Intelligent algorithms could supercharge your mix with FireCharger VST
3 min read
FireSonic have unveiled their newest VST plugin – FireCharger – with the goal of using smart algorithms to enhance and supercharge your sound.
FireCharger includes emulations of analogue tape and advanced exciters for spectral charging and “instantly bettering the sound”.
Audio Ordeal reviewed a copy of the plugin and I can confirm that it does just that.
Having tested the plugin on drums, basses and synths, I can say (in my personal opinion) that it works best on drums. The main thing that pops out is the added brightness to the sounds running through the plugin, as frequencies are enhanced and excited.
One thing that really stood out to me was how well it worked on tracks with reverb. While I normally advocate placing reverb on the sends, I found this plugin really brought out a lively character when placed immediately after a reverb plugin.
I’d recommend you watch out though and make use of the Bypass feature because this plugin does take out some of the punch of certain transients even at low levels.
Pros
- Excellent warmth added to any sound or mix you place it on
- Simple to use
- Cheap (€19)
- Nice GUI
Cons
- Controls go to the extreme leaving less knob resolution for lower and more practical levels.
- High CPU usage.
- Few Presets
About FireCharger
It’s creators say it works by analysing audio material “to get it as close as possible to what its active audio engineering creators consider to be ideal”, resulting in a “better-balanced richer sound”.
SEE ALSO: Native Instruments Supercharger GT – Compressor Review
The plugin is designed to be scalable to fit any screen, and for quick use, the single Dry/Wet knob is said to suffice.
DRY/WET defines overall level of enhancement, starting with CHARGE, which is the main control for FireCharger’s spectral dynamics processing: smooth and improve the signal with one knob and its intelligent analysing and processing algorithm.
ANODIZE adjusts the amount of energy that the treated track(s) will temporarily gain using the CHARGE when required. But be careful not to burn the track(s) being treated!
Meanwhile, MAGNETIZE controls the advanced vintage tube tape machine saturation simulation, making it possible to add additional warmth and a live feel to the sound being treated.
The TONE control is a “special sophisticated dynamic height exciter”, helping higher frequencies become more pronounced and making the treated track(s) become brighter sounding as a result.
FireCharger also comes with input and output peak meters, and the developers recommend that users keep their input level between -10dB and -30dB for optimal results.
The developers describe it as a versatile plugin, with applications in both mastering and individual track enhancement:
“Use FireCharger as a mastering plug-in — positioned at the end of the host DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) output chain — as well as to improve single tracks.
“Whatever way anyone chooses to use it, rest assured that it will add body and brightness to acoustic guitars and vocals, improve drums and bass guitar tracks, and charge electric guitar performances. Put it on everything!”
FireSonic’s FireCharger is available to purchase for a time-limited introductory promo price of €19.00 EUR until December 6, 2020 — rising thereafter to €129.00 EUR — as an AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible audio plug-in directly from United Plugins here: https://unitedplugins.com/FireCharger/
