Leapwing Audio UltraVox is an innovative vocal processor designed for recording, production, and mixing. This plugin incorporates four highly optimized algorithms – Compression, Gate, Harmonics, and Air – in a user-friendly interface. UltraVox aims to provide a quick and efficient solution for achieving a polished vocal sound without extensive tweaking. The plugin features a single-band compressor with program-dependent attack and release times, a musical gate for noise reduction, harmonic enhancement for added character, and an air control for high-frequency shaping. UltraVox is designed as a “set-and-forget” tool, making it suitable for songwriters, producers, and engineers who want to achieve professional-sounding vocals quickly. The plugin’s low latency makes it ideal for use during tracking and production stages, as well as in traditional mixing scenarios.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with all controls visible on a single screen
• Low latency performance suitable for real-time tracking
• Highly optimized algorithms that work together seamlessly
• Versatile application from recording to mixing stages
• Gentle and musical processing that maintains vocal integrity
Cons:
• Limited customization options for advanced users
• Lack of visual feedback for compression and gating activity
The UltraVox plugin boasts a range of features designed to streamline vocal processing. At its core is a single-band compressor with a soft-knee characteristic. This compressor employs variable program-dependent attack and release times, with attack times shorter than 2ms and release times longer than 500ms. The compression threshold can be adjusted from -60 dB to 0 dB, allowing for fine control over the amount of dynamic range reduction applied to the vocal.
The gate in UltraVox serves a dual purpose: reducing room noise and attenuating breaths and mouth sounds that may become more prominent due to compression. Like the compressor, the gate features program-dependent timing, with medium-long attack times (350-800ms) and short release times (less than 2ms). This careful timing ensures that the gate responds naturally to the vocal performance without introducing artifacts.
The Harmonics section of UltraVox focuses on adding 2nd and 3rd order harmonics to the vocal signal. This harmonic enhancement aims to impart a polished character to the vocal, adding richness and depth without sounding unnatural. The Air control, centered around 12 kHz, allows users to add crispness and shine to the vocal without introducing harshness. This high-frequency shaping can be used to both boost and cut, providing flexibility in tonal adjustment.
UltraVox features a resizable interface with a retina display, ensuring clear visibility of controls across various screen sizes and resolutions. The plugin’s input section includes a gain control slider with an integrated level meter that displays K-weighted loudness in LUFS, complete with a 4-second-hold peak bar. This metering helps users maintain appropriate input levels for optimal processing.
The plugin’s algorithms are designed to interact with each other, creating a cohesive processing chain optimized for vocal treatment. This integration allows for a more musical and natural-sounding result compared to using separate plugins for each function. The “set-and-forget” nature of UltraVox means that users can quickly achieve a professional vocal sound without extensive tweaking, making it particularly useful in time-sensitive production environments.
UltraVox’s low latency performance makes it suitable for use during recording and tracking, allowing vocalists to monitor their performance with processing applied in real-time. This can help inspire better performances and streamline the production process. The plugin also includes an experimental offline authentication feature for users working on computers without internet access, though this requires contacting Leapwing’s support team for implementation.
When comparing UltraVox to similar plugins, it stands out for its focused approach to vocal processing. While many vocal chains involve multiple plugins for compression, de-essing, EQ, and saturation, UltraVox combines these functions into a single, streamlined interface. This integration can lead to faster workflow and potentially more cohesive results. However, plugins like iZotope Nectar or Waves Vocal Rider offer more detailed control and visualization of processing, which may appeal to users who prefer granular adjustments. UltraVox’s strength lies in its simplicity and optimization for vocal-specific tasks, whereas more complex channel strip plugins might offer greater flexibility at the cost of ease of use. The harmonic enhancement in UltraVox is reminiscent of dedicated saturation plugins, but its integration with other vocal-focused processes sets it apart.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and engineers seeking quick, professional vocal sounds
• Home studio owners looking for an all-in-one vocal processing solution
• Live sound engineers requiring low-latency vocal enhancement
• Songwriters who want to improve their vocal recordings without deep technical knowledge
• Project studio owners working on time-sensitive productions
UltraVox by Leapwing Audio presents a compelling option for those seeking efficient and effective vocal processing. Its streamlined interface and carefully tuned algorithms offer a balance between simplicity and quality that many users will appreciate. The plugin’s ability to handle multiple aspects of vocal processing in a single instance can significantly speed up workflow, especially in project studio environments where time is often at a premium. While it may not offer the depth of control found in some more complex plugins, UltraVox’s focus on achieving quick, professional results makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of users. Its low latency performance extends its utility from the mixing stage back to the recording process, potentially improving vocal performances by allowing singers to hear a polished version of their voice in real-time. However, more advanced users might find the lack of detailed control limiting in some scenarios. Despite this, UltraVox’s ease of use and quality of results make it a strong contender in the vocal processing plugin market, particularly for those who value efficiency and sonic quality over extensive customization options.