Bark of Dog 3, Cactus, 23DSP: Free Plugins of the Week
4,5 / 5,0 | 
Boz Digital Labs has released a new version of the classic Bark of Dog low-frequency enhancer! This week’s collection of freebies also features a new distortion plugin from Hivetune and not one, but four new releases by 23DSP.
Boz Digital Labs Bark of Dog 3: Low Frequency Enhancer
If I’m not mistaken, Bark of Dog by Boz Digital Labs first came out way back in 2013, so it’s a real classic. And now, the developer has released a new and improved version. Like before, Bark of Dog 3 is a low-frequency enhancer designed to clean up and boost your low-end. The plugin works in stereo and M/S modes.
Bark of Dog 3 lets you choose from three filter modes: a classic resonant filter (Classic), Pultec-style boost/attenuation (Passive), and a combination of both (Combo). Then, simply dial in the desired center frequency and amount of boost to tighten and enhance the low-end.
The new version adds a new analog mode that applies subtle harmonic distortion to the filters.
Bark of Dog 3 is available for macOS and Windows in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Hivetune Cactus Lite: Free Waveshaping Distortion
Next up is a new waveshaping distortion plugin from Hivetune. Cactus is designed to be extremely easy to use: simply choose the desired preset / distortion curve, crank up the Drive knob, and adjust the mix.
The full version of Cactus ($10) is extremely versatile, as it lets you draw custom waveshapes. The paid version also has a handy auto gain feature to keep the level in check.
While the free version (Cactus Lite) doesn’t offer custom waveshapes or the auto-gain feature and comes with fewer presets, it’s still a good free distortion plugin that delivers a wide range of sounds with minimal fuss.
Cactus is available for macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats.
Four Free Plugins from 23DSP: PumpComp, Respiro, Adaptive Reverb, De-
Developer 23DSP has released four new free plugins. These are now in open beta, so they’re still a work in progress, but they already look quite promising.
PumpComp is a compressor with tempo-synchronized attack and release parameters. You can set the attack and release times in musical values – perfect for that classic sidechain effect. PumpComp also offers two-band compression for leaving your low-end intact while compressing the rest of the signal.
Respiro is a multiband stereo imager that lets you adjust the stereo width and gain for four separate bands. You can also force the lowest band to mono to preserve a coherent low-end.
Adaptive Reverb is a reverb plugin that adapts to the tempo of your track. You can adjust the reverb time in musical values. Adaptive Reverb also includes built-in ducking to preserve the transients.
Lastly, De- is a universal problem solver for dealing with sibilance, muddiness, and boxiness. The plugin includes separate De-Box, De-Mud, and De-Ess modules, each with its own set of controls. There’s also a handy spectrum meter, so you can see what you’re doing.
All four new plugins by 23DSP are available for macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats.
Looking for more free plugins like Bark of Dog? Check out our archive!
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