Lotus Sound Audio dropped the new LS-1173 analog-style EQ and preamp plugin.
The LS-1173 is a macOS (VST3, AU) and Windows (VST3) release.
Lotus Sound Audio says the plugin is based on the “legendary API model”, and judging by the appearance of the interface and control scheme, they seem to be referring to the API 550A discrete three-band EQ.
The dev states that the release aims to accurately recreate the warm and rich sound of the hardware release.
The LS-1173 can add an analog-style character and coloration to tracks, and the minimalist control scheme provides a simple and powerful way of treating audio.
The LS-1173 is split into two sections: the EQ on the left and the preamp on the right.
The EQ has a three-band EQ, LF, HF, EQ on/off switch, and an analog-style graphical interface.
The mic preamp section is even simpler than that, with just a preamp drive, output level,l and on/off switch. Lotus Sound Audio has also included 15 presets.
The plugin is a lightweight download: 12.7 MB for the macOS version and just 4.5 MB for the Windows version.
Lotus Sound Audio has also made the download process nice and easy, as you can download a .rar file of either the macOS or Windows version from the product page with just a single click.
The plugin is completely free, but if you wish, you can support the developer via Patreon.
Lotus Sound Audio’s official YouTube demo for the LS-1173 doesn’t give you any info that you can’t gain from just looking at an image of the interface.
However, since the release of the plugin last week, there are already several user demos up on YouTube that show the plugin in action, allowing you to get an insight into how it sounds on different settings.
Emulating API’s 500 series hardware units is somewhat of a cottage industry for developers these days, with both Waves and UAD having had a shot at it.
Those releases are not cheap, though, with the Waves API 550 coming in at $149 (currently on sale for $30) and the UAD’s API Vision Channel Strip Collection priced at $299 (currently on sale for $59).
So I reckon if you want to add that old-school analog mojo to your productions, but the holiday season has already made a major hit on your wallet, then the LS-1173 might just be what the doctor ordered.
Download: LS-1173 (FREE)
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