This article will examine the top 12 reverse plugins money can buy in 2023.
This list will cover a wide range of reverse plugins, from simple audio revising effects, reverse reverb effects, time manipulation effects, plugins that come with hundreds of reversed loops, instruments, and many other effects for all your production needs.
Also, check out our favorite free alternatives towards the end of the article for any producers who don’t want to spend any money. Finally, in the summary of this article, I will talk about my favorite plugins and what I’d recommend you use them for.
Top 12 Reverse Plugins 2023 For Musicians (Instruments & Effects)
1. NI Cinematic: Rise & Hit
Rise and Hit is a massive collection of cinematic sounds created by Native Instruments.
This Kontakt instrument is perfect for adding tension to your tracks. It has over 650 Risers and over 1000 Hits, all created from a wide range of sources within the over 8GB library.
Key Features:
- Built-in Effects
Within Rising and Hit, many built-in effects help you shape your sounds. There are fine-tuning controls, compression, saturation, multiple EQs, 26 different filters, dynamic controls, distortion controls, and classic reverbs and delays. All these effects can be used on each layer for even more control over the sounds you create. - Multiple sample lengths.
Each built-in sound within Rising & Hit has multiple sample lengths. This means that once you’ve found a sound you like, you can use it in multiple ways. So whether you want a quick Woosh-type riser or a slowly built-up riser, then Rise & Hit has you covered, and the quality of the sounds will not be affected, no matter how long or short. - The Interface/Design
Rise & Hit is a very visually pleasing plugin. All the controls are labeled appropriately, so you don’t need to guess what the control does. The visual feedback when shaping your sounds is also super useful when you start, as it gives you a better understanding of how the controls affect the audio. The overall design of the plugin is nice and simplistic, Native instruments have chosen not to go for the black background with color accents style designs that are becoming more and more frequent, and it’s nice to see an original color scheme for a plugin of this caliber.
Compatibility:
This plugin requires Kontakt 5.8.1 or higher and is compatible with both the Full and Free versions of Kontakt. This plugin is available for macOS 10.11 or Higher and Windows 7 or Higher.
Summary:
This is a good plugin for all your Risers and Hit needs. The sheer number of sounds means you won’t run out of new sounds and ideas. In addition, all the built-in effects mean you don’t need to load up additional plugins saving you time and processing power.
2. Output REV
REV by Output is a Kontakt library and is the world’s first virtual instrument made with only reverse sounds.
REV isn’t a reverse effect tool. Instead, it’s a huge collection of instruments, loops, risers, and pads. All the sounds within are reversed, making it the first plugin of its kind. It has four different engines, over 1,000 patches, and a larger library of 14GB of uncompressed audio samples.
Key Features:
- Four different engines
Within REV, there are four different engines s, each with its own uniquely styled interface and purpose. I Could talk about each different patch in-depth, but that’s another article. The four engines are – Instruments, this engine contains real instruments recorded in a state-of-the-art LA studio. Timed Instruments, this engine is an expansion of the instruments patch but allows you to set note length, causing everything to be on time. Rises, this engine contains many rises, perfect for EDM tracks. Loops, This engine contains hundreds of pre-made loops with multiple octaves, speeds, stutters, and fx, perfect for making drum groves and melodies alike. - The Design
This may not be as important to some as it is to others, buts it is a key feature to mention. REV is a very visually pleasing plugin; the interface is clean and sleek, with each engine having its style, helping you differentiate which engine is which. Also, all the controls are well labeled; Output hasn’t given the controls’ cool’ names (Like using ‘sauce’ for the delay control or ‘waves’ for the reverb), which makes editing so confusing in a lot of newer plugins.
- Over 1,000 presets/patches
REV has a Huge preset Library. With over 14GB of uncompressed audio files, you will never get bored or be lost for inspiration. In addition, each engine has its own presets, making it easier for you to find the perfect sounds you’re looking for. - Sound quality
The sound quality within REV is on a whole new level. With all its instruments being recorded live in a state-of-the-art recording studio in LA, it’s easy to understand why the quality is so good. As well as the instruments sound good, the effects within REV are also extremely good, sure, you may get better sounds from external plugins designed for specific effects, but as built-in effects, the quality is better than you’d think.
Compatibility:
This plugin requires Kontakt 5.8.1 or higher and is compatible with both the Full and Free versions of Kontakt. This plugin is available for MacOS 10.11 or Higher, and Windows 7 or Higher.
Summary:
Overall, REV has a lot to offer. From its instrument’s library to its loop collection, you’ll never be bored when using it. The sheer size of its preset library means you could use it for years, and you’d still be finding new sounds and patches.
3. United Plugins Mirror
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Mirror by United Plugins is a unique and innovative Reverse Effect Tool.
If you’re looking to add some reverse reverbs to your vocals or drums, this plugin is the one for you. Mirror uses fake latency within your DAW to add reverse reverb effects to your vocals and drums before you even hear the original audio. Mirror has a clean and stylistic interface.
Key Features:
- Fake Latency
This is the standout feature of Mirrors. The plugin creates fake latency within your DAW to allow it to add reverb to your audio tracks before you hear the original audio track; this is perfect for testing out and adding reverse reverbs to your vocals or drums. - Smart Bypass
Mirror uses a smart bypass to ensure you don’t have any pops and clicks within your reverse reverbs. Most producers who create reverse reverb will know how annoying it can be to deal with pops and clicks throughout their tracks. This feature allows for a faster workflow and just an easier time in general. - Creative uses
Mirror is designed to create reverse reverbs for vocals and snares, but the creative uses don’t stop there. Throw this plugin onto Melodies, drum groves, ARPs, and pads, and you can create some creative and unique sounds. - Speeds up the workflow
Any producer who frequently creates reverse reverbs for vocals knows how tedious and time-consuming it can be. Having to create unique reverse reverbs for each start to a verse and chorus and so on can take a lot of time, so having a plugin that does it all for you and allows you to control and shape the sound without having to delete and re-bounce out the audio is so useful and time-saving.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.10 or higher (M1 and Big Sur Supported)(64-Bit only), and Windows 8 or higher (32-Bit and 64-Bit). It is VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU compatible.
