discoDSP has released NightShine, a freeware sidechain compressor effect in VST plugin format for 32-bit DAW software on Windows.
NightShine emulates the Alesis 3630 Peak Compressor effect unit. Due to its low price and gritty sound character, the Alesis 3630 was the hardware compressor of choice in many studios. Its sidechain input was the “groove” weapon of choice for French house music producers in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
See also: Best FREE Compressor VST PluginsMore interestingly, the creative use of the sidechain input resulted in the sidechain pumping production technique that we hear in many electronic dance music tracks nowadays. Artists like Daft Punk and Stardust later revealed that they used the Alesis 3630 in their music, giving this cheap compressor unit somewhat of a cult status.
The plugin version of Alesis 3630 comes with a similar feature set as its hardware counterpart. Designed for easy sidechain compression, the NightShine plugin from discoDSP is a simple tool. In addition to the standard control parameters, it also features auto make-up gain, a limiter, and a soft-clipper on the output to emulate the 3630’s distorted sound.
NightShine was originally offered as a paid product, before being discontinued in 2010. The plugin was re-released as freeware in 2020, celebrating discoDSP’s 10-year anniversary. The re-released version of NightShine comes with a brand new user interface design and the same feature set. Unfortunately, the software is only compatible with 32-bit VST plugin host applications on Windows.
If you’re using a new version of Windows, or a Mac-based digital audio workstation, try other sidechain compressors like RoughRider3 and MSCC Sidechain Compressor.
Download
More info: NightShine (151 KB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows)
More articles:
- Pulsar Smasher – A 1176 Compressor Plugin FREE Until March 11th!
- Impact Soundworks Releases Shreddage 3 Precision FREE
- Andrei Kruss Releases Free MSCC Sidechain Compressor (VST/AU)
- Best FREE Limiter VST Plugins
Last Updated on February 24, 2020 by Tomislav Zlatic.
