New Music Gear Monday: JST Howard Benson Vocals Channel Strip Plugin

There are a lot of channel strip plugins on the market and most model an analog console. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it does mean that you still have to add effects, maybe a de-esser, and various other processors to get what you need. A purpose-built processor sometimes makes more sense as it’s faster and easier to get the sound that you need, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with the JST Howard Benson Vocals plugin.

First of all, Howard Benson is an engineer/producer who’s contributed to more than 100 million album sales and more than 20 billion streams over the course of his career working with artists like Three Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson, My Chemical Romance, and many other chart toppers. Obviously he knows a little something about getting a vocal sound and this plugin emulates his vocal chain.

The 7 Modules

The plugin consists of 7 modules that are both simple, and at the same time have some interesting tweaks. The first module (labeled Vocals) is basically a compressor with an Input control, Comp amount, Gain, and Grit, which adds tube-type harmonics. There’s also a Tube Warmth switch, which converts the compressor to a smoother optical mode, and an Auto Make-Up switch. Finally a De-Esser control on the bottom lets you dial out those annoying “S’s” that everyone hates.

The second module is EQ, which consists of 3 bands. The low and high frequency bands have Gain and Frequency controls along with a Bell switch to change the frequency curve. The mid frequency substitutes a Q control for the Bell switch. Interestingly, there are no markings on this module to show you how much you’re boosting or cutting and at what frequencies, which is perfect for mixing with your ears instead of your eyes. At the bottom of the module you have Pre Comp, HPF and LOFI buttons as well.

Let There Be Polish

The next module is Multiplier, which is doubler. Only two controls here – Offset and Amount. Offset introduces the slight variations to the double that makes it work, just like real double tracking.

Then we come to Width, with a Range control that determines the part of the frequency spectrum that will be widened, and Amount. The addition of a Mono Low-End button ensures that the vocal won’t disappear completely when heard back in mono.

The next module is Echo, which lets you set the number of repeats and level of your echo simultaneously with the Amount knob, set the mode between mono and stereo, set the time with a note-value display, and Sync to the tempo of the song. There’s also a LOFI switch to analog the sound up a little, and you can change the amount of ducking by adjusting the screw on the bottom of the module.

The we come to Space, which allows you to set the Size and the Amount of the reverb applied. Again you can change the amount of ducking by adjusting the screw on the bottom of the module.

The last module is Output, complete with a Gain control, level display, and Limit control to catch any stray peaks. Each module also has its own in/out switch so you can use only what you need when you need it.

The Howard Benson Vocals plugin is on sale at $139 (usually $149) and is available on both Mac and PC and all plugin formats. You can find out more here or watch the video below.