Summary:
The ability to add reverse reverbs so quickly is game-changing for certain producers and sound engineers. The control you have over the sounds you create is key and the built-in effects allow you to shape your ideal sounds all within the same plugin.
The Fake Latency feature is what really makes this plugin stand out, the ability to hear the reverse reverbs in real-time is a nice feature.
4. Air Music Tech – The Riser
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The Riser by Air Music Tech is a virtual instrument for designing musical transitions.
This plugin is a powerful synth-based instrument with all of the tools to create your powerful transitions. This plugin can be used with many genres, but it’s especially useful for EDM tracks and Composing for Film/TV. The Riser has a Sci-Fi styled Interface.
Key Features:
- Three Variable Oscillators
Within The Riser, there are three different oscillators for you to use to shape your sound, Sweep, Noise, and Chord. Sweep, this oscillator creates rises, falls, stops, and swells with visual and audible feedback. Noise. This oscillator adds grit, bite, hiss, punch, and more to your sound. Chord, this oscillator allows you to shape the sound to match the racks key, contrast it, or blend it to your taste; it’s essentially the musical element. In addition, each oscillator features dedicated Filters allowing for greater shaping of the sounds produced. - A large number of Effects
There are many effects built-in to The Riser that allows you to customize further the sound produced outside of the three oscillators. For example, Tempo-Sync’d Delay, Four Reverb types (all fully customizable), Panning and Width controls, and over 20 Filters from Low-Pass to Phase Shift. If this isn’t enough, you can use all these effects within the different oscillators to create truly unique sounds. - Intuitive Randomizers
The Riser features a randomizer that will select different values for the main parameters within the plugin. This allows you to quickly create your unique sounds with the press of a button, and if this wasn’t enough to help you get inspired, there is also an invert mode. This mode inverts all your selected settings, meaning risers become falls, swells become fades, and so on. This feature gives you endless amounts of inspiration for your tracks. - A large amount of presets
With over 300 presets, you’ll never run out of inspiration for your tracks. Whether you don’t want to spend time creating your sounds and want to select one from the library or want some quick ideas, then the preset library is for you. When you combine the preset library with the invert mode, you get over 600 presets, meaning you won’t run out of inspiration for a long time.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10.8 or higher (M1 Not Supported), and Windows 7 or higher.It is VST, AAX, and AU compatible.
Summary:
The versatility of this plugin is a huge selling point. The Riser can do everything from making risers for the drop in your EDM track or creating a slow build-up of tension when composing for TV/Film. I recommend checking this plugin out for all your riser-related needs.
5. Boom Library LiftFX
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
LiftFX is a rise and fall generator by Boom Library.
This plugin allows you to create high-quality effects for your tracks instantly. It’s designed to work with genres like EDM, Trap, House, Experimental, Cinematic, and everything in between. LiftFX comes with a simple and sleek interface.
Key Features:
- Instant Effects
There’s no time wasting when you’re using this plugin. Load it up, and you’ve instantly got the effects you’re looking for. Unlike when making rises and falls yourself, there’s no need to open a bunch of plugins, bounce down the audio file, decide you want to change something, and so on. Instead, this plugin gives you the sounds you’re looking for in a matter of seconds, and you can change the sounds in real-time, allowing you to get creative. - Loads of useful presets
LiftFX Comes with over 270 presets for you to check out. You’ll never be lost for inspiration when using this plugin; all the parameters within each preset can be altered, allowing endless possibilities. The preset library has it all; from Risers and Downlifters to bass drops, there’s a lot for you to play around with. - Built-in Effects
Within LiftFX, there are several built-in effects at your disposal. High cut filters, Low cut filters, Delays, and reverbs are all built into the plugin itself, meaning there’s no need to open external plugins. You can also use automation to control these effects or, for more hands-on control, link these effects with the modwheel on your midi controllers. There are also options for Timelock, and this option means you can affect the sounds produced by the plugin but also keep the length of the previous sound, so if you’ve got a riser that starts at a specific time and ends at a specific time then changing the effects will not change this. - Playable in Real-Time
This feature gives LiftFX an advantage over other plugins on this list with its Real-Time feature. The ability to control all the parameters in real-time means this plugin has great potential for live performance. You can also use this feature when testing sounds for a more hands-on experience.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10.8 or higher (64-Bit Only), and Windows 7 or higher (64-Bit Only). It is VST, AAX, and AU compatible.
Summary:
LiftFX has a large number of useful features. Adding rises and falls in real time is super useful for live performance. The preset library is a nice touch and gives you the ability to add new flavor to your tracks quickly. If you hate the tedious process of creating rises and falls yourself, then definitely check this plugin out.
6. IK Multimedia CSR Inverse (Reverse Reverb)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
IK Multimedia CSR Inverse is a Studio Reverb Plugin.
The plugin can make a recording sound as if it were made in a different room or acoustic environment. The core feature of the plugin is converse convolution, which removes the effects of a room’s acoustics from a recorded audio signal. It uses impulse response measurements of a room to create an inverse filter that can be applied to a recording to remove the room’s acoustics.
