Brand new colors for your RC-20 – mix-ready Artist presets just dropped
Your favorite plugin just got new colors.
For almost a decade, RC-20 Retro Color has shaped the sound of modern music, in everything from Lo-Fi bedroom beats to chart-topping productions. Known for its ability to add warmth, texture, and life to any sound, it’s become a go-to tool for producers who want to add just the right amount of character.
This new release introduces artist presets designed in collaboration with Bad Snacks, K Fresh, Johnnybgood, and The Kount — four producers who each bring their own distinct approach to RC-20’s sound.
A decade of character. Refreshed.
RC-20 has been part of the creative toolkit for thousands of producers, engineers, and songwriters around the world. Whether it’s subtle tape saturation, washed-out reverb tails, or bit-crushed breakdowns, the plugin has always invited experimentation.
We reached out to four long-time users, artists who rely on RC-20 in their day-to-day production, and asked them to share their own takes on the plugin.
The result is a set of new presets that highlight RC-20’s range, versatility, and enduring charm.
Meet the preset makers
The Kount — Groove and saturation
A cornerstone of the modern beatmaking community, The Kount has built a reputation for his impeccable rhythm and analog sensibility. His RC-20 presets bring that same energy — punchy, saturated, and full of warmth — to drums, samples, and melodies alike.
“I always compare beatmaking to cooking. Good ingredients will get you far but you still need seasoning. RC-20 is an artisan spice rack.”
| Cheeky Organ | Adds sly midrange charm and a vintage grin to your organs and keys |
| Handbell Shot | Some sparkle and width for metallic hits that shine with warmth |
| Kick Trick | Brings kicks to life with booming drive and tape noise that adds weight and old-school grit |
| Who Sampled? | Makes anything sound like a forgotten gem – warm, worn, and ready to loop |
Bad Snacks — Texture and movement
Known for her lush instrumentals and vibrant sound design, Bad Snacks uses RC-20 to add motion and atmosphere. Alien Broadcast and Rhythm Destroyer turn rhythmic groups into shifting, noisy textures, while Warm Low Focus wraps your mix in a soft, low-end glow, “a sonic hug,” as she calls it. Her presets push RC-20 into more experimental territory, perfect for risers, transitions, and ambient layers.
“As a long-time RC-20 user, it was so much fun to explore new angles and push what I normally do. I loved using the envelope-following noise and distortion to completely destroy drums and textures in the best way. It’s such a versatile and timeless plugin.”
| Alien Broadcast | Adds shimmer and evolving noise textures, perfect for risers, fills, and dreamy transitions |
| Rhythm Destroyer | Noise-gate bitcrusher combo that adds more voices to the mix with any rhythm group |
| Warm Low Focus | A sonic warm hug that adds a bit of low hum for extra richness |
| Floating | Super spacey, mid-focus reverb with a little bit of flux unpredictability to give it character |
K Fresh — Heat and bounce
K Fresh’s presets hit with flavor. Built for Hip-Hop, Trap, and Lo-Fi. They bring punch, swagger, and rhythm to every beat. 808 Rooster is “like hot sauce for your 808s,” Afro Sheen gives your drums a rhythmic shine, and Chilli Mango sweetens the vibe. Each preset grooves with personality.
“I enjoyed experimenting with new textures and tones while designing presets in RC-20. It was both a challenge and a creative thrill to craft something fresh that truly reflected my sound and personal taste.”
| 808 Rooster | It’s like hot sauce for your 808, a booster for the rooster |
| 808 Trappers | Adds an unique booming presence for your 808s |
| Afro Sheen | A little activator for your drums, with a polished rhythmic shine |
| Chilli Mango | A little mangle for your chill samples, use on keys for a flavorful Lo-Fi twist |
Johnnybgood — Musical warmth meets playful texture
Johnnybgood’s presets are all about musicality and finding emotion in imperfection. Crispy Drums adds light, crunchy sparkle to your drum bus (inspired by the sound of Aphex Twin’s “Flim”), while 8Bit Lullaby turns your instruments into something straight out of a Game Boy. Nostalgic, yet modern.
“My gateway into electronic music was Flim by Aphex Twin, making my own version of that sound in RC-20 has brought my love of electronic music full circle.”
| Crispy Drums | Makes drums more crunchy, adds sparkle to high end, tightens up low end |
| 8Bit Lullaby | Makes your instruments sound like they’re coming from a Game Boy with a lush, modern glow. |
| Snare Bottom | Use on snare channel if you don’t have a bottom snare mic, for more dimension and realism |
| Make It a Synth Bass | Turn a sine wave into an epic synth bass |
Update and explore
Available now as a free update for all RC-20 owners, these presets will appear automatically once you update through the XLN Online Installer.
