Rast Sound has launched Redwood, an analog colour effects rack plugin that combines tape modelling, passive equalisation, and variable tube compression. The plugin is designed to provide a single processing environment for adding harmonic texture, tonal shaping, and dynamics processing to individual tracks, buses, and mixes.
Redwood is organised as a three-stage rack, with Tape, Passive EQ, and Valve Comp processors. Each stage can be used independently or combined, while users can drag the modules into different positions to select from six possible signal orders. According to Rast Sound, changing the order affects the signal received by each subsequent processor.
The Tape stage is intended to model aspects of magnetic tape, including density and harmonic colour. Its Texture and Weight controls are provided for adjusting the character of the processing, while the drive level influences the tape response. Rast Sound describes the stage as suitable for adding body to vocals, weight to bass material, or a layer of texture across multiple parts.
The Passive EQ module draws on the design approach of vintage passive hardware equalisers and provides broad tonal curves. Its low-frequency controls allow boost and attenuation to be used together, with the stated purpose of shaping low-end weight and definition. Separate high-frequency boost and cut controls allow users to raise high-frequency content and then reduce its edge where required.
Redwood’s Valve Comp stage is a variable tube compressor inspired by classic hardware designs. It uses program-dependent compression and includes selectable styles alongside attack and recovery controls. The module is intended for applications ranging from preserving an initial transient to bringing up room detail between hits, or applying compression across a full mix.
The plugin also includes mid/side processing options. Users can process the full stereo image, focus processing on the centre channel, or apply it to the stereo sides, using the same shared rack and control set.
For level-aware comparison, Redwood includes RMS Match, which gradually brings the average processed level closer to the input level. Rast Sound describes this as a listening aid for comparing processed and bypassed signals, rather than a limiter or loudness-targeting function.
Redwood is available from the Rast Sound website for €129, with an introductory price of €79. A free 15-day demo version is also available.
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