Key #12: Clean, Clear & Professional audio: 3rd Party Plugins

In partnership with

Many audio editing software programs already include built-in effects like noise reduction, EQ, compression, de-esser, and de-clicker.

This raises a common question:
If those tools are already available, why invest in third-party plugins that seemingly do the same thing?

The answer lies in performance, precision, and professional-grade results.

Understanding the Role of Your DAW

Software like Adobe Audition, Audacity, or Reaper serves as a host. Its main purpose is to let you:

  • Record and edit audio

  • Apply built-in effects

  • Manage sessions and workflows

  • Host third-party plugins

These platforms are designed to be stable, user-friendly, and compatible with various audio workflows.

But their internal resources are not always focused on developing the most advanced versions of each individual effect.

That’s where third-party plugins come in.

Why Use 3rd Party Plugins?

Third-party plugins are developed by companies that specialize in solving a specific problem, such as cleaning up background noise, removing mouth clicks, or delivering transparent compression.

Because of this narrow focus, these plugins are often more powerful and refined than their built-in counterparts.

For example:

  • iZotope RX De-clicker consistently outperforms most built-in de-clickers when it comes to removing subtle mouth noises.

  • Waves Clarity VX is frequently praised for its AI-powered voice isolation, which can produce cleaner results than most stock noise reduction tools.

This doesn’t mean that DAWs have poor tools, but professional audio work demands a higher level of control and refinement.

Better Algorithms = Better Results

The main advantage of third-party plugins is their dedicated engineering. These plugins often:

  • Use more sophisticated signal processing algorithms

  • Provide deeper control over parameters

  • Deliver cleaner results with fewer artifacts

Since these tools are designed specifically to handle one task very well, they often outperform general-purpose effects.

How can AI power your income?

Ready to transform artificial intelligence from a buzzword into your personal revenue generator

HubSpot’s groundbreaking guide "200+ AI-Powered Income Ideas" is your gateway to financial innovation in the digital age.

Inside you'll discover:

  • A curated collection of 200+ profitable opportunities spanning content creation, e-commerce, gaming, and emerging digital markets—each vetted for real-world potential

  • Step-by-step implementation guides designed for beginners, making AI accessible regardless of your technical background

  • Cutting-edge strategies aligned with current market trends, ensuring your ventures stay ahead of the curve

Download your guide today and unlock a future where artificial intelligence powers your success. Your next income stream is waiting.

Choose Carefully – Not Every Plugin Is Right for You

Just because a plugin is highly rated doesn’t mean it will suit your voice, recording environment, or workflow. Every audio setup is different. That’s why it’s essential to:

  • Test plugins using your actual voice recordings

  • Evaluate how the plugin improves (or fails to improve) your audio

  • Learn how to configure it properly

Fortunately, most high-quality plugins offer free trials for 7–30 days, which is usually enough time to evaluate their effectiveness.

Start With Custom EQ

Before exploring plugins, start with a well-matched EQ preset tailored to your voice and microphone. This can make a noticeable difference in clarity and tone. If you're unsure where to start, consider a professional custom EQ service:

This service helps you dial in the right tonal balance, making your voice sound cleaner and more polished, before any additional effects are added.

Plugins + Custom EQ = Studio-Quality Results

Once your EQ is optimized, plugins can help remove persistent issues like:

  • Mouth clicks

  • Harsh “S” sounds (sibilance)

  • Low-level background noise

  • Proper compression

These problems often go unnoticed until compression or volume normalization is applied, at which point they become distracting.

Third-party tools offer precise solutions to fix these issues without degrading the rest of the audio.

Professional Guidance Available

If you're unsure which plugin to use or how to use it, personalized help is available.

Whether you're editing voice-over, audiobooks, or podcasts, using the right tool in the right way makes a significant difference.

Conclusion

Third-party plugins are not simply alternatives to built-in effects—they are professional tools that solve problems more effectively and efficiently.

They offer an essential layer of quality control that can make the difference between amateur and professional sound.

Understanding what each plugin does and how to apply it properly is key. Start with a solid EQ.

Add the right plugins. And aim for clarity, control, and confidence in your audio.

If you're working toward professional results, you have to take 3rd party plugins into account.