Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up VST Plugins for Streaming with Wavelink

Enhancing your audio quality is a crucial step in improving your stream’s production value. VST plugins allow you to fine-tune your audio, making your voice sound clearer, more professional, and engaging. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the VST plugins I use with Elgato Wavelink, how to install them, and the settings that work for me.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your audio to the next level, this tutorial covers essential plugins like noise removal, compression, de-essing, and equalization.

What Are VST Plugins?

VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins are software tools that process audio. They work as enhancements to your existing streaming or recording setup, improving clarity, reducing background noise, and allowing for more precise control over your sound.

For this guide, I’ll focus on plugins used with Elgato Wavelink, but these principles apply to other software like OBS, Streamlabs, or Voicemeeter.

How to Install VST Plugins in Wavelink

1. Find Your VST Folder in Wavelink:
   • Open Wavelink.
   • Navigate to Settings > Audio Effects to locate the folder where VST files are stored.
2. Download and Add Plugins:
   • Place the downloaded .VST files into the folder specified in Wavelink.
   • Rescan the folder to detect new plugins.
3. Add Plugins to Your Audio Channel:
   • In Wavelink, click Add Effect on your microphone or system audio channel.
   • Select the installed VST plugin.

Top VST Plugins for Streaming

1. Noise Removal (Elgato Marketplace)

• Purpose: Removes background noise like fans, pets, or chatter.
• Installation: Available directly from the Elgato Marketplace.
• Settings:
  • Noise Gate: Set to ~88% for moderate environments.
  • Release: Set to ~121ms to allow for natural transitions.
• Get the Elgato Noise Removal Plugin

2. Compressor (Elgato Marketplace)

• Purpose: Levels out your voice by reducing loud peaks.
• Installation: Also available from the Elgato Marketplace.
• Settings:
  • Threshold: ~-18dB.
  • Ratio: 4:1.
  • Attack: 10ms.
  • Release: 247ms.
• Get the Elgato Compressor Plugin

3. De-Esser (T-De-Esser by Techivation)

• Purpose: Reduces sharp “S” sounds for smoother vocals.
• Installation:
  • Download for free from Techivation.
• Settings:
  • Threshold: ~-44dB.
• Download T-De-Esser for Free

4. TDR Nova Equalizer (Tokyo Dawn Labs)

• Purpose: Fine-tunes your voice frequencies for a balanced sound.
• Installation:
  • Download for free from TDR Nova.
• Settings:
  • Boost low frequencies slightly for warmth.
  • Reduce mids for clarity.
  • Enhance high frequencies for crispness.
• Download TDR Nova for Free

Advanced Tips for Audio Setup

Using a Cloudlifter or FetHead

• Purpose: Boosts your microphone signal without introducing noise.
• Recommended Product: Cloudlifter CL-1.
• Why It’s Useful: Ensures your microphone operates in the “green zone” for optimal audio levels.

Gain Lock Feature in Wavelink

• Purpose: Prevents other apps from adjusting your microphone’s gain.
• How to Enable:
  • Go to Wavelink Settings and enable “Gain Lock.”
• Why It’s Useful: Avoids volume inconsistencies during streams.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Plugins Not Showing in Wavelink:
   • Ensure the VST file is in the correct folder.
   • Rescan the folder in Wavelink settings.
2. Audio Sounds Distorted:
   • Check compression and EQ settings.
   • Lower the gain if peaks are too high.
3. Background Noise Not Removed:
   • Increase the Noise Gate setting in the Noise Removal plugin.

Recommended Gear for Enhanced Audio

1. Shure SM7B Microphone
   • Buy on Amazon
2. Elgato Wave XLR
   • Buy on Amazon
3. Cloudlifter CL-1 Microphone Preamp
   • Buy on Amazon
4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
   • Buy on Amazon

Conclusion

VST plugins are powerful tools to improve your audio quality, and the Elgato Wavelink makes it simple to integrate these into your streaming setup.

If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing to my channel for more tips, reviews, and tutorials. Don’t hesitate to join my Discord for personalised advice and support.

What are your favorite VST plugins? Let me know in the comments!

Keywords: VST plugins for streaming, Wavelink VST setup, audio effects for Twitch, noise removal plugin, Elgato compressor, free VST plugins, TDR Nova tutorial, De-esser setup, Cloudlifter for streaming