BABY Audio has released Magic Switch, a freeware one-click lo-fi chorus effect in VST, VST3, AU, AAX plugin formats for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac.
Magic Switch is a lo-fi chorus effect inspired by the classic analog ‘one-button’ chorus FX modules that were built into synthesizers back in the 80s. It is based on the same set of algorithms used for the “Magic” button in BABY Audio’s popular Super VHS plugin. The plugin instantly delivers that washed out and slightly out-of-tune chorusing effect reminiscent of 80s synth music.
Instead of emulating a particular hardware unit, BABY Audio created a custom chorus design inspired by their favorite 80s music gear and lo-fi music. Magic Switch operates as a simple one-button plugin. There are no advanced settings nor fine-tuning controls to worry about. Simply turn it on to activate the effect and set the dry/wet slider to your liking. It will mix the chorused signal with the clean audio, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of effect that is applied to the output.
It’s no surprise that the Magic Switch works tremendously for enhancing the sound of virtual synthesizers. Load any lush pad or analog bass preset and instantly make it sound more retro using the Magic Switch. That said, you can also experiment with applying the same kind of retro flavor to other types of audio like guitars, vocals, pianos, and more.
If you’re inspired by the sounds of 80s movie themes, VHS tapes, and vintage music gear in general, the free Magic Switch chorus by Baby Audio is a must-have. It delivers the wobbly, dark, and intentionally unstable chorus sound that we’ve all grown to love while listening to 80s music. For a similar but more strictly modeled plugin, check out the excellent TAL-Chorus-LX by Togu Audio Line. It emulates the characteristics of the iconic Juno-60 chorus.
Magic Switch can be downloaded for free via BABY Audio. A valid email address is required to receive the download link. The plugin doesn’t need to be activated after installation. The software is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit plugin hosts.
More info: Magic Switch (78.9 MB download size, ZIP archive containing EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & macOS)
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5 Comments
MR MAGIC
onWhy is this a 80Mb installer? I know its supposed to be magic and all but for a simple one knob chorus, whats actually in there that makes it that big? Was just wondering about this.
Tomislav Zlatic
onI think one part of the reason is that there are multiple plugin formats in the installer (32-bit, 64-bit, VST, AU, AAX).
MR MAGIC
onMakes sense as AU needs more space maybe AAX also. Thanks
Michal O
onI’m glad that my scepticism got the best of me only for a few days. At first I thought: one button and one slider, this can’t be any good. Boy was I wrong! This thing can add something extra with close to no effort. Very nostalgic character. Also it doesn’t mess with the phase too much. I checked it. Magic Switch holds it’s place even in mono, no issues there. To sum it up – highly recommended!
George Theodor
onThis is a very cool chorus. Sounds as good as my long-time fav OSL Chorus, but does it instantly, no tweaking required. Put it in, adjust mix slider to 50 % and that`s it. Use it live on a clean electric guitar an it sounds huge. Thanks Tomislav for pointing it out!