Best Free Eq Plugin Mac
Mixing vocals is one of the most important jobs in music production. To do it well you’ll need a handful of quality plugins.
EQ by PSPaudioware $149.00 In My Cart! RND Portico 5033 Equalizer EQ by Steinberg $249.99 In My Cart! FG-A Vintage EQ EQ by Slate Digital $149.00 In My Cart! DSPplug boardstation EQ by King Oz Records $5.00 In My Cart! Super Muscle EQ by MIA Laboratories $39.00 In My Cart! PSP ConsoleQ EQ by PSPaudioware $69.00 In My Cart! IIEQ Pro EQ by DDMF. Up there with the best free plugins of any type, and this one’s available for PC and Mac. DDMF IIEQ is a 10-band parametric EQ with surprising character, plus it’s very CPU-efficient (individual bands can be toggled on and off as needed just by clicking the centre of the Gain knob) making it an effective ‘go-to’ EQ on a budget. The best Free Music Software Freeware, VST, VSTi, Plugins Download. VU meter plugin for VST, AU and RTAS hosts on Mac and Windows. And Pultec-style boost. Every sound engineer, music producer, composer, and beatmaker needs access to powerful tools to be able to enhance and bring their music to life. These days, recording is mostly done “in the box,” with VST plugins. And in recent times, even the free ones are starting to sound better and are quite versatile besides. There 41 Best Free VST Plugins EVER 2021 – ESSENTIAL Instruments.
But if you’re on a tight budget you’re probably looking for the best free vocal plugins that won’t break the bank.
Luckily there are plenty of vocal mixing plugins you can download at no cost from generous developers.
One great free option is the PTEq-X from Ignite Amps, which offers three different variations of the Pultec design, it includes some additional EQ points and tube emulations for additional flexibility over the originals. It works in VST, VST3 and AU formats for Mac and Windows. Free Alternative to Dynamic EQ Plugins like the Soundradix SurferEQ.
Vocal processing is a delicate task that requires a few different plugin types for a polished sound.
In this article I’ll walk through each one, explain why it’s important and recommend the best options to download for free.
Here is the essential guide to free plugins for vocals.
1. Vocal tuning plugins
Vocal pitch correction has become an important part of modern vocal production. Before you even start mixing you might need to use this plugin type to refine your vocals and get the right sound.
Whether you’re after subtle performance enhancement or dramatic T-Pain effects, it’s worth having a good vocal tuner in your plugin folder.
Here are some free options to consider:
Auburn Sounds Graillon
Auburn Sounds Graillon is a live vocal changer that can transform vocal timbre and create robotic hard tuning sounds.
The free tier gives you access to a stripped down version of the paid plugin with pitch shifting and pitch correction.
Melda MAutoPitch
Melda MAutoPitch is another automated pitch correction option with a simple interface. This one is capable of some more subtle effects as well as classic hard tuning.
Voloco
Voloco is probably the simplest vocal tuning plugin out there. Choose the key, scale and tuning type and adjust the intensity with the correction amount.
Hot tip: Vocal pitch correction is one of the few plugin types without a full-featured free alternative. If you can stretch your budget slightly, Auto-Tune Access is the cheapest version of Auto-Tune ever.
2. Vocal EQ plugins
Once you start working on balancing the vocal in your mix you’ll need a good equalizer plugin.
This is the plugin type you’ll use to clean up issues and sculpt the frequency balance so your vocal sounds more pleasing in the mix.
But pro vocal chains often include more than one EQ. That’s why I’ve listed a few options that each play different roles in a mix:
TDR Nova
TDR Nova is a sophisticated digital-style EQ for surgical sculpting and problem solving.
This type of EQ might appear first in your vocal effects chain if there are any frequency issues that need to be resolved before other mixing tasks.
If you need to clean up excessive low end, reduce resonances or soften clicks and artifacts, TDR Nova is a perfect choice.
Ignite Amps PTeq-X
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Ignite Amps PTeq-x is an analog style EQ based on the analog Pultec EQP-1A hardware.
