The best resonance suppressor plugins can completely transform your mixes by removing harsh resonances and balancing tonal issues.
It adds clarity to even the most cluttered tracks.
Plus, they can successfully tame problematic frequencies, smooth out resonant peaks, and eliminate unwanted resonance across your entire frequency spectrum.
As producers, knowing the best resonance suppressor plugins can save you endless hours of frustration and take your mixes from muddy to professional in no time.
That’s exactly why I’m breaking them all down today, all containing unique features and functions, like:
- Dynamic resonance suppression ✓
- Real-time frequency spectrum analysis ✓
- AI-driven resonance detection ✓
- Mid/side processing options ✓
- Visual feedback with spectrum displays ✓
- Adjustable attack and release settings ✓
- Targeting resonant peaks with precision ✓
- Frequency sweep tools for accuracy ✓
- Powerful tonal balance controls ✓
- Much more about the best resonance suppressors in the game ✓
By knowing everything about the best resonance suppressor plugins, you’ll never have to worry about harsh frequencies ruining your mix.
Or, problematic resonances muddying up your sound again.
This way, your tracks will always sound clean, balanced, and professional 一 plus, you can achieve polished, dynamic mixes like a true audio expert.
Table of Contents
- What Do Resonance Suppressor Plugins Do?
- The Best Resonance Suppressor Plugins In the Industry
- #1. Waves Curves Equator
- #2. Techivation M-Clarity 2
- #3. RESO by Mastering the Mix
- #4. Oeksound Soothe2
- #5. Baby Audio Smooth Operator
- #6. HoRNet Sleek
- #7. Dove by Acustica Audio
- #8. iZotope Neutron 5
- #9. Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ
- #10. Gullfoss by Soundtheory
- #11. TDR Nova (Free)
- #12. smart:EQ 4 by Sonible
- Final Thoughts
What Do Resonance Suppressor Plugins Do?
Resonance suppressor plugins clean up your mixes by identifying and reducing harsh or unwanted frequencies.
They work dynamically, meaning they only kick in when problematic frequencies start to build up, to help keep the natural character of your sound intact.
These resonance suppressors are perfect for:
- Smoothing out harsh vocals
- Taming boomy low-end in a bassline
- Fixing overly bright cymbals
Plus, most of them come with built-in visual displays that let you see exactly where resonances are causing problems 一 making the process even easier.
By using resonance suppressors, you can achieve a more balanced sound, eliminate harsh resonances, and make sure your tracks translate well across all systems.
Which, as you know, is extremely important.
Whether you’re mixing or mastering, they’re essential for making your music sound clean and professional.
The Best Resonance Suppressor Plugins In the Industry
Now that you know exactly what resonance suppressors do, let’s get down to the fun part: the best resonance suppressor plugins in the industry. I’ve personally tested out each and every one of them and will be telling you all about them. So, let’s get started.
#1. Waves Curves Equator
Waves Curves Equator is probably the best dynamic resonance suppressor in the game, giving you precise and flexible control over resonant frequencies.
What makes it stand out is its six dynamic EQ bands (each fully adjustable), which lets you target problematic frequencies with surgical precision.
Each band includes intuitive controls for:
- Q factor
- Threshold
- Gain
- Range
This way, you can fine-tune how aggressively it works and exactly where it applies suppression.
One feature I really love is the Learn function.
This analyzes your audio and automatically suggests frequency adjustments to help you tame harsh resonances or boost clarity.
Its mid/side processing takes it to another level 一 allowing you to work independently on the center or sides of your stereo field.
This is great for handling vocals in the center while leaving wide synths untouched.
The real-time spectrum analyzer is another show-stopper, showing you exactly where resonances are peaking, so you can visually track your adjustments as you make them.
And, the floating-band design means you’re not locked into rigid frequency ranges…
You can overlap bands and place them anywhere in the spectrum, which is perfect for solving tricky resonance issues.
NOTE: There’s even a sidechain input so it’s super easy to clean up clashing frequencies between two different elements, like kick and bass.
