Standalone audio unit/vst effects rack: anything else like IK's MixBox out there?

[zevo]

I've just discovered MixBox, which I'm using to put effects on my audio interface's incoming channels.

I'm thinking there MUST be other apps in the universe that do this type of thing, so I'm asking if anybody could recommend one or have ideas.

What I like about MixBox:

• routes on a per-input/per-output basis
• different racks for each input, or input set (if stereo)
• relatively clean and intuitive UI: didn't need to look-up how to use most of it so far - just 20 minutes of trial and error has me understanding 80% of how I'm going to use it
• hasn't crashed all afternoon working with it as if it were hardware; non-gentle, non-slow interaction - just normal, and it's been smooth and glitch free

What I find slightly limiting about it: really just one thing: it only hosts what it has, which is a subset of a variety of IK effects.  This isn't huge for what I'm doing with it, but I'm always looking for anything that gets me past limitations, so:

Preferred: Something like MixBox, that functions as an open host.

Would consider: Something like MixBox, but from another developer so I can expand my capabilities/variety. I REALLY wanted SoundToys Effecs Rack to be this way, but alas: I don't think it has a standalone version.

Thanks, - zevo

 

Edited February 15 by zevo

[zevo]

I should note that I'm looking for a software application, which I didn't make clear. MixBox is software; I'm not looking for a hardware device --> I didn't make that clear.

An app.

[zevo]

Hahahaha.

I always forget Mainstage even exists, but it seems it's the closest solution, since it will happily behave as a set of channel strips for audio interface inputs, complete with all the audio unit effect sweetness.

A bit heavier than I'd really hoped (meaning: more non-mixer features that I'm not sure I really want/need); really just want a virtual mixer for audio interface inputs that supports AU effects and doesn't do anything else (which is nearly what mixbox is, sans the non-IK capabilities). 

Close enough.

Edited February 21 by zevo

[David Nahmani]

1 hour ago, zevo said:

A bit heavier than I'd really hoped (meaning: more non-mixer features that I'm not sure I really want/need); really just want a virtual mixer for audio interface inputs that supports AU effects and doesn't do anything else (which is nearly what mixbox is, sans the non-IK capabilities). 

MainStage is a great idea. I'm sure you can pare it down to only what's needed, it's quite customizable. In fact some of the control surface features may end up coming in handy at some point in your workflow. Good choice. 🙂 

[JakobP]

You can easily create input channel strips (with any fx) in Logic, may I ask why  you want it standalone ?

[zevo]

Hi Jakob,

Because at the point in time (composition-wise) I'm not wanting to be in deep apps on a computer (or deep in apps).

Everything ends up in Logic and/or Live in a later phase, but I go down rabbit holes with those and I'm not doing that anymore (too many distractions, like gobs of virtual instruments to play with, and while it's fun sometimes, it's stifling more often than not --> 'option paralysis').

Composition/experimentation is happening all on hardware for me these days, with the computer only serving to have a supporting role: like hosting ModalApp for a UI to the modal synths, or... an effects rack. Just an effects rack.

If I could afford all the hardware, and had space to put it, that's what I'd be doing. But as that's prohibitive, I want a simple-minded beast that thinks like an effects rack, and preferably looks like an effects rack.

IK's MixBox really does do exactly what I'm looking for. I was just looking for something similar to it that hosts other plugins.