Free channel strip plugins
Quick Answer
The best free channel strip plugins are Venn Audio Free Strip, M Media Audio Violet Crown, Analog Obsession ATONE and FrankCS, and Variety of Sound NastyVCS mkII for Windows. Airwindows Channel9 adds console color without EQ or compression. Pick one strip, save presets per source, and run filters, EQ and compression in one window.
What is a channel strip plugin and why use one?
A channel strip plugin puts the processing of one mixing-console channel into a single window: usually filters, EQ and a compressor, sometimes a gate, preamp saturation or a limiter. It saves you from loading and routing four separate plugins on every track.
The real benefit is speed and consistency. When every vocal, drum and bass track uses the same strip, your hands learn where the controls are, presets transfer between sessions, and gain staging stays predictable. That is how engineers worked on hardware consoles.
The trade-off is flexibility. A dedicated EQ or compressor usually offers more bands, curves or detection options. Use a strip for the 80 percent of tracks that need routine cleanup, and reach for specialist tools, like those in the best free EQ plugins for mixing, on the few tracks that need surgery.
Free channel strip plugins compared: sections and formats
Every plugin here is listed as free on its developer's site as of September 2026. Formats and systems appear only as the developer states them.
| Plugin | Sections | Character | Formats | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venn Audio Free Strip | HPF/LPF, gate, parametric EQ, mid/side, clipping, compressor with sidechain, ambience | Clean, modern | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| M Media Audio Violet Crown | 3-band EQ with separate boost and cut per band, RMS compressor, VU meters | Bus-style color | VST3 (all platforms), AU on macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Analog Obsession ATONE | A-type EQ, filters, 436-style compressor | Vintage | VST3, AU, AAX | macOS 10.11 to 13.x, Windows 10 to 11 |
| Analog Obsession FrankCS | Preamp, EQ, compressor, selectable preamp and compressor | Vintage console | VST3, AU, AAX | macOS 10.11 to 13.x, Windows 10 to 11 |
| Variety of Sound NastyVCS mkII | Preamp saturation, filters, EQ, phase alignment, opto compressor, limiter | Warm, analog-style | VST, VST3 | Windows only |
| Airwindows Channel9 | Console drive, highpass, slew clipping | Console color only | AU, VST | Mac, Windows, Linux |
Which free channel strip should you use?
Use Venn Free Strip as an everyday clean strip, Violet Crown on buses and groups, and an Analog Obsession strip when you want vintage color. Windows users should also try NastyVCS mkII.
Venn Audio Free Strip
Free Strip is part of Venn Audio's Free Suite, which is free with no registration and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux in VST3, AU and AAX[1]. The developer's screenshot shows switchable modules for HPF/LPF, gate, parametric EQ, mid/side, clipping, a compressor with sidechain, ratio, attack, release and knee, plus an ambience module.
It is the most complete free strip here and the only one with mid/side and a clipper in the same window.
Best for: Vocals, synths, any track that needs routine cleanup
M Media Audio Violet Crown
Violet Crown is free forever with no demo mode, no license key and no activation; the download link arrives by email without an account. Each of its three EQ bands has a separate boost and a separate cut filter, six filters in total, followed by an RMS compressor with ratios from 1.5:1 to 8:1, attack from 1 to 200 ms and a program-dependent auto-release. An EQ-first or compressor-first toggle changes the order[2].
Best for: Drum bus, music bus, beat masters before the limiter
Analog Obsession ATONE
Analog Obsession describes ATONE as a channel strip with an A-type EQ, filters and a 436-style compressor[3]. The developer's FAQ states that its plug-ins are totally free, with optional Patreon support, in 64-bit VST3, AU and AAX[4]. Downloads are posted through Analog Obsession's Patreon; the site's guide to what Analog Obsession offers for free explains how that works.
Best for: Vocals and bass that need vintage tone plus leveling
Analog Obsession FrankCS
FrankCS is the second strip on Analog Obsession's channel strip page, updated with a selectable preamp and compressor[3]. It shares the same free terms and format list as ATONE. Mac versions need a graphics card with Metal support, and Windows versions need OpenGL support, according to the FAQ.
Best for: Drums and guitars where you want preamp drive
Variety of Sound NastyVCS mkII
NastyVCS mkII is freeware for Windows in VST and VST3. The 2024 update added VST3, transformer circuitry at the input and output stages, fully volume-compensated saturation and a compressor tuned to reduce unwanted distortion[5]. The manual lists opto-electric compression and limiting, filters switchable between 12 and 24 dB per octave that can feed the compressor sidechain, and a POST switch that moves the EQ after the compressor[6].
Best for: Windows users who want the deepest free strip
Airwindows Channel9
Channel9 is not a full strip; it is free console emulation with models of Neve, SSL and API desks plus budget Teac and Mackie flavors, a two-stage drive, highpass and slew clipping[7]. Put it first on every track when you want console-style saturation, then add a clean strip for EQ and dynamics. The sibling explainer on console emulation plugins covers when that summing color is audible.
Best for: Subtle glue across a whole mix
What order should channel strip modules go in?
The classic order is filters, gate, EQ, then compressor, with saturation at the input and limiting at the end. Cutting problems before compression keeps the compressor from reacting to rumble or harsh resonances; the guide on compression before or after EQ covers the exceptions.