Whether you’re cleaning up vocals, balancing dense mixes, or refining a master, Curves Equator is perfect for giving you detailed control.
All while keeping your sound natural and clear, I might add.
Bottom line, it’s one of the best resonance suppressor plugins and a must-have for any producer looking to achieve balanced, professional mixes with precision and ease.
#2. Techivation M-Clarity 2
Techivation M-Clarity 2 is a dynamic resonance suppressor built for tackling boxy, muddy, or harsh frequencies in any mix.
What makes it better than most resonance suppressors is its Adaptive Processing Range, which automatically targets problem areas in your audio while leaving the rest untouched.
The Intelligent Mix Assistant takes things further by analyzing your track and recommending the best settings so you don’t even have to think about it.
This is very useful when dealing with time-sensitive projects.
You’ll also get precise Attack and Release controls, so you can decide how just quickly the suppression reacts to resonant peaks.
So, when you’re working with dynamic material like vocals or live recordings, it’s perfect.
My favorite feature is probably the Soft Mode, which applies a gentler level of resonance suppression, perfect for instruments like acoustic guitars or airy vocal lines.
Plus, the real-time visual feedback display shows exactly which frequencies are being reduced, so you can easily fine-tune adjustments with pinpoint accuracy, of course.
Another unique addition over some other resonance suppression plugins is how well M-Clarity 2 maintains the natural character of a track.
Even when it’s heavily processing resonances, it stays super accurate.
Whether you’re working on subtle tweaks or aggressive fixes, this epic plugin ensures a balanced sound without sacrificing clarity or tone (which is always what you want).
#3. RESO by Mastering the Mix
RESO by Mastering the Mix is one of the most precise tools for handling resonances transparently right now (and I’d say one of the most popular too).
What sets it apart from other resonance suppressor plugins is its Calculate Targets feature, which scans your audio and suggests exactly how much reduction is needed for resonant peaks.
So even if you’re first starting out, it’s incredibly easy.
Its visual resonance map is another plus 一 giving you a clear overview of problematic resonances in your frequency spectrum.
For example, when working on a vocal mix, RESO will immediately point out harsh frequencies around 3 kHz and help you tame them.
All without dulling the rest of the performance, of course.
Another standout feature is its ability to dynamically suppress resonances in real-time while preserving the original tone and energy of your audio.
Its advanced algorithms make sure you’re not just cutting frequencies indiscriminately but sculpting the mix with precision, which is great.
The frequency sweep tool is another awesome inclusion if you want to isolate specific resonances manually.
It lets you address areas your ears pick up but the visual map might not highlight.
And another thing I found super intriguing was the intelligent gain compensation which makes sure any adjustments you make don’t inadvertently throw off your mix levels.
This feature saves you time by maintaining consistency in your audio balance, even when you’re making significant cuts.
And the best part is RESO excels at keeping tonal balance intact regardless of how complex your mixes are as well.
NOTE: It actually has a very complex preset system tweaked for specific instruments and mixing scenarios, so whether it’s vocals, bass, drums, or a full mix, you’re covered.
Whether you’re tightening up low-end resonances on a bass track or removing harshness from bright cymbals, RESO is one of the best resonance suppressor plugins you can use to achieve cleaner, professional mixes, hands down.
#4. Oeksound Soothe2
Oeksound’s Soothe2 is hands down one of the most advanced tools for handling most resonant frequencies.
What makes it stand out over other resonance suppression plugins is its Soft and Hard modes, which let you choose between:
- Gentle resonance suppression
- A more aggressive approach
It all depends on what your track needs, of course, but either way it can get it done.
The Depth control is where the magic happens though in opinion…
It determines how much reduction is applied, and I’ve found that keeping it between 30% and 50% works perfectly for vocals.
You also get Sharpness and Selectivity controls, which are incredibly detailed.
For example, if you’re trying to tame harsh frequencies in a bright synth, increasing the Sharpness helps narrow the focus so you don’t affect the surrounding frequencies.