Key Features:
- Room modeling
The plugin allows you to choose from a library of different room impulse responses, or IRs, to model different types of rooms and acoustics. This includes small rooms, large halls, and even outdoor spaces. This allows you to change the perceived location of a recording or to add reverb or echo to a dry recording. - Reverb Customization
There are knobs for mix, diffusion, reverb time, mid-slope, low slope, buildup, and more. In addition, it also has a four-band equalizer and four windows for checking four different instances of the plugin. - Multi-channel support
The plugin supports multi-channel audio, which means it can simultaneously process multiple audio channels. This makes it ideal for surround sound production and post-production. - IR editor
The plugin includes an IR editor that allows you to edit and customize the impulse responses included in the library. This can be useful for creating custom IRs for specific rooms or adjusting the IRs to match the characteristics of your recording environment better. - High-quality processing
The plugin uses high-quality processing algorithms to ensure that the sound quality of your recordings is not degraded when removing the effects of room acoustics.
Compatibility:
IK Multimedia CSR Inverse is compatible with Windows and Mac and is available in Audio Unit (AU) and VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugin formats.
Summary:
Overall, IK Multimedia CSR Inverse is a powerful tool for audio engineers and producers that allows you to control and manipulate the acoustics of a recording. It offers a variety of features, including inverse convolution, room modeling, multi-channel support, batch processing, user-friendly interface, real-time processing, preset management, IR editor, high-quality processing, and compatibility with the most popular DAWs.
7. Output REV X-Loops
REV X-Loops is a continuation of the REV Loops engine, one of the engines within REV by Output.
This plugin is identical to the Loops engine within REV, but it has 21 new loop banks and an additional 25 effects presets. All the loops within X-Loops are completely different from those within REV Loops. This plugin requires Kontakt.
Key Features:
- Sound quality
The sound quality within X-Loops is excellent. With all its instruments being recorded live in a state-of-the-art recording studio, it’s easy to understand why the quality is so good. As well as the instruments sounding good, the effects within X-loops are also extremely good, with over 25 new effects for anyone who already has the REV plugin. - A large number of sounds
X-loops comes with 21 sound banks full of high-quality sounds, and all these sound banks are named appropriately to help you find the sounds you’re looking for. Some of these banks are Fat and low, Violin Plucks, Analog Drums, Tribal Beats, Aggressive, Sound Design, Pretty Organic, and 15 others. - Ease of Use
All the controls and settings within X-Loops are clearly labeled and positioned to help you learn the controls easily and use them on the fly without having to navigate multiple menus. This is perfect for live performance and speeding up your workflow.
Compatibility:
This plugin requires Kontakt 5.8.1 or higher and is compatible with both the Full and Free versions of Kontakt. This plugin is available for MacOS 10.11 or Higher, and Windows 7 or Higher.
Summary:
Overall, X-Loops is a great alternative who those who don’t want or need all the other engines within REV. It’s great as a continuation and as a standalone plugin. Check this out if you want a huge library of loops all based around reversed sounds.
8. Soundtoys Crystallizer
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Buy Here (Support Integraudio)
Crystallizer is a Granular Echo Synthesizer by Soundtoys
This plugin recreates the sounds of the Eventide H3000. It’s a sound design tool that uses pitch shifting and reverses echo effects to add interesting textures to your tracks. It can be used within any genre to add unique sounds to your instruments and melodies. Crysallizer’s interface is based on the Eventide H3000 and follows the Soundtoys plugin design.
Key Features:
- Large preset bank
If you’re confused about all the settings or just looking for some quick ideas, then this plugin has you sorted. With over 200 presets, you’ll never get bored or run out of new effects that you can add to your tracks. All the presets are appropriately labeled and organized into categories to make it easier to find the sounds you’re looking for. Some categories are, Crystals, Detune and double, drums, echo, echo pitch, echo reverse, effected, guitar and keys, harmonized, melodic, and many more. - Gating and Ducking
A standout feature of Crystallizer. The Gating and Ducking effects within this plugin are in their own world. In addition, the dynamic control of the echo allows you to create crazy effects or tone down the echo for a more subtle and smooth sound. - Old-School Pitch Shifting
A unique feature of Crystallizer is the pitch shifting feature. This pitch shifter doesn’t act like most pitch shifters that you’d find in any other modern plugins, and that’s because this plugin is based on the vintage Eventide H3000. Instead of using sophisticated mathematical algorithms to make the pitch shifting as natural as possible, Crystallizer uses a resample and crossfade technique. This technique leaves the sound with a glitchy effect, but it replicates the old school 80’s style sound.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10.10 or later (64-Bit Only), and Windows 7 or later (64-Bit Only). It is AAX, VST2, and AU Compatible.
Summary:
This plugin is great for adding some extra flavor to your melodies and instruments. Is it on the expensive side, but you can grab this plugin within the Soundtoys 5 bundle along with many of other useful plugins. I’d recommend checking this one out, especially if you use guitars in your tracks.
9. Initial Audio Reverse
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Reverse is simply a reverse plugin by Initial Audio
This plugin is one of the simplest plugins on the list. It takes up to four bars of audio or midi and reverses the sounds produced. It is the quickest way to rewind your audio without worrying about making permanent changes to the files. Reverse has a simple and sleek design, with a resizable window to ensure it looks good at any resolution.
