New item new brand: Kazrog

Kazrog is a brand founded by Shane McFee in 2008, with the aim of allowing people who worked, mainly in the "home studio", to obtain a professional sound without spending exorbitant amounts.

Some guitarists and bassists will surely remember products like Recabinet e Thermionics, ie products belonging to the “Amp Simulation” category. For some years the brand has also been dedicating itself to the creation of classic plugins, designed for professional (and non-professional) sound engineers, which have attracted the attention of a large audience, including myself. Let's go to the discovery of the individual products.

Kclip 3

We are talking about one of the most historical plugins, as well as the most talked about of the brand, arrived at version 3. Kclip is, basically, a clipper / saturator designed for mixing and mastering, which can also work in multiband mode (4 bands).

We can obtain hard clip / soft clip sounds, acting on the soften control, perhaps working in smooth or crisp mode (in the latter the control is not usable), or work in tube, tape, germanium, silicon, guitar amp modes , broken speaker.

At first glance, therefore, we can imagine emulating the typical colors of some analog devices (tape, tube and transistor) and simulating the characteristic sound of a virtual amplifier. It is possible to link “in” and “out” in such a way as to keep the volume perceived during adjustments as constant as possible, thus avoiding to nullify the gain staging, which is certainly appreciated by most users.

In the control master we note: the control Mid/side, the classic mix control, useful if we want to do parallel processing, and control quality, i.e. the oversampling control (internal). To make the latter effective, you need to restart the session or put the plugin offline, and then online (in reaper I use this expedient).

Threshold see it as a control that represents the headroom of this virtual device; in a nutshell, the lower the threshold the more the signal will tend to saturate / clip easily.

By enabling the 'delta' function, next to wet, we will only listen to the portion of audio that the plugin is altering; in practice it allows us to hear the difference between the original signal and the processed one.

The ceiling control represents the maximum ceiling, beyond which the peaks are stopped, relative to another clipper (not oversampled and deactivable) placed after the out section; therefore, also thanks to this, we have the confirmation that kclip 3, as previously anticipated, is well suited to mastering applications.

On the right there is a classic loudness meter, to which we can entrust a target (loudness target) that can be set up to -12 LUFS, but not beyond. This is because the creator of the plugin only made reference to the maximum loudness that streaming platforms, such as for example youtube e spotify (if the “set the same volume level for all tracks” function is enabled) it can typically deliver.

In multiband mode the principle of operation is almost the same, only that you have to think band by band.

Latencies and CPU consumption

These parameters strongly depend on the quality mode. A high oversampling value obviously implies higher CPU and latency values; if you want I can decrease these values ​​thanks to the mode low latency monitoring (by clicking on the eco button) and let the computer “breathe” a little more. In practice, kclip 3 can fall within the category of low CPU consumption plugins (quality 1 and eco activated), but also in the high CPU consumption category (quality 5 and eco deactivated); the choice of one mode rather than another depends on what we are looking for from the sound point of view, based on the audio material we are working with.

A complex algorithm is not always required, therefore a high oversampling, but sometimes a clipper a little more "ignorant", defined on paper as "low quality", could be enough to be satisfied.

Kclip 3 is a tool that can be useful in the mixing and mastering phase; for example we can use it to give a more "analog" touch to tracks with a slightly too digital flavor, or use it to distort the signal is very evident, since we have the possibility to bring the saturation even to extremely high levels, and then use it to "destroy" the sound, perhaps for creative purposes (if we want).

In the mastering phase (especially if I use the smooth and crisp algorithms) it may be able to make us gain perceived volume, in a "transparent" way, using it as a classic clipper (set in the right way); however we are talking about an instrument that very easily generates saturation / distortion, which could be too invasive if you work with an unsuitable audio source, or if you set up such a device incorrectly. My motto is, even in this case, "experimenting costs nothing!" (for a change).

