iZotope plugin looks awesome, too. It's practically a one-stop-shop for all things mixing and is fully deserving of a spot on this list of the best channel strip plugins.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 9 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

There are plenty of plugins that aim to emulate analog hardware in an attempt to make digital audio sound more like its [arguably] nicer-sounding analog counterpart.

There are plenty of excellent analog FET compressors and plugin emulations of such compressors. With so many options to choose from, I've compiled what I consider to be the 10 best FET compressor emulations plugins.

What is a FET compressor? A FET compressor is an analog compressor that utilizes a field-effect transistor at the core of the circuit. These compressors are fast-acting and offer greater transient preservation than other types of compressors.

The Top 10 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins Are:

1. Waves CLA-76
2. IK Multimedia Black 76
3. Pulsar Audio Smasher
4. Native Instruments VC 76
5. Arturia Comp FET-76
6. PSP FETpressor
7. Plugin Alliance Lindell 7X-500
8. Plugin Alliance Purple Audio MC77
9. Slate Digital FG-116 Blue Series
10. Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 10 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best FET compressor emulation plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the FET compressor emulation plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the FET compressor emulation plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the FET compressor emulation plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the FET compressor emulation effect?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the FET compressor emulation plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 10 best FET compressor emulation plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Waves CLA-76

The Waves CLA-76 is the second plugin modelled after the Urei 1176. More specifically, it offers two models, fashioned after Revision B (Chris Lord-Alge's favourite) and Revision D-LN.

As per usual, Waves has developed a spot-on recreation of a classic hardware unit in a superb audio plugin.

From the super-fast attack to the assertive character of compression, the CLA-76 delivers, and with two different versions of the 1176, this plugin offers additional compression possibilities.

The interfaces of the CLA-76 look beautifully reminiscent of the original hardware versions, offering a virtual push-button-style ratio and metering controls and knob controls to input, output, attack and release.

The CLA-76 also offers modelled pre-amp distortion and noise for an extra sonic edge. Note that the main differences between the two models are slightly different gain stages, time constants, total harmonic distortion, and noise levels.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves CLA-76 user manual.

IK Multimedia Black 76

Third up is the IK Multimedia Black 76, a compressor plugin modelled after the LN version, revision E of the Urei 1176.

Modelled after one of the most sonically recognizable and sought-after compressors ever, IK Multimedia has meticulously crafted its Black 76 plugin to capture the character of the 1176LN revision E from the input transformer to the class A output stage.

The incredibly fast attack and famed ratio controls (including “All Buttons In”) have been modelled to a T, offering the vigorous compression we know and love in an easily accessible plugin.

With simple controls, users can dial in the input and output levels to achieve the desired gain reduction and fine-tune the sound of the Black 76 with the attack and release parameters.

This compressor sounds amazing on pretty much everything. Use the plugin in mono mode, stereo mode (linked or independent left/right channels) or even venture into mid-side processing if need be.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Black 76 specifications at IK Multimedia.

Pulsar Audio Smasher

The Pulsar Audio Smasher emulates a custom modification of the classic Urei 1176 compressor circuit, recreating the “All buttons in” / “British” mode of the legendary hardware units.

This plugin is a very straightforward, faithful emulation of the beloved “All Buttons In” mode of the 1176. With its proprietary Topology Preservation Technology, Pulsar Audio has captured the magic of this particular mode of operation.

Slap this plugin on a track or bus and marvel at the heavy, aggressive compression that ensures. Dial in the desired amount of gain reduction with input and output controls and easily achieve parallel compression with the dedicated Mix knob.

To enhance the original design without departing from the character, Pulsar Audio has programmed the Smasher to add definition to transients, further enhancing the natural aggression of the original 1176 without sacrificing performance.

The plugin is still programmed to feature the internal feedback configuration and colourful character, from soft clipping to gritty saturation.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Pulsar Audio Smasher user manual.

Native Instruments VC 76

The Native Instruments VC 76 has been produced in cooperation with Softube, bringing yet another superb emulation of the Urei 1176 to the world of audio plugins.

Native Instruments' VC 76 is a sonically accurate emulation of the legendary Urei 1176.

It's punch, fast and versatile, offering the famed 4 ratio settings (plus all buttons and no buttons modes) and an attack time as fast as 50 µs. While the interface looks remarkably clean and modern, the character is distinctly vintage.

To add more functionality, Native Instruments and Softube have included external sidechaining and parallel compression to the VC 76 design.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the VC 76 at Native Instruments.

Arturia Comp FET-76

The Arturia Comp FET-76 is a superb emulation of the D/E model of the Urei 1176.

