ToneShaper
Key Features
- Independent Tone and Body controls make broad brightening, darkening, thinning, and weight adjustments quick to audition
- Passive-style signal path loses approximately 20 dB internally before the dedicated clean Output gain restores level
- No nonlinear processing elements are used, keeping the effect focused on frequency balance rather than saturation
- High-shelf-like Tone curve changes top-end character without tying the low end to the same control
- Body control targets low-mid and midrange fullness for reducing congestion or supporting a thin source
- Resizable interface scales from 50% to 200%, with an I/O bypass control for fast level-matched comparison
- Native macOS and Windows releases cover the current major DAW plug-in formats, including AU on macOS
Description
ToneShaper is a passive-style tone-control EQ from Analog Obsession for broad balance changes rather than detailed corrective work. Its Tone control uses an unusual high-shelf-like curve to darken or brighten a source, while the independent Body control adds or removes low-mid and midrange weight.
The circuit intentionally incurs roughly 20 dB of passive gain loss and restores it with clean output gain. Analog Obsession specifies no nonlinear elements in the signal path, so it is intended to reshape spectral balance without adding saturation or modeled analog color.
This small control set makes ToneShaper useful when a vocal, synth, guitar, drum bus, or full mix needs less thickness, extra body, a darker edge, or more brightness without opening several parametric bands. The interface resizes from 50% to 200%, and an I/O control provides bypass.
Version 1.0 is available for macOS and Windows, with VST3 and AAX Native builds on both platforms; macOS also includes AU. The official release post provides direct installer links and notes Metal support for macOS and OpenGL support for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ToneShaper a tilt EQ?
No. Tone can darken or brighten a source in a tilt-EQ-like way, but Body is a separate low-mid and midrange control rather than the opposite side of one linked curve. That lets you change brightness without automatically changing perceived weight.
Does ToneShaper add analog-style saturation?
No. Analog Obsession describes the design as fully passive with no nonlinear elements in the signal path. The gain recovery and Output control are intended to remain clean.
How can I keep a larger ToneShaper interface size in my DAW?
The interface can be resized from 50% to 200% using the bottom-right handle. Analog Obsession recommends resizing it before changing controls, then saving that state as the DAW's default preset for new instances.
Are there graphics-card requirements?
Yes. The official post says macOS builds require a graphics card that supports Metal, while Windows builds require OpenGL support. Those requirements are separate from the listed macOS and Windows operating-system support.
