Azero | Vintage '80s DAC emulation for Lo-Fi sound

Azero

Bring the iconic sound of 1980s samplers into your modern studio with Azero (Absolute Zero)! Inspired by the digital-to-analog converters (DACs) used in classic samplers, Azero gives you precise control over parameters like bit depth, sample rate, and jitter, letting you easily dial in everything from warm, lo-fi textures to clean, high-definition audio. Azero is a powerful plugin, available in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU formats, designed to emulate the behavior of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) found in vintage samplers. With AZero, you can recreate the characteristic "lo-fi" sound of many samplers used throughout the 1980s, giving you total control over parameters such as bit depth, sample rate, jitter, and much more.

Authentic Lo-Fi vibes, modern Hi-Fi precision.

While Azero is inspired by iconic 1980s hardware, it does not aim to replicate them exactly. Instead, it captures and reinterprets their unique sonic characteristics through innovative technology developed by Acustica Audio, offering a modern take on classic samplers. This powerful tool allows you to blend the historical essence of vintage DACs with modern flexibility, delivering a professional sound-shaping experience.

Key features

Multi-model emulation: Inspired by six iconic hardware samplers from the 1980s, each offering distinct sound characteristics.
Advanced Control: Provides detailed manipulation of DAC parameters including bit depth, sample rate, jitter, and more.
Authentic Lo-Fi and Modern Hi-Fi Precision Options: Seamlessly transition between vintage lo-fi sounds and modern, high-resolution audio.
MULAW Compression: Includes both digital and hardware-inspired versions of classic dynamic shaping.
Oversampling: High-quality oversampling with options for 2x, 4x, and 8x, reducing aliasing and improving overall signal quality.
Filters: Adjustable filter slopes with orders 0, 2, 4, allowing precise control over aliasing reduction and tonal shaping.
User-Friendly Interface: Simple yet powerful controls for an intuitive workflow.

Model overview

Azero includes six distinct DAC emulation models, each inspired by different pieces of legendary 1980s hardware, providing a range of tonal options:

1. Pendragon-S950 (Released in 1986)
Known for its sharp, clean sound, perfect for drum hits and detailed audio processing with 12-bit resolution.

2. Caliburn-SP1200 (Released in 1987)
Offers a warm, gritty sound with punchy transients, ideal for adding texture to beats.

3. Merlin-EM2 (Released in 1984)
Famous for its lush, warm tones, offering 8-bit sampling resolution for atmospheric soundscapes.

4. Merlin-EM3 (Released in 1987)
An evolution of Merlin-EM2, featuring higher fidelity and greater flexibility for complex samples with 16-bit resolution.

5. Fairy Morgana-DMS8 (Released in 1984)
Known for its 8-bit sampling and gritty, lo-fi charm, ideal for vintage sounds with raw digital artifacts.

6. Clarent-CMI2 (Released in 1982)
Features pristine 16-bit sampling with digital synthesis, perfect for complex compositions and orchestral sounds.

AZero | Demo

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How to download a plugin

With the installation manager Aquarius Desktop you can select, download & install all the Acustica Audio plugins and start spicing up your productions.