SNFK Music has released GDoubler, a freeware stereo width effect in the VST3 plugin format for Windows.
Apple users shouldn’t be too put off because a Mac version is already in the works and will hopefully be available soon.
GDoubler is a lightweight plugin that won’t strain your CPU too much. The easy-to-use GUI has just three simple controls: Feedback, Amount, and Saturation.
The Amount knob controls the mix of the doubled signal. Adding the doubled signal doesn’t always need to be obvious; sometimes, just a touch is enough.
The Feedback knob adjusts the tail length of the doubled signal. Again, I’d suggest not overdoing it with your settings here. There will be times when you want to exaggerate the effect, but more often than not, a little is plenty.
Saturation adds some warmth to the input and output signals.
As a Mac user, I haven’t been able to try GDoubler yet, but from the little I’ve heard, it does what it’s supposed to. That might not sound like a glowing recommendation, but that all you want from this kind of plugin. So, I’m interested in trying it out when it’s macOS compatible.
I have previously used iZotope’s Vocal Doubler, which is also free and simple. If you haven’t used a doubler/stereo width plugin before, they create a wider stereo sound with more depth. They are a great way to add more presence without doing anything drastic.
You could use it on pretty much anything, from drums to bass, guitar, and vocals. Doubler plugins are quite commonly used on vocals and sometimes with automation to enhance specific phrases. If you don’t have one in your arsenal, I’d suggest grabbing GDoubler, and Vocal Doubler from iZotope while you’re at it.
Vocal Doubler offers some pitch and timing manipulation, but if you want to get more in-depth with stuff like that, a harmonizer might be right up your street. I have Eventide Octavox, which helps you do some pretty crazy things.
Generally, I try to keep everything as simple as possible. So I’m a big fan of simple plugins that do straightforward things very well.
GDoubler seems like it could fit that description. Download it for free via SNFK Music’s official Patreon page.
Download: GDoubler (6.1 MB download size, 64-bit VST3 plugin format for Windows)
More articles:
2 Comments
Neytcev
onThanks!
Waiting for Mac versions patiently :)
Animus
onAfter finally getting around to testing this, can report that:
•it adds nice stereo width to mono sources.
•sounds good on stereo sources too.
•feedback parameter is less obtrustive at lower amount values. Kinda cool for a touch of metallic ringiness.
•the saturator on it is beefy, and worth usage sometimes just by itself.
I approve.