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JMG DarkFire

JMG DarkFire

Authorised by a personal code that permits use on multiple machines, JMG’s DarkFire (AU, VST, AAX) is a harmonic enhancer plug-in whose added harmonics can be shaped by a three‑band EQ to put them precisely where you want them. The input is processed by variable high‑ and low‑pass filters with switchable slopes, before being sent to the saturator, which, if the Advanced button is clicked, can be set to Tube or Tape.

A large Input Drive knob sets the level before the saturator, so determines the degree of saturation. Harmonics Level then sets how much of this enriched signal is mixed back in alongside the dry sound. The Harmonic Shaper is a straightforward three‑band EQ, with two frequency options for each band. The Press switch applies compression prior to saturation, so lower‑level signals still receive some saturation.

A lower row has knobs for Comp, Stereo, Depth and Mod. Comp is modelled on classic analogue compressors, with FET and VCA options. Stereo is a width adjuster, ranging from mono to 100 percent, which can be applied to the full signal or only the high frequencies. As well as widening/narrowing stereo material, it can generate pseudo‑stereo content from a mono source. Depth generates multiple short delays to create a psychoacoustic sense of depth, while Mod acts in a similar way to a chorus. Further high‑ and low‑pass controls, again with switchable slopes, are available to process the output.

A Listen button mutes the dry signal so you can hear the harmonics in isolation, and spectral displays of the input and output reveal useful information on where harmonics are being added. Other buttons bring in a bypass, an automatic gain compensation function (making the output level nominally the same as the input level) and a switchable limiter that avoids overs at the output. There are also the usual options to compare A and B settings, undo/redo, and load or save settings. A small library of presets covers all the main applications, and tweaking them is easy.

Concentrating the harmonics in the high end produces more of an exciter‑style effect.

In my view, DarkFire straddles the disciplines of saturator and exciter, and I found it very effective in beefing up bass and drum sounds in particular — as long as you don’t set the Input Drive too high, the added harmonics tend to sound smooth and natural. Concentrating the harmonics in the high end produces more of an exciter‑style effect, which can be great for adding definition to things like snare drums and guitars, as long as you don’t overdo it.

There’s plenty of choice now if you’re looking for saturator plug‑ins, but this one is very easy to use and, whether you need to add a bit more bite to the highs or warmth to the lows, it can be surprisingly effective. There’s a demo mode, and it’s worth checking this one out for yourself.

Information

£57 (introductory price of £12 applied when going to press).

unitedplugins.com

$72 (Introductory price of $16 applied when going to press)

unitedplugins.com