The 10 Best Freeware Compressor Plug-ins

The 10 Best Freeware Compressor Plug-ins:
http://en.audiofanzine.com/plugin-dynamic-processor/audio-damage/Rough-Rider-[Freeware]/editorial/articles/the-top-free-software-compressors.html

Proximity denormalization problems

I did some mixes with Proximity plugin and I think it’s just amazing! If you want to add something to track but don’t know what, just add Proximity!

Also I found a couple of denormalization bugs (see my previous post). I fixed it for Windows version, you can just re-download it (link was not changed):

http://static.kvraudio.com/files/1451/proximity_v1_0_1-windows.zip

Also check official [Proximity plugin page].

EDIT: Mac version updated too. Thanks to Murray Campbell for reminder.

http://static.kvraudio.com/files/1451/proximity_v1_0_1-mac.zip

Check this screenshot of simple project with a lot of Proximity instances. You can see Proximity on bass drum, bass guitars, guitars double track, reverb channels, lead and backing vocals!

Molot denormalization problems: solved (and also Mac OS X 10.5 support)

Q: What  is denormalization?
A: In short, when the sound doesn’t play, the plugin starts to use  several times more CPU power. It’s related with processing of very small numbers very very close to zero (less than -600 dBFS).

Q: Molot 0.3 didn’t have such problems, so why they were added to version 0.3.1?
A: This bug is related with combination of new limiter code and auto-off feature.

Q: What is auto-off feature?
A: When there’s no input signal, the signal processing code is bypassed. If it happens, version string on GUI becomes gray.

———–

Windows version is updated under the same download link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Molot031.zip

EDIT: Mac version is updated too (and also support for Mac OS X 10.5 restored):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Molot031.dmg

PS. Reaper performance meter is a good tool to detect such problems!

And also thanks to Theo Niessink! EDIT: And Marc Abram too.

PPS. Also I found the same problem in Proximity plugin. Update shall come soon!

Molot 0.3.1 and Limiter №6 1.0.2 with AU support were released

What’s new in Molot 0.3.1:

• Output and editing of numeric parameter values. (Editing not implemented in 32-bit AU version)
• Fixed wrong mode in some presets.
• Fixed filter used in linear phase oversampling mode.
• Added “dithering off” option.
• Fixed working with VstToRTAS.
• Added AU version.
• Added support for 10 times attack time scaling.
• Changed limiter code (based on Limiter No6)

[download]

What’s new in Limiter №6 1.0.2:

• Less intensive animation (to save CPU cycles);
• Stereo-linked mode in peak-limiter was significantly improved;
• Numeric parameter values now editable (excluding 32-bit AU version);
• Modes I-III of peak limiter were slightly changed;
• AU version added

[download]

AU version release notes:

• To refresh DAW latency compensation when plugin latency is changed, audio must be restarted (stop/start);
• Limiter №6 changes its latency in “Min.latency” mode;
• Molot changes its latency when switched between “HQ” and “Fast” oversampling modes.

 

Molot v0.3.1 Windows/Mac (VST/AU) latest preview

What’s new?

• new limiter based on Limiter No6 one;
• editable numeric parameter values;
• bug fixes including Vst2RTAS wrapper compatibility fixes;
• 32/64-bit AU version.

Windows versions (32/64-bit, GUI and GUI-less and also 2-channels version):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Molot031.zip

Mac versions (32/64-bit, VST and AU):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Molot031.dmg

 

Limiter №6 v1.0.2 Windows/Mac (VST/AU) latest preview

So finally, what’s new in version 1.0.2?

• New stereo-linking in peak limiter significantly reduced distortions;
• Numeric parameter values now editable;
• Less intensive animations to reduce CPU usage;
• Subtle changes in peak limiter Type I-III modes.

Windows version (32/64-bit, both GUI included):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Limiter6-v102.zip

Mac versions (32/64-bit, VST/AU):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Limiter6-v102-gui1.dmg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Limiter6-v102-gui2.dmg

AU version release notes:

• in “Min. latency” mode to refresh host latency compensation you must stop then start playback;
• if you manually enter numeric parameter value, you should click somewhere on plugin background instead of pressing “enter” key.

PS. I want to give more tests for this version, then release it!

