Soundtoys Decapitator by Victorian Needle
Decapitator, what can it do for you?
First, there is the drive knob (obvious what it does). The output knob can self adjust to how much drive is coming in. You have the option of turning it off and adjust it manually. Can be used for parallel processing with the dry/wet parameter. Ok those are just enough for a simple distortion plug in, but this isn't distortion, it's all in one analog feel. Modeled after only the best of analog circuitry. At the bottom there are 5 different models that you can choose. Do not underestimate these, they all behave drastically different in nature. Then there is a filter section, low and high with a bump in the eq if you choose to engage, thump or steep selectively. Last on the eq, there is a tone knob that affects the brightest and darkness of the overall sound. Say you want to torment the sound, drag it over fire and nails? Simply engage punish and you get a huge extra chunk of gain.
Using it on every track becomes common when you have an overall digital mix, be carefull cause it can become CPU intensive. Use it on anything to make it sound better. Crank it up for distortion like you've never heard, real analog warm distortion.
Used extensively on Nine Inch Nails production, this product can be used as an amazing mixing tool. My absolute favorite plugin for years and years. Decapitator is one of my main go to plugs for anything from warmth to killing a sound to death, and anything in between. The more you use it, the better it gets.