Arturia's Comp FET-76 is a superb digital plugin recreation of the highly-celebrated original 1176 D/E from the 1960s. This compressor plugin captures the aggressive vintage tone of the 1176 in an easy-to-use plugin format with simple controls.

Thanks to the power of Arturia's exclusive TAE modelling technology, everyone can benefit from this compressor's legendary fast attack and tone-shaping with the convenience of an audio plugin.

From the Field Effect Transistor to the “Class A” amplifier, each component has been expertly modelled to provide the distinct tone of the 1176.

Adjustable input level, output level, attack time and release time are all made possible with virtual knobs, and the ratios and metering have virtual push-button controls.

The Mix control improves upon the original design to offer simple parallel compression possibilities.

The bottom panel of the Comp FET-76 hosts the advanced sidechain control and equalizer. Choose between the internal sidechain signal and an external sidechain signal (with gain control) to control the gain reduction circuit.

The detection mode offers 5 different methods of reading the sidechain signal. Select from Reversed, Dual (left + right channels), Linked, Mid Only or Side Only modes. A Time Warp control offers a few milliseconds of lookahead time for snappier compression.

Use the three-band semi-parametric EQ to shape the sidechain signal to enhance the compression triggering.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Arturia Comp FET-76 user manual.

PSP FETpressor

The PSP FETpressor is not a specific recreation of any particular hardware compressor. Rather, it's based on the sound of 1970s FET compressors at large.

With superb output transformer emulations and a distinctly smooth FET-style character, the FETpressor is a unique yet reminiscent FET compressor. The zero-latency plugin is an excellent choice for those who want FET compression without another 1176 clone.

Unlike the other 1176-based compressors on this list, the FETpressor has a dedicated threshold control, allowing users to define the compression effect's specific threshold. It also offers variable ratio control rather than the discrete ratio values we've seen thus far.

The sidechain signal path features a variable high-pass filter (10 Hz – 1,000 Hz) to help diminish pumping, and the virtual Blend knob allows for easy parallel compression.

The plugin works on stereo signals with linked and unlinked functionality.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the FETpressor at PSP Audioware.

Plugin Alliance Lindell 7X-500

As the name would suggest, the Plugin Alliance Lindell 7X-500 is a plugin emulation of the Lindell 7X-500 500 Series FET compressor, which is Lindell's take on the legendary 1176.

This plugin is a wonderful recreation of the 500 series hardware it emulates. This one-channel FET compressor/limiter features a high-pass sidechain filter and a Mix control for more versatile compression. It sounds like an 1176 but looks and performs like a 7X-500.

To learn more about the 500 Series, check out my article What Is 500 Series Audio Equipment & Is It Worth It?

The 7X-500 is a stereo plugin with adjustable stereo link functionality. Choose between 3 distinct ratios for smooth (4:1), strong (12:1) or extreme (100:1) amounts of compression. The attack and release times each also have 3 stepped settings (slow, medium and fast) along with virtual knobs for fine-tuning.

The beautifully modelled transformer-balanced output sounds great and can be utilized for analog warmth and nonlinearities via a switch.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Lindell Audio 7X-500 at Plugin Alliance.

Plugin Alliance Purple Audio MC77

The Plugin Alliance Purple Audio MC77 is a plugin version of the Purple Audio MC77, which is itself an emulation of the classic 1176 “E” revision.

This Brainworx/Plugin Alliance plugin utilizes Brainworx's patented Tolerance Modeling Technology to produce this exact digital plugin replica of the superb Purple Audio MC77 hardware.

Based on a recreation of the 1176 E revision, the MC77 from Purple Audio brought modern functionality to the classic design without losing the beloved vintage character.

The lightning-fast response and forceful compression remained while onboard sidechain and stereo linking capabilities were added.

This plugin, like the others, is fully capable of aggressive compression and limiting without introducing overly severe distortion to the signal.

The plugin version of the MC77 offers Headroom control M/S processing, Brainworx Mono-Maker and a Stereo Width control, making it a top contender for the best FET compressor plugin on the market today.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Purple Audio MC77 at Plugin Alliance.

Slate Digital FG-116 Blue Series

The Slate Digital Blue Series includes 2 vintage circuits and 2 modern circuits based on the blue-striped 1176AE FET compressors.

This plugin suite offers a perfect recreation and a custom mod of the most highly sought-after Revision A Blue 1176 FET Compressor. Slate's FG-116 Blue Series features 2 authentic-sounding vintage Revision A FET limiting amplifiers and 2 unique versions of a modernized FET circuit.

