I Rank EVERY Universal Audio Compressor Plugin For Vocals
Getting that lead vocal to sit perfectly is the single hardest thing in a mix—especially with dozens of confusing UAD compressor options. We're settling the score on the definitive UAD vocal compressor tier list!
I’ve spent thousands of hours comparing every major UAD plugin on vocals only, ranking them from S-Tier (Unrivaled Game Changer) to D-Tier (Costly Mistake). In this brutally honest compressor tier list, I reveal which hundred dollar plugin you should absolutely NOT buy for vocals (spoiler: it's in D-Tier!) and the single, low-key monster—the secret weapon S-Tier unit—that gives your vocal effortless, world-class density.
We break down the character, control, and efficiency of every major model, including the 1176, LA-2A, Fairchild 670, Distressor, Tube-Tech CL 1B, and more. Are you an experienced home studio engineer demanding value? I give you the raw truth so you can stop wasting time on the wrong UAD compressors and start making better records.
Stick with me until the end for the ultimate S-Tier UAD vocal chain payoff, showing you how to combine the LA-2A and the secret S-Tier peak limiter for an effortlessly finished, radio-ready vocal sound. Find your new vocal workhorse and save your money!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:19 Criteria
05:14 D Tier
09:04 C Tier
12:38 B Tier
16:35 A Tier
24:05 S Tier
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