Megaphone by AudioThing

Bullhorn and Loudspeaker Emulation

Megaphone is a character effect designed to transform clean audio into the unmistakable sound of amplified speech played through a bullhorn or PA loudspeaker. Rather than focusing on fidelity, it emphasizes narrow bandwidth, distortion, and noise, capturing the raw and commanding quality associated with public address systems.

The plugin is built around the idea of sound being projected outward through a small, overdriven speaker. This makes it especially effective for vocals, dialogue, and effects that need to sound confrontational, distant, or deliberately degraded.

Loudspeaker Character and Distortion

Megaphone features two distinct loudspeaker modes, each offering a different tonal character. Both focus on midrange presence, reduced low and high frequencies, and a slightly harsh response that cuts through a mix. These characteristics mirror the physical limitations of real-world megaphones and PA speakers.

An overdrive stage adds grit and aggression, allowing the sound to range from mildly rough to heavily distorted. Bandwidth control further shapes the tone, helping to dial in anything from narrow, nasal speech to slightly fuller loudspeaker coloration.

Feedback and Slapback Echo

A dedicated feedback section simulates the interaction between a loudspeaker and a nearby microphone. This introduces a short slapback-style echo that adds realism and space, recreating the sensation of sound bouncing back into the system.

At higher settings, the feedback can become unstable, producing familiar ringing tones and resonances. This behavior makes Megaphone particularly effective for dramatic sound design moments, transitions, and experimental effects.

Mechanical Noise and Imperfection

To enhance realism, Megaphone includes a noise section that recreates the physical sounds associated with using a bullhorn. Button clicks and background speaker noise can be blended into the signal, adding a tactile, mechanical layer.

The noise can be static or dynamically triggered by the input signal, allowing it to follow transients and speech patterns. This helps place the processed audio in a believable physical context rather than sounding like a simple filter effect.

A Tool for Character and Impact

Megaphone excels when clarity is less important than attitude. It can make vocals sound commanding, turn instruments into gritty announcements, or add authenticity to sound effects and dialogue in film, games, and podcasts.

By combining loudspeaker modeling, distortion, feedback, and noise, Megaphone offers a focused and effective way to give audio a bold, lo-fi identity that immediately grabs attention.