The SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 is a channel strip for macOS and Windows with four modules that can process and polish your vocal tracks in one insert. It is available for only $7.99 using promo code “SING”.
Before we continue, don’t forget to check out another no-brainer deal on the SSL FlexVerb plugin.
Vocalstrip 2 boasts a dynamic de-esser, de-ploser, compander and an equalizer to tackle the most common problems one might encounter while mixing a vocal track.
The de-essing module lets you control threshold, frequency and look-ahead. It uses envelope detection under the hood to help you eliminate annoying sibilance and harsh frequencies without losing the natural quality of the voice.
Dynamic de-plosing has the same controls, but works on the lower frequencies typically made by strong consonants overloading the microphone capsule.
Both the de-esser and de-ploser have a gain reduction history graph to visually clue you in on what the processing is doing.
To learn more about de-essers, check out our article here at BPP. And if you are looking for a free de-esser, check out T-De-Esser 2 by Techivation.
The compander module combines a compressor and an expander. The visual feedback helps you smooth out the peaks and blend the track into the rest of the mix.
You can control the threshold for both the compressor and the expander. Additionally, you can adjust attack, release, and ratio to achieve the desired compression behavior.
Furthermore, the compander has a soft-knee function to shape the envelope, a drive function for saturation and makeup gain.
Vocalstrip 2 also has 3-band SSL-style equalizer combined with highpass and lowpass filters to shape the frequency response. The EQ module has a frequency analyzer with FFT-overlay that shows you the curve.
All in all, we get powerful tools that solve very typical mixing problems in a user-friendly way. The best thing about this set-up is that you can configure the processing chain yourself, opening up a lot more possibilities.
Perhaps you want the EQ to declutter the frequency content before any dynamic processing? Conversely, you might want to use it as a last touch of finesse at the end of your chain.
Find the sequence that works best for the particular task at hand.
SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 usually retails for $199.99. If you’re on the hunt for a powerful suite of tools to help you nail that pesky vocal track, this sounds like a no-brainer at the discounted price of $7.99.
The plug-in has a free 14-day trial if you need some time to decide, although I would act fast if interested. It’s not easy to get a hold of when the deal ends, and it is listed as a flash sale.
It works with most common DAWs, and comes in the following formats: VST, AU, AAX, or RTAS.
Get the deal here: SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 ($7.99 using promo code “SING”)
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