Baby Audio BA-1 FX Strip is a free, retro-inspired multi-FX plugin for iOS AUv3, based on the effects section of the BA-1 Synthesizer plugin.
In April 2023, Baby Audio released the BA-1, an emulation of the iconic Yamaha CS-01. This was the company’s first synth plugin.
Part of the synth’s engine is a characterful multi-FX section that infuses the sound with plenty of retro charm. For example, you can find a speaker emulation or a two-mode overdrive. As a little treat, Baby Audio today released the BA-1 FX Strip, a dedicated AUv3 FX plugin for iOS (iPhone/iPad). Best of all, it’s free.
Baby Audio BA-1 FX Strip
The BA-1 FX Strip extracts the effects from the BA-1 Synthesizer and packs them into a standalone multi-FX processor for iOS. Baby Audio BA-1 FX Strip offers a suite of 80s-inspired effects from the original era of consumer recording.
It features seven different effects processors. Indeed, the intruiging battery part is missing, as it’s based on the synth engine and on a particular effect algorithm. One downside is that you can’t customize the order of the effects. A workaround would be opening multiple AUv3 instances and customize the order that way.
The BA-1 FX Strips starts with an accurate emulation of the Yamaha CS-01 built-in speaker with an on/off switch. Then, the signal goes into a warm 80-inspired saturation/overdrive unit with two models. Circuit’ emulates a circuit-bent synth and “OD’ captures the sound of a vintage overdrive pedal.
Filter is a 24dB/octave resonant lowpass filter based on the CS-01 MKII edition with self-oscillation capabilities. From here, it goes in another filter section called Tone. It has offers low and high shelving filters in the style of cheap 80s rack gear to easily shift the tonal balance of any sound.
Next to this is a delay processor with retro analog-style delay repeats that can be synced to the host tempo. There is also a gritty 80s-style reverb for early digital ambience and reflections. Plus, it offers a classic BBD-style chorus effect for extra width and dimension.
Further, you have an output section with dry/wet mix and global volume controls.
First Impression
Before you ask: The BA-1 FX version is also available for macOS/Windows. It’s been part of the plugin since version 1.5 and is free for owners of the BA-1 Synthesizer.
These are certainly not “never-before-seen/innovative” effects. However, the algorithms have a lot of charm and character. It’s great to see that you can now use them for free on iOS, even without owning BA-1. A welcome gift from Baby Audio.
Baby Audio BA-1 FX Strip is available now as a free download from the Apple App Store. It runs as a standalone app and AUv3 FX plugin on iPhones and iPads. BA-1 Synthesizer is out now for $29.99 for iOS and 99€ for macOS/Windows, including the BA-1 FX Strip version.
More information here: Baby Audio / App Store
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