This legendary vintage equalizer is many engineer’s first choice for vocal sculpting. Its gentle and musical curves are perfect for adding character, sparkle, or midrange cut.
Hot tip: Vocal EQ plugins are often used in different positions in the signal chain. Character EQ like the PT-EQx should go after any dynamics processing you choose to do—more on that in the next section!
Analog Obsession Britchannel
Another classic processor many pro engineers use on vocals is the legendary EQ found in Neve mixing consoles.
Analog Obsession Britchannel brings a 1073-style channel to your DAW, complete with preamp gain modelling for extra sweet character.
3. Vocal compressor plugins
Compression is the next essential task in vocal mixing.
It means controlling the dynamics of the vocal so it sits nicely in the mix even during quiet passages.
It’s a big subject in music production so head over to our in-depth guide if you don’t have a handle on it yet.
Every compressor plugin has a unique character. Trying to list them all would take too long. Mutilate a doll 2 download free mac.
But to get you started, here are some favorites for vocal duties you can download for free:
Hot tip: Vocal compression is often done in stages in a process called serial compression. This means using one compressor after another to act on different parts of the signal or introduce different qualities. The compressors listed here can work on their own or together in series.
Analog Obsession FETish
You can never go wrong with the classic sound of an 1176 FET compressor. One of the most popular dynamics processors of all time, the 1176 is fast, punchy and perfect for controlling the aggressive transients in an active vocal performance.
You can never go wrong with the classic sound of an 1176 FET compressor.
Behringer u-phoria um2 drivers for mac. Analog Obsession FETish is another great plugin take on this sound that’s available for free.
Analog Obsession LA-LA
If there’s one compressor style that’s most known for vocals, it’s the optical LA-2A compressor.
This is the buttery smooth vintage compressor powered by photocell and tube gain stages. It’s known for its gradual attack time and gentle release that beautifully compliment a great vocal.
Once again, Analog Obsession offers a compelling take on the LA-2A that you can download for free. But with so many excellent plugins in their bundle, consider supporting them if you download them all!
Hot tip:Subscribe to the LANDR Newsletter to get all the best free plugins updates in your inbox.
4. Vocal saturation plugins
Sometimes a vocal needs something a little extra to sit properly in a mix. In those cases, saturation is another tool in your vocal mixing toolbox to consider.
This plugin type adds gentle harmonic distortion that can wake up midrange frequencies and make a sound pop in the mix.
Hot tip: Saturation is a strong effect that many producers blend in gently on a bus. Try this if you need another layer of control over your vocal saturation
Sometimes a vocal needs something a little extra to sit properly in a mix. In those cases, saturation is another tool in your vocal mixing toolbox to consider.
Here are some great free saturation plugins to consider:
Klanghelm IVGI
Klanghelm is a respected plugin manufacturer that offers stripped-down versions of their flagship plugins for free.
IVGI is a single mode from their SDRR multi-saturator.
It adds a satisfying layer of harmonic distortion that can bring a dull vocal forward in the mix
Softube Saturation Knob
Sometimes a plugin doesn’t need to be complicated to be helpful in a mix.
That’s the case with the single parameter Softube Saturation Knob. Simply crank it up to add smooth saturation and punch.
5. Vocal de-esser plugins
De-essers are a plugin type with a very specific job in vocal mixing. They reduce the distracting effect of the ‘S’ syllable in a singer’s performance.
Certain vocalists and singing styles can create a sharp sibilance sound in combination with certain microphones.
De-esser plugins are how you reduce it. In essence, a de-esser is a compressor that only acts on a narrow range of the frequency spectrum where the sibilance occurs.
De-essers should be placed after any gain reduction or frequency boosting processors that add to the negative effects of sibilance.
Techivation T-De-Esser
Techivation is T-De-Esser is a straightforward free de-esser plugin that gets the job done.
Simply select a frequency range, set sharpness and intensity and dial in the amount of effect you need to smooth out your vocals.
Hot tip: Most DAWs come bundled with a perfectly good de-esser for cleaning up vocals. Try your native plugin bundle before rushing to download a free de-esser.
