Are you seeking to infuse warmth and character into your recordings? We’ve meticulously recreated the distinctive sonic character of the hardware unit Cassiopeia and seamlessly integrated it into our plugin. Utilizing state-of-the-art digital modeling, our plugin accurately replicates the rich sound of classic vacuum tube technology. With a wide range of adjustable parameters, you can fine-tune the saturation levels to achieve your desired sound. While hardware units undoubtedly offer incredible advantages, we recognize that owning them is increasingly becoming a luxury. Therefore, we believe that having a digital alternative is essential in today’s workflow.
Tube saturation is an important part of audio engineering that is used to add warmth and character to your recordings. In this technique, an audio signal is passed through a vacuum tube, a type of electronic component that uses a vacuum to amplify electrical signals. When the audio signal passes through the vacuum tube and is driven to heat, the tube interacts with the signal in a way that adds warmth and distortion. This effect is known as vacuum tube saturation, and it has been used to achieve a certain sound on many famous recordings. There are many different types of vacuum tubes, each with its own unique characteristics. Some vacuum tubes are known for their smooth, warm sound, while others are known for their more aggressive distortion. Cassiopeia employs triode-type tubes, which tend to sound less harsh than pentodes. By carefully selecting the right type of vacuum tube and adjusting the gain, engineers can achieve a wide range of sounds using vacuum tube saturation.In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vacuum tube technology in the audio engineering world. Many modern recording studios have begun to incorporate vacuum tubes into their equipment to achieve a certain sound on their recordings. This has led to a renewed appreciation for the warmth and character that vacuum tube saturation can add to a recording.
Initially, the development was a result of actual hardware exploration. We utilized it to delve into the secrets of authentic tube saturation. All this accumulated experience is now encapsulated in the plugin version. After numerous AB comparisons, we believe we can achieve 85-90% of the original sound character. In our view, considering the current state of the art, this is truly remarkable. We would never claim 100%, as hardware ultimately serves a distinct purpose.
The range of functions mirrors that of the original, with the added benefit of total recall. Additionally, there are some useful features that the original hardware lacks. The plugin shines due to its subtle character, commonly applied to transient-rich material such as drums or percussive synths. It effortlessly glues the bus without compromising the signal’s original quality. Conversely, Cassiopeia can also be employed to aggressively distort the signal. Simply drive the tubes to their maximum glow, and you’re there.
A demo version is available for free download. For updates on upcoming products and releases, feel free to sign up for our newsletter. The plugin supports AAX, VST3 and AU on macOS and Windows. It is also native-compatible with Apple Silicon.
