Design-S is an 11-band vocoder plugin crafted to capture the essence of classic hardware units from the '80s and '90s electro music scene. It offers a distinctive voice-shaping experience through its Frequency Control section, allowing users to alter the tonal character of the processed signal. Additionally, the Peak Fall Speed slider functions similarly to a release parameter, providing smooth transitions and dynamic control over the sound's envelope.

This vocoder requires two input signals routed via your DAW's mixer channels: the left input serves as the carrier, typically an instrument, while the right input acts as the modulator, such as vocals or drums. This setup enables rich and expressive vocal effects by blending the harmonic content of the carrier with the rhythmic or melodic qualities of the modulator. All parameters within the plugin can be automated, offering detailed control over the effect throughout your production.

Underneath its user-friendly interface, Design-S employs advanced infinite impulse response (IIR) filters and multithreading to ensure efficient performance. The core filtering engine is developed in C++ for speed, while the graphical interface is built using C# (.NET), providing a responsive and intuitive user experience. This combination ensures that the plugin delivers authentic vocoder tones while maintaining smooth operation within modern digital audio workstations.