STFU
Key Features
- Host-BPM sync keeps drawn volume shapes locked to the project tempo.
- MIDI-note triggering lets an envelope drive ducking without relying on an audio sidechain input.
- Sample-accurate timing supports tightly repeated rhythmic volume moves.
- CV output can send the envelope to compatible hosts and modular plug-ins for further modulation.
- Two independently prepared envelopes can be crossfaded for changing rhythmic motion.
- The focused envelope workflow suits pumping, gating, and custom gain-shape tasks without a large multi-effect interface.
Description
STFU is a tempo-synced volume shaper from ZEEK for drawing sidechain-style ducking, rhythmic gates, and repeatable gain movement without setting up a compressor input. Its envelope follows the host BPM or can be triggered by MIDI notes, giving producers a direct way to make a bass, pad, or group breathe around a programmed kick pattern.
The plugin is built around quick envelope editing rather than a large effect rack. Sample-accurate triggering keeps repeated shapes aligned with the DAW timeline, while MIDI triggering makes the movement independent of an audio sidechain signal and can be useful where a synth's own volume envelope is too limited.
STFU also exposes its envelope as CV for compatible hosts and modular plug-ins. That makes the same drawn shape useful beyond gain control, whether it is driving a rhythmic modulation lane or coordinating movement across several devices.
Two separate envelopes can be prepared and crossfaded, so a static pump can evolve into a gate, a softer groove, or another custom motion over time. Community recommendations commonly frame it as a compact alternative to dedicated volume-shaping tools for electronic production, especially when MIDI-controlled ducking is the goal.
The current ZEEK page offers version 1.0.4 as 64-bit macOS and Windows installers, with VST3 and Audio Unit support listed on the page. The same developer-controlled page visibly provides the platform download buttons, so it remains the configured external destination rather than the discovery directory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does STFU do?
STFU draws and plays back volume envelopes to create sidechain-style ducking, rhythmic gates, and other gain movement. It can follow the host tempo or respond to MIDI-note triggers.
Do I need to route a kick into STFU to create pumping?
No. STFU can synchronize its envelope to the host BPM, so you can draw a repeatable ducking shape directly. MIDI notes provide another trigger option when you want the shape tied to a pattern rather than an audio input.
Can STFU control something other than volume?
Yes, the developer states that STFU can output CV for compatible hosts and modular plug-ins. That lets the same envelope act as a modulation source where the receiving environment supports CV routing.
Can I change between different envelope shapes during a track?
Yes. STFU supports two separate envelopes and a crossfade between them. This makes it possible to move between two prepared volume motions rather than using one fixed curve throughout the arrangement.