Vintage circuit 1 offers the classic mid-forward character of the original 1176AE, while circuit 2 is modelled after Revision A for a bigger sound.

Modern circuit 1 offers a slower attack for improving transient preservation, while circuit 2, again, yields a punchier low-end.

Whatever sonic character you choose, the Slate Digital FG-116 plugins will offer the standard input, output, attack, release and ratio controls. Beyond that, high-pass sidechain detection and parallel mix knobs bring these plugins to the modern day.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the FG-116 Blue Series at Slate Digital.

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection

The Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is a complete package of Universal Audio/Urei 1176 plugins, including 3 famous versions (1176LN, 1176 and 1176AE).

Last but certainly not least, this bundle of plugins is the definitive plugin collection of the most famous 1176 compressor versions.

After all, Universal Audio's founder, Bill Putnam, designed the incredibly forward-thinking Urei 1176. From conceptualizing and producing the first-ever solid-state compressor to starting what would be one of the biggest and best audio companies in the world, Bill Putnam has certainly made his mark on the audio industry.

Universal Audio's first release of a plugin version of the 1176 came in 2001. History shows that this plugin would also be the first to launch the company's UAD (Universal Audio Digital) division.

Since then, the plugins have come a long way and are now exact sonic models of the legendary 1176LN, 1176 and 1176AE compressors.

Each version has had its entire electronic path modelled, including, of course, the transformers, FET gain reduction circuit, and transistor amplifiers. Every option has its own sonic colour, but all feature the well-known “All-Button” or “No Ratio” modes.

Expanded controls in the plugin form include the popular Headroom, Mix, and custom Sidechain Filter parameters.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the UAD Plugins manual.

Former Top FET Compressor Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer. Currently, there is only one plugin on this list.

Softube FET Compressor (Discontinued/Upgraded)

The Softube FET Compressor (discontinued/upgraded to version 2) is the first of many superb plugins based on the legendary based on Urei 1176 FET compressor. It was featured in this article from 2021 (original year of publishing) to 2023.

Compatibility

The Softube FET Compressor is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in AAX, AU and VST formats. It's also compatible with Softube's Console 1 control surface.

Each stage of Softube's FET Compressor has been meticulously modelled after the analog hardware unit to deliver the precise sonic performance of the 1176 in an audio plugin. The modelling includes superb analog distortion/saturation at the input and output and the beloved ‘All Buttons In' mode.

The aggressiveness of this compressor makes it a go-to tool for drum mixing and other sources that benefit from harder compression. Mixing with the FET Compressor is made even easier thanks to the Parallel Inject control, which offers user-friendly access to parallel compression.

Like the original, this Softube plugin offers 4 fixed ratio controls (along with All-Buttons mode). The input and output (makeup gain) levels are adjustable, as are the attack and release times.

In addition to these classic controls, Softube provides a superb sidechain/detector section.

This section includes a high-cut (low-pass) and low-cut (high-pass) filter, a lookahead control, and a parallel blend control to mix the program sidechain signal with an external sidechain signal.

Along with the super-fast attack and wonderfully aggressive sound of the original hardware, the FET Compressor offers awesome modern functionality.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Optical Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 10 Best Multiband Compressor Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Variable-Mu Compressor Emulation Plugins
• Top 11 Best VCA Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Limiter Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Channel Strip Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Chorus Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Flanger Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 9 Best Phaser Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Tremolo Modulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Analog Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Delay Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Tape Delay Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 12 Best Reverb Plugins (Spring, Plate, Algorithmic, Convolution)
• Top 9 Best Stereo Imaging Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Guitar Amp Simulator Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 7 Best Noise Reduction Plugins For Your DAW

The post Top 10 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

There are plenty of plugins that aim to emulate analog hardware in an attempt to make digital audio sound more like its [arguably] nicer-sounding analog counterpart.

There are plenty of excellent analog parametric equalizers and plugin emulations of such EQs. With so many options to choose from, I've compiled what I consider to be the 9 best parametric EQ emulation plugins.

What is parametric audio equalization? Parametric EQ offers full customization of a set number of EQ filters. Each frequency band/filter may have the choice of filter type, centre/cutoff frequency, Q factor/bandwidth, and relative gain (boost/cut). It is the most flexible type of EQ.

Some of the plugins we'll mention here are emulations of vintage models with semi-parametric designs (they're without one or more of the typical parametric parameter controls—often adjustable Q control).

The Top 9 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins Are:

1. Waves SSL G-Equalizer
2. Waves API 550
3. Waves Scheps 73
4. Softube Trident A-Range
5. IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ 81
6. Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ
7. Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive
8. Softube Curve Bender
9. Universal Audio Harrison 32C

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 9 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best parametric EQ emulation plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the parametric EQ emulation plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the parametric EQ emulation plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the parametric EQ emulation plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the parametric EQ emulation?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the parametric EQ emulation plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 9 best parametric EQ emulation plugins in greater detail.

