RC-20 Retro Color Download — Trial and Install Guide

Andrei Lupei · June 18, 2026 · 7 min read

XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color has a 10-day fully functional trial. Here is the complete download and installation walkthrough.

▸ This piece ran on Cubase 14.0.20 — Windows 11 23H2, Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Buffer 256.

Download via XLN Audio Online Installer

1. Download the XLN Audio Online Installer (free) from PluginGrab or XLN Audio's site
2. Create a free XLN Audio account if you don't have one
3. Log in to the Online Installer
4. Find RC-20 Retro Color and click "Try"
5. The plugin downloads and installs to your VST3/AU folder
6. 10-day trial activates immediately

System requirements

Windows 10 64-bit or macOS 10.14+. VST2, VST3, AU, AAX. Approximately 200 MB disk space. CPU impact is low — RC-20 runs on 20+ simultaneous instances without issue.

Plugin folder location

• Windows: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\ (VST3), C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST2\ (VST2)
• macOS: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ and /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ (AU)

After install: first steps

Open your DAW, run a plugin scan, and load RC-20 Retro Color on any audio track. Start with the factory presets browser (top-left dropdown). Select "Vinyl Master" for a classic lo-fi character, "Tape Warmth" for subtle analog warmth, or "Radio Transmission" for an extreme telephone effect.

After the 10-day trial

RC-20 deactivates at $99. XLN Audio runs regular sales where RC-20 drops to $49-59. If you're evaluating near a sale period, the 10-day trial timing matters. The full purchase unlocks permanent access with all future updates.

Reference: RC-20 Retro Color is developed by XLN Audio. Their official site publishes release notes, system requirements, and legal purchase options.