Price €47.95 Link: kclip-3

The analog in the box never fails: True Iron

This plugin was made in conjunction with Devin Powers (Powers Music Company) and aims to accurately emulate 6 classic transformers present in various analog devices. To be precise we are talking about the following models:

UTC 108 X, Malotki E4M - 4001B, Western Electric 111C, Haufe V178, Marinair LO1166 / A, UTC O-12 (for further information I refer you to the use of the manual: Kazrog User_Guide.

Interface

The interface it is very simple to understand and has the following controls: crush represents the input gain, which can range from 0 maximum 24 dB, and can be doubled by pressing the key x2. It should be noted that, as the gain increases, the volume is automatically compensated (which I particularly liked). I can select the input impedance of the virtual transformer, thanks to the appropriate switch. If this is in the boost position, an impedance is chosen such as to give the input signal a gain of 3 dB; if it is in the unity position, however, no gain is applied. The choice of one impedance over another is not exclusively linked to a question of gain, but also to a question of timbre. With the same volume and harmonics I noticed that, in boost mode, the sound is more 'rich' than in unity mode. Everything, as often happens, depends on the source we are working with. With control strict I adjust the amount of harmonics of the virtual transformer, that is to say that: in a clockwise direction, I increase the non-linearity of the device and therefore the saturation, while in an anticlockwise direction I get cleaner sounds.

Please note that as this control increases, the volume is not properly compensated; then help yourself with the knob "...”To check it. Associated with strict we find the button morphs. The two are closely linked because as the first increases, if we activate this key, the shape of the structure of the harmonics of the device is changed. With a very high value of strenght there is obviously a more marked saturation but, with a higher quantity of equal harmonics. Trying to be more explanatory, the relationship between even and odd harmonics is not always the same as the morph control changes.

There is a knob, voicing a 6 shots, where each shot corresponds to one of the 6 models of transformers listed above; each transformer has a different headroom and tonal nuances and I can say that all 6 have a very specific character, that is definitely “warm”. Enabling the mode DNA: the accuracy of the transformer is improved, from the point of view of the frequency response; in this way you get as close as possible to the real hardware, at the expense of CPU consumption.

It should be noted that the manufacturer speaks of stereo transformers, that is, in this case (as in reality) you can appreciate the (minimal) differences between the left and right channels, due to the tolerance of the electronic components. Rounding out the interface are the classic mix and out controls.

Superior interface

On this we find a button for the internal bypass, the preset browser, and we also have the possibility to quickly compare two A / B presets (these features are included in all the manufacturer's plugins).

It is also possible to change the plugin theme by choosing between two different colors (see initial image), and finally we have the geek tweaks drop-down menu.

As you can see in the image, you can activate the modes zero latency, linear phase and activate the classic DC filter (these settings obviously affect CPU consumption and therefore performance), and I have the ability to make different settings for online and offline modes (bounce / render phase).

Also in this case you have to restart the session or deactivate, and then reactivate the plugin (as I explained previously), for the settings to take effect. Generally the average user prefers, in online mode, to work saving CPU (zero latency) and, in the bounce / render phase, to use the more complex algorithm (linear phase or standard / default mode, deactivating zero latency). Clearly there are no rules on this, so I invite you, as always, to experiment.

Latencies and CPU consumption

These parameters depend on: type of transformer (108X is the one that has the lowest consumption of the 6, while the 1166A is the one that has the highest consumption), DNA function and settings of the geek tweaks menu, as I already mentioned earlier. In the best case (zero latency mode, DNA disabled and using the model 108 times) this plugin is zero latency and falls into the plugin category a low CPU consumption while, in the worst case (linear phase mode activated, DNA activated and use of the model 1166A) the plugin falls into the ad category high CPU consumption and has a latency of several samples (nothing to worry about).

True Iron can be useful to give a certain warmth to the single track, to the mixbus or, perhaps, when we want to give a concrete amount of harmonics in a smooth way, keeping in mind the main character of this device. Having a lot of headroom available we can get both very clean sounds and very saturated sounds (similar to an overdrive). We can use this plugin, if we want, even as a soft clipper to limit the most hostile peaks, actually gaining headroom. So, all in all, there are no limitations regarding the use of this device.

