Looking for unique ways to add character and atmosphere to your tracks? In the world of sound design, there are numerous tools for emulating vintage equipment, but what if you draw inspiration from modernity? What if you simulate not the warmth of tape or the noise of vinyl, but the digital distortions we hear every day?
Introducing Codec by Lese – a plugin that offers a fresh perspective on sound degradation. Instead of imitating analog imperfections, Codec models the effects of audio compression and transmission through network algorithms, familiar to us from the digital world. It’s not just distortion or noise, but a simulation of artifacts, data loss, and glitches that occur when compressing audio for online transmission.
Digital Degradation in Your DAW
Codec works as a container that subjects your audio signal to the process of “digital compression” and “decompression” in real time. This opens the door to creating unique, modern lo-fi and glitch effects. The plugin is available for free in VST3 and AU formats.
Key features of Codec:
- Network compression simulation: Imitates the operation of modern audio codecs, creating characteristic digital artifacts.
- Packet Drop: Allows you to simulate an unstable connection. Choose how the plugin will react to “data loss”:
- Reconstruction: The algorithm will try to restore the sound, which will lead to interesting changes in timbre.
- Repetition: Lost segments are repeated, creating a glitching stuttering effect.
- A “Bit” Of Crunch: Add extreme gain to certain frequencies before compression to enhance artifacts, and then normalize the volume. This saturates the sound with digital “crunchiness” without increasing the overall volume.
- Mode Selection: Choose an optimized mode for the signal type:
- “Voice”: For processing vocals.
- “Music”: For musical instruments and mixes.
- “Low-latency”: Low-latency mode for monitoring or live use.
Codec is a powerful and creative tool for experimenting with sound. It’s ideal for adding modern lo-fi texture, creating glitch effects, simulating connection distortions, or simply making your sound unusual and memorable. If standard degradation effects seem boring to you, Codec will offer a fresh approach.
The plugin is compatible with Windows (64-bit) and MacOS, supports VST3 and AU formats. Download Codec for free and open up new horizons for sound destruction.
