Today, we’ll discuss the undeniable success that D16 Group has seen since 2006. Consequently, we have created the Top 7 D16 Group Plugins for music production.
D16 Group Audio Software is recognized today for producing great quality audio plugins and the goal of D16 Group Audio Software, which was formally introduced in 2006, was to provide quality virtual instruments and effects to motivate musicians and producers. They are able to provide virtual instruments that establish new standards for sound and effects because of their unwavering commitment to maintaining the level of quality.
7 Best D16 Group Plugins For Music Production
1. D16 Group Decimort 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Decimort 2 is a bit crusher offering complete flexibility over the sound to emulate any vintage sampler you want.
With a tagline that says “the highest quality low-quality effect, you can buy,” D16’s Decimort 2 focuses on simulating the signal path of every conversion circuit at the highest quality possible. So, the result is a 100% alias-free output unless the plugin deliberately emulated it.
The large Frequency knob is the main control you use to adjust the resampler. However, the Jitter knob is something interesting; it lets you add randomization to the resampling to give you sonically exciting harmonic distortion. There is also an analog-type filter that you can apply before or after the effect.
Regarding the other features, it would be beyond the scope of this article to probe into dithering and quantization. But, using them, you can add noise and dynamic bit-crush to your audio that further emulate a vintage AD/DA conversion. And finally, the Approx Filter switch enables anti-aliasing.
Key Features:
- High Quality
D16 has made every effort to recreate the sonic features of hardware conversion circuits and ensures that the plugin has no internal aliasing. Similarly, the filter section also sounds fantastic on any instrument. So, if you are a fan of analog filters, you could use those, keeping the resampler unused. - Presets
The level of flexibility this plugin offers is astounding. However, not everyone can dial in the perfect numbers to get the sound of a classic sampler. So, D16 offers plenty of presets with various sampler emulations already set for your use. - Two Quantizers
Audio quantization is the method a bit crusher uses to reduce the bit depth of your audio. In this plugin, there are two digital quantizers, each with its own character in dynamic response. However, this level of control might seem intimidating to a beginner or even an intermediate user. So, we would suggest trying out the presets first and dialing in values based on your ears. - Jitter
This bit crusher also features jittering the resampler to create unpredictable distortions. Think of it as a sort of vinyl dirt but in the digital realm. And experiment with its usage on distorted percussive instruments to make it sound even more complex.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit or macOS 10.7 or higher 64-bit. It comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
If you wish to experiment with your bit-crusher to get the exact sound you have in mind, Decimort 2 is probably the best way to go. And if you enjoy analog grittiness, the pre-amp gain at the top left is useful as well. Overall, this versatile plugin can deliver anything from vintage, fat sounds to sonic mayhem.
2. D16 Group Spacerek
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The perfect reverb may never exist, but D16 Group’s attempt is a remarkable one that should be considered as such.
Spacerek is all about nailing the perfect reverb sound. The interface reminds us of vintage reverb rack units with tiny buttons and sci-fi-inspired knobs. You have plenty of models, settings, and controls for your free use, and each can be gorgeously useful to your production. The good thing is that it’s not visually-polluted software after all.
Tailoring the perfect position at the reverb model screen is wonderful and crucial to nailing the perfect reverberation in a determined space. The “Pre-Delay” controls adjust the “Early” and “Late” times that will influence how the reverb kicks in.
If you want to, you can save your own preset and apply it every time you load the plugin. It’s very much easy to save and store excellent configurations.
Key Features:
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- Reverb models
With 144 models at your disposal, they’re all gathered in a little screen on the left side of the interface. Each microphone will be color-indicated – green and red – and will show you precisely the stereo positioning. It’s an excellent representation of the effect because you can see the distance relating the speakers to the back wall, as well as the front wall and sidewalls, in meters. - Adjust your signal
The dedicated “Direct,” “Early,” and “Late” signal controls can be used to adjust both “Balance” and “Volume”: the former controls the balance between the two microphones, and the latter controls the overall volume of the signal at that stage. You might want to pay attention to how the microphone positions at the reverb model’s screen are set because each dedicated signal control will influence the final result. Also, the “FX” knob will control the amount of dry and wet signals on the effect, so it’s pretty essential to take a look at how they’re interacting with one another. - Tilt EQ
The equalizer at the right side of the screen can be very useful to enhance or attenuate specific frequencies. It can be turned on and off at your will, at any moment. The two knobs, “Frequency” and “Slope,” will respectively set the exact value of the frequency you want to alter and either make a cut or boost from -12dB to +12dB. It’s an excellent feature to have a quick and reliable modification to the reverb effect.
- Reverb models
Compatibility:
This plugin runs in macOS 10.7 to 12 (64-bit only) and Windows 7 or higher (32 or 64-bit). It comes in VST2, AU, and AAX plugin formats. Minimum 8GB of RAM required.