Soothe2 also has mid/side and left/right processing, which is perfect when you want to control excessive resonances in the stereo field.
Plus, the sidechain input is great for situations like controlling high-end clashes between a vocal and a hi-hat, so you’re covered there too.
And, the real-time graph makes it easy to see where resonances are being removed, and it’s super satisfying to hear how clean everything sounds after dialing it in (just sayin’).
Bottom line, if you’re looking for an awesome, top-of-the-line resonant suppressor, this one is certainly one of the best.
#5. Baby Audio Smooth Operator
Smooth Operator by Baby Audio is one of the simplest but most effective tools I’ve used for cleaning up tracks in a while.
What makes it better than most resonance suppressors is the Focus control, which essentially decides how surgical the plugin is when targeting problem areas.
For example, dialing it up to 90% is perfect for vocals because it locks in on harsh peaks without dulling the sound.
The interface is sleek, with four frequency nodes you can drag to shape the response curve and a central control for adjusting the overall effect.
- The low-frequency node controls everything from sub-bass to low mids.
- The midrange node is ideal for managing resonances in instruments like guitars or vocals.
- The high-mid node helps you cut through harshness in bright instruments.
- The high-frequency node works to either enhance or soften the airiness of a track.
At the center of the interface, the global control adjusts the overall strength of the effect (it lets you decide how much suppression and tonal balancing you want applied).
The Focus control is another standout feature, which determines how precisely Smooth Operator targets problematic frequencies.
It’s absolutely perfect for dialing in just the right amount of correction without overprocessing or causing any other issues that will mess things up.
One feature I love is the Solo mode 一 you can hover over any part of the frequency curve to listen to specific frequencies, which makes finding problematic peaks simple.
There’s also a Sidechain Mode that’s amazing for ducking frequencies dynamically, like keeping a bassline out of the kick drum’s way.
Smooth Operator is great for both creative sound design and problem-solving (like using it to soften sharp cymbals or add polish to a vocal track).
Bottom line, it’s quick, intuitive, and surprisingly versatile for such a lightweight plugin (and the sound quality is on point too).
#6. HoRNet Sleek
HoRNet Sleek is all about simplicity and efficiency when it comes to taming harsh frequencies, and it certainly gets the job done.
What sets it apart is its Preprocess Equalizer, which includes four adjustable bands that let you fine-tune the audio before suppression even begins.
This feature is great for emphasizing or cutting specific frequencies (especially useful for vocals or overhead drum tracks).
And yes, each band can be independently fine-tuned with parameters like gain, Q factor, and frequency range for complete control over how your audio is treated.
The Sleek Factor control is another great inclusion which determines how aggressively it targets resonant peaks…
Dial it back for subtle, transparent processing or push it higher for extreme corrections in harsher material, like overly bright synths or distorted guitars.
Next up we have the Spectral Window feature which lets you limit the suppression to specific parts of the frequency spectrum (highly flexible, mind you).
For example, you can target just the low mids in a bassline or tame harshness in the high end of a vocal.
Sleek also includes a Delta Mode, which lets you hear only the suppressed resonances 一 making it super easy to understand exactly what’s being removed.
You can also tweak parameters like attack and release times for precise dynamic control so the suppression feels natural and responsive.
What makes HoRNet Sleek better than most other resonance suppression plugins is how it combines automatic resonance detection with manual controls.
Everything is highly intuitive and customizable so you can get anything done.
Bottom line, it’s lightweight, super versatile, and ideal for achieving cleaner mixes without sacrificing the natural feel of your tracks.
#7. Dove by Acustica Audio
Acustica Audio’s Dove is epic when it comes to mixing and mastering because it has some of the most precise resonance suppression tools in the game.
What makes it better than most resonance suppressors is its ability to target resonances down to 1/256th of an octave (crazy, right?).
This means even the most stubborn frequencies on the planet can be controlled.
Dove combines a:
- Dynamic Harmonics Suppressor
- De-Harsher
So, it’s truly perfect for cleaning up muddy lows, harsh mids, or overly bright highs without messing up the rest of the frequency spectrum.
