Vocal presets can be a game-changer for producers and engineers, providing a quick starting point to shape your vocal sound. The best vocal presets depend on the genre, the specific sound you're aiming for, and the plugins you're using. Here are some of the best vocal presets available across popular plugins and DAWs, organized by plugin type and usage:

1. iZotope Nectar 3 Presets

iZotope Nectar 3 is a comprehensive vocal processing suite that includes EQ, compression, de-essing, pitch correction, reverb, and more. It comes with a variety of presets tailored to different vocal styles.

• Vintage Vocal Chain: Adds warmth and analog character, perfect for retro or lo-fi vocal styles.

• Pop Vocals: Brightens and polishes vocals with a modern, radio-ready sound.

• Vocal Presence: Enhances clarity and forwardness in the mix, ideal for lead vocals.

• Rap Vocal Chain: Designed to give rap vocals a punchy, upfront sound with clear articulation.

2. Waves CLA Vocals Presets

The CLA Vocals plugin by Waves, modeled after Chris Lord-Alge’s iconic vocal chains, is a go-to for many producers.

• Male Rock Vocal: Adds grit, presence, and power, making it perfect for rock or grittier vocal styles.

• Female Pop Vocal: Smooths out female vocals with a glossy finish and adds brightness for pop genres.

• Radio Ready: A preset that makes vocals sit prominently in the mix with added warmth and compression.

3. Antares Auto-Tune Pro Presets

Auto-Tune Pro is known for its pitch correction capabilities, both for subtle tuning and the iconic "Auto-Tune effect."

• Modern Pop: Tightens the pitch with a fast retune speed, providing the characteristic pitch-corrected sound popular in today’s pop music.

• Natural Vocal Tuning: A more transparent preset that corrects pitch without sounding artificial.

• Hip-Hop Hard Tune: Gives vocals the robotic, pitch-perfect effect often heard in hip-hop and trap music.

4. Soundtoys Effects Rack Presets

Soundtoys offers a powerful Effects Rack that combines multiple Soundtoys plugins, ideal for creating unique vocal effects.

• Vocal Magic: A blend of delay, reverb, and modulation that adds depth and richness to vocals.

• Dreamy Vocal Wash: Creates a lush, ambient sound with long delays and reverb, perfect for ballads or ethereal vocal tracks.

• Distorted Vocal Edge: Adds saturation and grit for an aggressive, in-your-face vocal tone.

5. Slate Digital Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) Presets

Slate Digital’s VMR offers a modular approach to processing, with presets designed by industry professionals.

• Radio Pop Vox: Polishes vocals with a modern pop sheen, emphasizing clarity and presence.

• Analog Warmth: Adds a smooth, vintage character to vocals with analog-style saturation and compression.

• Clean Rap Vox: Keeps vocals tight and clear, focusing on articulation and punch without over-processing.

6. Logic Pro X Presets

For Logic Pro X users, there are built-in channel strip presets that can help shape vocals quickly.

• Bright Vocal: Adds high-end presence and clarity for pop and EDM vocals.

• Smooth Vocal: A more subtle preset that evens out the vocal tone without excessive brightness, ideal for softer genres.

• Vocal Compressor: Combines compression with EQ to give vocals a controlled, upfront sound.

7. Ableton Live Vocal Presets

Ableton Live offers various audio effect racks specifically designed for vocals.

• Warmth & Presence: Adds saturation and compression, making vocals warm and full while cutting through the mix.

• Vocal Doubler: Creates a doubled vocal effect for added thickness and width.

• Subtle Reverb & Delay: A well-balanced effect chain that adds space without overpowering the vocal.

8. Presets from Third-Party Sound Designers

There are also third-party sound designers who create presets for popular plugins and DAWs. Some notable collections include:

• Producer Bundle Vocal Chains (Waves): Tailored presets for CLA Vocals, H-Comp, and other Waves plugins.

• Echo Sound Works - Vox Chops: Vocal chops and processing presets that work well with Serum, Massive, and Spire.

• Cymatics - Vocal Chains (Various DAWs): Custom vocal presets for Ableton, FL Studio, and Logic, focusing on genres like trap, hip-hop, and EDM.

Conclusion

The best vocal presets are the ones that match the sound you’re aiming for while enhancing the natural qualities of the voice. Presets are a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to tweak them to fit the specific needs of your project. Whether you’re using iZotope Nectar, Waves CLA, or any other plugin, these presets can help you achieve polished, professional-sounding vocals with minimal effort.