6. Vocal widener plugins
Once you’ve gotten your vocals to sit in your mix, you’ll want to start working with creative effects to make them stand out.
These vocal effects are typically used in parallel on an aux return channel for a subtle blend.
One of the most satisfying send effects on vocals is chorusing, detuning or doubling.
These plugins thicken the vocal sound and make them seem wider in the stereo field.
Here some nice free options:
Acon Digital Multiply
Acon Digital Multiply is a great free chorus plugin that’s perfect for adding swirling stereo modulation to a vocal track.
Add up to 6 voices of chorus and shape the sound with the onboard EQ to get the ideal vocal modulation.
Izotope Vocal Doubler
Vocal doubling has a long history in music production. It’s a natural way of thickening the vocal sound by recording additional takes on top of a lead vocal.
The modulation comes from the natural imperfections in the singer’s overdubs, but you can get a similar effect with plugins like Izotope Vocal Doubler.
Plus, it’s faster than singing your parts again!
7. Vocal delay plugins
Next up are your ambience effects. These are the processors that give your vocals a sense of space and dimension in the mix.
Delay is a type of spatial effect you’ll hear in most vocal mixes. It’s the echoing repeats that fade into the background behind the main vocal.
Hot tip: Even if you can’t distinctly hear the effect of a vocal delay plugin in the mix, subtle repeats contribute nicely to the ambience and often make the vocal blend better into the texture.
ValhallaDSP FreqEcho
ValhallaDSP FreqEcho is a simple but powerful delay plugin that can do more than you might think from it’s simple UI.
The frequency control lets you take it from pristine digital repeats to lo-fi filtered madness at the touch of a dial.
TAL Dub-II
TAL Dub-2 is a retro-style delay that models the stylish dirty delays from old-school dub reggae.
With powerful controls for saturation and modulation, you can build any analog-style delay you can imagine.
8. Vocal reverb plugins
Finally, reverb is essential in any vocal mix. This is the effect that simulates the reflections from rigid surfaces that situate a sound in its physical environment.
The quality of the reverberation gives your brain clues about where the sound takes place.
For example, a long diffuse reverb might evoke a large concert hall while a short, ringy decay could be a tiled bathroom.
That’s why producers take pains to choose the perfect vocal reverb plugin for the mix.
Here are a few plugins to help you do it for free:
Dragonfly Reverbs
The Dragonfly bundle of free reverb plugins covers all the important styles of reverb for your mix.
From rooms and early reflections to sumptuous plates and halls, the Dragonfly suite has a smooth, sophisticated sound that’s quite impressive for a free plugin.
OrilRiver
OrilRiver is another favorite when it comes to free reverb effects.
The latest version is updated to work on Mac and PC and delivers great sound with minimal CPU load.
TAL Reverb-2
TAL Reverb-2 is a classic reverb with a dreamy, enveloping sound.
If you need a larger than life reverb with lush diffusion, this is a great free option.
Freedom of choice
There are plenty of different approaches when it comes to mixing vocals. But most of them require plugins from a handful of these categories.
Whether you’re looking to build an entire vocal chain or just try something new, there’s a plugin on this list to help you get the sound you need.
Now that you’ve downloaded a few great free plugins, get back to your DAW and keep mixing.
High-quality audio equipment can really hollow out your pockets. It makes sense, then, that musicians, engineers, and producers of all skill levels constantly seek ways to save a buck here or there. Fortunately, many modern DAWs feature hundreds of built-in plugins and sounds that can be used to your heart’s content at no extra charge. Still, while most of these tools function well and exhibit versatility, you might find yourself wanting more. The good news is that there is no shortage of unique, well-designed, Mac free plugins available for download this very instant.
The only downside to this renaissance of digital audio software is that there’s simply too much to comb through all by yourself. The number of brilliant coders and designers grows every day, and along with it vast swaths of new Mac free plugins and other hardware. But don’t get too overwhelmed. We’re here to make it easy for you by laying out 25 of the best Mac free plugins out there right now. We can’t name them all, of course, but this list has something for everyone, so take a good look!
