IK Multimedia recently released a brand new channel strip style plug-in with over 70 included processors. Designed around the 500 series Lunch Box style modules, it contains elements from their Tracks, SampleTank, and Amplitube plug-ins.
We’ve already covered the announcement and marketing talking points here. Rather than rehash all of the MixBox features, this article will look at the underlying question on everyone’s mind. Is this plug-in for me? The answer, not surprisingly, is; it depends.
The question isn’t a matter of whether MixBox is “good” or not. Just about all plug-ins released these days are not only useful, but they are also often excellent. Does MixBox sound good? Of course, it does. But “is it for you?” is a separate question.
I Admit It - I Like IK Multimedia Plug-Ins
I’ve long been a big fan of IK Multimedia’s TRacks plug-ins. I find they are mostly underrated, if not ignored, by the audio community intelligentsia. Maybe it’s because IK Multimedia has a lot of consumer-level products. Historically TRacks has been their top tier product.
Lately, however, they are creating many other top-shelf instruments and effects. Their Hammond B-3X, MODO Bass, and MODO Drums are among the best in class. IK Multimedia have upped their software plug-in game considerably. MixBox deserves a serious look before being dismissed as an entry-level redux of their other software offerings.
Redux
MixBox takes elements from all over the IK Multimedia ecosystem. For the most part, the effects processors used are stripped of all their fat, leaving the essential control, quality, and streamlined interface necessary for fantastic sounding channel strip style processing.
The Amp sections contain the best of Amplitube’s overall engines, without having to set up the whole “rig.” Rather than fussing about with cabinet choices, mic placement, stompboxes, and other errata, we get the stripped-down essential qualities of each guitar amp style. Dialling in a great guitar tone couldn’t be simpler. Among my favourites in this category are the SVT Classic and Tone Control modules. They are as versatile and useful on female lead vocals as they are on guitar or bass.
I think IK Multimedia’s Neve and SSL emulations are among the best out there. Happily, MixBox includes a version of their EQ 81 and British EQ. Add their Pultec and API EQ emulations to the list, and you’ve got the best of their TRacks EQ emulations distilled down to their essential basics.
Similarly, with compressors, they’ve included the essentials of all their best classic emulations in MixBox.
The modulation, distortions, delays, and other multi-effects style processors are derived from the extensive effects used throughout the IK Multimedia product range. But there are some lovely goodies thrown in that are great to be able to access directly. Among them, various filter types that are interesting, creative, and simple tools to use on multiple sources.
And there are, of course, some lovely goodies thrown in, independent of existing IK Multimedia products. The new reverb algorithms are very versatile. I particularly like the Ambience module. I used it on a lead female vocal recently to great effect. Although not bread and butter stuff, the cassette and phonograph noise utilities are fun to have and nice to know they are there for when you need them.
In this video, I’ll give you a brief demo of some of my favourite of these processors in action.
So, Is MixBox For You?
So, back to the elephant in the room. Do you need MixBox? I think it depends where you fall on the spectrum of experience, budget, how many other plug-ins you already own, and personal work style
If you’ve already got most of the higher end IK Multimedia software products, there are still a few “nice to haves” that may sweeten the potential appeal. First of all, is the workflow. The sleek 500 series style channel strip is very elegant to work in. Dialling up, saving, and recalling complex effects chains is a breeze. Access to the modulation, filter, and other simplified processors are fantastic creative tools. For me, the reduced controls are mainly more of an asset than a hindrance. It’s quick to get your sound, which, if you have any skin in the game, you will know, is a tremendously valuable creative asset.
If you have a list of third-party plug-ins as long as your arm, you may not feel there is enough here that is new and unique to warrant the outlay. Fair enough. If you are starting, however, it’s a different story. Maybe you have GarageBand or Studio One Artist, or just bought Logic Pro X, and are beginning to crave more sound design control. With one purchase, you get a world of new processors open up to you that are easy to learn and start using immediately.
In addition to its use as a DAW-based plug-in, MixBox also runs as a standalone app, making it a fantastic tool for live use. Hosting up to 8 different effects racks, MixBox is a perfect solution for a live band running software processors. Imagine having one laptop on stage with a multi-output interface. One rack is dedicated to vocals, another to guitars, another to drums, another to keyboards, and so on. Each routed through discreet outputs on the audio interface into the live PA system. Or maybe you are a keyboard player using something like MainStage or the new Studio One Show page. MixBox is the perfect companion for the final sweetening on your patches.
Here are what I consider the pros and cons of MixBox. To some, the cons will be unimportant, while the pros will make this incredible value. To others, the cons might make this enough to walk away.
What I Like About MixBox
Elegant channel strip workflow, great for creating, saving, recalling complex plug-in chains.
A simple parameter set makes it easy to learn and use and adjust quickly.
Although the parameters are limited, all the essential qualities are present in each of the 70 included processors.
A nice broad collection of effects from one simple single point of entry. No menu diving to find the effects you want.
Dry/Wet slider per slot.
Excellent input/output gain staging.
Very useful per slot sidechaining functionality.
Ability to save “songs” in the standalone version for multi-rack setups.
What I Don’t Like About MixBox
You need to use a separate page to access the per slot solo buttons and level sliders.
No M/S configurations/routing.
No ability to recall multi-rack song setups remotely via MIDI in the standalone version.
Download a trial of IK Multimedia’s MixBox via their website.