NEL-19
Key Features
- Six mixable modulators including Perlin noise, envelope follower, audio-rate MIDI, LFO, pitch bend, and macro for endless vibrato textures
- Four drag-and-drop macro knobs that can modulate any parameter and each other without a traditional modulation matrix
- Lookahead mode that compensates for latency by averaging modulation over time, delivering studio-precise vibrato
- Oversampling engine that suppresses sidelobe artifacts from fast modulation, maintaining high-fidelity output
- Full-interface and per-modulator randomization with shift-click sensitivity and parameter locking for rapid sound design
- Fully resizable interface with custom color scheme creation and shareable color presets
- Open-source codebase on GitHub with active development and community feedback
Description
NEL-19 is a creative vibrato plugin by Florian Mrugalla that prioritizes clean, artifact-free pitch modulation over the lo-fi degradation found in most vibrato effects. It uses a feed-forward delay to modulate the signal in both pitch and time, with six distinct modulators that can be mixed in pairs for a wide range of textures.
The modulator roster includes a Perlin noise generator, an envelope follower, an audio-rate MIDI input, an LFO with three custom wavetables, a pitch bend input, and a macro. Four assignable macro knobs can modulate any parameter and even modulate each other, creating complex movement without needing a dedicated modulation matrix.
Activating lookahead compensates for half the internal delay buffer, averaging out modulation over time for studio-precise results. Turning it off and reducing the buffer size produces a more responsive, real-time feel suited to live guitar processing and performance rigs.
Oversampling can be engaged to suppress sidelobe artifacts during fast modulation, keeping the output clean even at extreme settings. A full-interface randomizer and per-modulator randomize buttons let you discover unexpected textures quickly, with shift-click for gentler randomization and parameter locking to protect key settings.
NEL-19 runs as a VST3 and AU plugin on Windows, macOS, and Linux, requiring 64-bit hosts and C++20 runtime dependencies. The interface is fully resizable and supports custom color schemes that can be shared as presets.
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Tips
- Experiment with different modulators to create unique vibrato textures.
- Use the lookahead feature for precise modulation timing in studio settings.
- Disable lookahead for real-time performance applications, such as live guitar effects.
- Activate oversampling to maintain sound quality during fast modulation.
- Utilize macro controls to streamline complex modulation setups.
- Adjust the plugin's size for better visibility and workflow efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lookahead feature do in NEL-19?
Lookahead compensates for half of the internal delay buffer size, which averages out modulation over time. This produces a more precise, studio-quality vibrato. Disabling it and lowering the buffer size gives a more immediate, real-time response better suited for live guitar effects or performance use.
Can two modulators run at the same time?
Yes. NEL-19 lets you select any two of its six modulators and blend them together. Combining the Perlin noise generator with the LFO, for example, creates organic movement layered over a rhythmic pulse. The four macro knobs add another layer of cross-modulation on top of this.
Why does NEL-19 not appear in my DAW after installation?
NEL-19 requires C++20 runtime dependencies that may not be installed on your system. The developer provides download links for the required C++ redistributables on the GitHub release page. Installing these and rescanning your plugin folder should resolve the issue.
Does NEL-19 work on Linux?
Yes. NEL-19 supports Linux alongside Windows and macOS. The GitHub releases page includes Linux builds. Like the other platforms, it requires a 64-bit host with VST3 support and the appropriate C++20 dependencies installed.
