VATRA, the mix finisher plugin I released three weeks ago, just received its first major update. VATRA 1.1 is free for all existing users and available now.
The biggest addition is three Ignite modes: CLEAN, COLOR, and MAX. CLEAN is the transparent default and the mode I recommend for finished mixes and mastering.
COLOR adds a more noticeable harmonic character that works particularly well on drums and sounds that should feel more forward.
MAX is the densest and loudest mode. It colors the signal heavily and is intended for drum buses, individual drums, bass, aggressive synths, and parallel processing rather than finished mixes.
Switching modes is easy. Hover over Ignite, then click one of the three small lines to smoothly switch modes while audio is playing. The selected mode is saved with projects and presets and can be automated.
Most importantly, projects and presets created with VATRA 1.0 open in CLEAN and sound exactly the same as before. All factory presets also use CLEAN.
It’s also worth noting that some of the improvements in this update came directly from user requests. I recently wrote about how the first VATRA users provided valuable feedback, and v1.1 is the result of that feedback. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write.
One of these additions is Peak Match. You can now right-click the OUT slider or its label to automatically set the output level.
The workflow is simple. Play the loudest section of your track, right-click the OUT slider, and VATRA measures the signal for a few seconds, then sets the output so the processed peaks align with the untouched input. This keeps your headroom in place and improves bypass comparisons.
Also, every control can now display its exact value on hover, at all times, or not at all. The redesigned IN and OUT meters include peak hold and show dB values while hovering or dragging.
We also added an Advanced panel for global preferences. Click the VATRA wordmark or right-click the background to open it. The panel collects settings for Ignite, value displays, the Peak Match measurement window, peak hold, and pre/post IN metering.
VATRA now supports AAX, so Pro Tools users can run it on macOS and Windows without an iLok account or activation. Version 1.1 also fixes a rare crash in some Windows hosts.
Existing users can update by downloading the latest installers from their Gumroad library. This update is free, and all future updates will remain free.
VATRA is currently $49 until September 13, after which it returns to $69. The complete plugin is available as a free seven-day trial with no signup, now including AAX for Pro Tools.
Download: Flame Sound VATRA ($49 until September 13 | FREE 7-day trial)
Deal of the day 🔥: Get the VATRA mix finisher plugin by Flame Sound!More:
- What happens when an indie plugin finally meets its users
- I reviewed 2,000 plugins. Making my own took 2 years.
- My first plugin was pirated in 48 hours. Here’s why it still has no copy protection.
Last Updated on August 21, 2026 by Tomislav Zlatic.
