Softube’s latest plug-in aims to offer the ultimate doubling and stereo-widening tool, and also packs in some helpful extras such as de-essing, multi-band compression and octave effects. Layers is capable of duplicating a signal up to 10 times, and offers per-layer control over level and pitch along with a wealth of effects and modulation capabilities.
The plug-in utilises a range of Softube’s widening algorithms, some of which have been ported from their popular Softube Widener. There are some new additions, too, including a Slow Mod mode inspired by sought-after chorus effects behind the sound of artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel. Users can create up to 10 doubles of the incoming signal and move them freely around the stereo field, as well as adjusting key parameters such as level and pitch on a per-layer basis. Pitch and Time parameters serve to introduce some movement across all layers, and it’s possible to govern how much modulation is applied to each individual layer thanks to a Variation Amount control.
Although the focus is on doubling and widening effects, Layers also comes equipped with a collection of additional processors that allow users to fine-tune their results without needing to reach for another plug-in. There’s a de-esser that can be used to tackle sibilance when stacking up vocal parts, a compressor that can operate in full- or multi-band modes, and a creative octave effect.
Compatibility
Layers is supported on PCs running Windows 10 and higher, and Macs running macOS 12 or above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. Authorisation is handled by PACE’s iLok system, although a physical dongle is not required.
Pricing & Availability
Layers is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $99 until 27 October 2024, when it will increase to its full price $149.