A pre-release version of the multi-band distortion plugin Fire by Wings Music is available for free download.
The plugin will remain free and open-source beyond this beta release. Fire (Version 0.9.4) for macOS and Windows (AU and VST3) and source code are available from the developers Github.
As it’s a beta version, the developer warns against using it for production. But, it’s a good time to check it out and pass on feedback or suggestions before official release.
For a debut plugin or at least a debut release, Fire is a fairly ambitious project, and I like that. The developer (Jerryuhoo) is also a producer whose demos cover multiple genres; have a listen.
The GUI is nice-looking and easy to navigate with two main tabs: Band Effect and Global Effect.
There are multiple distortion functions under four categories: Soft Clipping, Hard Clipping, Foldback, and Other.
Under the Band Effect tab, you’ll find Drive, Shaper, Compressor, and Stereolizer. You can cycle through the effects using the color-coded buttons.
The Drive effect has a handy link-to-output feature that auto-adjusts the output to compensate for increased Drive. There’s also a Safe Output mode that will auto-adjust the output if it gets too loud.
The Shaper provides a couple of ways to shape the sound without completely taming it via Rectification and Bias controls.
At the bottom left of the GUI, you’ll see a VU meter graph (per band, formerly global only) that you can click on to view RMS level details and the compression value. The Compressor per band allows you to be a bit fussier with small details.
You can use the Stereolizer to add width to your sound.
Under the Global Effects tab, you’ll find EQ and Downsample.
The EQ features Lowcut, Highcut, and Peak controls. Adjusting the EQ is quickly done by dragging and dropping the points on the graph.
Downsample offers more distortion by reducing the sample rate.
Fire offers some essential functions like A/B mode and Preset Management, which allows you to save and reload user presets.
Another multi-band compression plugin worth checking out is DriveShaper from Cableguys. It’s not free, but sometimes part of freebie promos or discounts, and it’s fantastic.
It’s always great to see developers like Wings Music share projects like Fire. This latest beta version, 0.9.4, has ironed out some bugs and added a few convenient features like Solo and Bypass buttons.
Even if there’s still some work to be done, Fire seems like it could be an impressive freebie.
For more distortion and clipping, check out our free BPB Dirty Filter and BPB Saturator plugins.
Download: Fire (VST3/AU plugin format for Windows & macOS)
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19 Comments
Neytcev
onThank you!
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks for reading BPB!
ambedo
onDamn, this sounds like kazrog k-clip but for free and with a few added features. Amazing work devs, can’t wait to try it out.
Hellektrix
onWow ! Impressive free plugin !
Thanks James ;)
James N
onNo problem, enjoy!
Cheers!
Wing Yee
onI knew I had the potential to be a plugin developer :)
Luciano
onKeep at it you are doing great!
Andy
onWow I’m very impressed by your work! Keep going and thank you!
Neytcev
onCrashes Logic 10,1, OSX 10.10, can’t pass a validation process ….
I can’t find system requirements anywhere, probably old OS here.
Kcor
onIt failed valdation on 10.7/M1 with rosetta, too.
MARTIN
onWow. Simply wow. This is a very capable Multiband Clipper/Distorter Unit. Good job Wings Music Team. I didn’t experience ANY bugs in my 10-minute test run. Any FL Studio users please prove me wrong.
Tomislav Zlatic
onCool! I still haven’t tested it but I’m looking forward to it.
Akashic Owl
onIt’s fantastic having a multiband distortion for free, and it’s very good looking too.
I would also recommand the great Squashman for Reaper users. It’s a JSFX plugin.
https://forums.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=221507
Tomislav Zlatic
onNice one, thanks for the tip!
rek
onLooks very nice, now I’m off to try it.
filfil
onJerry Uhoo just released version 0.9.5!
Neytcev
onThank you!
Hm, now vers 0.9.5 passes well Logic validation tool,
but then the plugin skin flashes when audio starts :)
(a good step ahead)
Roy
onI downloaded this but cant seem to get Studio one to recognise it. I have put the vst3 file in all the usual locations but nothing. Any ideas please?. Runnig Win 10 64bit
Troy
onIm in the same boat as Roy. Nomatter where I put the VST3 file, Studio One just wont recognize it!