The Klanghabitat Lyra:mb is a meticulously crafted plugin, designed to emulate the unique analogue saturation circuit found in the 500-series Cassiopeia & Lyra units. By limiting the tube's headroom instead of pushing it beyond specification with gain, the Lyra:mb achieves a smooth, soft saturation, offering a wide sweet spot without the harshness often associated with tube distortion.
Analogue Saturation Circuit Design
At the core of the Lyra:mb lies a highly specialised analogue saturation circuit, which is the key to its distinct sound. Unlike traditional methods that increase gain to push a tube beyond its limit, the Lyra:mb uses a more controlled approach by limiting the tube’s headroom, much like a Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA). This results in a consistent, musical saturation that remains smooth and natural, even at higher settings. The plugin delivers an expansive sweet spot, making it suitable for a variety of applications where subtle harmonic enhancement is desired.
No Dongle, No Internet Activation
The Lyra:mb operates without the need for a dongle or constant internet connection for activation. Once the installer is downloaded, users can easily install and run the plugin on multiple computers, as long as they are the primary user. Future updates to the software will be provided free of charge to all registered users, ensuring continuous access to improvements and new features.
System Requirements and Compatibility
The plugin is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems. It supports macOS 10.13 and above (64-bit, Apple Silicon native) and Windows 10 (64-bit). The Lyra:mb works seamlessly with all major DAWs, including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, and many others, offering broad compatibility for producers and engineers across various platforms.
Features and Capabilities
The Lyra:mb offers a suite of advanced features designed for professionals seeking high-quality audio processing. The plugin includes four fully customisable frequency bands, enabling precise control over the tonal balance of the signal. Users can adjust each band independently, tailoring the saturation to their specific needs for optimal results. The Lyra:mb also boasts up to 16x oversampling, providing superior audio quality and reducing aliasing artefacts even at higher settings.
Additionally, the plugin features an integrated spectrum analyser, which allows users to visualise the frequency response and gain better insight into the processing happening in real-time. This tool aids in making informed decisions during mixing and mastering, enhancing workflow efficiency.