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Waves SSL G-Equalizer

The Waves SSL G-Equalizer is a 4-band parametric EQ modelled after the great rack-mounted version of the SSL G Series EQ292.

Though modelled after the EQ292, Waves' SSL G-Equalizer offers greater gain change than the E-Series EQ and a slightly different curve.

In enhancing the original hardware design, Waves has also included a pre-boost dip, a pre-cut rise and a broader Q for more extreme equalization.

That being said, the legendary SSL character is spot-on (the plugin is even developed under license from Solid State Logic), and the plugin works great for mixing and mastering. The additional features make it even more powerful, affording more precise problem-solving control.

In addition to the 4 parametric bands, the G-Equalizer offers a frequency-variable high-pass filter (16 Hz – 350 Hz) with an 18 dB/octave roll-off slope.

Along with the marvellous EQ, this Waves plugin also features a phase reverse switch, master output control, trim button and analogue on/off switch.

When turned on, the Analog setting emulates the noise and subtle harmonic distortion of the classic analog hardware.

All in all, this plugin is a superb emulation of a hardware parametric EQ, giving it a spot on this list.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves SSL 4000 Collection user manual.

Waves API 550

The Waves API 550A | 550B are two semi-parametric EQ plugins modelled after the famed API equalizers of the same name.

Since I couldn't decide which emulation is better, I decided to offer both the 550A and 550B as their own list item in this article.

Each of these 500 Series parametric EQs is legendary in its own right. Of course, Waves has, as usual, done an amazing job programming each of their sonic characters into its audio plugins.

Waves API 550A is a 3-band parametric equalizer with 5 fixed frequency points per band. Since the late 1960s, the API 550A has been making a name for itself as a high-end studio staple.

Each of the 550A's 3 overlapping bands has 5 frequency options and 11 points of gain. Its high and low-frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a band-pass filter can be inserted independently of all other settings.

Waves API 550B is a 4-band parametric equalizer with 7 fixed frequency points per band, furthering the technology found in the earlier 550A.

Each of the 4 overlapping bands of the 550B offers 7 frequency options spanning 5 octaves per band and 11 points of gain. Waves' 550B also emulates the 550B's “Proportional Q,” which automatically widens the filter bandwidth at minimal settings and narrows it at higher settings.

Both equalizers offer a vast range of tonal possibilities, and Waves does a superb job at recreating this pair of versatile EQs and the one-of-a-kind API sound.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves API 550 user manual.

Other noteworthy API 550A & 550B plugin emulations include:

• Slate Digital FG-A (link to check the price at Sweetwater)
• Bee-Happy 550 (link to check the price at Bee-Happy)
• Sly-Fi Axis (link to check the price at Sly-Fi Digital)

Waves Scheps 73

The Waves Scheps 73 is a 3-band semi-parametric EQ modelled on the classic Neve 1073 console's EQ.

This colourful parametric EQ emulation plugin features 3 interrelated bands based on the 1073's original specs and precisely mimics the original hardware. From the EQ and preamps to the acclaimed Marinair transformer, Waves has precisely recreated the sonic characteristics of the 1073.

Use the fixed 12kHz high-shelf band, parametric mid-range and low-shelf band, and the frequency-variable 8dB/octave high-pass filter to shape the tone of the signal.

This stereo EQ plugin offers independent control over the left and right channels, and thanks to Waves' MX matrix, it also allows for mid-side equalization processing.

The warm, fat, and rich sound of the Waves Scheps 73 works perfectly for tracking/recording, mixing and mastering alike. This EQ plugin truly brings the “analog sound” to the digital audio workstation.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves Scheps 73 user manual.

AMS Neve is featured in top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!

Other noteworthy Neve 1073 plugin emulations include:

• Slate Digital FG-N
• Sonimus Burnley 73

Softube Trident A-Range

The Softube Trident A-Range is a very specific semi-parametric EQ emulation, modelled exactly after channel 15 of the Trident A-Range at Sweet Silence Studio' B' in Denmark.

Though only 13 A-Range consoles were ever created, the console has become a legendary piece of audio equipment.

With modern technology, Softube brings this rare legend to DAWs around the world with the Trident A-Range EQ. Created together with original designer Professor Malcolm Toft, this plugin is as close to the real deal as you'll get.

