UVI Shade

Introduction

UVI Shade is an idea I’ve wanted to bring to life for years. As someone who has spent a lot of time producing music, I’ve come to appreciate the power of traditional equalizers but also recognized their limitations. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of Shade, not just as a tool, but as something that reflects a long-standing vision for a more flexible, creative, and powerful approach to sound design.

The 3 Key Concepts Behind Its Design

Concept 1: The Power of the Blank Slate

when designing Shade was to keep the interface as clean as possible, with only useful knobs and controls. Each knob has a purpose because every unnecessary control adds complexity to the interface and can intimidate new users. A good interface must meet the needs of both beginners and experienced users alike.

The main advantage of the blank page approach is that it imposes no limitations. You’re not restricted to 8 filters or 3 modulators, instead, you have an “Add” button that lets you include exactly what you need, and only what you need.

Other developers, like Kilohearts with their synth Phase Plant, also embrace this “blank page” philosophy, and it inspired the way I approached the modulation layout in Shade. Simplicity and modularity were key principles throughout the design process, ensuring that users could dive into Shade without needing a manual but still have access to deep, powerful features when they need them.

Shown below is Shade’s startup interface: a blank canvas waiting for users to add their elements.

Concept 2: One use case require only one tool

Ergonomics play a huge role in how a tool is used in the studio. I’m a firm believer in the idea that one (or many) use case should require only one tool. For example, if I want to EQ a track, I should have an EQ plugin that covers all my needs. I don’t want to waste time switching between multiple tools, which is not only inefficient but disrupts the creative flow.

This is where standard equalizers without modulation fall short. You start by adjusting your shelf filter, but then you might realize that modulating that filter adds something interesting. Suddenly, you have to abandon your EQ and move to a completely different modular tool. That breaks the workflow. As a rule, you shouldn’t have to replace the tool mid-process as your creative idea evolves, you should just be able to dig deeper into the same tool.

I also think it’s counterproductive to sell packs of several different compressors or EQs when it would be much more efficient to unify them into a single, powerful tool. This principle of having one comprehensive solution is core to Shade’s design, and it extends to every module, filters, modulators, and the plugin itself. That’s how we’ve ensured Shade’s ergonomics remain seamless and user-friendly.

Concept 2 can be summed up as: one tool to rule them all!

Concept 3: The Benefits of Modularity and Generic Design

As a producer myself, I fully understand the frustration that comes when an idea sparks, but the tool at hand just can’t make it happen. A good sound design tool, for me, is one where you’re never limited by the tool itself. Anything you can think of should be realizable simply and quickly.

Nothing is more powerful in this regard than modularity. Building with generic building blocks, where each piece fits and works together like Legos, offers the most flexibility. Modular creativity allows for an immense variety of configurations, making it much more suitable and satisfying for creative work compared to rigid, fixed layouts.

As a developer, one of my principles is to avoid making artistic choices on behalf of the user. While there are times when guidance is necessary, it’s generally best to refrain from imposing your vision. After all, the artist understands their needs and how to achieve the desired sound better than anyone else. Therefore, tools should be designed to be generic and unbiased, allowing users the freedom to explore their creativity without limitations.

With Shade, you have the freedom to combine, tweak, and modulate every element. The possibilities are endless, and that’s exactly what I wanted to achieve, a tool that never hinders creativity.

Filters and DSP: The Core of Shade

One of the most fun parts of creating Shade was designing the filters. I spent a lot of time diving into the mathematics to create unique, creative, and smooth-sounding filter transformations. I worked with everything from phasers to flangers, nesting equations within each other to achieve more complex effects.

In the end, Shade features 35 filters, each meticulously designed for versatility and performance. The range of filters includes traditional digital models and more esoteric, creative options, all of which allow users to push the boundaries of sound shaping.

I also owe a special thanks to Rémy Muller, who collaborated on the project to integrate non-linear analog filter models. These filters bring subtle saturation and warmth, adding a distinct color to certain presets.

Below is a screenshot of a shade preset featuring two modulated filters.

The Modulators: Powerful and Streamlined

My goal for the modulators was the same as for everything else in Shade: provide the minimum number of tools that cover the maximum number of use cases. This approach ensures the interface remains intuitive and clean while delivering incredible depth for more advanced users.

One of the key features of Shade is its per-channel modulation capability, which allows for creative effects like phase-shifting LFOs to create stereo width.

It’s also crucial to be mindful of existing standards. Users come with knowledge from other tools, and this is valuable. We’ve studied shortcuts and workflows from the major DAWs and other popular software, ensuring Shade fits smoothly into a user’s existing setup.

Here’s the first sketch I made of several modulators, taken from my work notebook.

The Final Product: A Sound Designer’s Dream

Shade breaks the mold of what a filter or EQ can do. It’s modular, flexible, and incredibly powerful, giving users the freedom to experiment and create without limits. Every part of Shade, from its 35 filters to its deep modulation system, was built to inspire creativity and unlock new sonic possibilities.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional EQ or venturing into radical sound design, Shade is your all-in-one solution. The only limit is your imagination. I’m proud of what we’ve built with Shade, and I hope it inspires you to take your sound design further than ever before.

Check out the overview videos below to see it in action. Feel free to give it a try, and let your creativity run wild!

Get more information at UVI Website.