Gem Dopamine

Overloud’s DOPAMINE is a unique audio enhancer that emulates two classic tape encoding processors, designed to revive individual tracks and complex mixes while preserving their natural tone. Unlike typical exciters, DOPAMINE dynamically balances existing harmonics without generating non-existent ones, avoiding unpleasant artifacts. Key features include:

• Replicates the enhancing effect of tape noise reduction units
• Simulates two classic processors: the 180 and the 361
• Simulates two cartridges: the A-Type and the Stressor
• Naturally enhances audio by balancing the harmonic content
• Allows you to tweak the dynamic action of the effect
• Very low CPU usage: you can open the plugin on each track of the session with a negligible processor load
• Presets designed during real mixing sessions

How Does It Work?

Overloud’s DOPAMINE models a specific type of enhancer used in early forms of magnetic tape noise reduction. In the original units, the tape was encoded by dynamically brightening the signal, which was then decoded during playback by filtering the extra brightness, consequently reducing tape hiss. Audio engineers found that the tape encoding process had a desirable effect on many kinds of audio, so they started using this process in parallel with the original tracks to add liveliness. DOPAMINE replicates this process.