For nearly half a century and more since inception of recorded music, hardware machines were the only means to finalize audio productions. Since this were manually done by running tapes, errors crept in among other “unnecessary” additions. Sound engineers and other experts of the field constantly found ways to get rid of them, until computers and eventually DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) took over by the dawn of 2000s. Ironically, precision and squeaky-clean computerized sound made many musicians realize how analog imperfections made vintage records livelier and “warmer”, thus far more memorable.
The solution to above-said issue came from various plugin manufacturers, who programmed various analog-emulating software to inject vibrancy. Many of them are expensive, so I fancied on putting together a list of easier-on-wallet plugins that bedroom producers can afford and veritably utilize on their next projects.
Note- This is not a sponsored post and thus a mention of the said companies come from recommendations or personal use of their products.
1- Airwindows ToTape5 (Free)
If you aren’t acquainted to Airwindows plugins, this might be Christmas come early for you. Airwindows is an one-man company of adept programmer Chris Johnson, who out of his sheer generosity, made numerous plugins that are not only free, but even equal to the quality offered by paid competitors.
ToTape5 is a tape saturation emulation plugin with easy on eye GUI, dexterous enough to add that sublime and subtle harmonic boost to any sound. A must try.
2- SketchCassette II (20 USD)
To much surprise of audio engineers, faulty tape machines created pleasant artifacts such as “wow” and “flutter”, which adds an ethereal feel to the outcome.
SketchCasette II can reproduce those aberrations, helpful for lo-fi genre producers.
3- TAL-U-No-LX (60 USD)
At the height of post-punk New wave music in early 80s, out came Roland’s most in-demand synthesizer of all time – Juno 60. While today the actual machine costs more than an arm and leg, thanks to modern software architecting, there are numerous VST synths that can recreate those evergreen sounds.
One economical alternative is TAL-U-No-LX, a digital homage to Juno. I vouch this one for couple of reasons – lesser CPU usage unlike other emulations, and how close it gets to its inspired progenitor.
4- Valhalla VintageVerb (50 USD)
This one is familiar face among numerous record-producers. Valhalla VintageVerb is a more than capable plugin that captures the darker, texture-heavy and noisier reverberations from the 70s and 80s.
Interested parties can also check out Valhalla Supermassive, a free delay plugin that can offer an idea of how effective the products are from the said company.
5- Oxford Inflator (39 USD-160 USD)
The price I wrote might seem a stark contrast, but hear me out – Upon checking PluginBoutique, a great site for acquiring plugins at sale, Oxford Inflator is currently priced at 40 USD, ten bucks lesser than it usually priced at. The offer might still remain in future, or even better during say, Black Friday sales.
Getting feedback on how your mastered songs aren’t “loud enough”? This plugin can be that cherry on top to any mastering chain; unlike limiters, which can distort on harder application, Oxford Inflator can embed not only loudness but a warm and sonically alluring brightness. I use it just before the limiter during mastering to add those few extra dBs and overall warmth.
What do you think?
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