Manley® VOXBOX Channel Strip
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Track in real time with the ultimate all‑tube vocal processor.
The human voice is the first, most natural musical instrument. It’s also the most expressive. Like the voice itself, Manley’s VOXBOX channel strip is a beautiful and evolved system — a high-end blend of tube-driven preamp, dynamics and EQ circuits, designed specifically for your all-important vocals.
Featuring UA’s groundbreaking Unison™ technology, the Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip plug-in for Apollo and UAD-2 hardware is a stunningly faithful emulation of this premium vocal channel strip. One listen and you’ll hear why it’s the vocal choice of Beck, Rick Rubin, U2 and more.Now You Can:
Track rich, luxurious vocals in real time through Manley’s high-fidelity, Class A tube mic preamp
Easily sculpt vocals with Manley’s Pultec-style passive EQ with 33 selectable frequencies
Expertly dial-in signals with transparent optical compressor with 25 Attack and Release combinations
Harness Class A EQ and compression for bass, acoustic guitars, vocals, voiceovers, and more
Organically tame sibilance with unmatched de-esser/limiter section
Control Apollo interface mic preamp gain staging and impedance directly from the VOXBOX plug-in with Unison
Take a Listen
Manley VOXBOX 5-Minute Tip
Learn how to use this incredible channel strip on vocals, bass and drums.
Under the Hood
Introduced in 1997, the Manley VOXBOX combines the best of Manley’s audio designs, including their high-fidelity tube mic preamp, vactrol optical compressor, Pultec-style passive EQ, and de-esser/limiter into a formidable 3U package. Featuring Manley’s legendary boutique build quality, including in-house wound transformers, the VOXBOX stands alone as a premium tube-driven toolbox for outstanding vocal tracks.
Track Vocals through a Coveted Mic Preamp — with Unison Technology
Chock full of Class A vacuum tube tone, the Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip plug-in expertly emulates the hardware’s rich, feedback-style mic preamp. Harnessing UA’s groundbreaking Unison technology, the VOXBOX plug-in perfectly captures the impedance, gain staging, and the circuit behaviors that have made the hardware famous. The secret is Unison’s bi-directional control and communication — from the plug-in to the digitally controlled mic preamps in Apollo audio interfaces.
Compress Sources Before the Preamp
Just like the hardware, the Manley VOXBOX plug-in lets you tame transients before the preamp with its flexible optical compressor. This innovative topology, as well as the compressor’s 25 interactive Attack and Release combinations, assure exceptionally clean, smooth-sounding tracks.
Unmatched Passive EQ Sculpting
The Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip plug-in’s three-band, passive EQ is based on the classic Pultec MEQ-5. With two peak bands, one dip band, and greatly expanded and overlapping frequency selections, this broad-stroke EQ keeps the top end sweet, and the lows defined, yet natural sounding — even with extreme boosts and cuts.
Ultra Transparent De-Essing and More
At the center of the Manley VOXBOX is its sublime, natural sounding de-esser. With two knobs, you’re afforded complete control of not only vocals, but shrill electric guitars, or overly bright overheads. You can also turn off the de-esser frequency control and use this section as an aggressive and colorful limiter.
Not Just for Vocals
For years, the Manley VOXBOX has been a secret weapon for bassists looking to harness its high-end tube signal path and slick EQ and compression appointments. Engineers have also called on the Manley VOXBOX for clean electric guitars, strings, and drums as it’s always-musical results can elevate any source way beyond the ordinary.
“We have all worked hard to make the Manley VOXBOX plug-in the most accurate ever. No mean feat when you consider that it is a complex, multi-function unit.”
– EveAnna Manley President of Manley Labs
“The UAD Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip plug-in is the most authentic analog emulation I’ve ever heard. It behaves and sounds exactly like the hardware.”
– Chuck Zwicky (Prince, Soul Asylum, Reggie Watts)
“The Manley VOXBOX exhibits some of the best tube circuitry in a mic preamp. It can get warm and super clean but can also be driven hard for effect. Now available as a UAD plug-in, it’s quite a gift.”
– Joe Chiccarelli (Jason Mraz, Beck, The Strokes, Morrissey)
“The UAD Manley VOXBOX is quickly becoming my favorite preamp for tracking.”
– GrievesCustomer Reviews
P. Fontana Nenni
October 24, 2021
A must have for voice recording
A must have for voice recording, it really makes the difference
Read MoreM. LaVaque
October 16, 2021
VOXBOX
I've only had the chance to use the VOXBOX on a handful of sessions so far, so my opinion is still forming. So far, I like it. Smooth is the best word to describe it. One thing I noticed is...
Read MoreD. Hatadi
October 16, 2021
Instant vocal perfection
I was tossing up between this and the Avalon, but the Manley Voxbox won out. It just sounded better on my voice with an SM7B. The de-essing is super simple to use and highly effective,...
