

size 3 MB / 6 MB
Codec is a degrader designed for sound destruction.
Unlike other plugins that simulate degradation in “old school” ways like vinyl, tape or cassette, Codec degrades sound in the most common way we hear today, through internet compression algorithms.
Codec is essentially a container that holds an audio compressor (not that kind of compressor) so you can compress and then decompress your sound, in real time, in your DAW of choice.
Since Codec is basically just a container, we figured it would only be fair to provide it for free as a VST3 and AU plugin, so enjoy.
Packet Drop: Codec can simulate a poor internet connection through the use of it’s “Loss” system (as well as how ‘lost packets’ are handled). Packets can either be lost totally (and the internal algorithm will try to “reconstruct” your sound in real-time), or they can be held and repeated (for a super glitchy effect).
A “Bit” Of Crunch: You can take Codec to it’s limits via the crunch section. Massive amounts of gain can be applied to the frequency section of your choosing, and then removed once compression & decompression have been completed, keeping your sound at the same volume but adding even more artifacts.
Mode Selection: The internal state of the algorithm can also be altered. If you click on the Lese logo in the title bar, you can switch between a “voice” mode, a “music” mode, and a “low-latency” mode. Each of these modes respond to incoming sounds a bit differently.
codec-win ( 3.8 MB )
codec-osx ( 6.5 MB )
We’re audio producers and sound designers with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Our team has lived through the entire evolution of digital audio production.
Our mission? To filter out the junk and bring you only the studio-ready free VSTs that actually compete with paid gear. We do the digging so you can focus on creating.
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