Ourafilmes has introduced Diabolique, a free reel-to-reel tape machine emulation in 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows-based host applications.
Diabolique attempts to emulate two different vintage tube reel-to-reel tape machines, namely the Revox F36 (1962 model) and the Tandberg Model 3 (1958 model). The user can choose between the two circuit models directly on the UI front panel.
The developer claims that the sound characteristics of the two hardware machines are emulated in high detail. The interface features a number of control parameters for tweaking the plugin’s sound, including input and output gain, noise bias, system noise, tube saturation, and dry/wet mix knobs. Although I can’t compare the plugin to its hardware counterparts, I liked how it sounded when applied to drums and digital synths. It is a useful saturation tool, especially if you’re looking for something that sounds vintage and a bit lo-fi.
Unfortunately, the CPU usage is higher than expected. This will be a problem if you’re using multiple instances of the plugin in a single project. To make matters worse, Diabolique will only work in 32-bit host applications on Windows and I’m guessing that users with 32-bit systems still haven’t updated their CPUs to later generations.
In conclusion, if you’re using a 32-bit digital audio workstation powered by a more recent CPU model, Diabolique is definitely worth checking out. It sounds very good and is highly customizable, making it easy to come up with different saturation flavors. If you’re running a slower machine, or if you own a 64-bit system, look for an alternative solution such as the excellent free Tube Saturator plugin by Wave Arts.
Diabolique is available for free download via Ourafilmes (5 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit).
Last Updated on March 20, 2018 by Tomislav Zlatic.