EQ Mac free plugins
Getting those frequencies just right presents one of the greatest challenges for any producer. Whether you’re mixing or mastering, EQ plays a major role. These Mac free plugins make mixing with EQ a bit easier.
HOFA 4U + DynamicTiltEQ
You won’t find another free tilt EQ plugin out there right now. This works out because the DynamicTiltEQ does the job well. This sleek equalizer makes the process enjoyable. A single control allows you to visually EQ in real time by placing a single point and rotating a straight line on its axis to filter out certain frequencies. The line can also be curved tangentially on either side of the point, allowing for more nuanced EQ control. As the name suggests, this tool also features dynamic EQ, meaning it can add compressed high or low frequencies. Overall, this tool makes EQing easy to grasp and fun to perform.
Code Red by Shattered Glass Audio
For a great, free 60s EQ emulation, check out Code Red. This EQ mimics the classic Abbey Road Studios REDD console used by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and countless other legends. Unlike the original version, Code Red also adds control for the middle frequencies. This plugin sounds great, looks cool, and works wonders.
TDR VOS SlickEQ
Unsurprisingly, the SlickEQ by Tokyo Dawn Records is indeed pretty slick, and great for both mixing and mastering. This free EQ plugin provides smooth transitions with minimal phase interference. It even allows for five output stages: Linear, Silky, Mellow, Deep, or Toasted. These settings slightly change the harmonic and dynamic responses. You’ll also find four different EQ models: American, British, German, and Soviet. For a free EQ, this one boasts several features.
Voxengo Marvel GEQ
Marvel Graphic Equalizer by Voxengo is particularly useful for linear phase EQ. This tool supports all sample rates, allows for freehand drawing, and compensates for latency. This one is worth a download for its level of control and ease of use.
Compression
Anyone who’s serious about mixing knows the importance of proper compression. This tool helps regulate dynamic range and maintain consistency between mix elements. Some brilliant designers have been gracious enough to share their digital compressors online at no charge. Take a look at these Compressor Mac free plugins.
TDR Kotelnikov
Here’s a compressor with an elegant, intuitive interface and the ability to remarkably alter the dynamic range of a song. As an added perk, the TDR Kotelnikov doesn’t aim to emulate any pre-existing compression hardware. Rather, it’s been built from the ground up as an original entity. With plenty of control, this free compressor competes with hardware compressors on the market.
MJUCjr by Klanghelm
Airing more on the simple side, the MJUCjr only features two knobs (compress and make-up) and a three-tiered switch at the bottom (slow, fast, and auto). Simplicity aside, this compressor works well, and its central display accurately represents an analog compressor’s output meter.
Xfer Records OTT
This multi-band compressor has a unique layout and is optimized for electronic genres. The first knob on the plugin, “depth” controls how deep you want the compression effect to go. The “time” knob controls attack/release time. Standard input and output gain options are here as well. Xfer Records OTT also includes upward and downward ratio knobs at the bottom, controlling the directionality of the compression.
GMulti by GVST
Another multi-band compressor, the GMulti offers three separate bands. Each band has its own knobs for threshold, ratio, attack, and release, as well as gain reduction. There is also an overall mix knob that controls the combined wet and dry signals. This tool allows you to maintain the dynamics of the original dry signal while reaping the benefits of compression, sort of like with parallel compression. One caveat here for Mac users: the Mac version of this plugin is still in beta.
Reverb
Reverb is that subtle effect that can make a song feel much bigger than before. While Logic Pro X features reverb controls, it never hurts to explore other options for added versatility and different types of reverb. Here are some Mac free plugins for all your reverb needs.
Ambience by Magnus
You can’t ask for much more than a fully-featured reverb plugin that costs nothing to download. Ambience holds its own against some of the best paid-for reverb plugins, all while showing off an elegant display. Unfortunately, this presentation gets lost with Mac hardware, but all of the functionality of Ambience remains. This functionality includes gating, decay (with a “hold” feature), shape, EQ, and damping. The wetness or dryness of the signal can also be tweaked in small increments. If you’re looking for a great free reverb plug-in, this fits the bill.
