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.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. Diaz
November 26, 2022
Love the Manley sound
I think the Preamp plugin alone is enough but having this strip is great! UI needs to become resizable!
Read MoreD. Ottosson
November 16, 2022
One of my go to channel strip for tracking vocals
Super clean, crisp high end, with nice warmth. Fits perfectly on vocals for more modern sounding productions. Sounds great immediately; easy to use, with a lot of options for tweaking. This...
Read MoreJ. Seabrook
November 15, 2022
I had no idea
I really didn't know anything about this box when I got the plugin. I am amazed at how useful the 4 simple sections are. Gain control with HPF. Easy. Nice Saturation. 3:1 compressor is...
Read MoreJ. Pingault
November 10, 2022
My new go to for vocals!
This instantly became my go to for lead vocals. Tons of options to polish and warm up any vocals.
Read MoreJ. Lambert
October 10, 2022
Cool little strip!
I like this quite a bit. Warm tube tones, easy to play around with and sculpt what you're looking for.
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. Diaz
Love the Manley sound
I think the Preamp plugin alone is enough but having this strip is great! UI needs to become resizable!
D. Ottosson
One of my go to channel strip for tracking vocals
Super clean, crisp high end, with nice warmth. Fits perfectly on vocals for more modern sounding productions. Sounds great immediately; easy to use, with a lot of options for tweaking. This one makes recording vocals fun.
J. Seabrook
I had no idea
I really didn't know anything about this box when I got the plugin. I am amazed at how useful the 4 simple sections are. Gain control with HPF. Easy. Nice Saturation. 3:1 compressor is so easy to setup. Useful De-Esser with a limiter option? Nice. And that Pultec Mid EQ section is so nice I might just grab one for the racks! Such an easy channel strip to setup. I really am surprised.
c. rosario
Fantastic
Makes vocals come to life.
J. Pingault
My new go to for vocals!
This instantly became my go to for lead vocals. Tons of options to polish and warm up any vocals.
J. Lambert
Cool little strip!
I like this quite a bit. Warm tube tones, easy to play around with and sculpt what you're looking for.
j. Stewart
Manley
Great for tracking through the unison pres as well as at mixdown .
Manley !R. Bán
Manley The Best
Manley Köszönöm, hogy tulajdonosa lehetek egy ilyen csodállatos zenei eszköznek.
Sok sikert Manley.
Róbertk. teawan
It's so good
It couldn't be better than this.
S. Nelson
Simply Amazing!
The features and functionality of this plugin are phenomenal—bringing many sound sculpting elements into one, clean and elegant interface. The sound quality is pristine!
a. friesen
Lush,Massive,Harmonic Vocals!!
Tracking Vocals with the VOXBOX is a Dream.Three dimensional harmonic Ear Party!!
Massive Vocal headroom to boot!L. Orlinski
High end sound.
Thank you for fantastic very clear and deep 3d sound in my system.
Top end audiophile plugin.
Highly recomended.T. Basso
Thanks! Perfect.
Congratulations for the excellent work!
B. Bachhuber
Good sounding - good handling - good looking
Meanwhile, my go to on vocals.
A. Siddiqui
Vocalicious
When I got it I was really blown away , its your best friend in your Best & worst vocal times , fixes and mixes everything .xxx
V. Berry
Im Very Impressed
This Really Brings my vocals up front. The depth is there, bottom end so pleasing. I really recommend this for rap and R&B.
"Bedroom Producer"J. Pease
Just Buy It
I can’t recommend this plugin enough. I’ve used it on vocals, drums, and bass and yeah. Adds all of the warmth punch and “bigness” that I’ve been looking for.
T. Roberts
Great for backing vocals
I typically use the UAD 1073 for vocals. But the added EQ options, plus compression, passive EQ and the excellent DeEsser make it perfect for my backing vocal tracks. (Which typically need to be brighter and more compressed than my lead vocals). A great plugin that so much like the analog gear I used in commercial studios. A great purchase.
e. blount
Great channel strip
Download a demo and find how great it is for yourself. I think you will love it very versatile
O. Levi
Warmth and vibes
If your looking to add some warmth to your vocals, that’s the way.
Sound so clear and pleasing
