In the world of digital audio, there’s often a lack of the warmth and character found in analog mixing consoles. This is where emulation plugins come to the rescue, striving to recreate the unique sound of classic equipment. Analog Obsession, a renowned developer of high-quality free plugins, introduces Konsol – a versatile console bus emulation that offers three unique sounds and flexible operating modes.
The Heart of Konsol: Three Legendary Characters
Konsol allows you to choose from three emulation modes, each based on classic analog circuits, offering different tonal characteristics and saturation:
Gray (016)
A model with a tube character. Adds warmth, smoothness, and rich harmonic saturation. Ideal for achieving a vintage sound, adding “body” to vocals and acoustic instruments. Provides a rounded low end and silky highs.Blue (73 UK Console)
Emulates the transistor sound of a classic 70s British console. Offers density, focused punch, and a more aggressive but musical saturation. Great for processing drums, bass, electric guitars, and other instruments that require strength and clarity.Black (Logic 4 Console)
Based on operational amplifiers (Op-Amp). This type of circuit is known for its cleaner, more detailed, and faster sound compared to tubes or transistors. The “Black” model will add transparency, precision, and a modern analog touch to your mix without excessive coloration.
Flexibility in Use: Track and Bus Modes
The Konsol plugin is designed for application at different stages of mixing thanks to two specialized operating modes:
Track Mode
Emulates the signal path of an individual channel of a mixing console. The signal passes through the Transformer (On/Off) -> Line In Amp -> EQ -> Line Out Amp option. This mode is ideal for use on individual tracks to add unique character and harmonic saturation at the early stages of processing.Bus Mode
Simulates the operation of a mixing console bus designed for summing signals. The signal chain here is different: Transformer (On/Off) -> Summing Amp -> EQ -> Line Out Amp -> Transformer (On/Off). This mode is designed for processing groups of instruments (e.g., all drums, backing vocals) or even the master bus. It adds “glue,” smooths out dynamics, and simulates analog summing, giving the mix integrity and volume.
Built-in EQ and Transformers
In addition to emulating amplifiers and summing mixers, Konsol is equipped with a simple but musical 2-band shelving equalizer. Based on the circuit of a classic British console (as in the Blue model), this EQ allows you to quickly and effectively shape the tonal balance, adding “air” or “body” where needed. Also, a key feature is the option to enable/disable transformer emulation. Transformers add pleasant harmonic saturation, slight compression, and can significantly affect the low-frequency response, making the bass denser and more focused – this is an important element of authentic analog sound.
Why Choose Konsol?
Analog Obsession Konsol is not just another saturator or equalizer. It’s a comprehensive tool that emulates the entire philosophy of analog console operation, offering several sound palettes in one plugin. Thanks to the choice between three different console models, the flexibility of application on tracks or buses through specialized modes, as well as the presence of a musical EQ and transformer options, Konsol provides powerful capabilities for tonal shaping and saturation. It allows you to easily integrate the warmth, character, and “glue” of the analog world into your digital workflow, giving your mixes depth, volume, and professional shine.
Conclusion
For sound engineers and musicians who want to add authentic analog character to their digital mixes, Analog Obsession Konsol is an excellent, multifunctional solution. It’s easy to use, but offers deep possibilities for sound experimentation thanks to three models, two modes, and additional features. Use Konsol to add warmth, punch, and analog “glue” to your music projects and feel how your mixes become more vibrant, voluminous, and professional-sounding. This plugin is a must-have for anyone who appreciates quality emulation of classic analog equipment.
