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An introduction to Sonnox VoxDoubler, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
VoxDoubler is the simplest way to achieve rich, natural sounding doubled vocals. With two dedicated plugins, Thicken and Widen, it adds depth, width, and character to your vocals in just a few clicks.
— Sonnox official site
What is VoxDoubler?
VoxDoubler is a vocal doubling plugin from Sonnox, part of its Toolbox range. It aims to give a single vocal track the thickness and width of a layered, re-recorded take without extra recording passes.
It is split into two plugins: Thicken, which adds weight and depth, and Widen, which spreads the sound across the stereo field. According to the maker, each layer has pitch and timing humanisation controls.
The official page says the goal is natural-sounding doubles that avoid the obvious copied-layer feel. It suggests stronger settings for rap or metal vocals and gentler, choir-like settings for backing vocals.
It is not limited to voices: the maker also points to brass, strings, guitars and sound design. Placing it ahead of a reverb or delay for spacey, evolving effects is another use the official page describes.
Sonnox describes VoxDoubler as a plug-in that creates doubled layers from a single recorded vocal. Timing and pitch variation is applied to each layer so the result is closer to a real second take than to a copied layer.
It has two modules. Widen is described as generating two mono voices panned left and right of the original, while Thicken generates a new stereo doubled voice. It is a download product, with the serial number delivered by email after purchase.
Thicken: adds weight and depth
A module that creates extra layers from one track to add weight and depth. For rap or metal vocals the maker suggests a high pitch setting with low timing humanisation.
Widen: spreads across the stereo field
A module that spreads a sound left and right for a wide, immersive mix. For backing vocals the maker suggests lower pitch and higher timing humanisation for a choir-like, ethereal effect.
Pitch and timing humanisation
Each layer can be given variation in pitch and timing. This imitates the small differences between two real takes, so the double is less likely to sound like a copy.
Hype-man effect
Automating Thicken in and out of the mix can raise energy at key moments, a use the official page describes as a hype-man effect.
Ahead of reverb and delay
Placing it before a reverb gives spacey, haunting results; before a delay it gives tape-like repeats with evolving variation, according to the official page.
Instruments and sound design
Doubling brass or string parts so a solo line sounds like an ensemble is another use the maker describes. It works on a range of single-line sources, not only vocals.
Free demo and iLok licensing
A free demo is offered on the official page. Licences are managed through iLok, with two activations per licence.
Automation-friendly
Sonnox suggests automating parameters such as bringing Thicken in and out of the mix. This may make it easy to add weight only in the chorus, for example.
Adjustable amount
The amount of doubling can be adjusted so it does not overpower the original signal, which is useful when adding it behind a lead vocal.
Three plug-in formats
AU, VST3 and AAX-Native are supported. AAX use requires Pro Tools 11 or later.
Part of the Sonnox Elite Bundle
VoxDoubler is also listed as part of the Sonnox Elite Bundle, a full mixing and mastering chain, which can be an option if you plan to use other Sonnox plug-ins.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | AU / VST3 / AAX-Native (Pro Tools 11 or later) |
| macOS | 10.14 Mojave or later |
| Windows | Windows 10 (64-bit) or later |
| Licensing | iLok, two activations per licence |
| Activation targets | Local machine / iLok2 or iLok3 USB key / iLok Cloud (Cloud limited to one) |
| Contents | Two plugins: Thicken and Widen |
| Trial | Free demo available |
| Widen output | Two mono voices panned left and right of the original |
| Thicken output | One new stereo doubled voice |
| SKU | NATVOXDV1 |
What is included and system requirements
- Two plugins: Thicken and Widen
- Formats: AU / VST3 / AAX-Native
- Requirements: macOS 10.14+ or Windows 10 (64-bit)+
- iLok authorisation (two activations; iLok Cloud limited to one and needs internet)
- Online user guide available
- Serial number delivered by email after purchase (download sale)
How to use it
- Get the demo or full version from the official Sonnox page and authorise it with your iLok account.
- Open your DAW and insert Thicken or Widen on the vocal track you want to double.
- Start Thicken with small pitch and timing humanisation amounts.
- Raise pitch variation for a punchier result, lower it to stay natural, and compare.
- Use Widen on backing vocals and adjust stereo width and timing variation.
- If you use reverb or delay, place VoxDoubler before them and listen to how the effect changes.
- Try automating Thicken on and off at the big moments of the song.
- Sonnox provides a user guide and a walkthrough video covering each module.
Skipping extra vocal takes
When re-recording is hard or time is short, it may be a way to build thickness from a single take.
Widening backing vocals
Spreading with Widen and shifting the timing a little may give a choir-like feel.
Powering up rap or metal vocals
A larger pitch variation in Thicken may push the vocal toward a punchier, denser character.
Making instrument lines sound like an ensemble
It may help a single brass, string or guitar line sound as if several players were involved.
Adding weight to rap or metal vocals
Sonnox suggests larger pitch variation and smaller timing variation for aggressive Thicken sounds, which may suit forceful vocals.
Widening backing vocals
For Widen on backing vocals, Sonnox suggests lower pitch and higher timing humanisation, which may help spread a chorus across the stereo field.
Doubling brass, strings or guitars
Sonnox also lists doubling brass, strings or guitars, and spacey effects, as possible uses.
Who it may suit
- Home recordists who want to avoid extra vocal re-takes
- People who want backing vocals quickly
- Mixers looking to add presence or stereo width to a voice
- Users comfortable managing plugins through iLok
Good to know before you buy
- An iLok account is required. Each licence has two activations; only one can be on iLok Cloud, which needs internet.
- Older operating systems may not be supported; the maker advises contacting support.
- The free demo lets you test compatibility with your DAW before buying.
- Licensing uses iLok. Only one of the two activations can be assigned to iLok Cloud; the other must go on a local machine or an iLok USB device.
- A free demo is available, so you can check compatibility with your DAW before buying.
Price
$92.99 (Sonnox official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See VoxDoubler on the product page
Sources: sonnox.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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