RC-20 Retro Color by XLN Audio saturation and effect plugin interface

RC-20 Retro Color: Vintage Saturation and Lo-Fi Effect Plugin by XLN Audio Free Download

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (10,687 ratings)

RC-20 Retro Color is a creative effect plugin by XLN Audio that recreates the warm character of vintage recording equipment. It combines six effect modules for saturation, noise, wobble, bitcrushing, reverb and volume drops.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Free trial available from the developer
01Overview

RC-20 Retro Color is built to add texture and analog character to recordings. Its six effect modules can be used on their own or combined, covering everything from subtle tape hiss to heavy fuzz. The plugin works on individual tracks or full mixes, and it is designed to sit comfortably in modern production as well as in lo-fi and vintage-inspired styles. A single master slider scales all of the modules at once, which makes it quick to dial in the amount of effect you want.

Best for

  • Vintage drum saturation
  • Lo-fi beat processing
  • Tape-style mix warmth
  • Vinyl crackle textures
  • Bitcrushed sampler sounds
  • Transition and drop effects
Developer
XLN Audio
Category
Saturation
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Six effect modules that work alone or together
  • Noise generator with vinyl, tape, circuit hum and stompbox textures
  • Wobble and flutter for analog playback pitch instability
  • Saturation and distortion from mild warmth to heavy fuzz
  • Degrader and bitcrusher for vintage digital sampler sounds
  • Tailored reverb module for depth and width
  • Volume drops module for tape wear and level loss
  • Single slider scales all modules and controls at once
  • Presets for drums, keys, guitars, bass, mixes and post-production
03In depth

Six Modules for Analog Character and Degradation

The plugin's noise generator offers a range of textures, from vinyl crackle and tape hiss to electric circuit hum and stompbox static. The wobble module adds the pitch instability associated with unstable playback on vinyl record players and tape machines.

Saturation and distortion run from mild saturation to heavy fuzz, using several distortion types. The degrader and bitcrusher module recreates the color of old-school samplers, including the effect of limited sample rates and reduced bit depth. A tailored reverb adds depth and width, and the volume drops module reproduces the wear and level loss associated with tape recording and playback.

Single-Slider Control and Ready-Made Presets

A single slider scales all of RC-20's effect modules and controls, so you can set the overall amount of effect without adjusting each module separately. The same control can also be used to build intros, outros, drops and transitions.

The plugin includes presets made for drums, keys, guitars, bass, full mixes and post-production, giving you starting points for each type of source.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperXLN Audio
TypePlugin
CategorySaturation
FormatsVST2, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
Free trialYes
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does RC-20 Retro Color support?

RC-20 Retro Color is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

Which operating systems can I run RC-20 Retro Color on?

It runs on Windows and macOS. On Windows, the supported versions are Windows 7 through 11, and on macOS, macOS 10.13 or later, with Apple Silicon supported natively. Both require 64-bit systems; the plugin will not run on 32-bit systems.

What do I need to use RC-20 Retro Color?

You need a 64-bit host that supports VST, AU or AAX plugins. XLN Audio says it actively tests with Ableton Live 9 or later, Apple Logic Pro 9 and 10, Avid Pro Tools 11 or later (Pro Tools First is not supported), Cakewalk by Bandlab, FL Studio 20, Propellerhead Reason 9.5 or later, Reaper 5 or later and Steinberg Cubase 8 or later. The system requirements list 2 GB of RAM, with 4 GB recommended, and an internet connection during installation.

Is there a trial version?

Yes, RC-20 Retro Color has a trial version.

07Developer

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