Free Download: Heatwave Saturation Plugin – Reminds Me Of Cymatics Diablo Lite Plugin
Hard To Go Wrong With Free Plugins...Unless They Suck
Attention! Free download Heatwave Saturation plugin. If you don’t know what this is, continue reading
Let’s face it, lots of songs coming out of these DAWs today sound thin. Really thin.
It’s not the DAW’s fault. It’s just a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on the user’s skill and knowledge. You know the drill in the hands of a novice, even the best tools can produce less than stellar results.
Over the years, there’s been this trend among music producers to pursue an ultra-clean sound. But this quest for cleanliness sometimes goes overboard, leading to mixes that sound more brittle than brilliant.
It’s like they’re scrubbing away all the character and warmth, leaving the tracks sparkling clean but somewhat lifeless at the same time.
As a music producer, beat maker, or mixing engineer, you must remember that sounds don’t need to be super clean to have a good sounding, clean mix.
But don’t worry, we have something that will give your tracks that extra needed warmth so it sounds fuller.
Table of Contents
Free Download: Heatwave Saturation Plugin – The One Knob Wonder
Heatwave is a free One Knob saturation VST plugin made by Slate Digital. The saturation plugin adds grit and warmth to audio tracks while preserving their original transients.
This makes it ideal for enhancing drums, bass, guitars, and full mixes. Heatwave features a simple interface with controls for Drive, input, clipping, and output, making it simple for novices and professionals.
Gotta admit, Heatwave looks similar to Diablo by Cymatics.
Heatwave Plugin Features
One Knob Design: The plugin has a minimal interface dominated by a single control to “add heat” to the sound. This simplicity makes it user-friendly and efficient for quick adjustments.
Drive Control: This is the primary control of Heatwave. It modifies saturation, EQ, and compression. Adjusting the Drive knob showcases the plugin’s capabilities.
Input Control: This adjusts the level going into the Heatwave algorithm, influencing the overall sound and working in tandem with the Drive to customize the effect.
Clip Button: Adds a clipper on the output, altering the sound and controlling transients. The Input and Drive controls influence this level.
Output Control: Adjusts the level coming out of Heatwave, allowing for fine tuning of the final output volume.
Heatwave Walkthrough Video
Slate Digital Heatwave vs Cymatics Diablo Lite:
Both saturation plugins are free downloads. Here’s how they stack up
| Feature/Aspect | Heatwave Plugin (Slate Digital) | Diablo Plugin (Cymatics) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Saturation | Drum enhancement with saturation |
| Drive Control | Controls saturation, EQ, compression | – |
| Input Control | Adjusts level going into Heatwave algorithm | Controls incoming signal level |
| Clip Control | Adds a clipper on the output | Hard and soft clipping options |
| Output Control | Adjusts level coming out of Heatwave | Controls outgoing signal level |
| Mix Control | – | Blends processed and unprocessed signal |
| Transient Shaping | Preserves and exaggerates original transients | Punch control for transient dynamics |
| User Interface | Simple, one knob design | User friendly, designed for detailed control |
| Target Use | Ideal for drums, guitars, bass, synths, and full mixes | Specifically designed for drums, but versatile on any sound including mixes |
| Customization | Main control knob with additional input and output adjustments | Multiple modules for detailed sound shaping |
| Compatibility | Mac and PC, VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, 64-bit | 64-bit only |
| Price | Free | Free, but does have a premium version |
| Ideal For | Beat makers, music producers and mixing engineers | Music producers, beat makers, mixing engineers |
In conclusion
Slate Digital’s Heatwave Saturation Plugin is a simple yet powerful tool for music producers. Its one knob design offers an easy way to add warmth and depth to your tracks, enhancing their overall sound with minimal effort.
If you need another saturation plugin similar to Cymatics Diablo, go nuts; it’s FREE!
