Free Plugin: Haven Audio’s CODA

Good news for music producers and sound designers – Haven Audio has released CODA, a free mix enhancer plugin for macOS and Windows.

CODA comes from Kyle Stemberger, the mind behind Haven Audio and a creator of popular sample packs and loops.

The plugin is described as a “Dynamic Phase Smasher,” which might sound extreme, but its purpose is to enhance mixes in a way that avoids the heavy-handedness of compressors and limiters.

Phase-smashing works by smearing the phase of a sound across a frequency range, creating unique transient enhancements without boosting gain. That means you keep clarity and headroom while still adding impact.

If you’ve ever used Kilohearts’ Disperser, or its free clone Disburser, you’ll recognize the concept. CODA brings a similar effect but in a stripped-down and free package.

The interface is as simple as it gets: two knobs, Amount and Focus.

Amount sets how many all-pass filters are stacked, with up to 60 available. You can also drag a marker across the spectrum to decide where they’re applied.

Focus works like an EQ’s Q factor, shaping resonance and sharpening transients without harshness.

Depending on where you place CODA in the frequency range, you can add clarity, punch, or even venture into sound design territory. Subtle moves enhance mixes, while pushing it further leads to experimental textures.

CODA runs in AU and VST3 formats for macOS and Windows, making it a lightweight but powerful addition to your toolkit.

Final thoughts: CODA is one of those plugins that proves simplicity can be powerful. With just two knobs, it can take a mix from flat to alive, or push sounds into creative new directions.

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Download Haven Audio’s CODA for Free: https://havenaud.io/collections/plug-ins/products/coda