When it comes to modern rock and metal production, vocal clarity and impact are non-negotiable. Howard Benson Vocals by Joey Sturgis Tones is designed to deliver exactly that—polished, mix-ready vocals with minimal setup. Developed in collaboration with legendary producer Howard Benson, this plugin brings his proven vocal processing style straight into your DAW.
For producers who want professional results without complex plugin chains, Howard Benson Vocals is a powerful and efficient solution.
Overview
Howard Benson Vocals is an all-in-one vocal processing plugin that combines the most important vocal tools into a single, easy-to-use interface. Instead of stacking multiple plugins for compression, EQ, saturation, and de-essing, this plugin offers a cohesive vocal chain already tuned for modern music production.
It’s especially popular among rock, metal, pop-rock, and alternative producers who need vocals to stay loud, clear, and upfront in dense mixes.
Key Features
All-in-One Vocal Processing
The plugin integrates compression, EQ shaping, saturation, de-essing, and tonal enhancement, all optimized specifically for vocals.
Mix-Ready Presets
A strong collection of presets covers lead vocals, backing vocals, harmonies, doubles, and aggressive vocal styles, making it easy to get started instantly.
Simple and Fast Workflow
The interface is clean and intuitive, allowing producers to focus on sound rather than technical setup.
Designed for Dense Mixes
Vocals remain present and intelligible even when layered with heavy guitars, bass, and drums.
Efficient Performance
Low CPU usage makes the plugin suitable for large projects and home studio systems.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound, Howard Benson Vocals delivers a modern, polished, and punchy vocal tone. The compression feels smooth yet controlled, helping vocals sit consistently in the mix. Subtle saturation adds presence and energy without introducing harshness, while the overall EQ curve ensures clarity and focus.
For rock and metal productions, the plugin quickly achieves that familiar “finished record” vocal sound. In pop and pop-rock contexts, it enhances brightness and definition without sounding overly processed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Extremely fast workflow
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Professional, radio-ready vocal sound
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High-quality presets for multiple vocal roles
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Ideal for rock, metal, and modern pop
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Beginner-friendly yet effective
Cons
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Limited deep customization compared to building a full vocal chain
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Not intended for experimental or transparent vocal processing
Who Is It For?
Howard Benson Vocals is ideal for producers who want:
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Quick, professional vocal results
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A streamlined vocal mixing process
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Reliable presets for modern genres
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Less tweaking and more creating
If you prefer total control over every processing stage or enjoy experimental vocal sound design, you may still want additional plugins. However, as a core vocal processor, this plugin excels.
Final Verdict
Joey Sturgis Tones – Howard Benson Vocals is a highly effective vocal plugin focused on speed, clarity, and professional polish. It captures the essence of Howard Benson’s signature vocal sound and makes it accessible to producers at any level.