ZL Limiter, ClassicQlite, simpleTapeStop: Free Plugins of the Week
ZL Limiter, ClassicQlite, simpleTapeStop: Free Plugins of the Week · Source: ZL Audio, PSP Audioware, simpleSoundbank
ZL Limiter is a free limiter plugin from the creator of the excellent ZL Equalizer, ClassicQlite delivers the sound of classic British EQs, and simpleTapeStop does just what it says: Free Plugins of the Week!
Free Plugins of the Week
ZL Audio ZL Limiter: Open-Source Limiter Plugin for macOS, Windows and Linux
Few developers of free plugins have made a larger impact than ZL Audio in recent years. Plugins such as the awesome ZL Equalizer 2, ZL Compressor, and ZL Spectrum Equalizer are regularly ranked among the best free plugins, and they’re right up there with commercial offerings such as FabFilter Pro-Q in terms of features. Completing the line-up, the developer’s latest creation is ZL Limiter, a free and open-source limiter plugin designed to quench your thirst for loudness.
According to ZL Audio, ZL Limiter uses up to 32x oversampling to help control inter-sample peaks and reduce aliasing. In addition to peak limiting, the plugin also includes features to control and protect transients, such as adjustable lookahead, adaptive recovery, and adjustable attack and release. There’s also a stereo delta control to preserve spatial width.
While it doesn’t look quite as flashy as ZL Equalizer, ZL Limiter has a clearly structured GUI for an intuitive workflow. The real-time waveform display makes it easy to spot peaks and keep an eye on what the limiter is doing. It also includes comprehensive metering.
ZL Limiter is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux in VST3, AU, and LV2 formats.
PSP Audioware ClassicQlite: Free British-Style EQ
Derived from the developer’s paid ClassicQ plugin (currently on sale for $29), ClassicQlite is a free equalizer modeled after classic British console EQs, such as early Neve designs. As such, it offers an adjustable high-pass filter, high and low shelving bands with switchable Q, and a parametric midrange bell filter with adjustable Q. The mid band also has an Auto Q mode for ease of use.
In addition, ClassicQlite includes PSP’s second-generation saturation algorithm for smooth, analog-style overdrive and protection against digital clipping.
PSP ClassicQlite is available for macOS and Windows in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
simpleSoundbank simpleTapeStop: Classic Tape Stop Effects at the Push of a Button
You’ve guessed it, simpleTapeStop by simpleSoundbank is a tape stop plugin. It basically does the same thing as similar plugins such as TapeFi STOP and TapeStop. But the developer has included a couple of interesting and useful extras.
The basic operation is similar to any other tape stop plugin: Insert it on a track, bus, or master channel and hit the Stop button to bring the virtual tape to a halt. Release the button, and the tape will speed up again. You can also do this via MIDI, or automate the effect in your DAW.
simpleTapeStop lets you dial in the stop and start times independently. You can also adjust the curve for smooth or abrupt transitions. In sync mode, the times can be adjusted in beat subdivisions to match the tempo of your track. And there’s even a fun reverse mode that lets the tape run backwards.
simpleTapeStop is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux in VST3, AU, CLAP, and LV2 formats.
Visit our archive for many more free plugins like ZL Limiter, ClassicQlite, and simpleTapeStop!
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