Key Features:
- The Mix Knob
The most useful feature of this plugin is the Mix Knob. This setting allows you to choose how much of the dry signal is affected by the plugin, and this allows you to create some creative sounds. For example, you could have the Mix Knob at around 30% on your chords, creating a subtle swell before each chord is played. You can get creative with this feature on both melodic elements and drums. - Time settings
This plugin works with the BPM in your DAW to create specific time reverse effects. There are options; 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 Bar, 2 Bars, and 4 Bars. These options allow you to get even more creative within the plugin. For example, set the option to 4 Bars, and everything will be reversed within 4 bars. Set it to 1/2, and half a bar will be reversed, allowing you to create swells, pads, and other interesting effects. - The Fade Knob
The Fade Knob allows you to create smooth reverse effects within your track. If the reverse effect is too harsh, turn up the Fade Knob to keep it in check, or on the other hand, if you want a harsher sound, turn the Face Knob down to get the desired effect.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10 or higher (M1 and MacOS Monterey Compatible), and Windows 7 or higher. It is AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 compatible.
Summary:
Overall, this is a simple but effective plugin. It does exactly what it is meant to do, and it does it well. It’s defiantly worth checking out, especially because it’s almost always on sale, making it one of the cheapest paid plugins on this list.
10. RP-Reverse
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
RP-Reverse by Rob Papen is an FX Plugin designed around reversing audio
This plugin can create many effects on your tracks and can be used on anything from Drum Loops to Vocals. It features live visual feedback, unlike most other plugins on this list. RP-Reverse has a complex interface but with easy-to-understand controls.
Key Features:
- Built-In Effects
A useful feature for crafting the perfect sound with RP-Reverse is built-in effects. This plugin has built-in filters and several LFOs to modulate the reversed audio and the filters. Amongst the many options to control the LFO, you can also use tempo sync the LFOs to ensure everything is on beat within your tracks. - Visual Feedback
A standout feature of RP-Reverse is the visual feedback within the interface. This allows you to see the waveform of the dry audio file and then the new waveform made using the reverse option. This helps you visually see how you’re affecting the audio files within your tracks; it can also help people who don’t understand the controls figure out what each setting does. - Large preset bank
This plugin has a large preset bank, so you’ll never run out of inspiration. These presets are labeled appropriately and are compiled into smart banks so you can find the specific effects you’re looking for. When flicking through different presets and using the visual feedback from the plugin, you can learn how each effect affects the sound.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10.13 or higher (64-Bit Only), and Windows 7 or higher (32-Bit and 64-Bit).It is AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 compatible.
Summary:
Its visual feedback is a unique and useful feature that sets this plugin apart from others on this list. The amount of control you have within the plugin also means you don’t need to open loads of external plugins making your digital workspace messy. I recommend you check this plugin out for all your reversing needs.
11. Cableguys TimeShaper 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
TimeShaper by Cableguys is a multi-Effect plugin and one of the most versatile plugins on this list.
Within TimeShaper, there is virtually no limit to the effects you can create; from real-time reversing to vinyl effects, you can’t go wrong with this plugin. Additionally, this plugin has used for any genre, can be used on any instrument within your tracks, and can affect the track. TimeShaper has a unique interface with a stylistic approach.
Key Features:
- Real-time reverse effects
Within ShaperBox, you can add real-time reverse effects to your audio. The live performance capability of this effect is huge, and you can create exciting drops in real-time or some creative breakdown effects. This effect is also useful in a production setting, and you can add this effect before new verses, hooks, and drops for some super creative sounds. - Scratch like a DJ
This plugin, unlike others on this list, has a scratch feature. Whether you want to use it to blend two sections or lay down some crazy scratches on an old-school hip-hop beat, this plugin has what you need. This plugin is synced to your project BPM, so there is no need to worry if your scratches will be on time. - Independent LFOs
This is a standout feature of this plugin. The ability to add different effects to the different frequency ranges within the same plugin instance is crazy. You can do unique things like add halftime to the lows, reverse the mids and glitch the tops simultaneously. - Rearrange within the plugin
This plugin allows you to rearrange drum patterns. Using its time manipulation settings within this plugin, you can chop up the audio files and recreate your drum patterns. This isn’t necessarily the easiest way to chop up drums, but it’s one of the most fun ways, and you can get creative and unique sounds when using it.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.14, 10.15, or 11 (64-bit only), and Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only). It runs in VST, AAX, and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
Overall, this plugin is one of the most versatile on this list. The sheer number of effects you can create within this plugin sets it apart from the others. You can’t go wrong with this plugin. It’s creative, low in price, and fun to use. I highly recommend checking this one out.
There are so many features we could write a whole new article on this plugin, and we still wouldn’t have enough space to discuss all the cool and useful effects you can create. This plugin is useful for all your tape stop needs and more.
12. Freakshow Industries BACKMASK
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
A unique plugin for sure is BACKMASK by Freakshow industries.
This is a ‘Chaotic’ Reverser plugin adds some crazy reverse effects to your tracks. BACKMASK has an interesting and fun interface.
Key Features:
- Interesting Interface
BACKMASK has an intentionally confusing interface. It’s hard to figure out what’s going on but in a way that adds to the fun, pressing random buttons and just seeing what happens is interesting to play around with. This gives you a fun experience using this plugin and can create interesting tracks. The overall style of the interface is a nice change from others on this list, although all the other plugins make sense. - Built-in Effects
Although it’s hard to tell what’s going on, this plugin does have the ability to create some good-sounding reverse effects. The built-in effects within this plugin are surprisingly good. You can still get creative with this plugin by randomly changing different settings despite not knowing what’s what. - Smart Timing
This plugin can be synced with your DAW to allow for smart timing options. This means all the effects will be on time and fit well within your track. You can also set your preferred length of the reversed audio segments.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10.11 or later (M1 supported) (64-Bit Only) and Windows 10 or later (64-Bit Only). It is AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 compatible.
