VoxDoubler is a specialized audio plugin designed to enhance and thicken vocal tracks in music production and post-production environments. This digital tool emulates the classic technique of double-tracking vocals, offering two distinct modules: Widen and Thicken. The plugin aims to provide a quick and efficient way to add depth and richness to vocal performances without the need for multiple takes or complex processing chains.
VoxDoubler impresses with its ability to create rich, natural-sounding vocal doubles quickly and efficiently. Its user-friendly interface belies the sophisticated processing happening under the hood, making it accessible to both seasoned professionals and aspiring producers. The plugin’s two modules offer distinct but complementary approaches to vocal enhancement, providing users with a versatile tool for addressing common vocal production challenges.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use controls
• High-quality algorithms that produce natural-sounding results
• Versatile application across various vocal styles and genres
• CPU-efficient, allowing for multiple instances in a single project
• Presets provide quick starting points for different vocal treatments
Cons:
• Limited to vocal-specific applications compared to more general-purpose effects
The Widen module creates a stereo widening effect, giving the impression of a broader, more expansive vocal sound. It achieves this by generating slightly altered copies of the original signal and panning them across the stereo field. Users can control the width, tone, and timing of these copies to fine-tune the effect to their liking.
The Thicken module, on the other hand, focuses on creating a denser, more robust vocal sound reminiscent of double-tracked recordings. It generates additional voices with subtle variations in pitch and timing, blending them with the original signal to produce a fuller, more substantial vocal presence.
Sonnox VoxDoubler plugin can create convincing double-tracked vocal effects without the need for actual multiple takes. This saves time and resources in the studio while still achieving professional-grade results. The plugin’s dual-module approach allows for precise control over both the stereo width and the perceived thickness of the vocal, giving producers and engineers the flexibility to shape the vocal sound to fit perfectly within a mix.
The quality of the algorithms used in VoxDoubler is particularly noteworthy. The generated voices maintain a high degree of naturalness, avoiding the artificial or chorused sound that can sometimes occur with less sophisticated doubling effects. This authenticity is crucial for maintaining the emotional impact and clarity of the original vocal performance.
The Widen module’s stereo expansion capabilities are particularly effective for creating a sense of space and dimension in a mix. By carefully adjusting the width, tone, and timing parameters, users can achieve anything from subtle stereo enhancement to dramatic, wide-screen vocal effects. This can be especially useful in dense mixes where creating space for the vocals is crucial.
The Thicken module excels at adding body and presence to vocals without muddying the original performance. The subtle variations in pitch and timing introduced by this module contribute to a more organic doubling effect, avoiding the static, phasey quality often associated with less sophisticated doubling plugins. This can be particularly beneficial for thin or weak-sounding vocal recordings, helping them to sit better in a mix and command attention.
VoxDoubler’s presets serve as excellent starting points for various vocal treatments, ranging from subtle thickening to more dramatic effects. These presets are well-designed and showcase the plugin’s versatility across different musical styles. However, the real strength of VoxDoubler lies in its potential for customization. The intuitive controls allow users to fine-tune the effect to suit the specific needs of each vocal track, ensuring that the doubling effect enhances rather than overpowers the original performance.
Compared to similar products like Waves Doubler or iZotope Vocal Doubler, Sonnox VoxDoubler stands out for its focused approach and superior sound quality. While Waves Doubler offers a broader range of applications beyond vocals, VoxDoubler’s specialization allows for more refined results on vocal tracks. iZotope’s offering is simpler and more accessible to beginners, but VoxDoubler provides greater depth of control for professionals seeking precise adjustments.
Who would benefit most from this product:
• Professional music producers and mixing engineers working with vocal-heavy genres
• Post-production professionals in film and television looking to enhance dialogue tracks
• Home studio owners seeking to achieve professional-sounding vocal productions
• Singers and vocal performers who record their own material and want to add depth to their tracks
Sonnox VoxDoubler proves to be an invaluable tool for anyone working extensively with vocal tracks. Its combination of high-quality processing, intuitive controls, and efficient performance makes it a standout choice in the crowded field of vocal production plugins. While it may not be the most versatile doubling effect on the market, its focused approach and exceptional results in vocal applications more than justify its place in a professional audio toolkit. For producers and engineers looking to elevate their vocal productions quickly and effectively, VoxDoubler offers a compelling solution that delivers professional-grade results with minimal effort.