Piruz Labs releases two FREE synthesizers and The Guilt Device degradation plugin

Piruz Labs has launched three new plugins: The Guilt Device, Thrilled Groove, and Synthimatic.

The Guilt Device is a degradation engine that embraces the darker side of cinematic emotion, and it costs $39 with a 14-day free trial available.

Thrilled Groove and Synthimatic are free synths that deliver the sound of 80s horror and visual subtractive synthesis basics, respectively.

All three plugins are available in AU, VST3, and Standalone formats for macOS and Windows.

A degradation engine is never going to be a go-to plugin if you’re mixing your barbershop quartet’s version of Mr Sandman. Still, with parameters like Confession, Burden, Shame, and Punishment, The Guilt Device leans into darker emotional sound design with more theatre than most.

Although theatrical, the parameter names are relatively fitting:

And so on.

The main Guilt knob is a macro control that adjusts multiple elements simultaneously to define the effect’s intensity, including reverse delay, pitch drift, granular smear, and dark chamber ambience.

Piruz Labs says, “The Guilt Device does not repeat your guitar. It remembers it incorrectly.”

Of course, it’s not just for guitars, but whatever you throw into the abyss won’t come back the same.

The less theatrical description is that it makes me think of sound design for horror video games. It does the sound of uncomfortable anticipation that every horror film or game needs well.

It’s worth noting that you can apply for a free license if you’re a content creator who wants to feature the plugin on your channel.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to clean things up rather than destroy them, check out Justin Sheriff’s De-Space recording cleanup plugin (free for a limited time).

Thrilled Groove delivers the more polished and refined sound of horror, think 80s classics and retro-reboots. It’s a mini-synth with six macros and some lovely basses.

Synthimatic also offers some nice sounds, but its biggest appeal might be its visually informative GUI and built-in hints, which are great for beginners.