Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (16)
$5,499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$5,499.00
Reverb
5.0 (10)
$4,919.28 New
$3,400.00 Used
B&H
$5,499.00
Thomann
4.8 (8)
$4,885.00 $4,799.00 $86.00 · All time low

Average Price: $4,936

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the powerful audio processing capabilities of the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard, the ultimate tool for musicians and audio engineers who demand the best. This all-in-one unit combines a 1-Channel tube preamp, an electro-optical compressor, and a de-esser/limiter with an L2A character to offer unparalleled sonic fidelity.

Boasting a 3-Band tube Pultec EQ, the VOXBOX allows for detailed sound shaping, ensuring your recordings sound the way you intend. The transformer-balanced XLR outputs and comprehensive connection options make this unit a versatile addition to any studio setup. Plus, the VOXBOX features a classic VU meter, allowing you to monitor your levels with precision.

With its robust construction and top-notch components, the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard promises to be a long-lasting addition to your studio gear. Whether you're recording vocals, guitars, or any instrument, this unit is designed to deliver professional-quality results every time.

Key Features:

  • 1-Channel tube preamp with electro-optical compressor
  • De-esser/limiter with L2A character
  • 3-Band tube Pultec EQ
  • Transformer-balanced XLR outputs
  • VU meter for precise level monitoring
  • +48 V phantom power for use with condenser microphones
  • Extensive connection options: 1 Microphone input (XLR), 1 Instrument input (6.3 mm jack), 1 Line input (XLR and 6.3 mm jack), 1 Preamp output (XLR and 6.3 mm jack), 1 EQ output (XLR and 6.3 mm jack), and Stereo link de-esser/compressor (RCA).

Owner's manual

Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard User Manual

Product specs

Preamp Type Tube
Number of Channels 1
Phantom Power Yes
EQ Yes
Compressor Yes
Other Processing De-Esser
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Analog Inputs 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x XLR (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Line)
Analog Outputs 1 x XLR (Preamp), 1 x 1/4" (Preamp), 1 x XLR (EQ), 1 x 1/4" (EQ)
Other I/O 2 x RCA (De-Esser/Compressor Stereo Link), 1 x XLR (Insert Input), 1 x 1/4" (Insert Input)
Rack Spaces 3U
Height 5.25
Depth 10"
Width 19"
Weight 14 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard unique compared to other channel strips?

The Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard combines a high-fidelity tube mic preamp, vactrol optical compressor, Pultec-style passive EQ, and a de-esser/limiter, all in one 3U rack unit. This integration offers a comprehensive signal processing solution ideal for vocal recording and processing.

Is the Manley VOXBOX suitable for recording vocals?

Yes, the Manley VOXBOX is specifically designed for vocal recording, featuring a tube mic preamp and integrated processing tools like EQ, compression, and de-essing, which enhance vocal clarity and warmth.

Does the Manley VOXBOX provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Manley VOXBOX offers phantom power, making it compatible with condenser microphones that require external power to operate.

What type of compressor is included in the Manley VOXBOX?

The Manley VOXBOX features a vactrol optical compressor, known for its smooth and musical compression characteristics, ideal for dynamic control in vocal recordings.

Can the Manley VOXBOX be used for instruments other than vocals?

While optimized for vocals, the Manley VOXBOX can also be used for various instruments, thanks to its versatile processing capabilities and high-quality tube preamp.

manleylabs

manleylabs

Processing Male Vocals with the Manley VOXBOX®

Video thumbnail for Processing Male Vocals with the Manley VOXBOX® by manleylabs

Processing Male Vocals with the Manley VOXBOX®

manleylabs

manleylabs

Video thumbnail for Manley VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip Overview by Sweetwater

Manley VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip Overview

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Manley Vox Box Review - Alto Music by Alto Music

Manley Vox Box Review - Alto Music

Alto Music

Alto Music

Video thumbnail for Manley VOXBOX Hardware vs Universal Audio UAD Plugin Shootout by Seawell Studios

Manley VOXBOX Hardware vs Universal Audio UAD Plugin Shootout

Seawell Studios

Seawell Studios

Video thumbnail for Manley VoxBox Recording Demo - Manley VoxBox Combo Channel Strip Microphone Preamp by American Musical Supply

Manley VoxBox Recording Demo - Manley VoxBox Combo Channel Strip Microphone Preamp

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Manley Labs VOXBOX | Review by Seawell Studios

Manley Labs VOXBOX | Review

Seawell Studios

Seawell Studios

Video thumbnail for Manley Labs Nu Mu Overview - Manley Nu Mu Stereo Limiter Compressor by American Musical Supply

Manley Labs Nu Mu Overview - Manley Nu Mu Stereo Limiter Compressor

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers professional, pleasing sound quality

  • Preamp, compressor, and EQ sections highly praised

  • Works magic on less-than-ideal instruments, e.g., drums

  • Clean preamp with tons of headroom

  • Versatile: great for vocals, drums, and various instruments

  • Built like a tank, durable over years

  • Excellent for both live and studio use

  • Can achieve optimal results quickly

  • Integrates well with DAWs as an external effect

  • Enhances recordings with a distinct Manley quality

CONS

  • Lacks subtractive EQ options for bass and high frequencies

  • De-esser performance found disappointing by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard.

Features and functionality

  • The VOXBOX’s optical compressor can be adjusted for attack speed, which is atypical, as optical compression usually follows faster attack compressors like FET or VCA.

    Source
  • The VOXBOX is preferred for its built-in optical compression, especially when paired with a mid-grade condenser mic for vocal processing.

    Source
  • The Manley VOXBOX is considered valuable for its unique ability to add a "breathy" quality, achieved by using its opto compression with slow release settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users experiment with placing the VOXBOX in the Unison slot for preamp impedance matching, enhancing mic performance.

