The KVR Developer Challenge 2026 is now at the download and voting stage; it’s time to focus on each of the 56 entries that are available now, for free, for everyone.
Crayon Gainer by Nejimaki Audio
Nejimaki Audio’s Crayon Gainer is a free gain-staging plug-in for Windows and macOS, created as an entry for KVR Developer Challenge 2026.
CRAYON Gainer is designed to make gain staging feel like a natural starting point rather than a chore. In AUTO mode, it analyzes the signal passing through it and brings it toward a practical -18 dBFS RMS target, helping users set consistent starting levels before mixing.
The plug-in features AUTO and MANUAL gain modes, gated RMS measurement, and safety-conscious level adjustment designed to reduce the risk of clipping on high-crest-factor material.
At the heart of CRAYON Gainer is MAKINE — a child of the Wind-Up Folk — who guides the user with speech bubbles, helpful feedback, clipping warnings, and a game-like interactive tutorial.
CRAYON Gainer is available as VST3 for Windows and VST3 / Audio Unit for macOS. The macOS version is a notarized Universal Binary.
Download, vote & donate at
www.kvraudio.com/kvr-developer-challenge/2026
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