Kolor distortion plugin interface by Native Instruments

Kolor: Distortion Plugin by Native Instruments

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (19 ratings)

Kolor is a distortion effect plugin from Native Instruments that offers 10 distortion algorithms, from subtle saturation to aggressive crunch. It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Kolor is a distortion plugin built around 10 distinct algorithms. The developer describes them as emulations of iconic analog distortion, meant to add character and color to a track. Its range runs from light saturation to heavy crunch, so the same plugin can warm up a bus or push a sound into obvious grit. Kolor is part of Native Instruments' effects lineup and ships in the common plugin formats for both major desktop operating systems.

Best for

Saturation on drums
Guitar crunch
Bass grit
Lo-fi vocal effects
Synth warmth

Developer: Native Instruments
Category: Distortion
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

10 distinct distortion algorithms in one plugin
Analog-style distortion emulations of vintage gear
Range from subtle saturation to aggressive crunch
Lo-fi effects derived from Guitar Rig 7 Pro
Emulates popular hardware distortion circuits
Available as standalone components
VST3, AU and AAX formats, 64-bit

03In depth

Sound Character and Distortion Range

Native Instruments says Kolor captures the essence of popular hardware distortion circuits. Its 10 algorithms cover a wide span, from subtle saturation that adds warmth without obvious breakup to aggressive crunch for sounds that need more edge.

The developer also describes the plugin's lo-fi effects as coming from Guitar Rig 7 Pro, which points to a shared sonic lineage with that product. Because the algorithms are separate choices, you can select the one that suits each source rather than relying on a single generic drive.

Formats, Systems and Standalone Use

Kolor is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats and runs as a 64-bit plugin. AAX is supported on both Windows and macOS, while AU is listed for macOS only.

Native Instruments has made Kolor available as standalone components, so it can be run outside a host DAW. Check the system requirements before installing, since the Windows and macOS details differ by format.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Native Instruments
Type	Plugin
Category	Distortion
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Kolor support?

Kolor is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It is a 64-bit plugin.

Which operating systems does Kolor run on?

Kolor supports Windows and macOS. On Windows it is listed for VST3 and AAX, and on macOS for VST3, AU and AAX.

What do I need to run Kolor?

On Windows 10 or 11 you need an Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 4 GB RAM and graphics hardware with Direct3D 11.1 (Feature Level 11_1) support or higher. On macOS you need version 12, 13 or 14 with the latest update, and Apple Silicon Macs can run it through Rosetta 2 or natively in supported hosts.