Cryptone by Tone Empire enhancer plugin interface

Cryptone: Neural Analog-Style Enhancer Plugin by Tone Empire

Cryptone is an effects plugin from Tone Empire that adds analog-style saturation, compression, tone shaping and stereo width. It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Cryptone is an enhancer plugin built around three neural network models of analog hardware, each sampled at 96kHz. The developer describes it as a way to get vintage-style tone quickly, without working through separate tools or learning EQ curves. Alongside the saturation models, it includes a VCA-style compressor, three tone curves and a spatial width control. An auto-gain stage is meant to keep the level steady while you change settings, so you can compare sounds without re-balancing your mix.

Best for

Mix bus glue
Drum bus punch
Vocal shimmer
Bass and kick weight
Guitar and synth warmth
Mastering sheen

Developer: Tone Empire
Category: Enhancers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three neural network models sampled at 96kHz
Auto-gain stage that compensates level changes in real time
Automatic oversampling when the session runs below 96kHz
VCA-style Thrust compressor with pre/post drive routing
0.3ms attack and program-dependent auto-release on Thrust
Silk, Presence and Dark tone curves
Phase-coherent stereo width with bass centered below 200Hz
Native support for Apple Silicon Macs

03In depth

Saturation Models and Tone Curves

Cryptone offers three neural models. Model A is an op-amp saturation circuit aimed at kick drums, bass and low-end material. Model B is a tube pentode stage intended for full-range warmth on mix bus, vocals, guitars and synths. Model C is a transformer-based model that adds high-frequency shimmer and presence.

Three tone curves sit on top of the models. Silk mode uses low boost and cut, a 800Hz midrange scoop and a 16kHz air shelf. Presence mode boosts 3–4kHz and dips 2kHz to reduce boxiness. Dark mode adds an 80Hz bump, gentle high-frequency rolloff and tape-style compression.

Thrust Compression and Stereo Width

The Thrust compressor uses VCA-style characteristics with a 0.3ms attack, a 4:1 ratio and program-dependent auto-release. Its pre or post drive routing lets you place it before saturation for tighter control or after it for lighter glue.

The spatial control widens the highs using phase-coherent all-pass decorrelation while keeping content below 200Hz centered. This is meant to preserve mono compatibility for bass and kick material.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Tone Empire
Type	Plugin
Category	Enhancer
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Cryptone support?

Cryptone is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs as a 64-bit plugin on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run Cryptone?

On Windows, it requires Windows 10 or later, an Intel i5 or AMD Athlon 64 or equivalent processor, 4 GB RAM and 100 MB of disk space. On macOS, it requires macOS 10.13 or later, 4 GB RAM and 100 MB of disk space, with native support for Apple Silicon and Intel. License authorization needs an internet connection.