Summary:
This is a unique plugin. This is a fun plugin to mess around with whenever you need inspiration or want a change of pace from the ordinary plugins. I recommend you check this plugin out; the product page itself is a confusing yet fun read.
Best Free Reverse Plugins 2023
1. Kilohearts Reverser
Reverse by Kilohearts is the first free plugin on this list, and it’s a good one.
This plugin is a simple reverser plugin, but it’s still very useful; it has a built-in delay function to give your more control over the sound produced. This plugin has a simple interface.
Key Features:
- Built-in Delay
Reverser features a built-in delay. The delay effect allows you to add delay to your sound, and a temp sync option is included to ensure your delays are in time with the track BPM. - Crossfade
Reverser features a crossfade setting. The crossfade effect allows you to choose the time to ramp in/out the reverse audio, which helps avoid pops and clicks.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10 or later (M1 supported) (64-Bit Only), and Windows 8 or later (64-Bit Only).
It is VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU compatible.
Summary:
This is a simple plugin, and it doesn’t offer much besides the intended function of reversing audio. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t download it, it’s free, and if you quickly need to reverse some audio, you can’t go wrong with this plugin. This plugin is for people who don’t want to mess with many built-in effects.
2. Integraudio & Sixth Sample Deelay (Reverse Delay)
Deelay is a free delay/reverse plugin made by Sixth Sample and Integraudio.
This plugin is the most versatile free plugin on this list. It contains many built-in effects for all your delayed sound design needs. This plugin has a modern, stylish interface.
Key Features:
- Built-In Effects
Deelay has many built-in effects, there’s a fine balance between being too simple and too complicated with effects, and this plugin sits right in the middle. There are Three standout effects Ducking, Tape, Distortion, and Diffusion. Having all these effects within the same plugin means you don’t have to open loads of external plugins and save time and effort. - Modes
This plugin has five modes, Normal, Reverse Forward, Pure Revered, Chaos, and Reversed Chaos. The ‘reverse forward’ mode reverses the delay sound before it is fed back into the delay for the feedback system. The ‘pure reversed’ mode reverses all the echoes. The’ chaos’ mode changes each echo’s pitch interval. Finally, the reversed chaos mode changes each echo’s pitch interval in reverse.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10 or higher (64-Bit Only), and Windows 10 or higher (32-Bit and 64-Bit). It is VST3 and AU compatible.
Summary:
This is the most versatile free plugin on this list. There is so much to it that we could make a whole article on it, and we have, check out the link under the title of the plugin to read an in-depth article on all the features of this plugin.
I’d recommend you check this plugin out. You can’t go wrong with all its features, and it’s free.
3. Boscomac The Reverser (For NI Reaktor)
The Reverser by Boscomac is a virtual reversing effect for NI Reaktor.
This effect is only usable in the full version of NI Reaktor. You can use it within your ensembles to reverse the sounds you create. It comes within a free bundle of over 30 NI Reaktor instruments, ensembles, and virtual effects. This plugin has a stylistic interface based on a tape recorder.
Key Features:
- Built-In effects
Instead of adding other effects in your chain after adding this virtual effect, you can use the built-in options. For example, the built-in delay effects, filters, and modulation controls. Using all these effects within this virtual effect means you don’t have to add any other effects to your ensemble, meaning you can have a quicker workflow. - Tape effect
Within this virtual effect, there is a tape emulation option, which adds the realistic sound of a tape recorder to your sound. You can use this effect to give your sound a more realistic feel.
Compatibility:
This effect only works within the full version of Native Instruments Reaktor (Version 6.3 or later).
Summary:
Adding this to your Reaktor ensemble is easy and does a nice job reversing your sounds. If you use reactor within your tracks, then I’d recommend you check out The Reverser and the whole collection it comes with.
Bonuses
1. Sinevibes Rerun v2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Rerun is a Self-randomizing repeater effect by Sinevibes.
This plugin takes the incoming audio, slices it up, and plays it back several times before starting the process again. Using this with the plugin reverse feature, you can get some unique reverse effects. This plugin has a colorful and simple display.
Key Features:
- The Repeater
The standout feature of Rerun is the repeater. The repeater is self-randomizing, meaning not even you as the producer know what to expect, it essentially acts as a type of delay, but when you combine it with some of the other parameters within the plugin, you can get creative. - Smart interface
Within this plugin, there are many features of the interface that make it easy to navigate. The color-coded graphical elements make it easy to understand which controls affect what. Consistent naming of each knob and option means everything is easy to understand. - Preset bank
This plugin can be confusing when you first get into it, so having a bank full of useful presets is handy to help you get your head around all the controls. In addition, these presets can help you if you need some quick ideas within your tracks.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10.9 or later (64-Bit Only), and Windows 8.1 or later (64-Bit Only). It is AU, AAX, VST3 compatible.
Summary:
Overall, this plugin is good fun and can create some beneficial effects within your tracks. The random repeater can add a lot of interesting flavor to your tracks and even catch you off guard with the effects it creates. Check this one out if you haven’t already.
2. Retrograde Plugin
Retrograde is a standalone plugin designed to help you reverse your sounds.
Retrograde is a reverse plugin tool designed to flip your vocals or instruments into perfectly reversed samples. So there is no need to worry about chopping up your sounds, moving the sections around, and bouncing out the track. This plugin takes care of that. This plugin has a simple and stylish interface.
