Hello! I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.
Today, I’d like to introduce a new product, DarkFire, recently launched by United Plugins, which I’ve been using quite often.
This plugin was provided as an NFR (Not for Resale) license through Plugin Boutique. If you purchase it via the links in this post, I’ll earn a small commission, which helps me greatly. 😊
Let’s dive in, shall we?
DarkFire is a versatile all-in-one plugin that can essentially be categorized as a saturator.
Plugins with such multifunctionality are usually used on buses or the master channel.
At the top of the interface, you’ll find the OS (Over Sampling) button, which enables up to 8x oversampling.
- AGC stands for Auto Gain Compensation, automatically matching input and output gain levels.
- LIM acts as a limiter to ensure the signal doesn’t exceed 0dB.
- ADV allows deeper parameter adjustments.
- The headphone button lets you isolate and listen to only the harmonics.
In addition, the HP/LP (High Pass and Low Pass), EQ, and compressor functions operate as you’d expect.
The first image above shows when the Stereo knob is set above 0, and the second shows the Depth knob also turned up.
- The Stereo knob adjusts stereo imaging by manipulating left-right EQ differences.
- The Depth knob creates a sense of front-back space using short delays.
Personally, what stands out the most is the Type option that appears to the left of Harmonics Shaper when the ADV button is activated.
Here, you can select between Tube and Tape saturation types.
The default setting is Tape, but I personally prefer the Tube option.
The harmonic patterns differ significantly between the two.
The first image shows the Tube mode, while the second shows the Tape mode, which only generates odd-order harmonics.
You can also double-click on parameters to adjust them to exact values.
I believe you can never have too many saturator plugins, as each one offers unique characteristics that are hard to replicate!
At its current price of $17.60, this plugin is an affordable option worth testing.
United Plugins also offers many cost-effective and practical plugins. With discounts running until January 5, it’s a great time to explore their offerings.
One plugin I highly recommend is FrontDAW, which emulates various console preamps. I’ve been using it regularly since 2019, and it’s been incredibly handy!
Additionally, Plugin Boutique is running a promotion this month where you can get one of the following plugins for free with any purchase:
- UAD Oxide Tape
- Karanyi Sounds Vapor Keys
- iZotope Nectar Elements
- Pitch Innovations Rhythm Box
Among these, I personally recommend UAD Oxide Tape, as it delivers decent quality for a tape emulation plugin.
That wraps up today’s post. See you in the next one! 😊
Jooyoung's Music Blog 