Luxora Audio has released Lox Vocal Preamp and Lux Sub-Bass, a pair of free saturation plugins for Windows and macOS.
These are some of the most polished-looking freeware effects I’ve tested recently, with slick interfaces that are right on par with paid plugins. Of course, I don’t mind minimal GUIs either, but these look top-notch.
But it’s the sound quality that really caught my ear in this case. Both freebies from Luxora sound very musical, and I absolutely love the color they add to vocals and a couple of bass guitar recordings I used for testing purposes.
I have a gut feeling that Luxora Audio is using a dynamic IR sampling technology similar to what Acustica Audio became known for. It’s just a guess, based on the quality sound and notably high CPU usage, and I can’t confirm that for sure.
Based on the website info, both plugins are powered by Luxora’s proprietary Hyper Technology Engine, which promises high-resolution oversampling and analog-modeled signal paths. Whether or not it uses Acustica Audio-style dynamic sampling, I’m not sure.
Lox Vocal Preamp is designed for adding analog saturation and a bit of musical EQ to vocal tracks. It features a one-knob saturation control that delivers a smooth, tube-like warmth, even before engaging the EQ.
The saturation is inspired by vintage 12AX7 tubes and provides subtle harmonic color without harshness. When you do bring in the EQ, it offers a carefully tuned curve that’s great for quick vocal shaping.
You can also bypass the EQ entirely and just use it as a saturator in a mixing or mastering chain.
Lux Sub-Bass targets the low end, especially sub-heavy elements like 808s, bass guitars, and drum buses.
Like its vocal counterpart, it focuses on saturation and EQ, but this time tailored for low-frequency material. The saturation is modeled after 12AU7 tubes and adds depth without overwhelming the mix.
It’s surprisingly smooth for a saturation plugin that sounds so good on bass. The oversampling keeps aliasing in check. The EQ section helps shape the subs precisely, with enough finesse to prevent mud.
I found both plugins super easy to use. Just push the input until it sounds right, then fine-tune with the saturation and EQ.
The CPU usage is on the higher side, especially with the EQ engaged. But the quality justifies the cost if your system can handle it.
Lux Vocal Preamp and Lux Sub-Bass are available for free. You’ll need to register to download them, but it’s a quick process. Both plugins come in VST3, AU, and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.
Download: Lux Vocal Preamp / Lux Sub Bass
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Last Updated on August 4, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