Read Morem. ramirez
October 12, 2021
MAGIA
Fácil, lo usas en una mezcla de voces y ya sabrás que nunca dejaras de lado tremenda calidad.
Read MoreC. Clivio
October 8, 2021
Beastly
Took me a few years before I really could appreciate everything it does!
Read MoreS. Mollica
October 1, 2021
Never heard the real one but
It gives voice tracks sustain as well as a rounder sound and crispness to be proud of. You just tweak it and you will be pretty much amazed by its capabilities. I like it!...
Read More -
Key Features
Exclusively licensed by Manley Laboratories, modeled by Universal Audio
World's only channel strip custom-designed for the ultimate vocal performance and production experience
Best of Manley's designs: Tube mic preamp, optical compressor, limiter/de-esser, and three band passive EQ
Feedback-style 60 dB tube mic preamp with Mic, Line, or Hi-Z input with Unison technology
Models entire VOXBOX circuit path, including transformers, tube amplifiers, passive inductor based filters, and optical gain reduction
Sidechain Unlink/Link, Output transformer bypass, plus final clean makeup gain or attenuation
Physical input impedance and front panel control of Gain staging and other preamp parameters via Unison
Requires a UAD DSP Accelerator Card or Apollo Interface available from authorized dealers worldwide
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Customer Reviews
Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip
P. Fontana Nenni
A must have for voice recording
A must have for voice recording, it really makes the difference
M. LaVaque
VOXBOX
I've only had the chance to use the VOXBOX on a handful of sessions so far, so my opinion is still forming. So far, I like it. Smooth is the best word to describe it. One thing I noticed is the EQ needs to be boosted or cut rather a lot in order to even hear a change. It's like the curve is very mild until about 75%, then it's really pronounced. I don't know if the hardware is the same or not. The compressor can be a bit "grabby", so you need to be very precise in how you set it. Having only a 3:1 ratio is kind of unfortunate. The de-esser is like the EQ, it sounds like nothing is happening, then all of a sudden it's way too much. Subtlety and precision is how this channel strip works. I look forward to using it more. I've only used it on vocals so far.
D. Hatadi
Instant vocal perfection
I was tossing up between this and the Avalon, but the Manley Voxbox won out. It just sounded better on my voice with an SM7B. The de-essing is super simple to use and highly effective, without the need for pretty visualisations. Using it in the unison slot means it's missing a gate in front but that can be worked around. I'm not sure I really need anything else on the vocal recording chain. Winner!
m. ramirez
MAGIA
Fácil, lo usas en una mezcla de voces y ya sabrás que nunca dejaras de lado tremenda calidad.
C. Clivio
Beastly
Took me a few years before I really could appreciate everything it does!
S. Mollica
Never heard the real one but
It gives voice tracks sustain as well as a rounder sound and crispness to be proud of.
You just tweak it and you will be pretty much amazed by its capabilities.
I like it!A. Richter
The best of the best
Just use this plug for vocals and the magic will happend.
10/10 in every parameter!!!
T. ROY
Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip
This is simply great to use. I am fully satisfied to use this and the output is brilliant.
R. Adams
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Ive tried a lot of different preamps in my unison slot, and this is BY FAR my favorite one. This preamp is clear and transparent. It also has an incredible ability to allow you to shape the charachter and tone that it provides. The compressor is smooth and buttery and the pultec style EQ adds a beautiful color. I HIGHLY recommend the Manley Voxbox. Dont hesitate to pull the trigger on this one. You will be glad you did.
N. Sousa
This is an indispensable plugin for every good audio application.
This was one of the plugins I bought as soon as I got my Apollo Twin USB...and it was honestly a sure-fire purchase since you've worked with the physical device and you know the incredible sound it has. And this plugin translates very well this wonderful sound that can be used in many applications. Perfect and amazing.
UAD User
Warm Up my Vocals
Very warm and fattens any thing you run Thru it. Easy to use and learn. Great for vocals. Also great preamp substitute.
D. Murphy
Vocal channel strip perfection
I love how easy it is to dial in a great sound, it's a just wonderful.
A. Gusihin
Alexandr Gusihin
Very nice!!!
A. Serieis
Magnifique
Presque le vrai
樋. 智朗
自然な感じの響きが素晴らしい。
ボーカルをUNiSONで録音してます。各ツマミで効果がわかりやすいし、歪みも響きもすごく自然なのでオケに馴染みやすいです。
樋. 智朗
自然な感じの響きが素晴らしい。
ボーカルをUNiSONで録音してます。各ツマミで効果がわかりやすいし、歪みも響きもすごく自然なのでオケに馴染みやすいです。
G. Ruggieri
Simple, immediate, great quality
Simply, If you have Apollo you must have this plugin to complete your gear. Fantastic, simple, immediate, with the right presets, great sound.
B. Kalashnikov
Beautiful preamp
Great on vocals
F. Lagacé
Son merveilleux
J’adore
M. Sergeevic
Good
Great Plugin
