Excite Audio launched back in 2022 with its debut plugin Lifeline Expanse, a multi-effect that combined elements of distortion, reverb and amp-sim. We reviewed it and called it an impressive first release that “can do a lot to make audio sound better with little work.”
A second release, Lifeline Console followed hot on its heels. Much like Lifeline Expanse, Console takes analogue-style processing and places it into a modern, versatile interface that can be rearranged to suit a host of different processing duties. The focus here, however, is on the sort of mixing tools offered by vintage consoles and outboard hardware found in iconic recording studios.
Lifeline Console features five modules, focussing on Pre-amp emulation, EQ, Compression, tape-style Modulation and Wear, which can emulate mechanical noise and analogue-style artefacts. Each features a range of parameters to tailor the sound, and every module can be bypassed or rearranged, allowing users to radically alter the overall signal flow. A final master module allows users to blend between the dry signal and Clean and Vintage tonal characteristics.
What sets Console apart is that it places these analogue-inspired processes into a clean and modern UI, which is fully resizable and provides responsive visual feedback within each module. It’s also zero latency and includes a host of highly-useable presets.
Users can get a taste of what Lifeline Console is capable of with the introductory Lifeline Console Lite, which usually sells for $49, but can be downloaded absolutely free with the exclusive voucher code at the bottom of this page. Console Lite packs the same five effect modules as its bigger sibling, all the core controls and 100 presets to get you started. If you’re hooked you can upgrade to the full version to add features including advanced controls, mid/side operation and additional active visual feedback.
How to download your free copy of Lifeline Console Lite
> Grab your free plugin at the download page
> On the payment page, enter the coupon code: ez0q8710
> Offer expires 31 August 2023 (23:59 PST)
Three effect combinations to try with Lifeline Console Lite
Pre-amp and Compression on drums
Pre-amp’s Dark saturation mode is a secret sauce for bringing weight and ‘glue’ to a drum bus. Pair it with the Comp module’s Variable setting for a tight and coherent sound.
Modulation, Wear and EQ for characterful pads
Capture the rich and slightly degraded sound of acts like Boards of Canada by combining slow Tape modulation, Cassette-style wear and a Vintage high-shelf EQ cut.
Pre-amp and EQ for air
Capture a modern hi-fi sound that’s great on hi-hats or vocals by using Pre-amp’s Bright setting. Add in a Clean boost using EQ to target the high frequencies.