Megaphone by AudioThing effects plugin interface

Megaphone: Bullhorn Loudspeaker Effect Plugin by AudioThing Free Download

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (1,026 ratings)

Megaphone is an effects plugin by AudioThing that emulates a bullhorn or loudspeaker, letting any audio source sound as if it is played through one.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Megaphone is a saturation-category effect from AudioThing that recreates the sound of a bullhorn or loudspeaker. It includes two loudspeaker emulations, overdrive and bandwidth controls, a feedback section for slapback-style reflections, and a noise section. The plugin can be applied to any audio source, and it ships with a preset system that includes a randomizer for quick exploration.

Best for

Bullhorn vocal effects
Megaphone sound design
Lo-fi radio and broadcast FX
Drum saturation and grit
Feedback and slapback effects

Developer: AudioThing
Category: Saturation
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Two loudspeaker emulations for distinct megaphone tones
Overdrive control for driving the loudspeaker character
Bandwidth control to shape the frequency range
Feedback section producing slapback reflections and feedback tones
Noise section with button and burst noise types
Source parameter to balance the two noise types
Envelope option that makes burst noise follow input transients
Preset system with randomizer

03In depth

Loudspeaker Character, Feedback and Noise

The core of Megaphone is its pair of loudspeaker emulations, shaped with overdrive and bandwidth controls. The feedback section works as a slapback effect: it mimics the output of the loudspeaker being picked up again by its own microphone, adding a delay and reflection. Feedback tones appear with high-gain sources and a feedback amount above 50 percent.

The noise section offers two types. The button noise imitates the click of enabling the megaphone's microphone, and the burst noise is the background hiss typical of a loudspeaker. A Source parameter balances the two. When the envelope is enabled, the burst noise follows the transients of the input signal.

Formats and System Requirements

Megaphone is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is 64-bit only, so it will not work on 32-bit systems. On macOS, the developer lists support from OS X 10.9 through macOS 13, including Apple Silicon through a Universal 2 binary. On Windows, it supports Windows 7 through 11 and requires a 64-bit host for VST2, VST3 or AAX.

Version 1.5.1 added macOS 10.15 Catalina support, a Parameter Lock, an Edit Value option for knobs and a notification system, along with CPU and memory improvements.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	AudioThing
Type	Plugin
Category	Saturation
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Megaphone used for?

Megaphone emulates a bullhorn or loudspeaker effect, so you can make any audio source sound as if it is played through one. It is useful for vocal and sound-design treatments that need a lo-fi, announcement-style character.

Which formats and operating systems does Megaphone support?

Megaphone is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats on Windows and macOS. It is 64-bit only and will not function on 32-bit systems.

What do I need to run Megaphone?

On macOS, the developer lists OS X 10.9 through macOS 13 with a 2GHz CPU and 4 GB RAM, and supports Apple Silicon. On Windows, it requires Windows 7 through 11 with 4 GB RAM and a 64-bit host for VST2, VST3 or AAX.