Fanan Team has released Villain, a free “real analog voltage heat” plugin for Windows and macOS in VST3, AU and CLAP plugin formats.
Villain is a console saturation plugin featuring 10 distinct analog emulation algorithms, each designed to replicate the harmonic characteristics of classic recording console topologies.
Main features:
- 10 saturation models based on analyzed harmonic profiles of vintage console designs including transformer-coupled preamps, Class-A amplifier stages, tube circuits, and tape machine characteristics.
- Single-knob mix control with intensity-scaled processing — higher mix values increase harmonic content, drive, and frequency coloration proportionally.
- Multiband saturation engine with separate processing for low, mid, and high frequency bands.
- Model-specific EQ curves, crossover points, and dynamic response characteristics.
- Chebyshev polynomial waveshaping for targeted harmonic generation (2nd through 5th harmonics).
- DC blocking and soft-clipping on output stage.
- Preset system with save/load functionality.
- Resizable interface with fixed aspect ratio (50%-200% scaling).
They say:
We wanted to build the saturation plugin we always wished existed — one that captures the essence of classic console sound without the complexity.
Villain delivers 10 algorithms derived from real-world harmonic analysis of vintage console topologies: transformer-coupled preamps, Class-A transistor stages, tube circuits, and tape machines.
Each model has its own frequency response curve, crossover points, and dynamic behavior. One knob controls it all — the more you turn, the deeper you go. No presets to hunt, no parameters to tweak. Just pick a character and mix to taste; Drums get weight. Vocals get presence. Bass gets definition. Synths get dimension. mix bus sounds done.
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