Heretic - Multi-Mode Distortion Console

[WiredSaint]

Hi everyone,

Heretic is a multi-mode distortion console with five distinct processing engines assignable to three adjustable bands. I've recently updated it to v1.3, which includes a highly-requested resizing option among other improvements.

v1.3 changes:

• Plugin resizing: The plugin window is now resizable up to 200%, and there is a dropdown offering preset scales (100% / 125% / 150% / 175% / 200%).
• Licensing updates: Reworked licensing to support multiple products (Heretic and Oracle). Also added a deactivate button in the plugin that makes it easy to free up a licensed activation.
• UI/UX Improvements: Polishing such as faders being set by clicking directly (versus only dragging) and a refreshed Heretic title section.

v1.2 changes:

• Multiband mode: Distortion splits into adjustable LOW/MID/HIGH bands, each running a different distortion mode, drive, shape, and EQ.
• Mode-aware scope: Live transfer curve in single-band, spectrum analyzer curve in multiband.
• Adjustable low crossover: Let your lows bypass distortion and sum back cleanly in single-band mode. Now adjustable between 40 - 250 Hz
• New factory presets: 22 curated presets dialed in for both single-band and multi-band modes.
• UI/UX & DSP improvements: Enhanced contrast and usability. Added global and band bypass, applied DSP and filter improvements, along with various quality of life improvements.

Full details about Heretic can be found on the website: wiredsaint.com/heretic


Pricing & Availability:

• Format: VST3 / AU (Windows & macOS)
• Evaluation: Full trial available
• Price: $29
• Available Now: wiredsaint.com/heretic

I'd like to hear which modes and presets are working well for you, and I'm also open to feedback for future updates.

Cheers!

[motomotomoto]

Just curious because we all have so many of these plugins now why this instead of Saturn, thermal, or any of the others?

[sandandpaint]

Just curious because we all have so many of these plugins now why this instead of Saturn, thermal, or any of the others?

it is a fraction of the price of Saturn or Thermal so value for money might be one reason - not everyone wants to spend or can afford FabFilter prices

[WiredSaint]

Just curious because we all have so many of these plugins now why this instead of Saturn, thermal, or any of the others?

That's a reasonable question. There are lots of great distortion and saturation plugins out there. I own several, but the simplest answer is that I wanted to try my hand at making my own.

I've been a hobby producer for over 20 years, and I've always wanted to make some sort of audio effects products (guitar pedals, plugins, etc). Creating a distortion plugin seemed like a good place to start.

I built Heretic with the goal of having a clean, accessible interface and a versatile selection of DSP options that sound good and are easy to tweak. I want it to be fun to use, visually appealing, and also reasonably priced compared to some of the big shops.

Lastly, I created the Heretic interface such that I can reuse it for a couple other designs. I'm working on a sibling plugin, a gritty multi-mode delay (and maybe reverb) called Oracle, which is in early development. I'm considering making a modulation plugin after that too.

Once I get these initial plugins released, and some solid experience under my belt, I'd like to try creating something more unique and/or bigger in scope.

[WiredSaint]

Hello again!

Heretic v1.3 is now live. This is a smaller update focused on polish and preparing for the upcoming release of Oracle, but contains a couple important quality of life features.

• The plugin window is now resizable up to 200%, and there is a dropdown offering preset scales (100% / 125% / 150% / 175% / 200%). The base plugin size is quite small on some screens, and multiple users requested this.
• Licensing has been reworked to support multiple products in order to differentiate Heretic and Oracle. This is a one-time change that involves an update to the licensing schema
• Added a deactivate button in the plugin that makes it easy to free up a licensed activation.
• UI polish such as faders being set by clicking directly (versus only dragging) and a refreshed Heretic title section.

I've got a list running for more creative UI/DSP updates for future releases of Heretic. Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to see included.

Thanks!
Matt

[hightyde]

Very fair priced alternative to Saturn 2, however I’m not necessarily in need of another saturation plugin at the moment.

HOWEVER….

Oracle definitely has my curiousity piqued. When can we expect a release for this one?

[WiredSaint]

Very fair priced alternative to Saturn 2, however I’m not necessarily in need of another saturation plugin at the moment.

HOWEVER….

Oracle definitely has my curiousity piqued. When can we expect a release for this one?

Oracle is actually live for purchase or trial right now. I just got the site updated to include it last night. It's nearly feature complete at this point, and I'm mainly holding back the v1.0 release for two things: Fine-tuning presets and creating marketing materials (e.g. video and audio demos).

Thanks for your interest!

[hightyde]

Suhweeeeettttt. I’ll be checking it out this coming week. Thanks for the heads up.

[WiredSaint]

Suhweeeeettttt. I’ll be checking it out this coming week. Thanks for the heads up.

That would be awesome! Would love to hear your thoughts about Oracle when you get the chance to try it out. I will be making a beta test post about it soon as well.

[Kai Enaki]

Any plans on having Heretic run on Linux?

[WiredSaint]

Any plans on having Heretic run on Linux?

I have it on my list to try building for Linux. Would you be interested in testing an early version?

[Kai Enaki]

Any plans on having Heretic run on Linux?

I have it on my list to try building for Linux. Would you be interested in testing an early version?

I can. If you want me to test Oracle, I can do that too! Just throw a DM my way when you're ready to get the ball rolling.

[pekbro]

Oracle is pretty cool.