Key Features:
- Built-in Effects
There are three main effects within Retrograde, Link, Ping-Pong, and Flux. The link feature allows you to link your audio channels together to achieve an overall collective sound or to isolate each channel to create separate layers of sound. The Ping-Pong feature acts as a delay. This setting allows you to alternate the reverse signal between the left and right channels, giving a wide stereotype of effect. Finally, the flux feature alternates between the normal dry signal and the new reverse signal, allowing you to add a crazy bounce effect to your tracks. - Powerful Presets
Retrograde features five hand-picked presets chosen by the creators of the plugin. These presets cover most of the sounds industry-standard sounds you’d want to make when using this plugin. The presets are Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto. - Tempo Division Controls
This plugin features two tempo division knobs. Using these controls with the sync option allows you to add spacey granular effects to your tracks, and using the left and right tempo division knobs means you can affect both left and right output controls, allowing for some crazy stereo effects. - Post-Audio Controls
Retrograde features post-audio controls that can help you shape your sounds after they have been reversed. There are built-in high and low pass filters, A gain control, and mix control. The mix control allows you to add flavor to your sounds by layering the dry signal and the new reversed signal together and using the mix control with the gain control and the filters, and you can get even more creative.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for MacOS 10.12 or higher (64-Bit Only), and Windows 7 or higher (64-Bit Only). It is AU and VST3 compatible.
Summary:
Overall, this is a good plugin. It doesn’t do anything extra that some others on this list do, but it does do exactly what it’s meant to, and with a lower price than the others on this list, you can’t go wrong with Retrograde.
3. Sinevibes Skew
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Skew by Sinevibes is a non-linear audio reverser.
This plugin is a powerful audio reversing tool. It has many built-in effects allowing you to create your desired sound. The plugin has a colorful and simple interface.
Key Features:
- Preset bank
This plugin may be simple but having a bank full of useful presets is handy if you need some quick ideas within your tracks. You also can save your own presets, so once you create your desired effect, you can save the presets for use in future tracks. - Smart interface
Within this plugin, there are many features of the interface that make it easy to navigate. The color-coded graphical elements make it easy to understand which controls affect what. Consistent naming of each knob and option means everything is easy to understand.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Mac OS 10.9 or later (64-Bit Only), and Windows 8.1 or later (64-Bit Only). It is AU, AXX, and VST3 Compatible.
Summary:
In conclusion there are many effects you can do with this plugin. It’s more than just a reversing tool.
The color-coded aspect can also help you learn the controls quicker, and we all know time-saving is key for producers, so this is a useful feature. Check this plugin out!
Conclusion
Overall, there are so many great plugins on this list. Each plugin does many different things, so it’s down to personal preference when making your choice.
These are my personal choices from this list.
- Best Value for Money
If you want the most bang for your buck, I’d recommend TimeShaper 2 by Cableguys; it’s easily the most versatile plugin on this list. - Best plugin for creating Risers and Swells
If you’re looking for a plugin to make risers and swells, then The Riser by Air Music Tech is the plugin for you. - Best plugin for reverse Instruments and Loops
REV by Output is the easy choice for any reverse instruments and loops, but you need to download Kontakt for it to work. - Best plugins for reversing audio
Retrograde or Reverse by Initial Audio are my favorites if you want to reverse audio. - My favorite free plugin
When it comes to the free plugins Deelay by Integraudio & Sixth Sample is a clear choice, its versatility and built-in effects give it an edge over the others. - Best plugin for creating reverse reverbs
For reverse reverb effects, Mirror by United Plugins is my favorite; the fact that it can add reverse reverbs before the original audio in live playback puts it in a class above the others on this list. - The most Fun plugin
BACKMASK by Freakshow Industries is the obvious choice if you want to have some fun. - The simplest plugin
Lastly, if you don’t want to mess around with any extra effects, then Reverser by Kilohearts is the plugin I’d recommend.
Be sure to check out our other articles for all your musical needs. Some plugins on this list have specific articles that go more in-depth about the key features and information about the plugins, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for more information.
Readings that you may like:
Other Plugin Roundups:
Genre Focused:
Top 10 EDM Plugins (And 10 Best FREE Plugins For EDM)
Top 10 Plugins For TRAP Beats (And 5 Best FREE Trap Plugins)
20 Best Plugins For Rock Musicians (+ 6 FREE Plugins)
Top 14 Trance Plugins (Uplifting, Tech, Progressive, Vocal, Dream, Hard)
