Kai Aras has published Artifacts, a new inspiring feature-dense LoFi multi-fx processor for iOS with AUv3 support.
iOS is underestimated by many. Often because they are on mobile devices; however, most apps in 2023 are on the level of desktop plugins and hardware. Don’t forget hardware is often just a DSP in a plastic box. The platform is full of high-quality apps that sound excellent.
One of the best effect processors developed is Kai Aras from Numerical Audio. Among other things, he developed the Agonizer bass synth with YouTuber Jakob Haq, the Popsicle FX multi-fx processor, and the lovely RE-1 tape machine. Now he’s back with a new super-characterful FX app.
Artifacts LoFi Processor
His new effect processor, Artifacts, delves deep into the dirty LoFi sounds. According to Numerical Audio, it’s an audio effect design to add LoFi vibes to any audio signal.
The Artifacts processor consists of six different sections. It starts in the input, where you can adjust the input signal with dedicated low & highcut filters with peak control. From there, it goes directly into the depths of the characterful sounds, like a roller coaster that only goes down.
FX Sections
You can add noise, electrical goodies (hum, whine), and crackling in the noise section. There is also a parameter to adjust the color of it and a ducking functionality. So you can work more precisely with the effects.
From here, it goes to the drive section, where you can work with three distinct drive models and control it with the tone and gain pots. Also, in the center of the UI is another processing stage. Welcome to the digital side, where you can infuse glitches and reduce your audio content’s bit depth and sample rate.
Of course, a tape section may not be missing, but without the actual echo/delay part. It only hosts what made the tapes from the past what they are loved for today. The Artifacts processor gives you control over the wow and flutter. Plus, you can add dropouts (tape wear/bias) and set the stereo width.
The last step is the output stage, where you can adjust the dry/wet mix, and apply lowpass and highpass filters to fine-tune your sounds. A pretty wild feature is the Liveliness area on the bottom of the processor, allowing you to add subtle or extreme fluctuations to any of the four sections.
It runs as a standalone or as an AUv3 plugin. Too bad it’s only for iPad at the moment. Hope for iPhone and macOS support in the future. Would be exciting to use the app in Ableton Live as AUv3
First Impression
At first glance, an excellent, extensive LoFi multi-effects processor that is very easy to use. I like the direct design language where you can turn knobs directly without entering menus. I like it very much. Congrats Kai.
Artifacts LoFi Processor is available now for an introductory price of $6.99 (30% OFF) until August 3rd, 2023, on the Apple AppStoe. It runs on iPads standalone and as an AUv3 plugin.
More information here: AppStore
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