Guillotine
Key Features
- Tempo-synced audio slicing with up to 32 BPM-locked divisions for precise rhythmic chopping
- Multiple effect modes including modulation, distortion, bit-crushing, and silence applied per slice
- Sever FX with Relent mode that acts as an expander, reducing volume rather than fully gating segments
- Inflict mode that scales effect intensity across all non-gate FX settings
- Lightweight processing with minimal CPU impact, tested stable in FL Studio and other major DAWs
- Dual-platform support with VST3 for Windows and both VST3 and AU for macOS
Description
Guillotine by Witch Pig is a tempo-synced multi-effect slicer that chops audio into rhythmic segments and processes each slice with built-in effects. It divides incoming audio into up to 32 BPM-locked divisions, then lets you apply modulation, distortion, bit-crushing, or silence to each segment.
The plugin operates in several effect modes accessed through the Sever FX setting. In Relent mode, the top-right knob functions as an expander that reduces volume on selected segments rather than cutting them completely.
Switching to other FX modes activates Inflict mode, which increases the intensity of the chosen effect treatment. Guillotine excels at creating electronic risers, stuttered fills, and pulsating rhythmic textures from synth pads, guitar tracks, drum loops, and virtually any other source material.
Users have found it effective for crafting IDM-style beats and adding movement to static sound sources with minimal CPU overhead. The plugin has a distinctive approach compared to standard gate effects, as the inclusion of distortion and bit-crushing on individual slices creates combinations that go well beyond typical trance gate territory.
Guillotine is available as a VST3 plugin for Windows and as both VST3 and AU for macOS, with file sizes of approximately 2.4 MB and 3.3 MB respectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Guillotine differ from a standard trance gate plugin?
While Guillotine can function as a basic noise gate, it goes further by applying distortion, bit-crushing, and modulation to individual sliced segments. This makes it more of a multi-effect slicer than a simple volume gate, producing results that standard gating plugins cannot achieve on their own.
What is the difference between Relent and Inflict modes?
Relent mode is available in the Sever FX setting and turns the top-right knob into an expander control, making selected segments quieter rather than fully silenced. Inflict mode activates in all other FX settings and increases the severity of the chosen effect treatment as you turn the knob up.
Can Guillotine produce white noise or audio glitches?
Some users have reported occasional white noise artifacts in certain DAW configurations. The developer is aware of the issue but a definitive fix has not been confirmed. If you experience this, try different buffer sizes or host settings. The issue does not appear to affect all setups.