This musical EQ has 4 frequency bands that have a way of interacting in rather unpredictable ways. Of course, the EQ wouldn't be so beloved if its unpredictability sounded awful. Rather, with this EQ (and Softube's emulation of it), the results are often greater than what could be expected.

Along with the 4 semi-parametric bands, the Softube Trident A-Range also featured a high and low-pass filter, each with 3 selectable cutoff frequencies.

In addition to equalization, Softube has featured a separate Saturation control that provides that vintage analog warmth.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Trident A-Range at Softube.

IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ 81

The IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ 81 is an emulation of the legendary Neve 1081 parametric EQ unit.

IK Multimedia has done an excellent job of capturing the legendary British warmth and tone of the classic Neve 1081 EQ with its T-RackS EQ 81 plugin.

This plugin pushes the functionality even further and can be thought of as an evolution of the original rather than a perfect recreation.

The T-RackS EQ 81 features four independent bands (high/low shelving plus two midrange peaking filters) rounded out by high and low pass filters.

The plugin's tonality is remarkably analog-like, but more surgical equalization is made available compared to the original. This way, users get the best of the analog and digital worlds with this IK equalizer.

Arguably semi-parametric (with continuously variable Q controls), the EQ 81 features 2 mid-range bands with switchable “High Q” and 2 outer shelving bands with switchable peaking mode for more articulate tone shaping.

The musical interaction between the preamp and equalizer has been recreated with this EQ plugin, making it a go-to choice in tracking/recording and mixing. This EQ plugin sounds great and works tremendously well.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the EQ 81 system requirements at IK Multimedia.

Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ

The Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ is an emulation of the superb Sony OXF-R3 digital console parametric EQ.

Sonnox's Oxford R3 is the company's flagship EQ. It's wildly powerful, and unlike the other emulations on this list, the R3 models a digital parametric equalizer (from the million-dollar Sony OXF-R3 digital console) rather than an analog EQ.

The user-friendly interface of the Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ makes it a joy to use. Its 5-band parametric EQ is easily adjustable and includes variable-slope HP/LP filters.

Each of the 5 parametric EQ bands can be set to its own distinct filter type, of which there are 4 options:

• Clinical EQ similar to the SSL4000 E series
• Tighter ‘cut’ for removing problem frequencies
• Classic EQ similar to Neve and SSL G series curves
• Wide and gentle curves, perfect for mastering

A 5th filter type (an exact emulation of the highly regarded GML-8200 EQ hardware unit) is available as a paid upgrade.

Whether we're mixing or mastering, getting surgical or being gentle, the Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ is a parametric EQ plugin that will get the job done in a simple, straightforward manner.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Sonnox Oxford R3 EQ user manual.

Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive

The UAD Manley Massive Passive is the plugin version of the world-class Manley Laboratories Massive Passive passive parametric stereo equalizer.

The UAD Manley Massive Passive is also featured in My New Microphone's Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW.

UAD's Manley Massive Passive has been officially licensed and endorsed by Manley Labs. If the Universal Audio branding didn't sell this plugin as world-class, this endorsement surely will!

The incredible performance of the hardware Manley Massive Passive has made it a legendary passive equalizer sought after by studio owners worldwide.

In typical fashion, UAD has expertly packaged the sound and performance of this superior hardware unit into an easily navigated (and relatively inexpensive) audio plugin.

From the unusual filter curves and multiple band interdependencies to the tube amplifier distortion and characteristic transformer/inductor hysteresis, this UAD plugin mimics its model with pristine accuracy.

The plugin comes in standard and mastering versions.

Access 2 stereo channels, each with 4 parametric bands of passive filtering. Dial-in punch, air, sizzle, and clarity without adding harshness in the equalization section and follow it up with the analog character in this top-of-the-line plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the UAD Plug-Ins Manual.

Softube Curve Bender

The Softube Curve Bender is a parametric EQ emulation modelled after the Chandler Limited Curve Bender, which was itself modelled after the legendary EMI TG12345 console of Abbey Road Studio fame.

Softube's Curve Bender has been fully endorsed by the creator of the original hardware, Wade Goeke.

With presets from Joe Chicarelli, Tony Maserati, Howard Willing, Kevin Kadish, and Maor Appelbaum, this plugin has been blessed not only by expert programmers but also by expert audio engineers. It's that good.

With component-level modelling of the original germanium and inductor circuits, Softube has achieved the controllability and superior sound quality of this monumental EQ in a plugin. Legendary tone-shaping capabilities are now available in DAWs around the world.

The EQ of the Curve Bender is delightfully gentle and musical, and its sonic character helps to improve the sound of tracks before any of the bands are even touched. It's particularly effective for mastering but also works exceedingly well during the mixing stages.

