Topline Vocal Suite is a Nectar killer, but is it worth $400?
The new UAD all-in-one Vocal Processing Plug-in.
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Topline Vocal Suite is a Nectar killer, but is it worth $400? · Source: Universal Audio
Pitch and Shifter · Source: Universal Audio
Analog, Dynamics, and EQ
Modulation, Delay, and Reverb · Source: Universal Audio
The Topline Vocal Suite plug-in is Universal Audio’s new all-singing, all-dancing comprehensive vocal processing solution for your DAW.
This week, Universal Audio blessed us with a complete range of shiny new Apollo audio interfaces, as well as a collection of UAD plug-ins including amp simulators, SSL 4000 processors, and the Topline Vocal Suite.
Topline Vocal Suite
I’m always a bit skeptical of all-in-one products because they tend to leave out the details implemented in the designs of more specialized audio tools. We also saw Softube’s new Layers plug-in released this week, which is a perfect example of this, but let’s explore what Topline Vocal Suite has to offer.
- Read about Softube Layers
As the name suggests, Topline is a one-stop shop for vocal processing. So instead of the endless plug-in chains on your vocal channels, you can use one complete processor that covers all the bases.
Topline includes the following effects:
- A Tuner with speed and depth controls
- A pitch and formant Shifter
- Saturation with tube simulation
- A Dynamics section with gating and de-essing
- Parametric EQ with Air band
- Modulation
- Delay
- Reverb
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with this much to cover, so let’s look at what Universal Audio got right. For starters, the plug-in is certainly easy to use, and the Live mode allows you to use the processing with low latency, when you’re developing your vocal ideas.
To get you started, there are over 150 presets with settings from top engineers like Matt Cohn, Randy Urbanski, and Joe Chiccarelli. Each processor in the effects chain has its own streamlined controls, and there are several different modes for the Saturation, Dynamics, EQ, Modulation, Delay, and Reverb sections.
Overall, diving into the workflow is a breeze, and there are some nice features like FX ducking and the ability to swap the EQ and Dynamics sections in the signal path.
However, although it’s great for newbies, at $400 it’s priced at pro level. Also, when one considers the importance of EQ and reverb in the vocal production process and the fact that a large percentage of users already own Valhalla VintageVerb and FabFillter Pro-Q 3 (or alternatives), some of Topline’s features begin to become redundant.
It’s clear that Universal Audio is aiming for the widest potential audience, rather than building the best possible vocal processor on the market exclusively for pro users.
Pricing and Availability:
Topline Vocal Suite is currently available from Thomann with introductory pricing of $199 until 10 November.
- Browse Universal Audio on Thomann
More about Topline Vocal Suite:
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