Top 10 GOA & PsyTrance Plugins (Best Psychedelic Trance Tools)
Top 7 Plugins For Dubstep (With 10 Best FREE Effects & Synths)
Top 20 Synthwave Plugins (+ 11 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 15 Plugins For Techno, House, Electro, Tech House, UK Garage
Top 6 Plugins For Latin Music (And 4 FREE Tools)
Top 12 Plugins For Hip-Hop (+ Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 7 Plugins For Game & Film Scoring (+ 6 Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 10 R&B And Pop Music Plugins & KONTAKT Libraries
30 Best Free Plugins For DnB, EDM, IDM & Experimental Music
EQ Plugins
Top 12 Free EQ Plugins For Precise Mixing & Mastering
Top 9 Mid/Side EQ Plugins For Mixing & Mastering (+ 2 Free Tools)
Top 7 Graphic EQ Plugins (With 3 Best Free EQs)
Top 7 EQ Plugins For Mastering In | And Best FREE Mastering EQs
Top 6 Passive EQ Plugins (Klevgrand, SPL, UAD, Waves, IK Multimedia)
Top 11 Plugins For Making Metal (Best Guitars, Drums & Effects)
Metering:
Top 5 Audio Metering Plugins (LUFS, RMS, LRA, True Peak)
Top 6 Spectrum Analyzer Plugins – Spectral Analysis Tools
Top 6 Oscilloscope Plugins To See The Waveforms
Top 5 Key Detection Plugins & Software (+ Best FREE App)
Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Kontakt Libraries For All Categories (Synths, Drums, Vocals)
Top 7 Drum Libraries For KONTAKT (And 4 Freebies)
Top 7 Trap Music Kontakt Libraries (And Best Lo-Fi Kontakt Library)
Top 7 Metal & Rock Kontakt Libraries (Best Guitars & Drums)
Top 10 Guitar Libraries For Kontakt (Acoustic, Electric, Bass & Freebies)
Top 7 Trailer Scoring Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Free KONTAKT Libraries For Various Instruments
Top 9 Piano Kontakt Sample Libraries (And 5 Best Free Pianos)
Top 10 Percussion KONTAKT Libraries (And 3 Freebies)
Top 7 Kontakt Libraries For Horror & Thriller Scoring (No VSTs)
Audio Restoration, Calibration & Utility:
Top 6 Noise Reduction Plugins (And 3 Best Free Tools)
6 Best Audio Restoration Plugins & Software
Top 7 Phase Alignment Plugins To Fix Your Bass & Drums
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Instrument Plugins:
Top 6 Vocoder Plugins (Effects & Synths + FREE Vocoder)
11 Best Rhodes VST Plugins (AND 5 Free Rhodes Plugins)
Top 12 Randomizer Plugins Including FREE Plugins
Top 6 Kick Drum Plugins (Best Kick Designer Tools)
Top 12 Woodwind Plugins (And KONTAKT Libraries)
Top 10 Double Bass Plugins (Best Upright Basses)
Top 5 Strings VST Plugins (AND 4 Best Free Instruments)
Top 6 Sampler Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Classical Guitar Plugins & Kontakt Libraries (And FREE Guitars)
Top 12 Sub Plugins (Best 808 & Bass Tools For Massive Low End)
Top 10 Plugins On PluginBoutique (And 7 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Plugins On Plugin Alliance
Top 7 Acoustic Guitar Plugins (And 4 Best Kontakt Libraries)
9 Best Bass Guitar Plugins (And 2 Best Freebies)
Top 6 Electric Guitar Plugins (Best PAID & FREE Picks)
Top 10 Arpeggiator VST Plugins (Best Synths, MIDI Effects & Tools)
Top 10 Modular Synth Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Choir Plugins & Sample Libraries (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
11 Best Percussion & Drum VST Plugins (And FREE Plugins)
Top 8 Piano Plugins (Best Sounding Pianos & 5 FREE Piano Plugins)
Top 6 Organ Plugins Ever Made (And 3 Best Free Organs)
Top 14 VST Plugins For Beginners (And 9 FREE Plugins)
Top 9 Drum Machine Plugins (And Groovebox Plugins)
4 Best Banjo Plugins (Best Banjo Instruments)
The 5 Best Ukulele Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
Top 13 Synth Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Synths Plugins)
Top 13 Sequencer Plugins (Synth, MIDI & Step Sequencers)
The 10 Best Multi-Effect Plugins (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 12 Plugin Bundles For Musicians (Synths, Mixing & Mastering)
Processing & Sound Design:
8 Best Lo-Fi Plugins (PAID & FREE)
Top 11 Plugins For Mixing Vocals (For Home Studio)
Top 12 Saturation Plugins (Best Mixing & Mastering Tools)
Top 6 Pitch Shifter Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Pitch Shifters)
Top 6 Chorus VST Plugins For Musicians (And 3 FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Limiter Plugins For Precise Mastering & Mixing
The 8 Best Filter Plugins For Precise Cuts & Boosts (+ 5 Free Filters)
6 Best Autotune Plugins To Improve & Enhance Your Vocals
Top 10 Transient Shaper Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 7 Enhancer Plugins (For Bass, Drums, Vocals & Harmonics)
Top 6 Flanger Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Flanger Emulators)
Top 7 Phaser Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Phasers)
Top 10 Plugins For Mixing Drums (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 7 Bitcrusher Plugins (And 4 Best FREE Bitcrushers + 3 Bonuses)
Top 6 Plugins For Voice-Over & Dialogue Cleaning (Post Production)
Top 10 Stereo Imaging Plugins (Best Old & Modern Picks)
Top 5 Multiband Limiter Plugins
Top 7 De-Esser Plugins For Better Vocals (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 7 Clipper Plugins (Best Limiter Alternatives)
Top 6 Chord Generator Plugins That Inspire Melodies (+ FREE Tools)
7 Best Exciter Plugins For Mixing & Mastering
Top 7 Channel Strip Plugins (And 2 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Distortion Plugins (And 4 Top Free Plugins)
