The quest for the perfect vocal double has long been one of the most tedious tasks in the recording studio. When the industry gathered in Anaheim, California, the buzz surrounding streamlined digital solutions was palpable, particularly when namm 2018: paul white finds out about sonnox voxdoubler became a major talking point among professional mix engineers and bedroom producers alike. Historically, creating convincing double tracks involved tedious manual editing, micro-pitch shifting, or recording multiple pristine takes. With this release, Sonnox aimed to disrupt that workflow entirely, offering a sophisticated algorithm designed to deliver natural-sounding double tracks with minimal effort.
NAMM 2018: Paul White finds out about Sonnox VoxDoubler
During the convention, the report on namm 2018: paul white finds out about sonnox voxdoubler highlighted how these tools simplify complex, time-consuming vocal doubling tasks. Rather than releasing a single, convoluted interface, Sonnox chose to split the processor into two dedicated plug-ins: VoxDoubler Thicken and VoxDoubler Widen. This dual-utility approach addresses the two primary creative requests engineers have when doubling a performance: generating center-focused, thickened support tracks, or spreading the vocal energy out wide to the extreme left and right channels to create space for lead elements.
As we analyze the technical design, the insights from namm 2018: paul white finds out about sonnox voxdoubler reveal that the plug-ins manage phase and timing discrepancies beautifully. Traditional doublers often suffer from unpleasant comb filtering when summed to mono, or they sound synthetic and “chorus-like” due to basic LFO modulation. Sonnox resolved this by engineering dynamic, human-like variations in both pitch and timing, ensuring that the generated doubles sound like an actual secondary performance rather than a copy-pasted digital clone.
Additional product view and interface angle for NAMM 2018: Paul White finds out about Sonnox VoxDoubler.
Sonnox Toolbox VoxDoubler Specifications
To help you understand where this tool fits in your mixing toolkit, we have compiled a quick reference table of its core specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sonnox Toolbox VoxDoubler (Thicken & Widen) |
| Primary Use | Natural vocal doubling, widening, and thickening solo sources |
| Price | $89 USD (approximate standard retail price) |
| System Compatibility | VST, AU, AAX (Native & DSP) |
| SM Mastering Rating | 4.7 / 5 Stars |
Deep Dive: Thicken vs. Widen
The brilliance of the VoxDoubler suite lies in its focused architecture. VoxDoubler Thicken is designed to generate a new double track that sits directly beneath the original lead vocal. It adds weight, warmth, and depth, making it ideal for intimate acoustic performances or gritty rock tracks where the lead vocal needs to command the center of the mix. It serves a similar sonic purpose to classic pitch-microshifting techniques popularized by vintage hardware, but with far superior phase coherency.
Additional product view and interface angle for NAMM 2018: Paul White finds out about Sonnox VoxDoubler.
On the other hand, VoxDoubler Widen generates two distinct, independent double tracks panned hard left and right. This creates a massive stereo image while keeping the center clear for the lead vocal, kick, snare, and bass. Compared to traditional delay-based widening tools from manufacturers like Soundtoys, Widen maintains an organic, lifelike performance profile because it continually varies the timing and pitch offsets in real-time, matching the natural fluctuation of a human singer.
Practical Studio Workflow Tips
By implementing these workflows, the initial excitement of namm 2018: paul white finds out about sonnox voxdoubler translates directly into tangible mixing benefits in your DAW. Here is how our engineering team at SM Mastering recommends using them:
Additional product view and interface angle for NAMM 2018: Paul White finds out about Sonnox VoxDoubler.
- Parallel Aux Processing: Instead of loading the plug-in directly on your lead vocal track, set up a stereo Auxiliary Send. Insert VoxDoubler Widen on the Aux track at 100% wet. This allows you to EQ and compress the doubled signals independently—such as applying a high-pass filter to prevent low-end mud in the sides—before blending them under the lead vocal.
- Beyond Vocals: Although designed for vocals, both plug-ins perform exceptionally well on other monophonic sources. Try loading VoxDoubler Thicken on a dry, DI electric guitar solo to add immediate analog-style weight, or apply Widen to a synthesizer lead to spread its presence across the stereo field.
- Humanize Control: Don’t max out the Depth and Width controls immediately. To achieve a realistic double, keep the “Depth” control at a moderate setting (between 30% and 60%). This keeps the timing deviations tight enough to sound coherent, yet loose enough to sound like a skilled session singer tracking a second take.
To read more about advanced analog and digital processing techniques, explore the resources in our library of SM Mastering Audio Articles, where we break down the practical applications of tools featured in historic releases like namm 2018: paul white finds out about sonnox voxdoubler.
Conclusion
The VoxDoubler is a triumph of utility and design. By taking a complex, phase-sensitive engineering problem and consolidating it into simple, highly intuitive controls, Sonnox has provided a fast-track solution for modern music producers. Whether you are aiming for the tight, centered weight of a modern pop vocal or the sprawling stereo field of a cinematic ballad, this plugin pair delivers professional-grade results without compromising the phase integrity of your master. It remains a staple tool in our mastering and post-production suites to this day.
Additional product view and interface angle for NAMM 2018: Paul White finds out about Sonnox VoxDoubler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sonnox VoxDoubler cause phase cancellation issues in mono?
No. Sonnox engineered VoxDoubler with advanced phase-preservation algorithms. Unlike basic delay line doublers, VoxDoubler modulates pitch and timing dynamically, ensuring excellent mono compatibility with minimal comb filtering when your mix is summed.
Can I use VoxDoubler on polyphonic sources like full acoustic guitar chords?
While VoxDoubler is optimized for monophonic solo sources (like vocals, brass, and lead guitars), it can be used creatively on polyphonic tracks. However, for complex chordal structures, you may need to lower the “Depth” and “Humanness” settings to avoid digital artifacts.
What is the difference between Thicken and Widen?
Thicken creates a single double track that is summed to mono and sits directly behind the lead vocal to add density. Widen generates two independent double tracks panned left and right, leaving the center image open and clear for your main lead elements.
🛒 Official Product Info & Where to Buy
Check full technical specs, pricing, and purchase options directly from the official manufacturer or authorized dealer for NAMM 2018: Paul White finds out about Sonnox VoxDoubler.
Written by SM Mastering
Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.