Codec 2.0, Tumult, 23Tape: Free Plugins of the Week
Codec 2.0, Tumult, 23Tape: Free Plugins of the Week · Source: Lese, Consistent Interruption, 23DSP
This week’s collection of free plugins is all about the artful destruction of audio signals. Check out Codec 2.0, Tumult, and 23Tape!
Free Plugins of the Week
Lese Codec 2.0: Digital Artifacts Galore
Lese has updated the popular Codec plugin to version 2.0! With an unusual approach to audio degradation, Codec 2.0 is perfect for all fans of digital glitches and artifacts. Unlike conventional bit crushers and other digital degradation effects that work by manipulating the bit rate and/or sample rate, the plugin runs your audio through a compression / decompression algorithm similar to those used for internet streaming and video conferencing. Who would’ve thought that the dreaded artifacts associated with the early days of streaming would one day become a creative effect?
The new version offers everything the original Codec could do, with even more features for creative experimentation. There’s a new Packet Disorder parameter that scrambles the audio packets before feeding them into the decoder. The new Noise feature adds noise to the signal before encoding it, which produces a “messier” sound, as Lese puts it. And the Crunch parameter can now be adjusted by hovering over the visualizer, with an option to change the shape of the filter. A great update for a unique lo-fi plugin!
Codec 2.0 is available for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Consistent Interruption Tumult: Free Noise Maker
The developer sums it up perfectly: “Tumult makes noise”. But this free plugin by Consistent Interruption is more than a simple noise generator. You can choose from 100 included noise samplesto be mixed in with your audio, and the plugin even lets you import your own samples. There’s also a 5-band EQ with graphical editing for shaping the sound of the noise.
In addition, Tumult offers a ducking feature that can duck away the noise in response to the audio signal. You can adjust the threshold, attack, and release for the ducker to control how the noise reacts to the input signal. A great little tool for getting creative with noise!
Tumult is available for Windows and Linux as a VST3 plugin.
23DSP 23Tape: Analog Tape Emulation Plugin
23Tape by 23DSP is an analog tape simulator that can deliver anything from subtle saturation to full-on destruction. You can choose from several different types of tape and three tape speeds. A hysteresis engine emulates the nonlinear memory of magnetic tape. You can further shape the character by adjusting the imperfections and age.
For additional tone shaping, 23Tape includes controls for head bump, azimuth misalignment, and high-frequency roll-off. There’s also a noise section that lets you add tape hiss and crinkle.
23Tape is available for macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats.
Looking for more free plugins like Codec 2.0, Tumult, and 23Tape? Check out our archive!
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