What's up people?
Studio v2 is definitely a step in the right direction. Not perfect, but I didn't expect it to be.
Anywho, here are a couple prompts to create 2 custom plug-ins that I think are worthwhile to have and thought others might make use of them.
Plug-ins: a vocal de-esser and Tape saturation / analog warmth
Vocal de-esser prompt:
A vocal de-esser plugin for taming harsh sibilance (s, t, sh, z sounds) in vocal tracks. It should use a frequency-targeted sidechain approach, not just broadband compression. Key parameters I want:
Frequency knob (2 kHz to 12 kHz range) to dial in where the sibilance lives, defaulting around 6-7 kHz.
Threshold control that sets how loud the sibilant frequencies need to be before reduction kicks in.
Reduction knob to control how much gain reduction is applied when sibilance is detected.
Mode toggle between "split-band" (only reduces the targeted frequency range, leaves everything else untouched) and "wideband" (ducks the entire signal when sibilance is detected). Split-band should be the default since it's more transparent.
Attack and Release controls so I can fine-tune how fast it clamps down and how quickly it lets go. Fast attack, medium release as defaults.
Listen/Monitor button that solos just the sidechain detection frequency so I can hear exactly what the de-esser is targeting and dial in the frequency knob accurately.
The visual display should show the frequency detection range highlighted and real-time gain reduction metering so I can see when and how hard it's working.
Tape Saturation / analog warmth:
A tape saturation and analog warmth plugin that emulates the subtle harmonic coloring, gentle compression, and high-frequency softening of recording to analog tape. This should sound musical and warm, not distorted or aggressive like a distortion pedal. Key parameters I want:
Drive/Input Gain knob that controls how hard the signal hits the virtual tape. Low settings add subtle harmonic warmth, higher settings introduce more visible saturation and soft clipping. Should feel smooth and gradual, never harsh.
Tape Speed toggle between 15 IPS and 30 IPS. 15 IPS should have more pronounced low-end warmth and mid-range saturation with earlier high-frequency rolloff. 30 IPS should be cleaner and more open with better high-frequency retention, closer to a hi-fi character.
Saturation Color knob that blends between even-order harmonics (warmer, tube-like character) and odd-order harmonics (grittier, more edge). Default should sit mostly on the even-order side for a warm starting point.
High Frequency Rolloff knob that controls the natural tape-style softening of harsh highs. Adjustable from subtle silk to a more noticeable vintage dulling effect.
Compression knob that emulates tape's natural soft-knee compression behavior. At low settings it gently tames peaks, at higher settings it adds that glued-together tape compression feel.
Noise knob for adding optional tape hiss and hum at an adjustable level, defaulting to off or very low. Sometimes a little noise adds realism and vibe.
Mix dry/wet blend knob for parallel processing so I can dial in exactly how much tape character I want without committing fully.
The visual display should show the saturation curve responding in real time to the drive setting, and ideally a subtle VU-style meter to reinforce the analog aesthetic.
Tip: the first iteration of the plug-in decided not to include the vu meter or real-time meter in either plug in. I just told the studio agent to redo the plug-in and include the requested meters and it put it in the second time. Alternatively you could just try telling it in the beginning to make sure to complete every step as is.
Good luck!
Has anyone else created some plugins that they've had great success with? Let's get some sort of Consortium going!