Blue Wings Music has released an important update to Fire, their free and open-source multiband distortion plugin. Now at version 1.0.2, Fire brings a host of performance improvements, new features, and critical bug fixes that enhance both usability and audio fidelity.
Built with the JUCE framework and available in VST3 and AU formats for Windows and macOS, Fire can be a good option for producers seeking precision multiband distortion with real analog-style character.
What’s New in Version 1.0.2
The latest release adds several key enhancements:
- Real-time value display on the global filter
- Refactored codebase for improved GUI rendering performance
- Fixed VU meter visibility in multiband mode
- New option to disable auto-updates (Fix #83)
- Phase coherence improvements and bug fix for multiband mode (Fix #82)
- More consistent frequency response across bands
- Correction of phase shift when Mix value is less than 1
These updates result in a flatter, more accurate sound across the frequency spectrum while improving user experience overall.
Important Notes:
- This update may alter the sound of existing sessions. Users are advised to freeze tracks when working with older versions.
- The default algorithm, “Cubic,” applies non-linear processing even when Drive is set to 0. To output a clean signal, set Mix (in Band mode) to 0.
- The plugin manufacturer’s name has changed from “Wings” to “Blue Wings Music.” Users may need to manually remove previous versions and re-import presets.
Powerful Multiband Distortion with Fine Control
Fire divides incoming audio into multiple adjustable bands. Each band offers independent Drive, Tone, and Mix controls, along with custom crossover points, allowing for detailed tonal shaping. Whether you want subtle saturation or aggressive distortion, Fire gives you precise control without sacrificing clarity.
Built for Flexibility and Transparency
Fire was developed using JUCE to ensure performance and stability across platforms. It’s fully open-source, making it a great resource for audio developers and tinkerers. The entire project is publicly available on GitHub.
Features
- Multiband distortion with per-band control
- Adjustable crossover frequencies
- Real-time spectrum display and VU metering
- Improved phase coherence and sound accuracy
- VST3 and AU support for macOS and Windows
- Built using JUCE
- Free and open-source
Free Download
Fire multiband distortion plugin version 1.0.2 is now available as a free and open-source download from Blue Wings Music. Source code and installers can be accessed via GitHub.
