Krotos Dehumaniser 2 is a powerful vocal processing plugin designed for creating creature and monster sound effects. It offers a versatile and intuitive interface that allows sound designers, voice artists, and music producers to transform human voices into otherworldly sounds. The plugin features a modular architecture with various effects modules that can be chained together in series or parallel, providing endless possibilities for sound manipulation. Dehumaniser 2 includes pitch shifting, granular synthesis, noise generation, convolution, and vocoding among its core modules. The user interface is clean and visually appealing, resembling a node-based system similar to game engines like Unreal. This design choice makes complex routing and signal flow easy to understand and manipulate. With its ability to process audio in real-time, Dehumaniser 2 is not only suitable for post-production work but also for live performances and interactive media. The plugin supports various formats including AAX, VST, VST3, and AU, making it compatible with most major digital audio workstations on both Mac and Windows platforms.
Pros:
• Intuitive node-based interface for easy routing and manipulation
• Comprehensive set of sound design modules for versatile vocal processing
• Real-time processing capabilities for live performances and interactive use
• High-quality pitch shifting algorithm suitable for music production
• Extensive preset library for quick starting points
Cons:
• Steep learning curve to fully utilize all features and modules
• Resource-intensive, potentially requiring a powerful computer for complex patches
Dehumaniser 2 boasts an impressive array of features that cater to the needs of professional sound designers and enthusiasts alike. At its core are ten powerful modules that form the building blocks of sound manipulation. These include a Pitch Shifter, which allows for drastic alterations in vocal pitch while maintaining audio quality, and a Delay Pitch Shifting module that combines pitch changes with time-based effects for creating echoing, alien-like voices.
The Granular module breaks down audio into tiny grains, allowing for unique textural manipulations, while the Noise Generator adds synthetic elements to the vocal signal. For those seeking to impart the characteristics of one sound onto another, the Scrubbing Convolution module offers a powerful tool for creating hybrid sounds. Modulation effects are covered by the Flanger/Chorus and Ring Modulation modules, enabling everything from subtle thickening to extreme distortion of the input signal. The Spectral Shifting module provides frequency-based manipulation, allowing users to create formant-shifted voices that sound larger or smaller than the original.
For adding pre-recorded elements to the mix, the Sample Trigger module allows users to layer additional sounds with the processed voice. Rounding out the module selection is a Vocoder, which can impart robotic qualities or blend the vocal signal with synthesized carriers. Each module in Dehumaniser 2 comes equipped with its own EQ, limiter, and gate, providing granular control over the signal at every stage of processing. The plugin’s routing system allows for up to eight parallel signal paths, enabling complex, layered sound design within a single instance of the plugin.
Dehumaniser 2’s preset system is extensive, offering a wide range of starting points for various creature types and vocal effects. These presets can be easily modified and saved, allowing users to build their own library of custom effects. The plugin’s real-time processing capabilities make it suitable for live performances and interactive media, setting it apart from many post-production-focused tools. This feature, combined with its low-latency operation, makes Dehumaniser 2 a versatile tool that can be used in both studio and live environments.
When compared to other vocal processing plugins, Dehumaniser 2 stands out for its comprehensive approach to creature voice design. While plugins like iZotope’s VocalSynth 2 offer similar vocoding and pitch-shifting capabilities, they lack the specific focus on monster and creature sounds that Dehumaniser 2 provides. Zynaptiq’s MORPH, which allows for sound morphing between two sources, offers some overlapping functionality but doesn’t provide the same level of granular control over individual aspects of the vocal signal.
In terms of interface design, Dehumaniser 2’s node-based system is unique among vocal processors, more closely resembling modular synthesis environments like Native Instruments’ Reaktor or audio programming languages like Max/MSP. This approach offers a level of flexibility and visual feedback that is rare in the world of vocal effects plugins. When it comes to sound quality, particularly in pitch shifting, Dehumaniser 2 holds its own against dedicated pitch correction software like Celemony’s Melodyne or Antares Auto-Tune. While these plugins are more suited for musical pitch correction, Dehumaniser 2’s pitch shifting algorithm is designed to handle extreme transformations while maintaining audio fidelity.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers working in film, television, and video games
• Voice actors seeking to expand their range of character voices
• Electronic music producers looking for unique vocal effects
• Live performers who need real-time vocal processing
• Podcast creators wanting to add character voices or sound effects
Krotos Dehumaniser 2 is a specialized tool that excels in the realm of creature and monster voice creation. Its modular approach to sound design, coupled with an intuitive interface, makes it a powerful asset for professionals in various audio-related fields. The plugin’s ability to transform human voices into a wide range of otherworldly sounds is impressive, offering users the tools to create everything from subtle vocal enhancements to complete transformations. The real-time processing capabilities of Dehumaniser 2 set it apart from many post-production tools, making it valuable not only for studio work but also for live performances and interactive media. This versatility extends its usefulness beyond traditional sound design roles, potentially appealing to electronic musicians and experimental vocalists.
While the learning curve may be steep for those new to advanced audio processing, the preset system provides an excellent starting point for users of all skill levels. The quality of the pitch shifting algorithm also makes Dehumaniser 2 a viable tool for more conventional music production tasks, further expanding its potential user base. Despite its power, users should be aware that complex patches in Dehumaniser 2 can be resource-intensive, potentially requiring a robust computer setup for optimal performance. However, for those willing to invest the time and resources, Dehumaniser 2 offers a level of control and creativity in vocal processing that is hard to match with other single plugins on the market.