VOCRIDER
Key Features
- Sidechain-driven automatic vocal level riding that responds to the backing track in real time
- Built-in de-harsher module with stereo, mid, and side processing modes for taming vocal sibilance
- 2-band equalizer for shaping the vocal signal before processing
- Dedicated sidechain detector EQ that filters the analysis signal to improve ride accuracy in the 1-5 kHz vocal presence range
- Input, processing, ride, and sidechain metering for visual monitoring of every processing stage
- Ride enhance knob for adjusting the intensity of the automatic level adjustments
- Works with both mono and stereo vocal channels in any VST-compatible DAW
Description
VocRider is a sidechain automatic level rider developed by Terry West that keeps vocal tracks sitting on top of the mix without manual fader automation. Based on the DIY vocal riding workflow described in Sound On Sound magazine, VocRider uses a single sidechain input instead of the original three-aux routing, making setup far simpler in any VST-compatible DAW.
The plugin works by analyzing the backing track signal sent to its sidechain input and adjusting the vocal level in real time so that it stays audible above competing elements like guitars and backing vocals. This is not the same as automatic gain leveling — it does not even out a vocalist's dynamic performance the way a compressor would, but instead responds to the relative level of surrounding tracks.
Beyond the core riding function, VocRider includes a built-in de-harsher module with stereo, mid, and side processing modes for taming sibilance and high-frequency harshness. A 2-band equalizer and a dedicated sidechain detector EQ round out the feature set, letting you shape which frequencies trigger the ride behavior.
The sidechain detector EQ is particularly useful because low frequencies from bass instruments are less likely to mask vocals than energy in the 1-5 kHz range critical to vocal intelligibility. Filtering the detector signal to reduce lows and emphasize the midrange presence region improves the musicality of the automatic level adjustments.
VocRider is available as a 32-bit and 64-bit VST/VST3 plugin for Windows, with the 64-bit version including additional features in the Pro variant such as a 3-band equalizer, noise gate, and vocal enhancer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does VocRider differ from a compressor?
VocRider does not compress or level the vocalist's dynamic performance. Instead, it monitors the backing track through its sidechain input and raises or lowers the vocal level based on how loud the surrounding elements are, keeping the vocal sitting on top of the mix.
How do I set up VocRider's sidechain routing?
Route your vocal track into VocRider's left input and send the backing track (or a submix of the elements that compete with the vocal) to the right/sidechain input. The plugin analyzes the sidechain signal and adjusts the vocal gain accordingly. Detailed DAW-specific instructions are included in the download package.
Is there a 64-bit version of VocRider?
Yes. Terry West offers both a standard VocRider x64 and a VocRider Pro x64 version in VST3 format. The Pro variant adds a 3-band equalizer with highpass, noise gate, and vocal enhancer features beyond the original 32-bit release.
Does VocRider work on macOS or Linux?
No. VocRider is Windows-only, available in VST (32-bit) and VST3 (64-bit) formats. There is no macOS or Linux version.
