Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Plugin Boutique
$39.00 $34.00 $5.00 · All time low
Sweetwater
3.5 (2)
$49.00
Thomann
4.5 (2)
$36.00 $35.00 $1.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip plugin is a must-have for vocalists and audio engineers seeking the perfect blend of warmth, clarity, and character. Inspired by the legendary Manley VOXBOX, this plugin harnesses the power of UA's Unison technology to faithfully emulate the all-tube hardware, encompassing a mic preamp, optical compressor, Pultec-style EQ, and de-esser/limiter. With its ability to capture the rich, soulful tones of iconic recordings, the VOXBOX plugin stands out as more than just a vocal tool; it's an essential part of any serious audio toolkit.

Its innovative topology allows for compression before the preamp, delivering smooth and natural soundscapes. The three-band passive EQ offers broad-stroke control, ensuring sweet highs and defined lows, even with aggressive boosts and cuts. Meanwhile, the de-esser provides ultra-transparent processing, effortlessly taming harsh sibilance and adding a touch of vintage warmth to your tracks.

Beyond vocals, the VOXBOX plugin excels across various instruments, from bass to strings and clean electric guitars, offering an elevated sound experience that transcends traditional processing boundaries. Whether you're recording in a state-of-the-art studio or a home setup, this plugin delivers premium quality sound with unparalleled flexibility.

Key Features:

  • Faithful emulation of the renowned Manley VOXBOX hardware
  • Unison technology for authentic mic preamp impedance and gain staging
  • Tube-driven feedback-style mic preamp with options for Mic, Line, or Hi-Z inputs
  • Optical compressor with 25 Attack/Release combinations
  • Pultec-style three-band passive EQ with expanded frequency selections
  • Transparent de-esser with dual function as a limiter
  • Compatible with major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Studio One
  • Requires macOS or Windows and an internet connection for software download and authorization through iLok Cloud or USB

Product specs

Available since August 2023
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Delay No
Dynamics Yes
Effect Filter No
Encoder/Decoder No
Equalizer Yes
Guitar amps/-effects No
Channel Strip Yes
Metering / Analysis / Correction No
Modulation Effects No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host No
Overdrive/Distortion No
Preamp / Saturation Yes
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter No
Restauration No
Reverb No
Special FX No
Summer / Mixing Consoles No
Tape Simulation No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching No
Transient Processing No
Vocoder / Vocal effect No
Mastering Tools No
Hardware Controller No
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FAQs

What key features does the Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip offer for vocal processing?

The Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip features a high-fidelity tube mic preamp, vactrol optical compressor, Pultec-style passive EQ, and a de-esser/limiter, making it ideal for achieving clear, detailed, and dynamic vocal recordings.

Is the Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip suitable for instruments as well as vocals?

Yes, while primarily designed for vocals, the Manley VOXBOX's warm tube sound and versatile processing capabilities make it suitable for delicate instruments like piano, strings, and horns, providing a rich and detailed audio character.

Does the Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip include an equalizer?

Yes, the Manley VOXBOX includes a Pultec-style passive EQ, allowing for precise tonal shaping to enhance the clarity and presence of your audio tracks.

How does the Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip's compressor function?

The VOXBOX features a vactrol optical compressor, which provides smooth, natural-sounding dynamics control, perfect for maintaining vocal presence and consistency in your mixes.

Can the Universal Audio Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip be used as a standalone preamp?

Yes, the Manley VOXBOX can be used as a standalone tube mic preamp, offering high-fidelity sound quality for recording vocals or instruments with warmth and detail.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The compressor operates at mic level before the preamp, clamping down on preamp distortion, adding unique processing capabilities.

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  • The UAD VoxBox plugin's de-esser circuit is less robust than the hardware version, reportedly leading to intermodulation distortion under similar settings.

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  • Users highlight the medium to medium-slow attack of the compressor, describing it as particularly effective and satisfying in operation.

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Comparisons

  • VoxBox is often compared with Neve 1073/1176/La-2a chain for vocals, providing a ready-for-radio tone with minimal additional processing.

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  • The UAD VoxBox is noted as a better plugin than the UAD version of the Manley Vari-Mu, which some users find less engaging compared to Pulsar's Mu.

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  • In a studio context, the UAD 1176 and LA-2A plugins are considered nearly as useful as their hardware counterparts, unlike the less favored UAD Vari-Mu.

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Use cases and applications

  • Reported to excel on female vocals, offering a pristine and high-end sound, and is also favored for strings and electric bass.

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  • Works effectively with microphones like Neumann TLM 102 and Electrovoice RE 20, though settings may vary with vocalists.

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  • The UAD VoxBox plugin is favored for its intuitive nature, making it difficult to mess up vocal tracks, even for those with less experience.

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  • The VoxBox is noted as a one-stop solution for bass, combining optical compression and Pultec-style EQ, which is particularly effective for this instrument.

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User experience

  • Users appreciate the all-in-one nature, simplifying mixes by combining de-esser, Pultec EQ, and vari-mu compressor in one plugin.

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  • Owners with experience using both UAD and hardware versions of gear notice that the UAD VoxBox lacks the "weight" seen in the physical unit's limiter function.

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  • Some owners, despite previous dissatisfaction with the hardware version, find the plugin offers a surprisingly pleasing sound, especially lauding its transparency and utility.

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Software and compatibility

  • Some users find lack of numerical readouts frustrating in DAWs like Digital Performer, affecting precise adjustments.

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Critic Reviews

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

recordingmag.com

Universal Audio’s Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Plug-in brilliantly captures the essence of its hardware counterpart, delivering a rich, smooth sound that enhances vocals and instruments alike. The meticulous modeling of each component shines, making it a joy to use for tracking and mixing. However, minor discrepancies in direct input sound suggest the plug-in may not completely replicate the hardware's openness and natural tone. Despite this, it stands out as one of the most impressive channel strip options available today, successfully merging vintage warmth with modern functionality.

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