    Source
  • C-Suite C-VOX is effectively used in "noise" mode to address channel strip noise, especially when the room isn’t acoustically treated.

    Source
  • Users often employ the VOXBOX as part of a multi-stage compression setup, particularly favoring its opto characteristics for rootsy, indie rock, and singer-songwriter styles.

    Source
  • The VOXBOX is integrated into chains with fast compressors like the 1176, to manage peaks before applying its distinctive opto compression for sustained dynamics.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Distressor's "dist 2" setting is favored for adding even-order harmonic distortion without compression, potentially before or after the VOXBOX in the chain.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The UADx Manley VOXBOX plugin is used for initial shaping rather than compression, with some users preferring the Retro Powerstrip for its characteristics.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
federicovaona

Best Tubes!

I have 2 of them to make the stereo and sounds amazing! As a pre-amp, DI, mixing and specially mastering. Lot of headroom, that magic box is essential in my studio.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kaskade uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Kaskade

Music Producer

Late Night Alumni

...
Verified via Emusician

Kaskade routes vocals from the mic into the Manley VOXBOX. He says "I think the Manley is cool because it can sound like not a lot is there, but you can easily add just a little bit of color. This combination is light, airy, has some character but isn't overbearing, and I always feel like the most important thing is to get a nice, clean sound that I can mess around with a little bit later."

See how Tyler, The Creator uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Tyler, The Creator

Singer, Rapper

Odd Future

...
Verified via YouTube

Tyler, The Creator can be seen using the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard in his outboard setup at the 5:03 mark (and throughout) in the video, which captures the creation process of "Chromakopia".

See how KSHMR uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

KSHMR

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen at 1:01

See how Dave Gahan uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Dave Gahan

Singer, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by TC Electronic, starting at the 1:00 mark, Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode discusses the use of the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard in their setup.

See how Tommy Lee uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Tommy Lee

Drummer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via YouTube

Tommy Lee has two VOXBOX channel strips which is used for drum kit overheads.

See how Jay Kay uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Jay Kay

Singer

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used for vocals on the Dynamite tour, as stated by mix engineer Rick Pope in this January 1, 2006 Mix Online interview.

Despite reservations, Pope mixes the show sans feedback on a Yamaha PM1D Version 2 digital system, and records both shows to Kay’s Pro Tools rig, which he bought when the band began work on Dynamite. “We’ve been recording every show since 1999, so we have about 250 shows on either DA-88 or Pro Tools,” says Pope. “Most of them we may never even listen to, but Jay likes to have them on file.”

Pope mixes Kay’s vocals, which are sung through a Sennheiser 935 wireless mic, through a Manley VoxBox and an Eventide H3000. Save for an occasional nod to a Lexicon PCM81 or 91, all other processing comes through the Yamaha desk.

By the time of this Britannia Row article from the Automaton tour, Pope had retired the Dynamite-era setup in favor of a Yamaha PM10.

"For Jamiroquai, everyone knows Jay Kay drives a Ferrari. He’s my boss and this is the Ferrari of desks. But consider this, I used to use a TC6000 off board, a Manley Vox Box and an H3000 – they’re expensive bits of kit. Not anymore. The on-board processing and effects are as good or better than anything else out there.”

See how Malaa uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Malaa

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook video, Malaa showcases his sample pack in collaboration with Unison, where he visibly utilizes the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard.

See how Pete Lesperance uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Pete Lesperance

Guitarist

Harem Scarem

...
Verified via Museonmuse

"For the old “Mood Swings” guitar sound it was basically 2 parts. There was an amp and there was a direct sound. The direct sound was made from a ROCKTRON PRO G.A.P. and a Marshall preamp. I forget the name but it was a single space solid-state rackmount preamp. We ran both of them through Hughes & Kettner RED BOXes and then molted the sound together onto one track. And that is how the main direct part was done. The amp sound was a 50 watt Marshall head with a regular Marshall 4×12 cabinet. Quite simple. It was mostly direct. A lot of that sound was direct. As far as on the new album, I’ve been using a FRACTAL unit, they are an awesome machine. I love it. This one in particular on the record was an “ULTRA”. I now have the AXE-FX II, but the AXE-FX ULTRA is what I use for the whole “Mood Swings II” recording. It’s got everything, all the effects…It ran through a Marshall, I believe it was a 20 watt power amp into a Boogie 2×12 and it was mic’ed. I did not go direct at all this time. All the guitars were recorded with a ROYER ribbon mic through a manley VOXBOX right into Protools." Pete Lesperance

See how Jason Derülo uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Jason Derülo

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Meyersound

Used on the 2Sides Tour, as mentioned in this November 12, 2018 article by Meyer Sound.

Wright mixes Derulo behind a DiGiCo SD7 augmented by his hand-picked outboard gear, including three Midas XL-48 preamps and Universal Audio Apollo interfaces. The vocal chain for Derulo includes a Neve 1073 preamp, an Empirical Labs Distressor and a Manley Vox Box. Derulo currently favors a Telefunken M81 capsule on his Shure wireless handheld, though Wright has experimented with an SE V7 capsule and is also considering a DPA d:facto capsule.

See how Naughty Boy uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

Naughty Boy

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Make Beats Not War: Episode 1 - The Art of Making Beats," Naughty Boy is shown using the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard at the 2:10 mark.

See how DAKEEZ uses Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard

DAKEEZ

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram story, DAKEEZ's home studio features the Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard. On his Instagram channel, he mentions using it for his final recordings at home.

M

Moses Schneider

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:15 in the "Moses Schneider: Drums With Character" video by Sound On Sound magazine, a Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard can be seen at the bottom of a rack in Moses Schneider's studio.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Manley VOXBOX Combo Standard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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