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Tone Empire offers newly released LAM16 preamp plugin free for Black Friday
Expiry: November 20th
Tone Empire has released LAM16, a Class-A, transformer-balanced preamp plugin for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. The plugin is free until Nov 20, after which the price is listed as $49. An internet connection is required for license authorization.
The LAM16 is based on the Langevin AM16 discrete transistor preamp, a Class-A design with transformer-balanced input and output. The AM16 was designed by John Hall and saw use in major studios, including Capitol Records. The plugin design focuses on the transformer path, harmonic behavior, and transient response associated with that architecture.
The processing engine is a neural model trained at 96 kHz. An automatic oversampling system engages when a session runs below 96 kHz so that the model operates at its trained rate, aiming to control aliasing and maintain consistent behavior across project sample rates.
Main features and controls
- Drive: Input gain for subtle coloration through to heavier saturation.
- AG (Auto-Gain): Output level compensation when adjusting Drive.
- OVD (Overdrive): Higher saturation mode for more aggressive tones.
- Zener Diode mode: Additional harmonic content and edge.
- Tone control (tilt filter): Broad tonal shaping toward low or high frequencies.
- High-pass and low-pass filters: Smoothing and removal of unwanted extremes.
- Input and output trims: Level matching and gain staging.
- Intelligent auto-oversampling: Processes at 96 kHz when sessions run below that rate.
Formats and compatibility
- Plugin formats: VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit host required).
- Operating systems: Windows 10 or later; macOS Mojave or later.
- CPU: Apple Silicon or Intel i5 and later; AMD Athlon 64 or equivalent.
- Memory and storage: 2 GB RAM; approximately 300 MB disk space.
- Compatible DAWs (macOS): Logic Pro, Ableton Live 11+, Pro Tools 12, FL Studio, Cubase, PreSonus Studio One, Reaper.
- Compatible DAWs (Windows): Ableton Live 11, Pro Tools 12, FL Studio, Cubase, Bitwig, PreSonus Studio One, Reaper.
Availability and downloads
- Checkout (free until Nov 20, then $49): https://tone-empire.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=444340
- Demo (macOS, build 1.0.2): https://te-files.b-cdn.net/LAM16/LAM16_MacOs_build1.0.2.zip
- Demo (Windows, build 1.0.2): https://te-files.b-cdn.net/LAM16/LAM16_Windows_build_1.0.2.zip
Installation and licensing
- macOS: Download the installer and follow on-screen steps.
- Windows: Run the installer executable.
- Licensing: Online registration; internet connection required for authorization.
- Demo version available for evaluation.
Intended applications
- Vocals for added presence and high-end clarity.
- Drums and percussion for punch and saturation.
- Bass and synths for harmonic weight.
- Guitars and keys for tonal shaping and mild drive.
- Mix bus for cohesive coloration.
Spitfire Audio releases free Spitfire Symphony Orchestra Discover for Kontakt Player with 44 instruments and 5 point 68 GB
Expiry: None
Spitfire Audio has released Spitfire Symphony Orchestra: Discover, a free orchestral library for Native Instruments Kontakt Player. The download size is 5.68 GB and it includes 44 instruments and ensembles recorded at AIR Studios Lyndhurst Hall. Access requires an email subscription.
The library runs in the free Kontakt Player (minimum version 7.5.x) and supports Native Kontrol Standard (NKS). It integrates with major DAWs including Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, GarageBand, FL Studio, and Reaper. Installation and updates are handled through the Spitfire Audio App.
- Instruments/ensembles: 44
- Techniques: 74
- Mic signals: 1
- Legato types: 3
- Solo instruments: 11
- Full key range: No
- Library size: 5.68 GB
Included articulations cover common orchestral performance styles, such as long sustains, spiccato, pizzicato, tremolo, staccato, and long notes with short attack. “Performance” patches provide legato transitions, and “Orchestrator” long and short presets blend sections for combined textures.
Instrument content:
- Strings: Solo Violin; Violins a16; Violas a12; Celli a10; Basses a8
- Woodwinds: Woodwind Ensemble; Solo Piccolo; Solo Flute; Solo Clarinet; Solo Oboe; Solo Cor Anglais; Solo Bassoon; Solo Bass Clarinet
- Brass: Trumpets a2; Horns a2; Solo Horn; Tenor Trombones a2; Solo Bass Trombone; Solo Tuba
- Percussion and keyboards: Tuned Percussion Ensemble; Grand Piano; Harp; Celeste; Glockenspiel; Marimba; Timpani; Tubular Bells; Vibraphone; Xylophone; High Drums; Timbales; Snare; Congas; Low Drums; Toms; Field Drum; Bass Drum; Toys; Tambourine; Shakers; Cowbell; Unpitched Metal; Triangle; Tam Tam; Piatti; Cymbal; Anvil
- Mixed: Full Orchestra ensemble
A walkthrough video is provided, along with demo tracks illustrating the library’s scope across different styles.
The release also includes “Introduction to Writing for Orchestra,” a free mini-course from ThinkSpace Education hosted by composer Guy Michelmore. The course offers templates, example projects, and exercises for Cubase, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live to help users get started with orchestral writing.
Documentation includes a user manual. Kontakt Player is available as a free download. The Spitfire Audio App is required for installation and management.
System requirements:
- macOS: 11, 12, or 13 (latest update); Intel i5 or higher; Apple Silicon supported natively and via Rosetta in hosts that require it; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended for large Kontakt instruments)
- Windows: 10 or 11 (latest service pack); Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended for large Kontakt instruments)
Thanks for reading. We hope you found some cool and useful new tools!
Check out previous FREE Plugins Reports for even more freebies! You can also browse a range of free effects, free instruments, and free studio tools available from our partner Plugin Boutique, so check those out too. For everything else you can find lots of audio plugin deals on this website.