 

Limiter №6 1.0.2 and Molot 0.3.1 new versions preview (Windows only)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Limiter6-v102_preview.zip

What’s new? Stereo-linking in peak limiter module now works OK (check this out! it sounds pretty good). Also modes I-III in peak limiter module were slightly changed. Less CPU intensive GUI animation. Numeric parameter values are editable.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18475891/Molot031_preview.zip

What’s new? New output limiter based on Limiter №6. Numeric parameter values are editable. A lot of bug fixes.

I’m making AU and Mac ports for these versions. They’re expected very soon!

PS. Also I’m trying to write small notes about development process on my Twitter. Nothing serious but you can check: Follow @vladgsound

Yes, it’s a shame for me but new version of Molot with AU support is still uncompleted

New Molot version was mentioned in September’12:

http://vladgsound.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/molot-0-3-1-with-au-version-will-be-available-soon/

But next, it was KVR Developer Challenge 2012 and this Proximity plugin:

http://www.tokyodawn.net/proximity/

And next, I was busy for some unexpected reasons! And after that there were holidays! They are over and now I’m thinking what I should do the next…

By the way, for AU version please check this excellent video by Vanessa Leinani for VSTAU wrapping of Molot:

 

I want to release new version of Molot at the end of January. For now I’m thinking about replacement of Molot peak limiter to one from Limiter №6…

About Limiter №6. For some reasons, no one mention to me that stereo linking in peak-limiter module of Limiter №6 is not working at all!!! Thanks to Alexey Lukin for noticing that. The fix is ready and I after some stability tests I’m going to release it in a very very short period of time!

These are my short-term plans. My long-term plans are to make something in collaboration with Tokyo Dawn Labs in this year and also to make some new plugin of course! Yeah!

Tokyo Dawn Labs Proximity and KVR DC12

Yeah, we finally got KVR DC12 results! Proximity is 2nd for Windows and the 1st for Mac, oh yeah!

http://www.kvraudio.com/news/kvr-developer-challenge-2012—the-winner-is-20871

1. Congratulations to VoS ThrillseekerXTC!
2. Congratulations to Tokyo Dawn Labs Proximity (and me as the half of the project)
3. Congratulations to g200kg Kamioooka!

ALSO THANKS FOR ALL DEVELOPERS IN CONTEST! THERE WAS A LOT OF GREAT PLUGINS!

And also for all who voted, THANK YOU! Because your votes was the best motivation for all developers.

And my personal conclusions. 1. Herbert is invincible. We both have more than 2 times less votes that he has :-) 2. Youtube videos are very good for promotion, BTW.

Molot compressor review: I love it!

http://sellergrendesign.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/molot/

Well, I’ve noticed that I’ve got some fellow audiophiles among my visitors so I thought I’d share the latest find when it comes to free VSTs available: Meet Russian behemoth Molot! And dear God is this a fierce beast! You know the climactic scene in Evil Dead II when the demonic dimension rips through the fabrics of reality and the Rotten Apple Head comes through the door to swallow Ash? Well, this piece of tube-powered compression emulator kinda does that with your sounds.

I initially tried it out on the unmastered track of Call Me Greenhorn‘s album teaser – and to be honest I don’t have a title for that one yet – and I had to rip my earphones off ’cause it damn near took my head clean off. And I live for that kinda sound. There an almost endless amount of variety offered plus some nice presets if you’re new to it or just wanna save some time (personally I found the “room” setting kinda nice ’cause it had a slight SSL feel).

Based on the same technology that gave the World that other beast (the Sovtek-powered Big Muff distortion pedal), it’s a primitive, no-bullshit chunk of gnarly oomph! that does not aim for sophistication. Like author Vladislav Goncharov himself says: “[If you're...] Looking for transparent compressor? This not your choice. This compressor adds a lot of coloring to sound.” And he’s not kidding. This’ll color everything. It’s loud and noisy and ugly and just everything that makes rough and raw music great.

You can download it here, and he’s offering some limiters and clippers as well that I’m gonna check out as soon as my damn ears stop ringing…

Yeah! It really shows the soul of Molot!

Thanks, Magnus! You rock!

PS. I didn’t have experience to work with electronic music but after using Molot for latest Proximity plugin video I had the same feeling “…as my damn ears stop ringing…”