Price €47.95

Synth Warmer

This plugin is inspired by a filter mounted on one of the most famous synthesizers of the 70s, the Minimoog Model D. Thanks to digital we can have, in our DAW, the emulation of this iconic filter and apply it to any track.

The interface is quite simple to understand. There is the possibility of using a low pass filter or a high pass filter (LPF / HPF) with variable slope (12/24 dB per octave), and the classic "big knob" to adjust the cutoff (from 0 to 22000 Hz) . With control stress I can emphasize the resonance of the filter (we are talking about “resonant” type LPF and HPF in this case), overloading the drive section. The latter can go up to 48 dB (pay attention to the volume when using these two controls). To complete the interface, the already known mix and out controls.

Latencies and CPU consumption

In this case there is not much to say: we are talking about a low CPU consumption plugin and the latency is of several samples (again nothing to worry about).

Synth Warmer can be used as a classic static filter, on any source that we consider appropriate and / or, it can be used as a saturator, using the drive section (classic “warm” saturation). This filter can also be used in creative way, modulating / automating, perhaps, some parameters such as cutoff and emphasis, a bit like the classic Dj / producer would do.

I can also use it to give character to effects such as delay, using a high slope and a fairly marked drive, without forgetting the modulation / automation factor. In practice we are talking about a very simple plugin to use, on which I do not add anything else. It is certainly the less talked about product of the brand but, not for this reason, the least important.

Price €28.95

The latest: True Dynamic Kazrog

Once again in collaboration with Powers Music Company, he has created a plugin that is inspired by two rare valve compressors, even defined as the "secret weapon" of some of the most famous engineers in the world: Soon 41A e ITA LA1B. The emulation technology behind this plugin is the same that was used in the making of True Iron.

Presto 41-A 9 and ITA LA-1B

These compressors are quite simple to use. At first glance Gain reduction, we can see it as the control of the classic threshold. In practice, as this increases, obviously, the dB involved in the compression increase. The attack is not adjustable and the release (recovery time) goes (on paper) from 100ms a 2.20s (it would seem that the versatility is good). Finally, there are the classic mix and out level controls (for a change).

On the upper interface, there is the drop-down menu called settings, where we can set the oversampling (up to 32x), both in online and offline mode. Also for this plugin you have to restart the session (or deactivate and reactivate it), for these settings to take effect. Also in the upper interface there is a further drop-down menu, called side chain filters, in which we can, precisely, adjust a high pass and a low pass in such a way as to exclude, if we want, a specific range of frequencies from the internal detection of the compressor. Doing so could increase the versatility. To complete the interface, there are the other features described above, present (among other things) in all the other plugins.

The sound

I started my test with the P41-A. The sound seemed to me right away "old schooll ”, characterized by a fast attack and a“ warm ”sound paste and, as the compression increases, various harmonics come into play. We are certainly not talking about a defined "transparent" compressor, so that was to be expected (I used the fastest release possible and did not activate the side chain). Increasing out level, I noticed the device tends to saturate, giving me back some soft clipping sounds, a bit like it happens in reality with various analog devices; basically I'm saturating the output stage of this compressor.

I later tested LA-1B, who seemed a little more permissive to me when it came to attacks; therefore it has a slightly slower attack, under the same working conditions. If we want we can define it, slightly less "old school" than P41-A and a little more "snap", with a quantity of harmonics in play, also in this case, not absent.

I tried raising the out level to try to saturate the output stage and see what was happening. I found, in this device, a behavior more similar to a hard clip, especially if we compare it with the previous model. The two compressors, apparently, would seem quite similar but, if you then deepen the tests, listening to them, it turns out that they are not really similar ...

** I remind you that when it comes to valve compressors (various-mu) the concept of ratio is strictly linked to the quantity of signal that enters the compressor, and which is therefore involved in this process. Latencies and CPU consumption Also for this plugin, the two parameters are closely related to oversampling and can therefore pass from the low CPU consumption to the high CPU consumption category, with all the consequences that have on sound performance. You have to understand if it is appropriate to sacrifice the processor, for the benefit of a hypothetical increase in sound performance, or the opposite.

