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Description

Experience the power of a legendary vocal processor with the Universal Audio Manley Voxbox plugin, a stunning digital emulation of the renowned hardware. This plugin encapsulates the sonic excellence of Manley's tube-driven channel strip, delivering the unmistakable warmth and clarity that musicians crave for their vocals and more. With its Unison technology, users of Universal Audio's Apollo interfaces can record through a true-to-life emulation of the complete Voxbox in real-time. This innovative feature grants you direct control over gain staging and impedance, ensuring your tracks capture the essence of a world-class studio experience.

The Manley Voxbox plugin faithfully reproduces the hardware's components, including its smooth opto compressor, Pultec-style EQ, and effective de-esser/limiter. Whether you're taming transients or shaping your sound with its three-band passive EQ, the Voxbox provides a seamless, musical response that enhances any audio source. Perfectly tailored for vocals but equally magical on bass, guitars, or drums, this plugin offers a versatile solution for any recording artist looking to elevate their sound.

Key Features:

  • Faithful digital emulation of the Manley Voxbox tube channel strip
  • Includes tube microphone preamp, opto compressor, Pultec-style EQ, and de-esser/limiter
  • Unison technology offers real-time control for Apollo interface users
  • Ideal for vocals but versatile enough for various instruments
  • Operates natively or with UAD-2 processing hardware

Product specs

Software Type Channel Strip
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, AU, VST3 (UAD Native), UAD DSP
Authorization Type iLok Account Required (UADx Native version)
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macoS 10.15 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX plugin?

The Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX plugin is designed to provide rich, luxurious vocal processing with its high-fidelity Class-A tube mic preamp, Pultec-style EQ, and optical compressor, making it ideal for vocals, bass, acoustic guitars, and voiceovers.

Does the Manley VOXBOX plugin require specific hardware to operate?

No specific UA hardware is required to use the Manley VOXBOX plugin. It can be used with any audio interface, although it offers enhanced performance when used with Apollo and Unison technology.

Is the Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX plugin compatible with my DAW?

The Manley VOXBOX plugin is compatible with DAWs that support AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, making it versatile for use with popular software like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

Can the Manley VOXBOX plugin be used on both Mac and PC?

Yes, the Manley VOXBOX plugin is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, requiring macOS 10.15 or later for Mac users and Windows 10 or later for PC users.

What makes the Manley VOXBOX plugin's de-esser section unique?

The de-esser/limiter section of the Manley VOXBOX plugin is known for its organic ability to tame sibilance, offering unmatched control over harsh frequencies in vocals and other instruments.

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

UAD Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Plug-In

Video thumbnail for UAD Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Plug-In by Universal Audio

UAD Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Plug-In

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Review - UAD Manley VOXBOX by Production Expert

Review - UAD Manley VOXBOX

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for UAD Manley VoxBox (Review & Walkthrough) | MixBetterNow.com by Mix Better Now

UAD Manley VoxBox (Review & Walkthrough) | MixBetterNow.com

Mix Better Now

Mix Better Now

Video thumbnail for UA Manley VOXBOX - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week by Mixing With Mike

UA Manley VOXBOX - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week

Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike

Video thumbnail for The BEST Vocal Plug-In (UAD Manley Voxbox Review) by Jackson Mixed It

The BEST Vocal Plug-In (UAD Manley Voxbox Review)

Jackson Mixed It

Jackson Mixed It

Reviews

PROS

  • Transparent de-esser enhances vocal clarity without harshness

  • Clean, clear, and open sound ideal for vocal tracking

  • User-friendly interface simplifies vocal recording process

  • Highly effective for single or dual mic setups

CONS

  • Falls short of replicating the original hardware sound

  • Frustrating to use with multiple channels in a DAW setup

  • Limited practicality for complex recording sessions

  • Does not meet high user expectations for a premium plugin

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Manley Voxbox.

Comparisons

  • The UAD Manley Voxbox is considered superior to the UAD Manley Vari-Mu plugin, which some users find lacks interest and fidelity compared to the hardware.

    Source
  • Pulsar's Mu plugin is noted for closely resembling the hardware Vari-Mu in blind tests, surpassing UAD's version according to some users.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from using a UA 1073 + LA2A setup express newfound admiration for the Voxbox's sound quality, despite previous reservations about the hardware version.

    Source
  • In voice-over work requiring control and transparency, some prefer the Neve DFC over the Voxbox for its precision in matching recordings.

