MH Character

Name: MH Character
Price: 99 USD
Author: Metric Halo

by Metric Halo · Saturation · Analog circuit saturation

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MH Character adds the distortion of classic analog circuits, with 24 models of tubes, transformers and solid-state devices.

It is oversampled with manual or automatic drive, and sells for $99 (regular $179).

Best for: Vocals, Drums, Bass, Guitars, Keys & Synths, Drum Bus, Mix Bus. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: transformer, tube, bus processing, oversampling, solid-state, A/B compare, analog-sounding, subtle, undo/redo, bass, classic, drum bus, drums, full mix, inspired by, mix bus, mixing, mono-compatible, resizable UI, single-band, smooth, vintage, vocals.

What it does

MH Character is Metric Halo's analog-colour plugin, described as "a bucket full of old school goodness." Metric Halo gathered analog hardware from professional engineers and modelled its distortion with its own +DSP technology, aiming for noiseless, phase-coherent non-linear colour.

24 Character Models: circuit models built from tubes, transformers and solid-state devices, picked from a list rather than built up from separate stages.
Drive and Autodrive: set the drive by hand, or let Autodrive set it for you, then trim the level with Output Gain.
Oversampling: oversampled and antialiased processing with user-selectable oversampling modes, to keep the distortion smooth.
Snapshots (v4): A/B snapshots with a snapshot blend, so you can compare two settings or fade between them.
Workflow: undo/redo, a resizable UI and the MH Preset Manager with presets that work across platforms.

It is version 4. A free, fully functional 30-day trial is available, and it is also part of the Production Bundle.

Source: Metric Halo product page

When to use it

MH Character is the better pick when you want a box of hardware flavours and a quick choice between them: pick one of 24 circuit models, set the drive and move on. Compared with Soundtoys Decapitator, it offers more models but is aimed at subtle colour rather than heavy, aggressive drive. Unlike Kazrog True Iron, which focuses on transformers, it mixes tube, transformer and solid-state models in one plugin. It costs more than Softube Saturation Knob or Klanghelm IVGI, but gives more distinct tones and an Autodrive that helps with gain staging.

Best for: subtle tube, transformer or console-style colour on tracks and busses, and trying several flavours quickly.
Genres: rock, pop, acoustic, jazz and any mix that needs analog warmth.
Look elsewhere if: you want heavy distortion or multiband saturation (Decapitator or FabFilter Saturn 2), or a free one-knob saturator (Saturation Knob).

Where to buy

Metric Halo: $99 (regular $179)

Tutorials and reviews

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