Welcome to the world of channel strip plugins! These versatile tools are a go-to for mix engineers, offering a range of features from vintage classics to all-in-one convenience. Join us as we dive into the realm of channel strips, exploring their benefits and options that can elevate your mixing game.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, channel strip plugins are a must-have in your audio toolkit.
What is a channel strip
A channel strip is like a toolbox for mixing sounds, whether it’s a digital plugin or a physical tool. It combines various mixing tools in a familiar setup, similar to an old-school mixing board.
When we say “channel strip,” we mean the lineup of tools on a single channel, like a microphone preamp, filters, dynamics controls, equalizer, and volume adjuster.
If it’s an old-style mixer, the channel strip might also have a pan control and extra options for sending and routing.
When the huge mixing boards started disappearing from studios, some engineers thought about breaking down single channels into smaller, rack-mountable units for a mix of old and new setups.
After a while, companies began making special channel strip tools. These tools gave engineers easy options for common jobs in music production.
At the same time, people who make plugins for computers started putting many features together. They made these plugins to copy the classic console strips from the really good old days of recording music.
Why use channel strips vs. individual plugins?
If you’re accustomed to stacking multiple plugins consecutively, you might be curious about the benefits of using a single channel strip plugin.
Firstly, there could be sonic advantages based on the desired sound. Today’s channel strip plugins often replicate well-known vintage consoles accurately.
Opting for a single channel strip instead of several different plugins can alleviate the sense of option paralysis.
If you want a smooth and rich sound like a Neve 1073 or a punchy mid-forward sound like American consoles, using a full channel signal emulation can help you get that sound.
Also, some digital-native channel strips combine different signal operations in one software, which can be technically beneficial.
And if you like to keep things simple, using a channel strip can be easy. Back in the old days, mix engineers didn’t have a ton of compressors or EQs—they used what they had!
Having these decisions made for you in some cases can make things less confusing.
The 8 best channel strip plugins for mixing
1. UAD Manley Voxbox
The Manley Voxbox stands as a prime example of a modern channel strip.
Crafted as a complete set of tube-powered vocal tools, it features a mic pre with adjustable coloration, a fixed 3:1 ratio compressor, Pultec-style EQ, de-esser, and limiter section.
It might sound like a handful, and indeed it is! Nevertheless, each part of the strip delivers excellent results for studio vocals.
Fortunately, UAD offers a precise digital version of the Manley Voxbox in the form of a plugin.
2. NoiseAsh NEED 73
The channel strip from Neve’s old 80-series consoles is super famous.
People love the Neve sound because it has a nice saturation and cool EQ – lots of producers think it’s a must-have.
There have been many copies made over the years, but right now, one of our favorites is the NEED 73 from NoiseAsh.
3. Metric Halo ChannelStrip3
When talking about digital channel strips, Metric Halo has a solid option that often doesn’t get enough attention.
Top engineers use MH ChannelStrip a lot because it gives a clean and precise sound, and it’s been a standard in the industry for a long time.
Now, in its third edition, ChannelStrip has the best sound and flexibility ever for getting professional results.
If you want a reliable channel with great sound, think about giving ChannelStrip3 a try.
4. SSL Native Channel Strip 2
SSL is famous for creating some of the longest-lasting console designs.
The SSL Native Channel Strip combines the strength of the original hardware with the flexibility of a plugin, featuring a robust EQ and dynamics section.
5. UAD API Vision Strip
API’s latest flagship large format console is the API Vision.
Capturing the essence of the API sound by combining the best elements from decades of designs, the Vision channel strip is legendary.
If you want it in plugin form, the UAD API Vision Strip is one of the top choices. With its lively preamp emulation, classic VCA compression, and timeless EQ, you’re on the right track.
6. Arturia Pre TridA
The Trident A-Range stands out as one of the most distinctive vintage consoles ever constructed.
Famous for shaping the sound of classic British LPs in the 70s, its EQ had a unique sound and response.
Arturia’s Pre TridA faithfully recreates the A-Range channel, featuring a preamp, high and low pass filters, and a four-band EQ.
7. IK Multimedia MixBox SE
Today’s channel strip plugins sometimes work like building blocks.
IK Multimedia’s MixBox SE is like a toolbox with different tools that go beyond the usual channel strip stuff.
It doesn’t just have the regular preamp, EQ, compression, and filtering; it also has cool effects like delay and reverb, and even makes your guitar sound like it’s coming from an amp, all in one place.
8. Waves Abbey Road EMI TG12345 Channel
Waves Abbey Road series is a cool set of plugins that copy the special equipment in the famous British studio.
The EMI TG12345 was one of the first fancy audio tools they used at Abbey Road. It was a big deal for the Beatles’ last album recordings.
With three EQ stages and a way to control how loud or soft things are, it was important in the 70s because it had a clean, bright, and punchy sound.
Channeling energy
Channel strips continue to be popular because they provide many benefits for mix engineers.
Whether you want a faithful recreation of a vintage classic or a convenient all-in-one solution, there’s something on this list worth considering.
If you’ve read through this article, you’ll have a solid foundation for exploring channel strip plugins.