Summary:
Usually, more robust reverb simulations are found in hardware and units, but this is an excellent plugin alternative to achieve a precise sound-crafting space. It might be one of the most comprehensive in terms of CPU consumption on this list, but it’s undoubtedly among the best.
The incredible variety of models and the extreme power of customization regarding the sound space is marvelous, worthy of D16 Group’s reputation as a great plugin manufacturer.
Related Reading:
Top 12 Reverb Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Plugins)
3. D16 Group Syntorus 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Syntorus 2, by D16 Group, lets you configure three independent LFOs and gives an optional BBD signal path.
You can create LFOs up to 20Hz and also change their amplitude for a more substantial effect. The phasing on each side can be raised to 360 degrees, making for a vast stereo image. You can mix each Chorus in level and panorama after being processed, and you can blend the dry and wet signals to create a parallel chorus effect.
Key Features:
- Configuration Panel
You can use this panel to route the LFOs into the delay lines. There are three topologies available: Independent, Summed, and Mixed. The first one creates a direct path from each LFO to its corresponding BBD. The second one mixes all LFOs into one output and spreads the signal back into the three BBDs. Finally, the third one Summarizes the first two LFOs and sends them mixed to BBD 1 and 2. LFO3 goes straight into BBD3, unaltered. - Effects
Each BBD feeds its LINE, which gives you control over the signal’s Depth, Offset, Filter, Tremolo, Modulation, and Cutoff. The Offset knob determines the minimum amount of delay time modulation, while Depth governs the maximum amount, ranging from 0 to 20 milliseconds. Tremolo changes the signal’s amplitude, and the filter lets you select from Low, High, or Band Pass options. The frequencies are chosen with the Cutoff knob. To conclude, you can use the Modulation knob to set the Depth of the cutoff frequency modulation applied to the LFO.
Character & Sound:
The option to change the LFO waveform guarantees extensive sonic possibilities. Moreover, The three sync options, Full, Dotted, and Triplet, further this plugin’s rhythmic capacities. All this, times three, is what makes Syntorus 2 such a handy plugin.
Compatibility:
This plugin runs on macOS 10.7 to 10.14 and Windows 7 and up in VST, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
The Syntorus 2 by D16 Group is a highly adaptable plugin that gives you complete control over the final sound. It is one of the most versatile on our list due to its triple path architecture. Definitely, this is a plugin worth having, even if you already have your go-to chorus effect.
Related Reading:
Top 6 Chorus VST Plugins Musicians (And 3 FREE Plugins)
4. D16 Group Antresol
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
D16 recreated the iconic Mistress flanger and added independent stereo controls and complete LFO control.
Antresol is based on the classic flanger pedal by Electro-Harmonix from 1976, one of the most iconic guitar pedals used by Pink Floyd’s legendary guitarist, David Gilmour, as part of his tone. The new version of the effect is a clone of the vintage device and includes some additional features. It rounds up the low-end and works particularly well with percussive elements of any kind. Its independent stereo controls allow you to create a very cool sense of space and depth.
The plugin’s GUI is simple and self-explaining, and its sound is authentic and warm, with no unwanted artifacts. Its simple interface will make it easy to use on stage or in a studio environment. It’s also a lightweight tool that will not consume a lot of CPU and has no noticeable latency.
Let’s see what it can do!
Key Features:
- New and improved:
D16 group went the extra mile when making their emulation of the legendary Antresol Flanger. They’ve given us a ton of new functions like selectable and unlikable L/R or M/S processing modes, a tag-based preset browser, individual stereo channel controls, and even a “mistress” mode that makes it work the same as its analog version. - Tempo sync:
The LFO in Antresol can optionally synchronize the frequency and phase of oscillation with the host application’s tempo. The Tempo Sync parameter is used to activate this function. You can set it to one out of four values: off, full, triplet, and dotted. - Store your presets:
Antresol comes with several presets, but the exciting part is that you can store your own. The plugin has a tag-based browser that allows you to keep your presets as files on your computer. Each time you load it, Antresol scans these folders, and all presets are consolidated in a linear structure in the browser. You only need to hold your ctrl key (command key in macOS) and hit the “save“ button above to store your presets.
Compatibility:
Supports Windows 7 and higher, Supports macOS 10.9 or higher, runs on 32 and 64 bit, and comes in VST2, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
The Antresol is a good flanger plugin for anyone looking to make their tracks sound more interesting. It does what it’s supposed to do, and there are no issues with stability or performance. The GUI is straightforward, with a clean layout and an easy-to-use interface.
In addition to those great features, Antresol also comes with high-quality presets designed by professional sound designers.
Related Reading:
Top 6 Flanger Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Flanger Emulators)
5. D16 Fazortan 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
With the Fazortan 2 plugin from the D16 Group, you can get tunes in the style of the godfather of electronic music, Jean-Michel Jarre.
