Cableguys released HalfTime, the only plugin 100% dedicated to half-speed effects, in use by Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, members of 808 Mafia, The Chemical Brothers and more.
These names might be a bit misleading though: while this is a fantastic tool for all beatmaers, it’s also a new must-have if you’re into ambient, soundscapes and drone music (I bet David Lynch will love it!).
HalfTime transforms any audio into a dark, downtempo version of itself, giving your tracks huge mood and atmosphere. Lead synths mutate into heavyweight EDM bass monsters. Plinky piano lines become haunting trap melodies. Percussion thickens, expanding to reveal new rhythmic possibilities.
Add the plugin for an instant half-speed effect with zero setup, or go in deep with powerful creative controls. HalfTime works on loops, virtual instruments or even live audio input, inspiring you in seconds.
Take a listen to the sweet sound demos from Soundcloud:
The hands-on Power button makes it easy to fit HalfTime into your tracks — create a rapid switch or sink in slowly with smooth fades up to 16 bars.
Three speed modes give you classic half-speed, tight harmonies and shuffling swing rhythms, and drugged-out quad-time playback.
Adjustable Loop length allows multi-bar slow-downs, funky syncopations and totally new grooves. Slow only the lows, mids or highs with the Band split — generate deep bass movement, fatten midrange percussion, or flip your top-end on its head.
Key Features:
- Instant setup: Add the plugin – get an instant half-speed effect with no setup.
- Power button: Punch the large central button to activate the effect – automate in your DAW.
- Fade In/Out: Introduce the effect instantly, or fade in across up to 16 bars.
- 3 speed Modes: 2x for the classic “half-speed” effect. 1.5x for perfect fifth harmonies and triplet rhythms. 4x speed for drugged-out quad-time playback.
- Band Split: Half-speed just the bass, treble or midrange for trippy effects.
- Band Solo: Hear just the slowed frequency range – use it to hone the effect, as a filter, or to blend using the Mix control.
- Dry/Wet Mix: Blend the original and slowed audio.
- Loop Length: Set the Loop from 1/16 up to 8 bars – keep the original timing, stretch it to half speed, or create catchy new rhythms.
- Smooth: Preserve transient punch with Percussive mode, and avoid clicks and pops on sustained material with Sustain mode. Or push it to extremes with creative FX and Swell options.
Pricing & Availability:
HalfTime is available now for €10 / $12 (incl. VAT) from the Cableguys website, and it’s free for TimeShaper owners.
