Producers Gain a New Saturation Tool with THE/AUDIO/FIRM’s FURNACE

THE/AUDIO/FIRM has released its first plug-in, FURNACE, a saturation tool built around tape, transformer, and tube stages shaped through real-time neural network modeling. The company was formed by mix and mastering engineer Sean J Vincent and Fazertone DSP developer Vic Lewis. Their collaboration centered on building a processor that responds like analogue hardware without adding workflow friction or turning the interface into a science project. FURNACE arrives with a clear layout, mid-side routing, and a collection of presets that move quickly from subtle tone shaping to heavier distortion. THE/AUDIO/FIRM’s FURNACE plug-in can be bought directly from Fazertone for £45.00 GBP/€50.00 EUR/ $59.99 USD — a 14-day trial version without any limitation is also available to download — here: https://www.fazertone.com/plugin/furnace Three Independent Saturation Circuits Modeled From Hardware FURNACE offers three saturation stages that operate independently: 456, TFM, and AX7. Each one was captured from specific hardware stages and rebuilt through Fazertone’s neural network pipeline. 456 reflects the response of a half-inch tape machine loaded with Ampex 456. The stage behaves with predictable tape compression and harmonic lift, and the DRIVE range stays within the boundaries of musical tape behaviour. TFM comes from a pair of 1084 input stages and a secondary output transformer. AX7 is based on long-plate 12AX7 tubes pushed into a Lundahl transformer. Users can blend stages, automate MIX levels, and send saturation to the mid or side field through the m/s control. Additional controls round out the workflow. The X button adds a small transformer-driven curve and a lift at the top end. HI BOOST introduces extra presence when needed. The plug-in responds cleanly at low INPUT levels for gentle tone work on individual channels or mix buses. Pushing INPUT into higher ranges produces heavier distortion suitable for guitars, drums, or synth lines. Neural Network Modeling and Workflow Design The design process for FURNACE started with Vincent’s concept and interface direction. Fazertone handled circuit analysis, neural network training, and real-time implementation. The goal was to keep the response consistent with the physical gear while maintaining low latency and predictable operation inside a DAW. FURNACE reacts to transients and harmonic content with a behaviour that feels natural, and the plug-in avoids the exaggerated extremes often found in algorithmic saturation tools. FURNACE ships with presets that cover channel work, group coloration, parallel distortion, and heavier mix effects. This gives producers a quick entry point before adjusting DRIVE, MIX, or the m/s field for final tone placement. FURNACE is available now in AAX, AU, and VST3 formats for macOS and Windows. Pricing is 45 GBP / 50 EUR / 59.99 USD. A 14-day unrestricted trial is also available. Learn more and download the demo at: https://www.fazertone.com/plugin/furnace The post Producers Gain a New Saturation Tool with THE/AUDIO/FIRM’s FURNACE appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.