Voxengo Voxformer: Complete Vocal Processing Guide for Producers

How to Use Voxengo Voxformer: 7 Pro Vocal Chains

Quick setup (one-time)

1. Insert Voxformer on your vocal track (mono) or aux/send (for parallel processing).
2. Set input gain so meters peak around -6 dBFS.
3. Choose a preset close to the target style, then reset processing modules you’ll change.
4. Route: use built-in gate/expander → de-esser → compressor → harmonic/saturation → EQ → reverb/delay as required.

Controls overview (essential)

• Gate/Expander: cleans low-level noise between phrases.
• De-esser: reduces sibilance (focus 4–9 kHz).
• Compressor sections: two bands (low/high) for tonal-dependent control.
• Exciter/Harmonics: adds presence and perceived loudness.
• EQ: surgical cuts + broader tone shaping.
• Ambience (reverb) & Delay: add space; use sends for complex effects.
• Output/Makeup: trim and set final level; use bypass to A/B.

General mixing tips

• Use gentle gain reduction (1–4 dB) for natural vocals; push harder for aggressive styles.
• Use sidechain or key filtering on compressors if needed (high-pass the sidechain).
• For clarity, cut mud around 200–400 Hz and notch resonances with narrow Q.
• Add harmonic exciter on high-mid (2–6 kHz) for presence; reduce if harsh.
• For stereo width, use subtle ambience or parallel chain with wider imaging.

7 Pro Vocal Chains

Each chain lists module order, suggested settings, and use case.

1. Clean Pop Lead (transparent, radio-ready)

• Chain: Gate → De-esser → Compressor (2–3:1, 3–6 dB GR) → EQ (cut 120–350 Hz -2–4 dB; boost 3–5 kHz +2 dB) → Exciter (subtle) → Ambience (short plate, low mix 10–15%) → Output.
• Notes: Fast attack (3–10 ms), medium release (60–150 ms). Tight, upfront sound.

2. Warm Indie Vocal (rounded, intimate)

• Chain: Gate → Compressor (2-stage: gentle opto-like then glue: 2:1 → 4:1) → EQ (add low shelf ~120 Hz +1.5 dB; reduce 300 Hz -2 dB) → Harmonics (tube warmth +30–40%) → Ambience (room reverb 12–18%) → Delay send subtle.
• Notes: Slower attack to preserve transients; exciter low.

3. Aggressive Rock Lead (punchy, present)

• Chain: De-esser → Compressor (4:1–6:1, 4–8 dB GR, fast attack) → EQ (cut 250–400 Hz; boost 1.5–3 kHz +3 dB) → Exciter (mid/high emphasis) → Limiter → Ambience minimal.
• Notes: Use harder compression for grit; parallel blend for naturalness.

4. R&B Smooth Lead (silky, controlled)

• Chain: Gate → De-esser → Compressor (2:1–3:1, medium attack/release) → Multiband compressor (tame lows) → EQ (shelf highs +1.5 dB around 10 kHz) → Exciter gentle on highs → Ambience (lush plate, pre-delay 20–40 ms).
• Notes: Keep dynamics smooth, avoid over-brightening.

5. EDM / Pop Topline (cut-through in dense mix)

• Chain: De-esser → Compressor (fast attack, medium release) → Parallel chain: heavy compression on parallel bus (saturation + bus compression) blended 20–40% → EQ (boost 4–8 kHz +2–4 dB) → Exciter (stronger) → Delay (sync, dotted 8th) → Ambience short.
• Notes: Use sidechain ducking on effects if needed.

6. Background / Harmony Vocals (sit behind lead)

• Chain: Gate → De-esser → Compressor light (1.5–2:1) → EQ (cut low 120 Hz; roll off top above 12 kHz if airy) → Stereo widen on ambience or pan → Ambience higher mix (20–40%) → Low output level.
• Notes: Use complementary EQ to avoid clashing with lead.

7. Spoken Word / Podcast Vocal (intimate clarity)

• Chain: Gate → De-esser → Compressor (3–4:1, fast attack) → EQ (HPF 80–120 Hz; presence boost 3–5 kHz +2–3 dB) → De-esser re-check → Limiter → Output.
• Notes: Prioritize intelligibility and consistent level.

Quick A/B workflow

1. Bypass Voxformer to hear dry.
2. Enable modules one at a time, listening for changes.
3. Use the built-in gain-reduction meters and solo bands to tune.
4. Save a preset once you’re happy.

Common troubleshooting

• Harshness after exciter: reduce high-mid exciter or lower de-esser threshold.
• Pumping: slow release or reduce compression ratio; use multiband/sidechain.
• Lost low end: check HPF, adjust low-shelf on EQ or reduce gate threshold.

Example starting presets (values are starting points)

• Compressor 1: Ratio 3:1, Attack 8 ms, Release 80 ms, Threshold for 2–4 dB GR.
• De-esser: Focus 6–7 kHz, Threshold to remove 3–6 dB of sibilance.
• Exciter: Mix 15–30%, Tone mid-high.

If you want, I can create exact Voxformer knob values for one chain matched to a genre and vocal type.