This plugin offers two more bands than the original for a total of 4 incredible parametric filter bands. There are 51 fixed frequency points, various Q values and superb gain control. There are also low and high pass filters to truly enhance the equalizer's design.

In addition to superb stereo equalization, the Curve Bender also offers mid-side processing. It's fully reminiscent of the superb character of the EMI TG12345, with all the functionality one could expect from a top plugin.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Softube Chandler Limited user manual.

Universal Audio Harrison 32C

The Universal Audio Harrison 32C is a plugin emulation of the Harrison four-band 32C channel EQ from Bruce Swedien's own Harrison 32 Series console.

UAD has partnered with Harrison Consoles Ltd. and engineer Bruce Swedien to develop a plugin recreation of the classic Harrison 32C Channel EQ. If any plugin developer can replicate a piece of legendary hardware, it's Universal Audio.

This colourful, rich semi-parametric EQ features 4 overlapping parametric bands, a 12 dB/octave high-pass and low-pass filter, and output gain control.

Each of the bands has fully sweepable frequency and gain parameters, and the low band can even be switched from a peak to a shelf filter.

Though there's no Q control, the modelled circuitry of the 32C automatically adjusts the effective bandwidth as the gain is varied, which is a large part of the EQ's distinct sonic flavour.

When it comes to mixing, the Harrison 32C Channel EQ is a top performer. The UAD plugin emulation of this channel EQ is also a fantastic choice; plus, it costs less and can be used on pretty much every channel of a DAW session.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the UAD Plug-Ins Manual.

Noteworthy Channel Strip Plugins With Superb Parametric EQ

As a sort of “honourable mentions” section, I'd like to point out a few channel strip plugins that emulate real hardware and feature top-of-the-line parametric EQ. Though the following plugins aren't strictly “parametric EQ plugins” or “semi-parametric EQ plugins”, they do offer these equalizer types as part of their overall functionality.

A few notable channel strip plugins with superb parametric EQ are:

• UAD SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
• Waves SSL E-Channel Strip
• Waves SSL G-Channel Strip
• UAD API Vision Channel Strip
• UAD Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ
• Solid State Logic SSL Native Channel Strip

Former Top Parametric EQ Plugin Picks

Here are plugins that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer. Currently, there is only one plugin on this list.

Unique Recording Software URS N-MIX EQ (Discontinued)

The Unique Recording Software URS N Series (discontinued) is a parametric EQ plugin modelled after Neve's 1084 vintage Five Band Equalizer.

Compatibility

The Unique Recording Software URS N-MIX EQ is compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS and comes in TDM, MIX, AS, AU, VST and RTAS formats.

This digital recreation of the Neve 1084 vintage equalizer is among the best of the best parametric EQ plugins, giving it a definite place in this list. It's a very broad-banded and musical equalizer (no surgery here) and, like the hardware unit it's modelled after, makes a great choice for shaping the tone of practically any source.

Unique Recording Software's URS N-MIX EQ is extremely well laid out, making it easy to dial in the perfect EQ from the very first use. The plugin offers the following filters:

• High-pass filter (selectable 45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz and 360Hz cutoff frequency)
• Low-shelf filter (35 Hz, 60 Hz, 110 Hz and 220 Hz)
• LMF, MF and HMF peak filters (350 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz and 7 kHz)
• High-shelf (10kHz, 12kHz and 16kHz)
• Low-pass filter (6kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 14kHz and 18kHz cutoff frequency)

Each filter has its own adjustable Q, variable gain between ±12dB and 12 dB/octave slope. The “Hi-Q” button on the mid-band selects a narrower bandwidth.

The beautifully musical equalizer is a fantastic choice on pretty much anything that doesn't need surgical subtractive EQ.

Choosing the best audio plugins for your DAW can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Audio Plugins Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next audio plugin purchases.

Other Top Audio Plugin Articles

Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best audio plugins by type:
• Top 11 Best Distortion Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Saturation Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Graphic EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Linear Phase EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 8 Best Passive EQ Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
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• Top 11 Best FET Compressor Emulation Plugins For Your DAW
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The post Top 9 Best Parametric EQ Emulation Plugins For DAWs first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.

Equalization, and more specifically, dynamic equalization, is an important tool in the audio engineer's toolbox.

So then it makes sense why there are plenty of dynamic equalizer plugins on the market. In this article, we'll consider what I believe to be the top 8 stand-out dynamic EQ plugins.

What is dynamic audio equalization? Dynamic EQ is a type of equalization where the EQ of certain frequencies is triggered dynamically as those frequencies surpass a set amplitude threshold in the audio signal. Dynamic EQ, like a compressor, will have threshold, attack and release settings to alter the EQ of a signal dynamically.

