Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip by IK Multimedia vocal processing plugin interface

Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip: Vocal Processing Plugin by IK Multimedia

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (11 ratings)

Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip is a vocal processing plugin from IK Multimedia that models producer and engineer Joe Chiccarelli's vocal chain, combining three parallel compressors with a De-esser, EQ, effects and output controls in a single plug-in.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip brings the vocal chain used by the GRAMMY-winning engineer and producer into one plugin. IK Multimedia developed it with Chiccarelli to recreate his signal flow, which includes three compressors running in parallel. The plugin adds a De-esser, an EQ that can work before or after the compressors, a custom effects section and an output stage. It runs as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

Best for

Lead vocal processing
Vocal compression and warmth
Rock and pop vocals
Parallel vocal compression
Vocal effects and delay

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: Vocal Processing
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three compressors modeled on UREI 1176, Fairchild 670 and hybrid tube designs
Parallel processing engine for blending compressed and dry signal
Individual Mute buttons to use one, two or all three compressors
De-esser with settings for male and female vocals
Analog-modeled EQ with Pre/Post switch
Two each of Reverb, Delay and Modulation effects
Output section with Wet/Dry, Drive and Color controls
Presets created by Joe Chiccarelli, fully automatable controls

03In depth

Parallel compression and vocal character

The core of the plugin is three compressors that can be used alone or together. MAIN is modeled on a UREI 1176 and is meant as the foundation of the vocal sound. RETRO is modeled on a Fairchild 670 and adds vintage warmth and weight. HEAVY is a hybrid tube compressor based on a UA 176 and a Tube-Tech CL 1B, designed to add character and aggression. Each compressor has its own Mute button, so you can choose one, two or all three.

IK Multimedia says a new parallel processing engine lets the compressors interact in a natural way. Blending the uncompressed signal with each compressor is intended to keep the dynamics of a performance while still reaching higher levels of compression.

Workflow, controls and presets

Beyond the compressors, the plugin includes a De-esser with optimized settings for male and female vocalists and a single amount control. The analog-modeled EQ can run independently or alongside the compressors, with a Pre/Post switch. The effects section offers two each of Reverb, Delay and Modulation. The output section provides a global Wet/Dry control, Drive for saturation and Color to shape the drive harmonics.

The plugin includes presets created by Chiccarelli. They can be used as they are or as starting points for your own settings. Its controls are designed to be easy to use and are fully automatable.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	IK Multimedia
Type	Plugin
Category	Vocal Processing
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats, all 64-bit. Windows requires VST2, VST3 or AAX; Audio Units are supported on macOS.

Which operating systems are required?

The plugin runs on Windows and macOS. The listed minimum is Windows 10 (64-bit) or newer, and macOS 10.15 or newer, with macOS 11 or newer required for Apple Silicon.