Klevgränd Releases FreeAMP Tape & Tube Saturation VST/AU Plugin

Klevgränd has announced the release of FreeAMP, a freeware analog saturation effect in VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac.

FreeAMP is a simplified edition of Klevgränd’s recently released REAMP audio gear modeling plugin (currently on sale for $35.99). The freeware version is based on a selection of saturation algorithms which were taken from the full product. These have been combined together in order to provide a unique mixture of tape and tube saturation which will blend well with a wide variety of audio sources.

Unlike its more advanced cousin REAMP, the freely downloadable FreeAMP plugin doesn’t allow the user to customize the saturation tone and character. Instead, Klevgränd has built a streamlined user interface which only consists of three control parameters. The Drive knob controls the amount of saturation applied to the signal and the Mix knob is used to adjust the relative levels of the dry and processed audio. Finally, the Output control is used to define the output volume of the two signals combined.

Thanks to its simple control layout, FreeAMP is perfect for handling quick saturation tasks and is even capable of parallel processing which works particularly well on drums and other types of percussive audio material. The whole package reminds us quite a bit of the excellent Saturation Knob plugin by Softube which is another great choice for an easy to use saturation tool.

As for FreeAMP sound, it does indeed resemble the type of complex analog saturation you’d expect to hear coming from a combination of tape and tube gear. It’s not overly harsh and it truly shines when used for subtle processing of the audio signal on the input. Of course, you can always max out the Drive parameter for some in-your-face distortion but I personally prefer using plugins such as this one sporadically across the entire mix.

The download and activation procedure is simple and hassle-free. After completing the checkout process on Klevgränd’s website (user account registration required), you will be provided with the FreeAMP download link and your personal license number. Enter your license key when launching FreeAMP for the first time to activate your installation and you’re good to go.

FreeAMP is available for free download via Klevgränd (3.63 MB download size, ZIP archive containing EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & MacOS).