The Polish company D16 Group has long had a positive reputation in the music software market. They produce beautiful plugins with incredible sound quality. On their website, you can find virtual instruments like synthesizers and drum machines, effects like chorus, reverb, distortion, delay, flanger, and all that kind of stuff. They are all based on professional studio equipment.
The Fazortan 2 plugin is part of the SilverLine Collection products. It simulates the operation of an analog phaser and replicates its characteristics completely. But in addition to the analog sound, you also get a bunch of other features that help you be more creative.
Key Features:
- Works in a Variety of Waveforms
Perhaps this is the main feature that distinguishes it from its analog prototype. You will have a choice of waves, including random, hyper-triangle, triangle, and sinus. - Control two LFOs
You will be able to use two LFOs at the same time. An endless variety of stretch contours will open up for you. - Rotating Speaker
You can also adjust the sound of the plugin to the same rotating speaker effect. It will be especially interesting for experimentation guitarists and keyboard players. In doing so, they will get the juiciest sound. - Suitable for all Genres
The developers assure that the plugin is suitable for both old-school and modern music. And you can use it for any instrument.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher (32 or 64-bit) and macOS 10.7 or higher (64-bit only). It comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Fazortan 2 is a phono plugin from D16 that will give you the highest quality vintage sound. You will have control over two LFOs with the ability to change the waves of each. As a result, you can get unusual sounds. This software is versatile and can suit different genres and musical instruments.
6. D16 Group Devastor 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
D16 Group’s Devastor 2 is a three-band distortion plugin with individual signal flows for each channel.
The plugin lets you add distortion in nine different ways and extensively filter the signal. The Dynamics Flattener works as a user-friendly compressor, while the Diode Clipper gives this plugin its status as one of the best distortion plugins.
Key Features:
- Three Filters
The three independent filters help you enhance the distortion experience, and you can place them before or after the clipper circuit. - Nine Topographies
Each topography gives you a different placement for the Diode Clipper and the filters, which puts the sonic possibilities in your hands. - Output Limiter
This plugin has the clever addition of an output limiter which prevents the mix of the wet and dry signals from clipping. - Parameter Settings
If you right-click (control-click on a Mac) any parameter, you’ll open their menu. There, you can assign them to MIDI Learn and check some more information.
Character & Sound:
The sound of the Diode Clipper is what drives the Devastor 2. You get four controls, Preamp, Threshold, Shape, and Clip, as well as six different clipping curves. In addition to the clipper, the nine topographies let you further experiment how different paths will sound like. The plugin enables you to go from soft to hard, wide-sounding clipping.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Windows 7 and up and macOS 10.7 or newer in VST, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Devastor 2 is a very capable plugin with several sonic options. The plugin’s combination of clipping and filtering gives it its own flair that makes it stand out from the others. It’s a different-sounding distortion that can be a great addition to your collection.
Related Reading:
Top 7 Multiband Compressor Plugins (And 4 FREE Plugins)
7. D16 Group Frontier (FREE)
Frontier is a self-adaptive limiter designed by D16 Group. You can get it for free by signing up as a user on their website.
It can be used in an array of different scenarios, on individual tracks or masters, whether for mixing or mastering purposes.
Key Features:
- Versatile and full of character.
Frontier is an excellent limiter choice because it has character. You can use it gently to soften the peaks of a sound or aggressively to get a warm and saturated sound. The three release settings make it perfect for all sorts of signals, whether drums, synths, vocals, or bass, and the control input is a useful addition. It lets you choose whether you want to use the left, right, or mid signal to trigger the threshold. - Intuitive.
It has a very easy-to-learn interface. The big threshold knob applies gain reduction when pulled to the left, and the VU meter offers a useful visual representation of the gain reduction. There’s also an auto-gain feature, which will increase the overall volume to make up for gain lost during compression. You can always adjust the gain afterward. - Soft clip.
One of my favorite controls on Frontier is the soft clip control. When turned ON, you can achieve very pleasing saturation. The saturation in Frontier can rival almost that of any other saturator out there; it’s rich, warm, and also very musical. - CPU friendly.
Finding a powerful, professional limiter that’s also easy to handle for your CPU is hard. Frontier offers four real-time and offline quality modes to relieve your CPU. I recommend turning the quality up to high when exporting, but the lower quality options are more than welcomed for monitoring.
Compatibility:
Frontier is available on Windows 7 or higher, 32/64-bit, and MacOS 10.9 or higher, 64-bit only, in VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU formats.
Summary:
Frontier is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a limiter. It’s a great all-purpose limiter, able to achieve pleasing and subtle compression or over-the-top results. The soft clip offers an extra layer of mixing possibilities, and the clean interface makes this a great choice for both professionals and beginners.
Death metal enthusiast here. I am a Romanian musician and producer with over 13 years of experience in the music industry. I’ve experienced all types of Metal up until now, playing Melodic Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal, and Black Metal with different bands. Learning by doing is my base principle, which is why I’ve been drawn to sound design from an early age. Read more…