Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip by Universal Audio vocal processing plugin interface

Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip: Tube Vocal Processor Plugin by Universal Audio

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (525 ratings)

Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip is a vocal processing plugin from Universal Audio that models the Manley VOXBOX hardware. It combines a tube mic preamp, optical compressor, three-band passive EQ, and de-esser/limiter in one channel strip.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Opens the store in a new tab

01Overview

The Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip is modeled by Universal Audio and licensed from Manley Laboratories. It recreates the VOXBOX hardware, a 3U unit introduced in 1997 that combines a tube mic preamp, optical compressor, passive EQ, and de-esser/limiter. The plugin is built around the signal path of the original, including its transformers, tube amplifiers, and optical gain reduction, and is aimed at vocal tracking and mixing. Universal Audio says the plugin is also used on bass, clean electric guitar, strings, and drums.

Best for

Vocal tracking
Vocal mixing
Bass processing
Electric guitar and drum processing
Tube vocal tone

Developer: Universal Audio
Category: Vocal Processing
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Tube mic preamp with Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs and 60 dB of gain
Unison technology for control of preamp gain staging and impedance
Optical compressor with 25 attack and release combinations
Three-band passive EQ based on the Pultec MEQ-5
Two-knob de-esser that can also operate as a colored limiter
Sidechain Unlink/Link and output transformer bypass
Final clean makeup gain or attenuation
Available as UAD Native, Apollo Realtime, and UAD-2 versions

03In depth

Tube Preamp, Compression and Passive EQ

The channel strip starts with a feedback-style 60 dB tube mic preamp that accepts Mic, Line, or Hi-Z input. Universal Audio's Unison technology lets the plugin control the gain staging and input impedance of compatible Apollo interfaces from the plugin interface.

The optical compressor sits before the preamp in the signal chain, as on the hardware, and offers 25 combinations of attack and release. The three-band passive EQ is based on the Pultec MEQ-5, with two peak bands and one dip band.

Sidechain Unlink/Link, output transformer bypass, and a final makeup gain or attenuation stage give further control over the output.

De-Essing, Limiting and Uses Beyond Vocals

The de-esser section has two knobs. With the de-esser frequency control turned off, the section can be used as a more aggressive, colored limiter. Universal Audio describes the de-esser as suited to vocals, shrill electric guitars, and bright overheads.

The plugin is available in two versions. UAD Native runs on a Mac or PC without UA hardware, while Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 versions run accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Universal Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Vocal Processing
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does the Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip support?

It is available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats and runs on Windows and macOS. It supports 64-bit operation.

What do I need to run the Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip?

You need a supported DAW compatible with VST3, AU, or AAX, an internet connection to download and authorize UAD Native plug-ins, and a free iLok account. An iLok USB key is supported but not required. The free UA Connect application is used to manage UAD Native plug-ins.

Do I need UA hardware to use the plugin?

No. The UAD Native version runs on a Mac or PC without any UA hardware. Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 versions run accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.