DarkFire

Name: DarkFire
Price: 64.87 USD
Author: United Plugins

by United Plugins · Saturation · Harmonic saturator

Not rated yet

DarkFire from JMG Sound (sold by United Plugins) is an analog-modeled saturator that separates the added harmonics from the dry signal so you can shape them on their own.

The harmonics get their own EQ, filters and compressor before blending back; $78.

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

Keywords: bass, analog-sounding, electric guitar, vocals, beginner-friendly, drums, enhancement, mixing, simple, snare, spacious, synths, wide, A/B compare, auto-gain, bus processing, chorus, creative, FET, full mix, heavy, kick, mix bus, perpetual licence, resizable UI, single-band, smooth, tape, tube, warm.

What it does

DarkFire is a JMG Sound saturator, sold by United Plugins, that separates the harmonics it creates from the dry signal. You shape those harmonics with their own filters, EQ, compression and modulation, then blend them back in; the developer's aim is "COMPLETE creative control over exactly WHAT is added."

Input filters: high- and low-pass filters with switchable slopes before the saturator, so you choose which part of the spectrum gets driven. A Korean review notes they also help prevent aliasing without touching the dry sound.
Saturator: an analogue-modelled preamp and saturator with an Input Drive knob; the advanced (ADV) mode offers Tube or Tape character.
Harmonic EQ: a three-band EQ with two frequency options per band, a Harmonics Level knob for the blend, and a Listen button that solos the added harmonics.
Compressor: a Press switch turns on compression with FET or VCA modelling, set with the Comp knob.
Modulation and width: stereo width from mono to 100%, a Depth knob for psychoacoustic delay-based depth, and a chorus-like Mod knob.
Output stage: output high- and low-pass filters with switchable slopes, automatic gain compensation and an output limiter.
Workflow: A/B comparison, click-free latency-compensated smart bypass, sleep mode on silence and a resizable 3D interface, with spectral displays showing where the harmonics sit.

It comes with free lifetime updates. Processing is 64-bit at any sample rate up to 192 kHz and beyond. There is a fully working 15-day trial.

Source: United Plugins product page

When to use it

DarkFire is the better pick when you want to add harmonics to one part of the spectrum without changing the body of the sound. Compared with Decapitator, which drives the whole signal through one of five hardware-style models, it gives you less raw grit but far more control over what the added content sounds like. Compared with Saturn 2, it has no multiband drive or large list of distortion types, but its harmonic EQ, compressor and Listen button let you sculpt the extra content directly. It works like a parallel saturation chain in one window, and it costs less than both.

Best for: adding weight to bass and kick, definition to snares and guitars, and controlled warmth or edge on vocals and synths.
Genres: pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic and any mix that needs subtle colour.
Look elsewhere if: you want heavy distortion or radical sound design; Decapitator or Saturn 2 go further.
Tip: keep Input Drive moderate, use the Listen button to hear only the harmonics while you EQ them, then bring Harmonics Level up until the part gains presence.

What producers say

Reviewers found it easy to use and effective, as long as you don't push the drive too hard.

Sound On Sound called it "surprisingly effective" and "very easy to use", praising its smooth harmonics on bass, drums, snare and guitar and its helpful spectral displays, but warned that heavy Input Drive can sound unnatural.
Mixing.co.kr praised the harmonic separation, the anti-aliasing input filters and the built-in EQ, compressor and imager that save setting up aux tracks.
Criticisms: Mixing.co.kr found it better for "subtle and natural enhancement" than for extreme sound design.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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