Violet Crown's routing toggle and NastyVCS's POST EQ switch let you flip EQ and compression without new plugins. EQ after the compressor is useful for tonal boosts, because the compressor will not fight them.
- Set input level
Aim for average levels around -18 dBFS into the strip so preamp and saturation stages are not overdriven. Use the input trim, not the channel fader. - Filter first
High-pass everything that does not need sub energy: vocals around 80 to 120 Hz, guitars 80 to 100 Hz, hats 200 to 400 Hz. Leave kick and 808 unfiltered or cut below 25 to 30 Hz only. - Gate if needed
On drums and noisy vocals, set the gate so it closes between phrases without chopping word endings. Skip it on clean samples. - Corrective EQ
Cut before you boost: 2 to 4 dB around 250 to 400 Hz for boxiness, narrow cuts for ringing. Keep boosts for after compression. - Compress
Start around 3:1 to 4:1 with 3 to 6 dB of gain reduction on vocals, slower attack on drums to let the hit through, and auto or medium release. - Match output and save
Level-match against bypass, then save a preset per source such as "Vocal lead" or "Snare" so the next session starts ahead.
Channel strip starting settings by source
These are starting points for a typical rap, R&B or trap mix. Adjust by ear once the whole beat is playing; recheck your gain staging if your meters look very different.
| Source | High-pass | EQ move | Compressor | Gain reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead vocal | 80 to 120 Hz | -2 to -3 dB at 300 Hz, +2 dB shelf above 8 kHz after comp | 3:1 to 4:1, attack 5 to 15 ms, release auto | 3 to 6 dB |
| Snare | 100 to 150 Hz | +2 dB at 200 Hz for body, -2 dB at 800 Hz if boxy | 4:1, attack 10 to 30 ms, release 80 to 150 ms | 2 to 4 dB |
| Kick sample | None or 25 Hz | -2 dB at 300 to 400 Hz | 3:1, attack 20 to 30 ms | 1 to 3 dB |
| Bass guitar or synth bass | 30 to 40 Hz | -2 dB at 200 to 300 Hz, +1 to 2 dB at 700 Hz to 1 kHz for definition | 4:1, attack 10 ms, release 100 ms | 3 to 5 dB |
| Drum or music bus | None or 20 to 25 Hz | Gentle shelves only | 2:1, attack 10 to 30 ms, release auto | 1 to 2 dB |
Is a free channel strip better than separate plugins?
A channel strip is better for speed and consistency; separate plugins are better when one stage needs specialist features. Most mixes use both.
- Use a strip when You mix many similar tracks, want a template, or run a laptop where fewer plugin instances keep CPU and window clutter down.
- Use separate plugins when A track needs dynamic EQ, multiband compression, de-essing or more than three or four EQ bands. The best free compressor plugins cover the dynamics side.
- Combine them Run a strip for cleanup and leveling, then add one specialist insert after it, such as a de-esser on vocals or a clipper on drums.
- Paid upgrade path If you want an assistant that sets the strip for you, the sonible smart:chain review shows what a paid AI-assisted strip adds.
Whichever strip you pick, stick with it for a few weeks so you learn how it responds. Plugg Supply's software library lists more verified free mixing tools to pair with it.
Pair your free channel strip with more verified mixing plugins from the Plugg Supply software library.
Learning path
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best free channel strip plugin?
- Venn Audio Free Strip is the best free channel strip plugin for most producers because it combines filters, a gate, parametric EQ, mid/side, clipping and a sidechain compressor, and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. M Media Audio Violet Crown is the better free channel strip for buses, and NastyVCS mkII is the deepest option on Windows.
- Is Violet Crown really free?
- Yes. M Media Audio lists Violet Crown as free forever, with no demo mode, no time limit, no license key and no activation. The download link is sent by email and no account is required. Violet Crown runs as VST3 on Windows, macOS and Linux and as AU on macOS.
- Are Analog Obsession plugins still free?
- Yes. The Analog Obsession FAQ states that its plug-ins are totally free and can be used without any cost, with optional support on Patreon. The current Analog Obsession channel strips, ATONE and FrankCS, come as 64-bit VST3, AU and AAX for macOS 10.11 to 13.x and Windows 10 to 11.
- What order should EQ and compression go in on a channel strip?
- On a channel strip, the usual order is high-pass filter, gate, corrective EQ, then compressor. Cutting rumble and harsh resonances first stops the compressor from reacting to them. Tonal boosts often sound better after compression, which is why strips such as Violet Crown and NastyVCS mkII include a switch that moves the EQ after the compressor.
- Is there a free channel strip for Mac?
- Yes. Free channel strips for Mac include Venn Audio Free Strip (VST3, AU, AAX), M Media Audio Violet Crown (VST3 and AU), and Analog Obsession ATONE and FrankCS (VST3, AU, AAX). Airwindows Channel9 also runs on Mac as a console-color plugin. Variety of Sound NastyVCS mkII is Windows-only, so Mac users should skip it.
- Do I need a channel strip if my DAW has stock plugins?
- You do not need a channel strip if your DAW's stock EQ and compressor already cover your tracks, but a strip can still speed up mixing. A channel strip keeps filters, EQ and dynamics in one window, so one preset recalls the whole chain. Many producers use a free channel strip for routine tracks and keep stock or specialist plugins for detailed fixes.