TAL Reverb II
This simple reverb plugin doesn’t overwhelm the senses with too many knobs, numbers, or jargon. The TAL Reverb II still gives you plenty to work with, however. Six EQ knobs line the left of the interface. In the center lie three more knobs, one for room size, pre-delay, and stereo width. Then on the very right, you’ll find the wet and dry signal faders.
Acon Digital Reverb Solo
If the TAL Reverb II is simple, then the Acon Digital Reverb Solo is downright minimalist. With just one knob and one slider, the Reverb Solo makes adding space to your track fiendishly easy. The central knob controls how small and bright or large and dark the sound will be, while the slider at the bottom dictates how dry or wet the signal is. No numbers, no specific frequencies–this plugin is all about ease of use and feel. If you rely less on technical details and more on the way a track sounds, this one’s for you.
Voxengo Oldskoolverb
As its name suggests, this free reverb plugin from Voxengo offers a more classic reverb sound. Oldskoolverb features several parameters, making it as versatile as other high-end reverbs. This reverb is optimized for gentle attack, meaning it works best with vocals, piano, etc. For a classic reverb sound with the ability to achieve plate, room, and hall reverbs, you can’t do much better than this.
Delay
There are so many types of delay out there. The best delay plugins can achieve multiple delay types with relative ease. Lucky for you, we rounded up a few of the best Mac free plugins. Don’t delay!
Voxengo Sound Delay
Voxengo not only makes a great reverb, their delay leaves an impression, too. The free Sound Delay plugin allows for precision control (to the millisecond), sample delay, A/B comparison, mid/side channel processing, stereo and multi-channel processing, preset control, a maximum of three seconds of delay, and more. Due to its precision control, it’s fairly easy to achieve a chorus effect with the proper parameter setup as well.
Valhalla FreqEcho
On the surface, this delay doesn’t look as versatile as the Sound Delay, but it does offer some unique qualities that make it worthwhile. In particular, the Valhalla FreqEcho can do wonders with its feedback knob. When cranked, the knob allows audio to feedback into itself, creating an infinite, ever-building signal. This signal can be manipulated in real time, resulting in some trance-like, perhaps nightmarish loops. The plugin also features delay sync, meaning the signal will repeat at different note lengths. There’s a lot to discover and mess with here.
KR-Delay FS
Admittedly, the KR-Delay FS might not be the flashiest plugin of the bunch, but that doesn’t negate its functionality. In addition to standard delay time and feedback controls, this tool is complete with panning, EQ, resonance, low- and high-pass filters, dry/wet signal control, and output gain. The simple visual display makes it easy to see how these parameters play out in real time. The KR-Delay is surprisingly useful and versatile. Plus, it’s free.
Voxengo Latency Delay
Sometimes you don’t want delay. In fact, when recording, delay (latency) can be a great adversary. Latency is often caused by a lack of processing power. When too many plugins are running at once, latency enters the equation, making recording difficult at times. Voxengo has another trick up its sleeve with this Latency Delay plugin. Without getting too technical, it allows you to trick the DAW into compensating for its own latency, by either milliseconds or samples. In other words, it artificially eliminates any potential lag while recording. This comes in handy for most producers.
Best Free Eq Plugin Macbook Pro
Guitar Effects/Amp modelers
Most guitarists love their effects pedals and various tones. While it’s fun to collect physical pedals and heads, tinker with their functions, and build the perfect board, stomp boxes and amps can get pricey. Logic Pro X already comes packed with different amp simulations and effects, but if you’re looking for some free alternatives, check out these guitar effects and amp modeler plugins.
Guitar Rig 5 Player by Native Instruments
The Guitar Rig 5 Player might be a free bite-sized version of its bigger brother, Guitar Rig 5 Pro, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in features or functionality. This free amp modeler offers 17 different cabinets to play with, along with 13 effects. If you want to plug and play, the plugin also comes equipped with 50 effects presets. For a free version, the Guitar Rig 5 Player has a lot to offer.
