The Devil-Loc Deluxe is an audio level destroyer plugin made and designed by Soundtoys. It gives an aggressive approach to drums by crushing them and pounding them via hard compression. This plug-in goes beyond hardware in a much more creative and flexible interface. This version of the Devil-Lock “Deluxe” features a “Darkness” tone that can be switched either for slow or fast release times. The plug-in also features a mix knob to mix your dry signal to open a vast sonic palette.
With these controls, you can get the darkening and thundering drums you dreamed of with just a simple twist of a knob, saving you the tedious routings this involves and making it able to automate your mix. The origins of the Devil-Loc are derived form the Shure Level-Loc hardware module which was made back in the 60s. This hardware tool was originally used for public address systems that compressed sound in a gritty and extreme way. This particular hardware sound has been used as a secret weapon by many well know engineers and producers.
In particular, the Shure Level-Loc has an extreme effect and creates such a huge sound with drums and in-room mics but at the same time in small amounts, it can add a nice sizzle for vocals or acoustic instruments. The Devil-Loc Deluxe plug-in also comes with Devil-Loc which is a smaller interface with only two knobs but with the same serious big sound. This plug-in has an extreme compression effect that maximizes sound and is specially used to know from drum sounds. With its mix knob, you can dial in the right amount of grittiness you want. The Darkness control will let you shape the tone and selectable fast and slow release times will add variety to its control.
Image: Soundtoys
