TimeShaper 3 by Cableguys multi effect plugin interface with LFO waveform editor

TimeShaper 3: Time-Warping Multi Effect Plugin by Cableguys Free Download

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (2,513 ratings)

TimeShaper 3 is a multi effect plugin by Cableguys that manipulates the playback time and pitch of audio using custom-drawn LFO waveforms, producing stutters, reverses, half-time effects and tape-stops.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Free trial available from the developer
01Overview

TimeShaper 3 works like a DJ's hand on a record. You draw LFO shapes that move a virtual playhead through your audio, creating chops, slow-downs, speed-ups, scratches and glitches. The developer describes it as running inside its ShaperBox 3 effects plugin, where it can be used alone or stacked with other Shapers. Patterns can be synced to the beat, triggered by MIDI, or driven by audio-rate modulation, and the plugin includes multiband control so low, mid and high frequencies can each be treated differently.

Best for

  • Half-time breakdowns
  • Stutter and glitch edits
  • Tape-stop transitions
  • Scratch effects
  • Multiband drum processing
  • Rhythmic vocal chops
Developer
Cableguys
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Draw custom LFO waveforms for playhead-based time and pitch warping
  • Multiband processing with a separate LFO and dry/wet mix per band
  • LFO loops from 1/128 to 32 bars with sample-accurate beat sync
  • Audio-rate modulation up to 5.24kHz for extreme sound design
  • Nine slots to store custom waves saved with the patch
  • MIDI triggering and MIDI switching of user waves
  • New Master Mix and Smoothed Bypass for click-free blends
  • Interface resizable from 75% to 200% with Retina/HiDPI support
03In depth

Drawing Time-Bending Waveforms and LFO Control

The core of TimeShaper 3 is its waveform editor. You draw the LFO shape that controls playhead position, and the curve-editing tools are built for quick changes. Wave Presets cover common uses, and nine slots let you store custom waves that are saved with the patch. You can flip, resize, move or randomize a wave or selection, copy and paste waves between any Shapers, and undo or redo LFO edits without limit.

The LFO loop length can be set in beats and bars, or in Hertz and milliseconds. Loops run from 1/128 to 32 bars with sample-accurate sync. For detailed work, the LFO can be expanded, and the 2x/3x button doubles or triples a pattern with one click. The oscilloscope offers a Magnitude mode and a Freeze option, and the spectrum view is designed to be smooth and accurate.

Multiband Processing and Triggering Options

TimeShaper 3 provides a separate LFO and a dry/wet mix for each band, so you can apply reverses to the bass, half-time effects to the mids and glitches to the highs in one plugin. Solo buttons make band setup easier. Patterns can be triggered from MIDI, and wave switching can be controlled via MIDI as well. Trigger Smoothing reduces clicks when switching or triggering waves.

The new Master Mix uses an improved algorithm for blends that avoid artifacts, and Smoothed Bypass switches to the dry signal without clicks. The interface can be resized from 75% to 200% and supports Retina/HiDPI displays. Hovering over any control shows a built-in description.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperCableguys
TypePlugin
CategoryMulti Effect
FormatsVST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
Free trialYes
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is TimeShaper 3?

TimeShaper 3 is a multi effect plugin by Cableguys that uses drawn LFO waveforms to control a virtual playhead in your audio, creating stutters, reverses, scratches and tape-stop effects.

Which formats and operating systems does TimeShaper 3 support?

TimeShaper 3 is listed in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats, with 64-bit support on Windows and macOS. On macOS it requires Mac OS X 10.13 or later on Intel or Apple Silicon. On Windows it requires Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11 (64-bit only).

What do I need to use TimeShaper 3?

You need a compatible host DAW that supports VST 2, VST 3, AU or AAX on macOS, or VST 2, VST 3 or AAX on Windows. The developer describes it as running inside its ShaperBox 3 effects plugin, and it can also be used on its own.

Does TimeShaper 3 have a trial?

Yes, a trial version is available.

07Developer

More from Cableguys

All Cableguys products →