One of the unique features is its six plugin variations 一 including zero-latency and linear-phase options for MAX flexibility (depending on your workflow).
Plus the spectral processing makes sure each and every frequency is carefully balanced to make your tracks sound polished and natural all day.
The intuitive interface is on point as well, so adjustments like narrowing Q values or setting dynamic thresholds are quick and easy.
Whether you’re mastering a track for streaming or mixing dense arrangements, Dove ensures even the most resonant peaks/disproportionately high peaks are controlled.
All while preserving the natural tone of your mix.
Needless to say, when it comes to powerhouse resonance suppressor plugins, it’s certainly up there.
#8. iZotope Neutron 5
iZotope Neutron 5 is a mixing powerhouse, packed with tools that make resonance suppression and tonal balance feel… well, effortless.
What makes it better than most resonance suppression plugins is its updated Mix Assistant, which now works faster and smarter to help balance your mix from the start.
For example, it can automatically detect masking issues between a kick and bass and suggest adjustments to carve out space.
The Unmask Module is one of its most useful tools in my opinion because it lets you dynamically clean up overlapping frequencies between tracks without losing any energy.
Neutron 5 also includes three new plugins (each designed to handle specific tasks) so it’s even more versatile than earlier versions believe it or not.
The Dynamic EQ module is another perk because it lets you surgically remove resonances while preserving the natural tone of your track.
And, with mid/side processing, you can work independently on the center and sides of your mix whenever you feel like it.
This is perfect for ensuring a vocal stands out while keeping wide instruments balanced.
NOTE: The improved Visual Mixer gives you a bird’s-eye view of your entire session, so you can quickly adjust levels, panning, and width without endless tweaking, which I love.
Whether you’re working with vocals, drums, or complex arrangements, Neutron 5 ensures everything in your mix sounds clean, clear, and professional.
It’s not just about removing resonances… It’s about creating balance and clarity across your entire frequency spectrum.
#9. Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ
Waves F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ is one of the best plugins when it comes to resonance suppression and shaping your frequency spectrum.
What makes it stand out is its six fully adjustable parametric bands, each capable of dynamic processing, so you can set it to only reduce frequencies when things get crazy.
Each band comes with controls for Q factor, gain, threshold, attack, and release so you can control how quickly/aggressively it reacts.
Plus, the built-in real-time spectrum analyzer helps you spot problem frequencies visually, so it’s even easy to dial in adjustments on the fly.
One of its most powerful features is mid-side processing, which allows you to separately target the center and sides of your stereo field.
This is perfect for situations like clearing up muddy low frequencies in the center while keeping wide pads or synths untouched.
The floating-band design gives you the flexibility to overlap bands and place them anywhere, which is great for fine-tuning specific resonances.
For example, you can set one band to surgically cut a 3 kHz resonance in a vocal while boosting clarity at 10 kHz, all with unmatched precision.
Another show-stopper is its sidechain functionality, which allows it to react to external audio (great for carving out space for a tighter low-end).
NOTE: The range control for each band sets limits on how much boost or reduction can be applied, which is ideal for subtle fine-tuning when you’re mastering.
Another key feature is the ability to save and recall presets 一 making it easy to return to custom setups for specific instruments or projects.
Bottom line, whether you’re dealing with a boomy acoustic guitar or harsh peaks in a vocal, the F6 is a reliable go-to for achieving clarity in your mix.
#10. Gullfoss by Soundtheory
Soundtheory’s Gullfoss is honestly one of the most intelligent plugins I’ve ever used for managing resonant frequencies and improving clarity.
What makes it better than most resonance suppressor plugins is its ability to analyze your audio hundreds of times per second and dynamically adjust it in real time.
- The Recover control 一 Pulls up masked details in the mix.
- The Tame control 一 Automatically reduces overpowering frequencies that could be clouding your sound.
These two parameters alone can completely transform how balanced a mix feels, especially when you’re working with dense arrangements.