Top 5 Comb Filter & Resonator Plugins | Melda, Kilohearts, Tritik
The 7 Best Vibrato VST Plugins | Audec, Audiority, Melda
The 7 Best Tremolo Plugins | Eventide, Melda, SoundToys, Kuassa…
The 7 Best Harmonizer Plugins | Eventide, Melda, Aegean Music
7 Best Sidechain Plugins (VST, AU, AAX) | Xfer, Cableguys..
Top 10 Noise Gate Plugins (And 6 FREE Free Gate Tools)
The 6 Best Ring Modulator VST Plugins | KiloHearts, Melda
7 Best Autopan VST Plugins | CableGuys, Melda, Waves, Soundtoys
The 6 Best Frequency Shifter VST Plugins
Top 11 Granulizer Plugins For Future Sound Design
29 Best Sound Design VST Plugins
Compressor Plugins
Top 11 Free Compressor Plugins (VCA, Vari-Mu, FET, Digital)
Top 7 Multiband Compressor Plugins (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 5 Diode-Bridge Compressor Plugins
Top 6 Mastering Chain Plugins: Complete VST Solutions
The 7 Best VCA Compressor Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 11 Mastering Compressor Plugins (And 2 FREE Plugins)
Top 10 Opto Compressor Plugins For Transparent Sound
The 7 Best Vari-Mu Compressor Plugins (And 2 Best FREE Tools)
Reverb & Delay Plugins:
Top 12 Reverb Plugins (And 5 FREE Reverb Plugins)
The 6 Best Spring Reverb VST Plugins | AudioThing, GSi, u-he, Eventide
Top 12 Delay Plugins For Music Production In (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 10 FREE Delay Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
The 10 Best Convolution Reverb Plugins
Amps & Preamps:
Top 10 Guitar Amp Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Simulators)
Top 10 Bass Amp Plugins (And 5 Best Free Simulators)
Top 9 Preamp Plugins (For Vocals, Guitars & More!) + Free Preamps
Other Recommended Gear:
Top 12 NearField Studio Monitors On Any Budget
Top 10 Midfield Studio Monitors For Home Recording
Best Biggest Studio Monitors (FarField Monitors)
Top 10 Guitar Pickups for Low Tunings
Top 10 Analog Compressors For Mixing & Mastering (On Any Budget)
Top 12 USB Audio Interfaces Under 150$, 200$, 300$ 400$ (Any Budget)
Top 12 Hardware Equalizers (Analog EQs For Mixing & Mastering)
Top 6 Analog Hardware Limiters
Top 6 Solid State Bass Amps (On Any Budget)
Top 6 Ribbon Mics On Any Budget (For Vocals, Drums & Guitars)
Top 6 Cheap Dynamic Mics For Vocals Under 50$, 100$, 200$ & 300$
Top 6 Chorus Guitar Pedals (On Any Budget)
6 Best 61-Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
9 Best 49-Key MIDI Keyboards Under 100$ & 200$
Top 5 Best 25 Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
Top 12 Acoustic Drums (Best Kits/Sets On Any Budget)
Guitar/Amp Focused:
Can I Put Nylon Strings on a Steel-string Guitar?
Do Electric Guitars Sound Good Unplugged?
Buying Your First Guitar: 2 Things To Know
Are Tube Amps Worth It? (Tube vs Solid-State Amps)
How Often Does A Guitar Need a Setup?
Can I Play Classical Guitar On A Steel-String Guitar?
How often guitar necks need reset?
Can You Play Two Guitars Through One Amp?
Can a 6 String Bass Be Tuned Like A Guitar?
Can I leave My Guitar Tuned Down a Step? Yes, But Is It Safe?
Should I Learn 4, 5 Or 6 String Bass Guitar & Why?
How To Know If your Guitar Amp Is Broken?
How To Fix Distorted Bass Guitar Sound?
Do Fender Guitars Appreciate In Value?
Should You Put Stickers On A Bass Guitar?
How Acoustic And Electric Guitars Are Made?
Is Electric Guitar Too Loud for an Apartment?
Does a Preamp Improve Sound Quality?
If I Learn Acoustic Guitar Can I Play Electric Guitar?
How Many Hours A Day Should You Practice Bass Guitar?
Do I need an AMP/DAC To Run Bookshelf Speakers?
How to Record Electric Guitar Into Logic Pro X?
Do headphones get worse with age?
DAW Related:
Best DAWs For Musicians Available (With FREE DAWs)
What’s The Most CPU Efficient DAW? – 5 DAWs Compared
How To Make Music Without Using A DAW?
Pro Tools Guide: How To Use AutoTune & Pitch Correction?
Ableton Review: Is It Worth The Money? (Cons & Pros)
Logic Pro X Review: Is It Worth It? (Cons & Pros)
How To Use Auto-tune & Pitch Correction In Cubase?
How To Fix Ableton Crackling, Crashing & Freezing? Step By Step
Plugin Related:
What Are Audio Plugins? Different Types of Plugins Explained
What Are The Best Tools To Develop VST Plugins & How Are They Made?
Cost of Developing Audio VST Plugin: Several Factors (With Table)
VST, VST, AU and AAX – What’s The Difference? Plugin Formats Explained
Complete Guide To Noise Gate – What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It?
How To Clip My Drums? Here Is How & Audio Teasers (Before/After)
Complete Guide To Limiter: How To Use It (+ Best Plugins & Analog Limiters)
Mixing With Reverb: How To Add Life To Your Mixes
Linear Phase vs Minimum Phase EQ – Full Guide
Difference Between LUFS, RMS & True Peak Loudness Meters
How And When To Use Algorithmic And Convolution Reverb In Your Mix?
Difference Between Active EQ, Passive EQ and Dynamic EQ
Headphones & Studio Monitors:
Do headphones get worse with age?
Monitors vs Studio Headphones For Mixing & Mastering
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Good For Music Production?
Can Headphones Break in Cold Weather?
Why do headphones & cables get sticky?
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss?
How Do I know If My Studio Monitor Is Blown?
Side Effects Of Sleeping With Your Headphones On
Do You Need Music Amplifier For Studio Monitors or Studio Headphones?
Do Headphones or Earphones Damage Your Brain?
Can Headphones or Earphones cause Deafness or Toothache?
FarField, MidField & NearField Monitors – Their Uses, Pros & Cons
MIDI & Synths:
Should I Buy A MIDI Keyboard Or Synth? (Are Synths Worth It Anymore?)
Why Is Audio Gear So Expensive? (Especially Synths)
Top 12 Synth Brands – Analog, Digital & Modular Synth Manufacturers
11 Tips How To Choose MIDI Keyboard
Should I Buy MIDI Controller Or Keyboard? Cons, Pros & Tips
I’m a Music Producer and Sound Engineer from the UK. I have been working with music my whole life and I’m currently studying Music Production and Sound Engineering at university.