Dawesome LOVE 2 is the second version of its shimmering granular multi-FX plugin for macOS and Windows, now with 20 algorithms and more.
In 2023, Dawesome, developer of many original synthesizers, released his first FX plugin, LOVE. This was a multi-FX that combines granular synthesis with other effects to achieve shimmering, bloomy textures.
Many of you also received the plugin as part of a gift-with-purchase promotion from Plugin Boutique in 2023. The plugin is now entering its next generation. Dawesome has just released LOVE 2, a further development with new features.
Dawesome LOVE 2
LOVE 2 continues the original Dawesome LOVE concept. It’s again an easy-to-use, hands-on single-page user interface multi-FX plugin, featuring a variety of effects for ambient, shimmering sounds.
The core remains a three-type musically tuned granular engine, including swarm, chop, and robot. Each type has its own sonic characteristics and is fully tweakable. Among other controls, you can find grain count, duration, position, and more.
The granular engine has remained more or less unchanged. I would have liked to see more granular modes or options. However, the multi-FX section has been upgraded.
Where LOVE 1 only had six effects (filter, shimmer, delay, chorus, clouds, phaser), LOVE 2 now has freely assignable effects slots via drag-and-drop with 20 algorithms.
Old and new algorithms can be found, including Juno-60 chorus, sweet, 80s reverb, dual, loophole, and more.
Each effect is adjustable via a macro control. However, you can also delve deeper and flip the effects to access more parameters. Plus, each effect has its own dry/wet balance, making them standalone usable.
Neat, you get per-module sub-presets, allowing you to save your favorite delay, reverb, or granular configurations. Further, it also comes with a smart randomization engine.
Here, you can influence the entire signal path and all effects, or ignore individual modules, thanks to the locking function.
Modulations like LFOs, envelopes, or randomizers were not added, which is a bit of a shame.
LOVE 2 ships with 250+ professionally crafted presets. Positive, you can import your existing presets from Dawesome LOVE 1 into LOVE 2. Dawesome says it’s designed to make any audio shimmer, bloom, and unfold like an impressionist painting.
First Impression
LOVE 1 is a very nice, inspiring multi-effects unit that isn’t overwhelming to use. LOVE 2 looks like a great successor with the same simple design, but with more effects and a more flexible signal path.
Also, the upgrade price is very fair, especially for those who got LOVE 1 for free via the PB deal.
Dawesome LOVE 2 is available now for an introductory price of 49€ instead of 69€. Existing LOVE 1 users can upgrade for 19€ instead of 29€ for a limited time. It runs as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Dawesome
Peter didn’t do sequels, I’m disappointed that he started that. Especially considering Love 2 doesn’t seem cardinally different from the original Love.
What’s next, Kult 2, Abyss 2?
“Especially considering Love 2 doesn’t seem cardinally different from the original Love.” Well it shouldn’t be an entirely new plugin, it’s a further development of Love 1. That why it’s called Love 2 and not Beautiful 2 or so 😉
For the 19€, you get
+ twice the amount of algorithms
+ reordering the signal path freely
+ new presets
what is fair to me
The upgrade price is 29€ after a short intro period.
It’s the precedent that saddens me. Some developers earn by offering free updates/upgrades, and attract new buyers (and Peter was among them).
It’s entirely his right; he can retire any of his products and set any price he wants for a successor. I just don’t like it. And to me, price aside, the additions are not as huge to start a new product.
don’t forget: many people got Love 1 for free with a purchase on Plugin Boutique. It even counted with 1€ purchases or so.
Dawesome is a tiny one-man developer company who is doing more experimental products that attract less customers. This is a way to survive. If it was just an maintenance update for 19€ would had problems. Now with doubled amount of algorithms, more flexible signal flow…, i’m fine for 19€ or later 29€. As the plugins go often on sale, you can always get the upgrade for a better price later in the year. Nobody force you to buy it after the 19€ offer and Love 1 still works.
Also, those who upgrade now have two Loves. They are to either migrate their projects to Love 2 and eventually get rid of Love 1, or use the two. Which could be avoided if it were a free update.
That is not the elegant Dawesome I knew.
One Love!
you can import your Love 1 presets