IK Multimedia has slashed the price of MixBox, its modular multi-effect plugin, to just $19.99 (down from $99.99) at Plugin Boutique.
MixBox is essentially a virtual lunchbox-style effects rack, with 70 streamlined effect modules pulled from IK’s T-RackS, AmpliTube, and SampleTank ecosystems. It runs as a plugin (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX) and a standalone processor, though my experience was mainly focused on the VST3 plugin version.
I didn’t have much use for the standalone version since my current setup (MacBook Air running Studio One) is DAW-based.
The interface launches with a compact four-slot rack but can be expanded to eight slots. The standalone version can host up to eight racks of eight modules each—a whopping 64 processors. While you can’t load third-party plugins, MixBox includes enough variety to cover a wide range of mixing and sound design tasks.
The included modules cover various FX categories, including EQ, dynamics, reverb, modulation, delay, distortion, and more.
The collection has everything from mixing tools like de-essers and limiters to creative effects like tape echo, formant filters, and guitar amps. You get nine amp models, multiple saturation types, and even quirky processors like a tape cassette emulator that captures that retro wobble and snap.
What really impressed me was how MixBox handles workflow.
The drag-and-drop interface makes building FX chains feel effortless, and switching or soloing modules is instantaneous, even during playback. Each slot has individual wet/dry mix and output level controls, and there’s a full rear panel for gain staging and sidechain setup.
Despite packing 70 processors, MixBox is light on CPU usage. On my MacBook Air setup, full chains of 4-8 modules rarely exceeded 2% usage.
The clean GUI and simple horizontal layout make tweaking quick and fun. Each module has a unique look, but the designs aren’t distracting. In my opinion, colorful GUIs, as long as they’re tastefully done, add to the experience. In this case, the module designs make finding a particular FX in the rack easier.
Some users might prefer a more uniform rack design, but I like having a GUI that’s nice to look at. And MixBox is definitely a looker.
Automation is fully supported, though the slot-based control system may require a little extra thought in some DAWs.
The built-in presets are another highlight. You’ll get over 600 presets covering everything from mix-ready channel strip chains to experimental FX combos for sound design. It’s also a breeze to save and recall your own chains.
At $19.99, MixBox is a fantastic deal – you’re paying less than 30 cents per module. Even at full price, it’s great value considering the quality and breadth of what’s included.
MixBox runs on macOS (10.13 and up) and Windows (7 and up), in all major 64-bit plugin formats. Whether you need a live FX rack or a flexible mixing tool in your DAW, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.
Get the deal: MixBox ($19.99 @ Plugin Boutique)
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Last Updated on May 19, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