The Bias knob lets you tweak how much focus the plugin places on either process, so it’s incredibly customizable for different genres or instruments as well.
I’ve found that the Brighten control is perfect for adding subtle sparkle to vocals or high-end instruments without introducing harshness.
Another great feature is the range sliders, which allow you to target specific parts of the frequency spectrum.
For example, you can limit its real-time processing to just the low mids or the high end.
Using Gullfoss on a full mix feels like lifting a blanket off your sound because it enhances clarity while keeping everything natural and cohesive.
When it comes to resonance suppressor plugins, this one is certainly one of the most epic in the game.
#11. TDR Nova (Free)
TDR Nova is easily one of the best free plugins for resonance suppression and dynamic EQ processing available today.
What makes it better than most free options is its four dynamic EQ bands that allow you to target and reduce resonances in real time, only when they become problematic.
The built-in real-time analyzer is a standout feature for the price tag as well, helping you visually identify resonances/where resonant peaks are causing issues in your audio.
Nova also includes high-pass and low-pass filters 一 giving you additional control to clean up your incoming audio signal and create space in your mix.
Another unique feature is its parallel EQ mode, which gives you maximum flexibility for blending adjustments in subtle or aggressive ways.
When it comes to a free dynamic resonance suppressor, It’s surprisingly powerful for controlling tonal balance, I can’t lie.
Especially in dense arrangements where certain frequencies clash.
If you’re looking for a free option that delivers professional-grade resonance suppression, TDR Nova should be your first download, no doubt about it.
#12. smart:EQ 4 by Sonible
smart:EQ 4 by Sonible feels like having a personal mixing assistant with you at all times especially with its AI-driven smart filter.
It analyzes your audio and applies detailed adjustments to unmask overlapping frequencies and enhance clarity.
The cross-channel processing feature is another incredibly useful one for resolving frequency masking between tracks.
And, with 24 dynamic EQ bands, you’ll get full control over resonances while preserving the natural tone of your sound.
One of my favs though is the ability to switch between linear phase and minimum phase modes, which keeps phase issues in check during mixing and mastering.
And yes it has a real-time frequency spectrum display so you can see exactly what’s being adjusted (making it easy to fine-tune without over-processing your track).
Oh, and the interface is simple and modern, making it fine even for beginners, while the advanced features appeal to experienced producers.
Whether you’re cleaning up harsh/unwanted resonances on individual tracks or applying broader adjustments to a full mix, smart:EQ 4 delivers all day.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it: the absolute best resonance suppressor plugins in the industry that can help you clean up your mixes and achieve a super polished sound.
Each one is powerful, precise, and capable of some serious frequency control.
So, choosing the right one just depends on your workflow, the specific problems you’re addressing, and how much customization you prefer.
But, I can guarantee that whichever one you pick is on point and will help you tackle resonances like a true professional.
Just remember, it’s all about precision, clarity, and balance when it comes to using these plugins properly, so always take your take and constantly practice.
And, as a special bonus, since we talked about basslines so much during our examples, you’ve got to check out the Best Free MIDI Basslines in the game.
These 12 powerful, free MIDI basslines will make your tracks hit harder than ever before.
Plus, they were created by some of the world’s best producers and sound designers, so you’re getting the absolute best quality out there.
And yes, they’re all 100% royalty-free, fully customizable, and compatible with all your favorite sounds (win-win-win).
So, if you want to destroy the dancefloor with only the best of the best, you absolutely cannot miss out on these.
Bottom line, when it comes to resonance suppressors, it’s all about targeting problematic frequencies, taming harsh resonances, and achieving a balanced sound.
So remember to always listen closely, use your plugins with precision, and experiment with settings all day to find the perfect sweet spot.
But, whether you’re cleaning up vocals, tightening a bassline, or balancing a full mix, these plugins will help you get there faster and easier.
Bottom line, by using any of these legendary resonance suppressor plugins, you’ll be knocking out cleaner, more professional tracks in no time.
Until next time…
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