MakeItLoud
Key Features
- Combines compression and distortion in one streamlined effect for louder, more characterful sources.
- Central Boost control gives fast access to the main intensity adjustment.
- Input and output gain sliders make level staging part of the same workflow.
- Three preset compression modes provide quick starting points for different material.
- Custom mode unlocks threshold, ratio, attack, and release adjustments.
- Separate Compress and full Bypass controls let you compare dynamics and saturation choices.
- Single installer archive covers VST3 on Windows and VST3/AU on macOS.
Description
MakeItLoud is a compression-and-distortion effect from DirektDSP for quickly adding level, density, and edge to an audio source. Its focused interface puts input, output, and Boost controls up front, making it a practical choice when you want to drive a sound forward without assembling a separate compressor and saturator chain.
Three preset compression modes provide fast starting points, while Custom Settings exposes threshold, ratio, attack, and release for more deliberate dynamics work. Compression can be switched out independently, so the gain and saturation side of the effect can remain part of the sound-design decision.
The combined approach suits drum rooms, bass, synths, guitars, and vocal effects where controlled squashing and harmonic bite belong in the same move. It is intentionally direct rather than a deep multiband or mastering processor, so it works best when speed and character matter more than detailed signal routing.
MakeItLoud is delivered as one 71 MB installer archive for Windows and macOS. The developer-controlled itch.io page offers it on a name-your-own-price basis with a zero-price option and no personal-information requirement reported by independent coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MakeItLoud do?
MakeItLoud combines compression and distortion so you can increase density and character from one effect. Its main controls are input gain, output gain, and Boost, with optional deeper compression adjustment.
Can I edit the compression settings directly?
Yes. Select Custom Settings to access threshold, ratio, attack, and release; the other three modes provide preset compression behavior.
Can I use the saturation without compression?
Yes. The documentation says the Compress button bypasses compression separately, while the main Bypass control turns off the whole plugin including saturation and gain.
How is MakeItLoud obtained?
The official DirektDSP itch.io page is a name-your-own-price download with a zero-price option. It lists a 71 MB archive that contains the Windows and macOS installers.
