The ToneKnob Ultimate Bundle from Audified is a complete set of single knob effects that offer fast solutions for typical audio processing scenarios. While there are several companies that offer similar bundles, some of the plugins in this collection have hidden tweaks under the hood that can improve performance, such as oversampling and EQ adjustments. You might argue this defeats the purpose of the one knob paradigm. But in practice, the default settings do just fine, and it’s always nice to have a few options.
Experienced pros and anti-one-knobbers may scoff at the very concept, relegating the idea as a tool for novice engineers and hobbyists. While that can certainly be argued, there are benefits to this simplified approach in the context of any workflow or level of experience.
Speed is the obvious benefit. There is no need to endlessly tweak parameters or search preset menus based on the context. Simply instantiate the plug and dial in a setting that appeals to your ear. In a way, the main knob allows you to scroll through a continuum of possible settings, and although there is no way of knowing what exact parameters are being changed under the hood, the sonic result will provide the most important information—does it sound good or not?
Low CPU usage is another benefit of this collection. Without the myriad parameters included in full-featured plugins, the ToneKnob modules can focus on the particular task at hand with CPU efficiency. This could be a factor on slower computers, large sessions, or mobile contexts.
Plugin as a placeholder. Quickly instantiating a plug and dialing in a setting with a single knob can be perfect for getting a quick idea of possible processing choices. You could consider it like a placeholder that can be quickly inserted so as not to slow down your workflow or interrupt the creative process. Later, you can decide to tweak the knob a bit or replace the plug with a more controllable effect. For example, you might want to hear the vocal through a tiny amp effect. Slap on the ToneKnob TinyAmp plug to immediately get an idea of what that would sound like. It might be just what you were looking for as is.
THE TONEKNOB ULTIMATE BUNDLE
ToneKnob Compressor
Additional controls include a calibration setting that can be adjusted based on the strength of the input signal to accommodate more aggressive or more transparent compression. The indication ring around the main knob indicates the depth of the compression. The continuum of the knob ranges from light compression (soft and slow) to heavy squashing of the signal. There is also the choice to engage oversampling, which will reduce anti-aliasing, although at the expense of additional CPU.
ToneKnob Saturator
This plugin offers a range of saturation effects from mild to all-out decimation, with the color ring visualizing the effects from green to red. It too has an oversampling option.
ToneKnob Sssniper
This is a one knob de-esser designed to reduce sibilance with settings on the left intended for female vocals and those on the right for male vocals. The brightness of the ring visualizes the degree of sibilance reduction.
ToneKnob Stargazer
This is a reverb effect that also includes a 100% Wet switch for use on an AUX track.
ToneKnob TinyAmp
This effect has more additional choices than the other ToneKnobs, including input gain control, tilt EQ, cab simulation, oversampling, room (reverb effect) and even a built-in tuner. The range of effects goes from clean to lead, and it includes an intelligent auto noise-gate.
ToneKnob TriMod
This is a modulation plugin that includes chorusing, flanging, and shimmering effects. The developers compare the various settings to the sounds of John Scofield, Pink Floyd, Allan Holdsworth, Andy Summers, Eddie Van Halen, Mike Stern, and others. Like the Stargazer, it also has a 100% Wet switch, should you need it.
CONCLUSIONS
If you like to work fast and furiously on the first few passes of a mix, this collection of one knob effects will fit perfectly into your workflow. If you are just getting started in audio production, they are a great way to get a handle on some typical processing techniques, and the limitation of having just one main control forces you to use your ears as the guiding principle in your productions. The ToneKnob Ultimate Bundle is stupidly cheap, and the devices perform extremely well. Hard to pass this one up. See the product page for current pricing, free trials, and the video walkthrough below:
