Best FREE Alternative to Waves Vocal Rider Plugin By Diego
Looking for a Free Plugin Like Waves Vocal Rider?
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Discover the best free alternative to Waves Vocal Rider. Learn how to use it, compare sound quality, and fix installation errors with missing DLL files. Perfect for music producers and vocal mixers.
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If you're a music producer or audio engineer looking to automate vocal volume without compressing your sound, Waves Vocal Rider is on your radar. But let’s be honest — not everyone can afford the price tag. Luckily, an incredible free alternative developed by Diego Ortega gets the job done… and it’s 100% FREE!
In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know — including a sound comparison, how the plugin works, and how to install it (even if you run into missing DLL errors).
🔍 Plugin Overview
This free Vocal Rider-style plugin features an interface nearly identical to Waves, and it performs automatic gain riding in real-time.
Here’s what it includes:
✅ Target range control
✅ Rider automation fader
✅ Sensitivity & range adjustments
✅ Sidechain input for music-vocal balance
✅ Output gain control
🎧 Sound Test: Free Plugin vs Waves Vocal Rider
I conducted an A/B test using the same vocal take and settings. The free plugin handled dynamics smoothly — pulling down loud parts and boosting softer ones, just like Waves Vocal Rider.
Waves does include a few exclusive features like Fast/Slow reaction time, but for many users, the free plugin provides enough control for pro-level results.
🛠️ How to Use the Free Vocal Rider Plugin
Set the Target Range: Define where your vocals should sit in the mix.
Adjust the Sensitivity: High sensitivity = fast response. Low = smoother riding.
Use the Rider Fader: This moves automatically to adjust your vocal volume in real time.
Sidechain Your Instrumental: This helps the plugin adjust vocal level relative to the beat.
It’s like having an assistant mixer adjusting your fader while you focus on the creative side.
⚠️ Installation Guide & Missing DLL Fix
Many users encounter missing DLL errors when trying to install this plugin. Here’s how I fixed it:
✅ Step-by-step Fix:
Try installing the plugin.
If a missing DLL error pops up, note the exact filename (e.g. MSVCP140.dll).
Go to 👉 https://www.dllme.com
Search and download the missing DLL file.
Follow the instructions to place it in your system folder.
Restart your DAW and rescan plugins.
If VST3 doesn't work, try using the 64-bit version and copy it manually to your plugin directory.
📥 Download Links
🔗 Free Plugin by Diego Ortega: VocalRider
🤔 Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
Honestly, this plugin is a game-changer for producers on a budget. It’s not 100% feature-matched with Waves Vocal Rider, but for most projects — especially in home studios — it delivers clean, consistent vocal dynamics.
Let me know what you think in the comments — and if you have a smoother installation method, share it too!
📺 Watch the Full Video Review
👉 Watch on YouTube
(Don’t forget to comment and share!)
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Will not install, even after attempting to register the dll files. I am unable to get past the errors.
ReplyDeleteDid You follow my guide? Anyways I reached out to the developer and they are working on it... Stay tuned for the update thanks.
DeleteInstalled vst3 and it does not show up in ableton on Sequoia and m1. So i can`t tell you what i think of it :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally understand but the developer is working on it... Stay tuned for the update.
DeleteThank you so much for trying so hard to help people install this... but this was the single worst experience i've ever had installing a plugin in my life hahaha! Holy crap, this is the worst plugin with the most potential EVER!
ReplyDeleteI can feel Your frustration, but I have already reached out to the developer and it will soon be resolved.
Deleteit seems like cannot be recognized by FL studio
ReplyDeleteIt Can I used it In FL. just Follow my instruction and it will work but let me know if you struggle with it.
DeleteThe plugin manager told me this vst3 is error, by the way I'm using FL studio 2024
Deletemore information, my computer is win system
Deleteok now run the exe file and pay attention to the errors, copy them (usually Dll missing files ) go to the site i recommended or use anyone of your choice where you can download Dll files. copy them to the correct locations. The Idea here is to keep running the .exe file until there is no more errors popping out. then restart your Pc and load the plugin in FL. That's exactly how got mine working but keep me updated.
DeleteThank u! ! It works!
DeleteYou're Welcome
DeleteNot working with Reaper 6 Mac Ventura..
ReplyDeleteI will Update You once I get a fix For reaper, the developer is currently working to fix the installation issues
DeleteNew VocalRider Version 0.0.2 Available Solves Crashes!
ReplyDeleteHello, I hope you're doing well. I'm sorry for my late response.
I have been working on an updated version 0.0.2 of the plugin that solves previous issues, please try the new version here -> https://diegortega.gumroad.com/l/ymvasg
In case it works for you let me know, please write a rating and consider a donation so I can keep creating more free plugins for you.
Regards!
Hi Diego Ortega,
DeleteThank you for the update — I truly appreciate you taking the time to fix the issues and release version 0.0.2 of VocalRider. Just tested it, and it’s running smoothly on my end now — no crashes so far!
I’ll definitely leave a rating and consider a donation. It’s awesome to see developers like you providing high-quality tools for the community, especially for free. Keep up the great work — looking forward to seeing what you create next!
Best regards,
CoinxDaProducer