Decapitator
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Decapitator is more than just an emulation of the analog sound. It has the analog feel. You can hear the subtle changes reacting to the track, following the dynamics of the instrument.
That's what analog is all about. Not a static snapshot (No convolution here) but a changing responsive model of all those tubes and wires (And careful notes), and transistors.
The sound of real gear, but with the flexibility of software. Our modeled tone control let's you shape and contour, and our mix control let's you mix back in the dry signal for parallel processing without the need for routing and submixes. The best of both worlds.
History
Decapitator is a highly-regarded VST plugin developed by Soundtoys, a company renowned for its innovative audio processing tools. Released in 2010, Decapitator was designed to emulate the warmth and character of analog saturation and distortion. Soundtoys drew inspiration from classic hardware units, including vintage preamps, compressors, and tape machines, to create a versatile tool that adds harmonic richness and grit to digital audio.
Usage
Decapitator is primarily used for adding analog-style saturation and distortion to audio tracks. It is a favorite among producers and engineers for:
- Enhancing Vocals: Adding warmth and presence.
- Fattening Drums: Giving punch and character to drum tracks.
- Gritty Guitars: Adding edge and aggression to guitar recordings.
- Bass Enhancement: Providing depth and growl to bass lines.
- Mix Glue: Adding cohesion and warmth to the overall mix.
Notable Artists
Several renowned artists and producers have incorporated Decapitator into their workflow, including:
- Dave Pensado: Grammy-winning mix engineer known for his work with Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey.
- Butch Vig: Producer and drummer for Garbage, famous for producing Nirvana's "Nevermind."
- Tom Elmhirst: Multi-Grammy award-winning mix engineer who has worked with Adele, Amy Winehouse, and David Bowie.
Fun Facts
- Analog Feel: Decapitator includes five different analog saturation models, each inspired by a different piece of classic hardware, labeled A, E, N, T, and P.
- Punish Mode: It features a unique "Punish" button that drives the saturation to extreme levels, perfect for creating aggressive and over-the-top effects.
- Auto Gain: The plugin automatically adjusts the output level to match the input level, ensuring consistent volume even when applying heavy saturation.
Decapitator remains a go-to plugin for many audio professionals seeking to infuse their digital recordings with the warmth and character of analog gear.