The Top 8 Best Dynamic EQ Plugins Are:

1. Waves F6
2. Wavesfactory Trackspacer
3. Tokyo Dawn Records Nova
4. Melda MAutoDynamicEq
5. OEKSound Soothe2
6. McDSP AE400
7. Hofa IQ-Series EQ V3
8. Sound Radix SurferEQ 2

It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. I would expect the next person's top 8 to be different from mine, but I hope there would be plenty of overlap.

That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best dynamic EQ plugin options today. The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following:

• Sonic performance: how does the dynamic EQ plugin sound subjectively/objectively?
• Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the dynamic EQ plugin look when loaded in the DAW?
• Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the dynamic EQ plugin?
• Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the dynamic EQ?
• Accessibility/compatibility: how easy is it to acquire the dynamic EQ plugin, and what are the system requirements?

To learn why they made this list, let's discuss each of the top 8 best dynamic EQ plugins in greater detail.

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Waves F6

The Waves F6 is a surgical dynamic EQ with 6 fully adjustable parametric bands and a high and low-pass filter.

Waves Audio is one of the best plugin designers in the world. The company's F6 dynamic EQ plugin is fully representative of the superb programming and design that goes into its top-of-the-line plugins.

The F6 is a highly functional equalizer plugin. Each of its 6 parametric bands offers advanced EQ and compression/expansion control. From surgical cuts and de-essing to improved “breathing” in the mix, this superb dynamic EQ performs among the best.

The free-floating bands of the F6 offer superior equalization control with variable EQ shapes and Q values. Adjust the threshold and gain controls to create the ideal amount of dynamic compression or expansion within the defined range.

This plugin includes a feature-rich, FFT-based real-time frequency spectrum analyzer with adjustable resolution and reaction speed.

Dynamic EQ can be applied to mono, stereo or mid-side processed signals, and the plugin offers simple parallel compression/EQ functionality.

The sidechain can be either internal or external and can be detected by its peak or RMS values.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Waves F6 user manual.

Wavesfactory Trackspacer

The Wavesfactory Trackspacer is a dynamic EQ designed specifically to apply inverse EQ curves to a signal relative to an external sidechain.

Though the Trackspacer may be limited in terms of functionality, it works incredibly well as a sidechain dynamic EQ and is super easy to use. It effectively creates space in a mix by carving the frequencies that a given track needs.

By reading the frequency information of an external sidechain signal, the Trackspacer applies an inverse EQ curve to the program signal, thereby boosting and cutting appropriate frequencies for improved clarity in real-time.

In other words, this plugin offers dynamic mirrored equalization in real-time, all with the simple turn of a knob!

It utilizes an internal 32-band EQ to analyze and react to the incoming sidechain signal and uses this information to EQ the program signal. Use the Amount knob to control the intensity of the resulting gain boosts and cuts.

The transparent dynamic mirroring EQ can be frozen (made static) if the user happens upon a perfect static EQ curve. Otherwise, the plugin will continuously read the sidechain and make adjustments to the program EQ.

The attack and release times of the dynamic processing can also be adjusted, just like in a typical compressor.

The program and sidechain signals can be further EQed with a high-pass and low-pass filter to improve the overall results. The Trackspacer can be applied to the full stereo field, the left or right channels only, the mid or side channels only, or anything in between.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Wavesfactory Trackspacer user manual.

Tokyo Dawn Records Nova

The Tokyo Dawn Records Nova is a highly versatile and super powerful EQ plugin with an impressive dynamic equalization mode.

The Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Nova is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW

The Nova is considered a parallel dynamic equalizer, combining parallel parametric EQ capabilities with a full-featured dynamic processing section.

Needless to say, this superb plugin has plenty of applications. It may not be the most intuitive equalizer (no dynamic EQ is overly intuitive). However, once understood, this powerful plugin becomes an effective tool in plenty of audio applications.

Each of Nova's 6 EQ bands (4 fully parametric plus a high-pass and low-pass filter) has its own dynamic controls. The bands can be controlled by internal or external sidechain signals to compress and/or expand defined areas in the frequency spectrum as the triggering signal goes below or above a specified threshold.

The band filter can also be used without the dynamic controls for typical parametric EQ, frequency-selective compression (i.e. de-essing), multiband compression, wideband compression and more.

The drag-and-drop display and classic virtual knobs allow users to quickly dial in the parameters necessary for the desired style of compression.

Other notable features of the TDR Nova include:

• Mix knob for parallel compression/EQ
• Preset manager
• Undo/redo
• A/B comparison
• Detailed documentation
• Copy & paste

Check out the Tokyo Dawn Records Nova user manual for more information on system requirements and authorization instructions.

