Spice FX - Open Source Edition

A high-quality analog saturation VST3/AU/LV2 plugin with multiple distortion models. Open sourced in October 2025.

Screenshot

Features

• Multiple analog saturation models:
  • Tube (12AX7 vacuum tube warmth and harmonics)
  • Transistor (solid-state edge and grit)
  • Transformer (iron core saturation)
  • Tape (magnetic tape compression)
  • Diode (asymmetric clipping)
  • Germanium (vintage transistor warmth)
  • FET (field-effect transistor smoothness)
  • Op-Amp (operational amplifier precision)
  • Fuzz (extreme distortion)
  • Ribbon (ribbon mic saturation)
• Advanced features:
  • Mid-side processing
  • Cabinet simulation (10 models)
  • Noise gate
  • Output limiter
  • Auto-gain compensation
• Multi-stage processing chain
• High-quality oversampling (up to 4x)
• Professional analog-modeled UI
• Full automation support
• 50+ factory presets

Installation

Windows Security Notice

Windows users: You may see a SmartScreen warning when running Spice FX. This is because the software is not digitally signed (code signing certificates are expensive). The software is safe - see WINDOWS_SECURITY_NOTICE.md for details and verification instructions.

Installation by Platform

Windows

1. Download Spice-Windows.zip and the corresponding -checksums.txt file
2. Verify the download integrity using the checksums (see security notice)
3. Extract the ZIP file
4. Copy the VST3 folder to C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
5. Run the standalone exe from any location

macOS

1. Download Spice-macOS.dmg
2. Open the DMG and drag the plugins to your plugin folders:
   • VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
   • AU: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
   • Standalone: /Applications

Linux

1. Download the appropriate version for your distribution
2. Extract the archive
3. Copy the plugins to:
   • VST3: ~/.vst3 or /usr/lib/vst3
   • LV2: ~/.lv2 or /usr/lib/lv2
   • Standalone: Run from any location

Building from Source

Requirements

• C++17 or later
• CMake 3.15 or later
• JUCE 8.0.8
• Platform-specific build tools:
  • Windows: Visual Studio 2022
  • macOS: Xcode
  • Linux: GCC/Clang, GTK3 development headers

Build Instructions

# Clone with submodules
git clone --recursive https://github.com/DatanoiseTV/spice-oss.git
cd spice-prod

# Configure and build
cmake -B build -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release
cmake --build build --config Release

# The built plugins will be in:
# build/Spice_artefacts/Release/