True Dynamic can be used to compress, in the “classic” sense, single tracks (bass, vocals, drums) or the mixbus; perhaps for this last application it is advisable not to exaggerate, considering the fact that this is not a "transparent" compressor, and it introduces colors that may or may not be appreciated for an application of this type. We can use, for example, the single model as a tube compressor-limiter, and possibly contain further peaks, exploiting the saturation of the output stage. Helping me with the preset A/B, I can understand which of the two models fits best with the target I set myself at that moment. I can also use this plugin as a kind of saturator / clipper. However, it must be said that this operation is not very convenient because, as the output level increases, I certainly saturate the signal, but I do not have an additional command that allows me to compensate, in a clean way, the increase in volume that this operation involves. (think I can boost the output up to 60dB!).

Price €75.95

Discontinuous products

Kazrog temporarily removed some products such as Thermionik-Recabinet from the market. For more information see this page: kazrog / discontinued The company does not rule out that these products may be re-proposed, perhaps in an updated version, in the near future. Eventually we will talk about it in another article.

Not just plugins: Recabinet-Remastered (impulse response library)

Let's talk about the updated and remastered version of the impulse response library, related to speaker cabinets (guitar and bass), designed for the historic product Recabinet. Since these are WAV files, you can load this library of impulse response, even in software that are different from Recabinet, which, as previously mentioned, is not currently available on the market.

This library is also available in other formats compatible with the following hardware: Kemper, Fractal Audio Ax FX e Line 6 Helix. For more information: Recabinet - Remastered

Price €18.95

As usual we move on to the conclusions, based on what we have seen so far.

Conclusions

Kclip3

It is certainly one of the most interesting products in the category around on the market. The quality / price ratio is certainly good, since it can work as a classic saturator, in multiband, and as a mastering clipper; not to mention the fact that the sound is very convincing, especially for this last application, so I feel I can recommend it.

True Iron

This product has now become one of the most talked about of the brand, if not the most talked about, even getting to receive nominations (NAMM TECH NOMINEE). This does not surprise me, given that we are talking, as far as I am concerned, about a valid product which, despite the slight price increase that I have encountered over time, still remains in line with the concept of a good quality / price ratio; also consider that there are not many competitors offering products with this type of sound, if not on condition that you spend a higher amount. Ultimately I feel like promoting this product too. I would like to see other transformer models with a characteristic sound in the future.

Synth Warmer

Easy to use plugin, convincing sound, distinct character and "affordable" price. I would say that there is nothing else to add except the fact that, like the previous ones, I feel I can recommend it. It would be nice to have a band-pass filter available as well.

True Dynamics

It is a plugin that I gladly added to my collection of compressors, as the sound seemed to me, right from the start, serious and characteristic. The price is certainly less "affordable" than the others but, not for this reason, I feel I do not recommend it, especially bearing in mind the fact that there are not many virtual valve compressors similar to these on the market; we are talking, in fact, of two devices that are rare to find nowadays and which have a very distinct character.

I would like to have, after an upcoming update, the ability to work in dual-mono and mid-side modes and, perhaps, some new “rare” compressor models.

Recabinet - Remastered

There is not much to add here as we are talking about a historical product, which is a bit of the brand's workhorse. By purchasing this library you will be on the safe side; guitarists, especially those working in the home studio, will appreciate the quality of these impulse responses. The price is not prohibitive, so I recommend it.

I didn't really like having to restart the session, or deactivate and reactivate the plugins, for the oversampling settings to take effect; I found this a little uncomfortable.

However, I still recommend this brand, especially to those who have to deal with the budget but don't want to compromise on quality.

You can download the demo version of all 4 products (libraries excluded of course) so you can get an idea of ​​the general quality. I also recommend that you sign up for the newsletter, as Kazrog often has interesting offers on all products. That's it for today!

I give you an appointment to the next article ...

Joseph Marrazzo

https://kazrog.com