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CamelCrusher – Free Download for Windows and macOS

By 30 Comments3 Mins Read
CamelCrusher Camel Audio

CamelCrusher is a discontinued freeware plugin by Camel Audio. Thankfully, this legendary distortion VST plugin can still be downloaded for free.

The last time I wrote about an older plugin, it was TDR Nova, one of the best free EQ plugins. Nova was released in 2015, a significant year in the Camel Audio story, but for a different reason.

The developer Camel Audio discontinued all of its software, including CamelCrusher, in 2015.

However, CamelCrusher remains one of the most popular distortion plugins, and you can download it for free from this page.

CamelCrusher Overview

Camel Crusher is a multi-effect for macOS and Windows. The plugin has four modules:

  • Distortion;
  • Filter;
  • Compressor;
  • Master.

You can turn each module on/off individually, and each has simple, easy-to-use controls.

I don’t need to comment much more on the interface, but it’s always worth highlighting when a plugin isn’t convoluted. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are; if you have to mess around with menus and buried features, it’s time wasted.

Legendary distortion

CamelCrusher has two distortion algorithms that you can blend to create whatever tone and texture you need.

The distortion module has two controls: Tube and Mech. On the one hand, you have a smoother, analog-like texture; on the other hand, you’ve got a much grittier, dirtier character.

You can download various free skins for CamelCrusher.
You can download various free skins for CamelCrusher.

The tones and textures delivered by this one module are a massive part of why CamelCruncher was so popular.

One of the best things about this particular module is that combining both algorithms makes it easy to find the perfect distortion with the right amount of aggression for any use. It works well whether you are trying to go all out or just give some keys a little extra crunch.

Analog-style filter

Another very cool feature of CamelCrusher is the analog-style low-pass filter. The silky-smooth filter provides Cutoff and Resonance controls.

It is a feature that we don’t often find in distortion effects. However, using the filter to remove some grittiness is very helpful.

Compression

CamelCrusher features a one-knob (Amount) Compressor module with Phat Mode. Phat Mode boosts the compression, giving a fatter sound overall, and the impact or level of Phat Mode increases as you raise the compression amount.

How do you like them Apples?

Besides needlessly quoting Good Will Hunting, by saying them apples, I’m referring back to 2015 and the purchase of Camel Audio by none other than Apple Inc. (everyone’s favorite multinational).

Apple quickly integrated the technology behind Camel Audio plugins into Logic Pro. These days, CamelCrusher and its bigger brother CamelPhat are wrapped up in Logic’s Phat FX.

Other plugins have undergone similar transitions; Camel Audio Alchemy is now Logic Pro Alchemy, etc.

Free Plugin Nostalgia

When we posted the TDR Nova look back, I was pleased to see the positive comments towards the developer and plugin.

So, I just want to briefly mention and thank you to you guys and girls for showing such constant appreciation and support for the freebies that make our lives easier.

CamelCrusher Download

CamelCrusher is available for free download (click the Direct Download button to download your copy), but it’s discontinued and won’t receive future updates. It is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit VST, AU, and AAX plugin hosts on Windows and macOS.

If you want something similar with additional distortion modes, check out our free BPB Dirty Filter plugin.

Download: CamelCrusher (click Direct Download)

More:

CamelCrusher Download

95%
95%
Awesome

The unique tones and textures delivered by the distortion module are a massive part of why CamelCruncher was so popular.

  • Features
    9
  • Worflow
    10
  • Performance
    10
  • Design
    9
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James is a musician and writer from Scotland. An avid synth fan, sound designer, and coffee drinker. Sometimes found wandering around Europe with an MPC in hand.

30 Comments

  1. Peter Dillon-Parkin

     on

    IIRC I had a more complicated version, plus another Camel plugin that was an all round sound mangler with a Trance Gate. They were both great plugins and I was sad when Camel Audio closed. It’s a shame that the code can’t be set free for updates.

    Reply

    • Cody

       on

      great idea! What format is this file in? Once I unzip, can’t open. I’m on Mac. Anyway to post as .amxd or .adg or another Ableton format? I’m on Mac so maybe that’s the difference but normally no problem with Ableton files Windows/Mac, either/or. Thanks for sharing, hoping I can get a version I can open!

      Reply

    • Tianzii

       on

      Great stuff mate!

      I did the same thing for FL Studio in Patcher to be able to see the GUI on mac and automate those knobs.

      Read the video description and watch the video on how to install the Camel Crusher Patcher presets for FL Studio.

      https://youtu.be/bhUQB5bMZug

      Cheers!

      Reply

    • Joost

       on

      Hi Michael, did you delete this one? Can’t find it on your page..
      Trying to use camel crusher in Reason Studios again.. In the past it worked fine. Now I’m getting a black screen.

      Reply

      • Michael

         on

        It’s back up and now includes a ZIP file of the CamelCrush app for Mac, along with the Ableton Rack compatible with Ableton Live version 11.2.10 or later.

        Reply

  6. DBS Ninja Mode

     on

    The bigger brother CamelPhat had a slightly cleaner sound to each distortion algorithm including an exciter, many filter types, an addition lp hp filter combo + modulation sources. Googling around can land 1 to the 64bit file of the abandonware however I’m unsure of the legality of obtaining it like that. Thought I’d mention since it’s 1 of the best plugins of all time

    Reply

    • Brenny C

       on

      It’s a great plugin but I swear this is like the 10th time DiscoDSP has set HighLife to freeware. I wish the dev would just make up his mind one way or the other and stick with it.

      To anyone who’s thinking of downloading the plug: do it quick before the dev changes his mind yet again and sets it back to payware.

      Reply

    • MRG

       on

      HighLife? Nah. The download link is not to a demo, but to the ‘full’ plugin that is still “[f]ree of charge for non-commercial purposes”. The 39 euros are to get a commercial licence, enabling you to get $$ off your work with it.

      So, if what you produce in your bedroom stays in your bedroom, be it in Vegas or not, or the track gets released for free I guess, you’re free to play with the plugin forever.

      Reply

  10. Kyle Smize

     on

    Anything you do with this plugin – you get nothing but that distinctive electro-house sound from 2010-ies.
    Not bad though, but do you need that bizzle _again_? ))

    Reply

  12. 50CalBeats

     on

    Camelcrush (and Camelphat) are legendary distortion/multi-effects. It’s worth noting that they’re both subject to the weird method of putting the dry/wet mix POST summing of dry and wet lanes, on their way out of the plugin. This means that there is no way to control the wet level in comparison to the dry (e.g. level matching the wet signal’s volume to the dry signal) BEFORE changing the mix. Same exact qualm I have with Soundtoys Decapitator.

    —Tested by setting the dry/wet to full wet, cranking some distortion, adding some compression, then adjusting the volume knob so that it sits at peak level of the signal with the plugin disengaged. At this point, turning mix to full dry and flipping between plugin on/off will result in two different peak level positions and average volumes.

    Best workaround I can think of, if you plan on running this plugin with a blended amount, is to just run it in parallel on a separate track or send

    Reply

  16. Crptc

     on

    The only, and only, downside in this plugin is the compressor. When you use it on a kick chain the first hit is gonna be loud, after that it gets compressed. No way of tweaking it so you have to manage otherwise.

    Reply
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