Plugin interface — screenshot pending
Vocal

Vocal Rider

Waves

Vocal Rider is an automatic vocal level riding plugin that adjusts vocal track levels in real-time without adding coloring or compression artifacts. It intelligently maintains consistent vocal and dialog levels throughout a mix by automatically riding faders based on vocal dynamics relative to instrumental tracks, eliminating the need for manual fader riding or tedious automation drawing.

Key Features

01Real-time automatic vocal level riding with zero latency
02Target control setting reference range from 0 to -42 dBFS
03Vocal Sensitivity detector (-12 to +12 dB range) differentiates vocal content from noise
04Attack control with Fast and Slow settings for detection timing
05Music Sensitivity control (-12 to +12 dB) adapts to instrumental track changes
06Range Min/Max controls (-12 to +11 dB and -11 to +12 dB) limit fader movement
07Automation Write/Read modes to export riding to DAW automation lanes
08Four components: Mono, Stereo, Live Mono, and Live Stereo

Things to Try

  • 01Insert Vocal Rider as the last plugin on vocal track and send instrumental tracks post-fader to a sidechain bus
  • 02Start with Attack set to Slow, then adjust Vocal Sensitivity while monitoring the Vocal Activity Display
  • 03Set Target by moving the transparent screen to the desired vocal peak range
  • 04Enable Automation Write to export Rider Fader movements to your DAW for manual fine-tuning

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Vocal Rider by Waves | Plugin Library