Circulate
Key Features
- All-pass filter bank creates phase dispersion without the normal tonal boost or cut of an EQ
- Up to 64 stages let the effect move from subtle transient reshaping to obvious metallic smearing
- Center frequency can be set directly in Hz or controlled by MIDI note with detune offset
- Focus control adjusts the resonance/Q so the smear can be broad and diffuse or tightly centered
- Positive or negative feedback through the filter bank opens steeper phaser-like spectral effects
- Sample-accurate parameters support fast automation and DAW modulation workflows
- Version 2 adds a resizable UI, CPU improvements, manual frequency entry, and DAW behavior fixes
Description
Circulate is a Windows VST3 phase-dispersion effect that uses banks of all-pass filters to smear timing around a chosen center frequency. Instead of boosting or cutting the tone like an EQ, it shifts phase relationships to create hollow, metallic, short reverb-like movement.
The plugin is built for transient-rich material where small timing offsets become audible character. Drum hits, plucks, bass stabs, and synth shots can pick up a liquid, dispersed edge without the frequency balance changing in the obvious way a filter or reverb would.
Its controls focus on fast experimentation: Center sets the focal frequency, Pitch and Detune move it by note, Focus tightens the Q, Depth stacks up to 64 all-pass stages, and Feed introduces positive or negative feedback through the bank. Version 2 adds a resizable interface, better CPU behavior, manual Hz entry, and fixes for Ableton display and bounce behavior.
Circulate is especially useful when a normal phaser, delay, or transient shaper feels too familiar. It can stay subtle for crest-factor and impact shaping, or push into odd metallic motion for sound-design transitions and percussive effects.
Video Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Circulate do differently from a normal phaser?
Circulate is based on stacked all-pass filters rather than a conventional moving phaser preset. It can create hollow, metallic phase dispersion around a chosen center frequency while leaving the broad frequency balance mostly intact unless feedback is pushed.
What sources work best with Circulate?
Transient-heavy sounds make the effect easiest to hear. Percussion, plucks, bass stabs, and short synth hits reveal the phase smear more clearly than sustained pads or already-washed-out material.
Does Circulate have modulation-ready controls?
Yes. The developer lists sample-accurate parameters and automation, making it suitable for fast DAW modulation such as Ableton LFO control.
Why is the download linked to GitHub instead of a mirrored ZIP?
GullDSP distributes Circulate from the official GitHub releases page, which is the developer-controlled download route. New SoundShockAudio product entries use that external page instead of repackaging the plugin file.
