Code Red Free by Shattered Glass Audio: Legendary British 60s Sound in Your DAW
Immerse yourself in the golden age of recording with the Code Red Free plugin – a digital embodiment of the iconic all-tube British mixing console from the late 60s. This console didn’t just process sound; it gave it a special character, warmth, and bold punchiness, becoming an integral part of the sound of countless hits, including a significant portion of The Beatles’ catalog. It was the chain of two preamps from this console that spawned the signature overdriven guitar sound in the legendary “Revolution.” Now, this unique timbre is available to you.
Code Red Free is not just an emulation but a highly accurate model developed by Shattered Glass Audio based on careful simulation of the complete electronic circuit of the original equipment. Every detail, every nuance of tube saturation and EQ behavior is reproduced with maximum fidelity to convey the same unique analog imprint so highly valued by sound engineers and musicians worldwide.
Key Features and Capabilities:
The Code Red Free plugin offers an impressive set of features, making it a powerful tool for shaping your sound, whether you’re working on vocals, guitars, drums, or a full mix:
- Authentic EQ with “Classic” and “Pop” Modes: Get access to the legendary equalization of the original console. “Classic” mode reproduces the standard equalization curve, providing warmth and musicality. “Pop” mode simulates a modification often used to achieve a brighter and “airier” sound, ideal for vocals or acoustic instruments.
- Additional EQ Options: In addition to the classic modes, Code Red Free provides advanced equalization capabilities, allowing you to more flexibly shape the tonal balance of your track while preserving the console’s signature character.
- High-Quality Preamplifier Model: Based on a full circuit simulation, the preamp model conveys a unique response to the input signal level and natural tube saturation. A light boost adds warmth and density, while stronger overdrive delivers the same bold, crunchy tone known from 60s recordings.
- Automatic 4x Oversampling: To ensure maximum sound quality and avoid unwanted digital artifacts (aliasing) during processing, especially when using saturation and EQ, the plugin automatically applies 4x oversampling.
- Stereo and Mono Processing Modes: Work in stereo mode with the ability to link or independently adjust EQ and other parameters for the left and right channels, or switch to mono mode to improve the efficiency of processing mono signals.
- Dry-Wet Control: Easily blend the processed signal with the original using the Dry-Wet knob. This allows for parallel processing, which is a great way to add the character of the console while preserving the natural dynamics and clarity of the signal, such as for drums or bass.
Inspiration and Sound Character:
The essence of Code Red Free lies in reproducing the character of one of the most influential mixing consoles in music history. Its tube architecture provided the sound with natural compression, pleasant saturation, and a unique tonal coloration. The plugin inherits these features, offering users:
- Warmth and Saturation: Tube saturation adds harmonics and density, making the sound fuller and more pleasing to the ear.
- Boldness and Punchiness: The unique dynamic behavior of the preamp and EQ gives signals a bold, punchy character that helps them stand out in the mix.
- Musical Equalization: The EQ of this console is famous for its musicality. It doesn’t just change frequencies, it shapes the tone in a very pleasing way to the ear, making it ideal for a wide range of instruments and vocals.
Whether you’re striving to recreate the vintage sound of the 60s, add analog warmth to digital recordings, or simply looking for a versatile and high-quality plugin to shape the character of your tracks, Code Red Free by Shattered Glass Audio is an excellent choice. It offers legendary sound in a convenient digital format, allowing you to experiment and find new shades in your music. Try it and feel the magic of the classic British sound.
