Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip

Now Joe has partnered with IK Multimedia to offer you his unique vision and formula in the new T-RackS Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip. This plug-in models Joe’s go-to chain of high-end analog outboard gear, custom signal flow and unique know-how to deliver an incredible level of control and character to your vocal tracks.

Based at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California, world-class engineer/producer Joe Chiccarelli has developed a reputation for crafting impactful, emotional vocals that helped him earn 10 GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY awards. It’s also made him sought after by such artists as U2, Beck, The Strokes, Juanes, The Killers, Morrissey, Tori Amos, The Shins, Alanis Morissette, The White Stripes, Jason Mraz, Cage The Elephant, Vance Joy, Spoon, The Raconteurs, Cafe Tacvba, and My Morning Jacket. IK worked hand-in-hand with Joe to ensure T-RackS Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip offers an exact recreation of the signal chain used by these top artists.

T-RackS Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip carefully recreates Joe’s 3 ideal compressors, modeled using IK’s industry-leading analog modeling and a brand-new parallel processing engine, all here in one streamlined plug-in. The compressors are:

MAIN: Not too aggressive, this compressor – modeled after a UREI 1176 – is Joe’s go-to for every vocal and the foundation of a great vocal sound.
RETRO: Modeled after a Fairchild 670, this compressor lets Joe dial in exactly the right amount of vintage warmth and weight to the vocal sound.
HEAVY: Tailored to Joe’s specifications, this unique hybrid tube compressor is based on a UA 176 and Tube-Tech CL 1B and designed to add distinctive character and aggression.

With a dedicated Mute button on each compressor, you can mix-and-match by choosing to use one compressor, two or all 3, while IK’s newly-developed parallel processing engine allows the compressors to interact in a true-to-life manner that’s as inspiring as it is versatile.

Using a single compressor for vocal compression risks crushing its soul. That’s why Joe uses multiple compressors – by blending the uncompressed signal with each compressor in parallel, he’s able to maintain the dynamics and passion of each vocal, while still achieving higher levels of compression and character. It’s a delicate balance, but when done right the possibilities are endless. Explore Joe’s custom settings or experiment with your own to find the perfect setting for any vocal performance.

In addition to this advanced 3-compressor parallel processing chain, T-RackS Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip includes essential tools for further sculpting your vocal tracks to perfection.

INPUT: Adjust Input Gain Level.
HPF: High-pass Filter to cut any unnecessary low frequencies.
DE-ESSER: Tame harsh vocal sibilance. Choose A for Male and B for Female.
RESET: Return all settings to factory default.
COMPRESSORS: Manage and blend the 3 distinct compressors working in parallel.
EQ: Analog-modeled EQ with selectable Pre/Post switch allowing EQ to hit before or after compression.
EFFECTS: Select and adjust 2 types of Reverb, Delay and Modulation.
REVERB: Choose A for Plate or B for Chamber.
SIZE: Set the Reverb decay time.
MODULATION: Choose A for Chorus and B for Doubler.
ECHO: Choose A for Mono Tape Echo or B for Stereo Ping Pong Delay.
TIME: Note value automatically tempo-syncs to Host project BPM.
DRY/WET: Fine-tune global parallel compression by blending balance between processed and unprocessed.
DRIVE: Add saturation to help your vocal cut through a busy mix.
COLOR: Adjust even or odd harmonics to brighten/darken the Drive.
OUTPUT: Adjust output volume to compensate for boosts in gain.

The beauty of the approach lies in the fact that it’s highly effective for sculpting vocals to suit any style of music. Between the 3 compressors you can add focus, grit, warmth, weight, clarity – whatever vintage or modern sound best suits the mood and vibe of the music.

T-RackS Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip includes a wide variety of presets from Joe himself, saving you precious time and making it easy to get amazing results. Mix with them right out of the box or use them as springboards to develop your own custom presets. Along the way you’ll gain valuable insight into the mind of a mixing master and learn how he uses his signature signal chain to achieve specific results.

With T-RackS Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip, it’s like having Joe by your side, helping you produce better recordings faster. Vocals no longer compete with instruments, but all work together to make each song a winner.