Melda MAutoDynamicEq

The Melda MAutoDynamicEq, as the name would suggest, is a high-performance automatic EQ plugin with dynamic processing controls.

The Melda MAutoDynamicEq is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Digital Equalizer/EQ Plugins For Your DAW
• Top 10 Best Digital Parametric EQ Plugins For Your DAW

The Melda MAutoDynamicEq combines dynamic and automatic EQ functionality in one powerful plugin. From its transparent and musical sound to its superior functionality and beautiful GUI, the MAutoDynamicEq is fully deserving of a spot on this list.

This dynamic EQ has 7 bands complete with gorgeous-sounding variable-slope dynamic filters and sidechain control.

Whether the task is de-essing, ducking, compression, expansion or any other creative dynamic control, the Melda MAutoDynamicEq is capable of delivering world-class results. With flexible high-pass and low-pass filters, it can effectively be used as a one-stop shop for both EQ and dynamic needs.

The MAutoDynamicEq shows the results of your processing along with an integrated analyzer, sonogram, spectrum areas and more, all packaged in a stunning, resizable interface.

On top of incredible dynamic processing, the automatic equalization of the MAutoDynamic EQ is super powerful.

Matching the overall EQ of an audio signal to a defined source is made easy and automatic with the press of a button. This defined source could be a predefined analysis, a separate source recording, a user-defined EQ curve or a pre-recorded mixed or mastered track.

Set up the auto EQ and let the plugin do its magic, setting up the EQ bands for you.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the MAutoDynamicEq support page at MeldaProduction.

OEKSound Soothe2

The OEKSound Soothe2 is a dynamic resonance suppressor designed to automatically identify problematic resonances and apply the appropriate gain reduction to the resonant frequencies in real-time.

OEKSound's Soothe2 is perhaps more of a utility/audio repair tool than a musical EQ. However, this powerful plugin works on the same principles as dynamic EQ and deserves a shout-out on this list.

The Soothe2, as discussed, identifies problematic resonances in real-time and applies matching reduction automatically.

It's effectively a dynamic multiband notch filter. By only reducing problem frequencies when it's absolutely crucial to do so, this surgical dynamic EQ retains the original tone and timbre of the audio signal while providing transparent treatment with minimal sonic artifacts.

This plugin can be set up with relative ease and can truly work wonders on less-than-ideal audio sources. A few applications of the Soothe2 include:

• Removing harshness from close-miked sound sources
• Transparently managing sibilance in vocals and dialogue
• Treating uneven tonal balance from suboptimal recordings
• Clearing muddiness, boominess, and proximity effect
• Softening overly bright guitar and piano recordings
• Taming piercing synth sounds

From the home studio to the professional movie studio, the OEKSound Soothe2 provides a superb tool for achieving the best, most transparent results in fixing audio that has particularly problematic resonances.

The soft mode is a more transparent and easy-to-use fixer-upper, while the hard mode lets you hone in on extreme resonances and energy build-ups. With dynamic controls, including attack and release time parameters, the processing of the Soothe2 can be adjusted to maintain or even enhance resonant transients for interesting results.

To learn more about dynamic processing attack and release times, check out my article Dynamic Range Compression: Attack & Release Controls.

This dynamic EQ can be set up in mid-side mode, on a per-band basis, or across the entire frequency spectrum. It has external sidechain capabilities if need be and is surprisingly fast-acting with low latency, considering its involved processing.

For more information on system requirements and authorization instructions, check out the Soothe2 specifications at OEKSound.

McDSP AE400

The McDSP AE400 is an advanced 4-band active equalizer with superb dynamic processing capabilities.

McDSP's AE400 features 4 superb bands, each with its own Q/bandwidth, gain and active/dynamic controls.

It resembled a multiband compressor and is relatively easy to understand visually compared to many other dynamic EQs. If you're comfortable with multiband compressors, then the McDSP AE400 will feel very familiar.

Of course, the AE400 is a dynamic EQ and, therefore, has a few advantages over typical multiband compressors. These benefits include boosting and cutting, improved phase response without crossovers and improved control over each band.

As we'd expect, each band has its own threshold, attack and release settings. Like most multiband compressors and unlike most dynamic EQs, the AE400 features a ratio control for each band, which determines input signal level sensitivity to articulate further how the active EQ will reach maximum active equalization.

To learn more about threshold and ratio controls, check out the following My New Microphone articles:
• Dynamic Range Compression: What Is The Threshold Control?
• Dynamic Range Compression: What Is The Ratio Control?