FuzzPlus 3 AAX by AUDIODAMAGE
The FuzzPlus 3 is a nifty little digital fuzz pedal with tons of control options. Its interface allows you to tweak frequency, response time, distortion, feedback, and level. Additionally, the screen shows you the waveform output in real time, so you can clearly see the level of distortion. This is an impressive free plugin that can hold its own compared to physical fuzz and distortion pedals on the market.
LePou Plugins
Few software developers are more skilled or generous than Poulin Amplification. The LePou Plugins are a series of amp simulators that run the gamut of rock and metal tones. You’ll find simulations of Marshall, Mesa, Orange, EVH, and much more. Every single one is free, though you can donate if you want to return the love. You might be compelled to after seeing how much Poulin has to offer.
Limiters
While a limiter is a type of compressor, compression and limiting are not to be conflated. Limiters are defined by their high ratio and attack time. In other words, limiters completely block a signal from exceeding a certain threshold. They’re more akin to walls while compressors are more like sponges. Limiting can be a useful tool for mastering and when dealing with extremely hot signals that risk clipping or distorting. There are quite a few Mac free plugins out there for limiting purposes. Take a look.
Limiter No6 by Vladislav Goncharov
This might be the most popular free limiter plugin out there, and for good reason. The No6 by Vladislav Goncharov can compete with any paid for limiter on the market. With both brickwall and soft limiting options, an analog looking display, mid/side and multi-band modes, and five modules, this free limiter has it all. The interface might overwhelm those new to limiting, but fortunately a free manual is available too.
Thomas Mundt’s LoudMax
For a simpler interface, check out LoudMax by Thomas Mundt. This limiter is mainly for mastering, though it serves standard limiting purposes for mixing as well. The plugin only features two faders, one for threshold and the other for output level. There isn’t much to this one, but that’s part of its charm. For some quick and easy limiting, this fits the bill.
ClipShifter by LVC Audio
The LVC ClipShifter plugin doesn’t only look cool, it functions in a unique way, too. This limiter sort of works backwards. In other words, its goal is to distort the audio rather than prevent distortion. In some ways the ClipShifter is effectively a distortion plugin, but with more versatility. The plugin can produce both clipping distortion as well as transparent compression. The paid version of this plugin offers even more features, but the free version already boasts quite a bit. For a different kind of limiting and distortion, ClipShifter has you covered.
Stereo Effects
There is more than one way to widen your mix across the stereo field. That said, plugins can come in handy in this process. Whether you want to make a mono track stereo, vice versa, or just control the overall spaciousness of your track, check out these stereo effects and control Mac free plugins.
Voxengo Stereo Touch
Voxengo makes the list yet again with another great free plugin. Their stereo touch plugin allows you to artificially create spacious stereo sounding tracks with ease. On the technical end, this plugin utilizes a mid/side coding technique. The plugin also features built-in high-pass and low-pass filters, A/B comparison, two delay lines, and supports all sample rates.
STC-3 by RAZ Audio
The Spatial Expander STC-3 by RAZ Audio simplifies things a bit further. This stereo expander takes an existing stereophonic track and can widen it even further. The bold visual display makes it easy to see how wide and at what angles the left and right sides are going. The STC-3 can even turn a stereo track into a mon track, if desired. This free plugin is yet another useful tool in your mixing arsenal.
A1StereoControl by A1 Audio
Like the STC-3, the A1StereoControl plugin offers a central visual display that makes tinkering with a track’s panning simple and fun. Additionally, it features a large knob for the amount of stereo width, as well as a smaller knob above indicating pan control. A unique feature, the safe bass button, allows for full stereo modification without affecting the low end. In other words, this plugin will keep the bass tones in the center of the mix while widening the field for the rest of the track. For a free plugin, this stereo controller offers great versatility and functionality.
Conclusion
Free Eq Plugin For Audacity
And there you have it! These are 25 of the best Mac free plugins, and we haven’t even mentioned all the free instrument plugins for Mac yet. Still, this list should keep you Mac users busy for a while. Remember that most of these are also compatible with PC. Let us know of any other Mac free plugins or other devices worth our while. Happy downloading! And don’t be afraid to throw a donation or two at those hardworking developers who make this all possible.