    Source

User experience

  • The UAD Voxbox is praised for its intuitive design, making it difficult to produce poor vocal recordings, especially for those with bass-heavy voices.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Voxbox's preamp for its open, big, and warm sound, often finding it difficult to justify purchasing additional outboard preamps.

    Source
  • The Voxbox is favored by owners for its ability to produce a polished, radio-ready vocal sound, often eliminating the need for additional processing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The UAD Voxbox's de-esser circuit is criticized for intermodulation distortion when used as a full band limiter, especially compared to the hardware version.

    Source
  • The compressor in the Voxbox is noted for its transparency and medium to medium-slow attack, enhancing its utility for various recording scenarios.

    Source
  • The Voxbox's compressor operates at mic level before the preamp, reducing preamp distortion and enhancing vocal clarity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While the hardware Avalon 737 is often described as bright and slow, some users find it effective for specific vocal styles and setups, like Julian Casablancas'.

    Source
  • The Voxbox is highly valued for its versatility, serving as an effective all-in-one solution for bass with its optical compressor and Pultec-style EQ.

    Source
  • The Voxbox is praised for its exceptional performance on female vocals, providing a pristine, high-end sound that complements the clarity of big tube condensers.

    Source

Other

  • The de-esser component is frequently highlighted for its practicality in recording, contributing to the Voxbox's reputation as a comprehensive vocal processing tool.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users note the lack of numerical readouts on controls, which can be a drawback for precise adjustments, especially in DAWs like Digital Performer.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Manley Voxbox from Universal Audio | Audio Plugin Guy

audiopluginguy.com

The Universal Audio Manley Voxbox plugin impressively captures the essence of its legendary hardware counterpart. It offers a stunningly smooth sound, ideal for pop vocals, with a compressor-preamp design that's surprisingly rare. While the plugin might miss some of the '3D' high and low-end magic of the hardware, it's a minor gripe when considering the cost difference. The interface remains true to the original, and the inclusion of stereo features via Unison tech adds flexibility. Though it's a pricey investment, the Voxbox is highly recommended for those seeking premium sound quality in a digital format.

positive

Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Plug-in For UAD-2

recordingmag.com

Universal Audio's Manley VOXBOX Plug-in is a faithful digital rendition of the revered hardware, capturing its sonic richness and versatility. The meticulous modeling covers every nuance, from tubes to transformers, making it a formidable tool for vocal and instrument processing. The plug-in shines with UA's Unison technology on Apollo interfaces, allowing real-time tracking that's nearly indistinguishable from the hardware. However, slight differences in the DI bass guitar sound suggest minor headroom issues. Despite this, the plug-in delivers an impressive emulation, making it a standout choice for those seeking Manley's signature sound without the hefty price tag of the hardware.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

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xaqary

Damn impressive plugin

To say I find the utility of channel strip emulations dubious is and understatement. Even if they do an okay job sound wise they usually fall down in practically.

The common sales pitch is “you can turn your DAW into _______ console!” Well, that just ain’t true -setting up 8+ channels with said plugin & with all the knobs, etc. nested in each channel it’s frustrating at best and totally inappropriate most often. Largely useless for tracking anymore than one person with 1 or 2 mics.

That brings me to-

The Manet Voxbox

While I’m sure not able to stand up to the hardware is a breeze to use for tracking vocals. The d-esr is super transparent, the sound is clean, clear, and open sounding.

Disillusioned as I was with the “channel strip as plugin” I left this on the shelf. I bought it nearly a year ago & after a frustrating go with the other channel strips I got in a bundle I moved on. That’s a shame as I expect I’ll be using it a ton going forward.

I’ve no doubt it’s nothing like the venerable Manley Voxbox hardware & I don’t even remember how much it cost now as it was a year ago & discounted heavily for Thanksgiving + bundle discount so I can’t speak to the cost vs value-

Artist usage

Add artist
See how KSHMR uses Universal Audio Manley Voxbox

KSHMR

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

This plugin can be seen at 1:07 in this video

See how Sun Diego uses Universal Audio Manley Voxbox

Sun Diego

Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

Im Musikvideo zu "Eloah" kann man bei 1:14-1:16 den Manley Voxbox Pre-Amp sehen.

See how Michael Simon uses Universal Audio Manley Voxbox

Michael Simon

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

On September 1, 2021, Michael Simon shared a photo on Instagram showcasing his use of the Universal Audio Manley Voxbox plugin.

Album Usage

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Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Universal Audio Manley Voxbox, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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