1. AudioThing Fog Convolver 2 NEW*
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
A genuinely stereo spatial tool that responds to every nuance dynamically.
Convolution reverbs are new and recent in the history of this effect. The nicest part about this type of effect is that impulse responses are used in the spatial context of your effect, which allows you to recreate more accurately how a reverberation would occur in a given environment.
Key Features:
-
- IR selection
The top left corner’s “IR 1” and “IR 2” buttons allow you to choose which impulse response is presently being changed, with the option of swiftly skipping any of the two. The little “Link” button (the small chain) connects the settings for both inputs, and the “Lock” button disables all parameters except the IR, which is loaded from a preset.
- Graphic EQ
The inbuilt equalization may be turned on and off at any moment. There are five bands, and the ability to control each one with a mouse click while the mouse wheel adjusts the “Q” factor of that band. Each band may be reset to its default setting by double-clicking it.
- Routing section
The little piece in the far right corner of the screen is in charge of determining the effect’s proper routing. You can select one of five routing modes: “Single,” “Serial,” “Parallel,” “Parallel Mix,” or “True Stereo.” You may also change the “Balance,” “Mix,” and “Output” settings for each IR.
- General parameters
The nine general parameters are controlled by the grey knobs. “Pre Delay,” “Gain,” “Pitch,” “Start,” “End” (sets the start or end point for the IR), “Fade In,” “Fade Out,” “Curve,” “Balance,” “Mix,” and “Output” are among them.
- Parameter lock
If you need to prevent some parameters from changing values, utilize the “Parameter Lock” option to make them unchangeable. If a parameter is locked, it will not be changed by any modifications, which may be specified for all parameters or just one.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.9 to 12 (64-bit only) and Windows 7 or higher (64-bit only). It runs in VST2, VST3, AAX, CLAP, and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
The wonderful thing about current plugins is that they frequently surpass our expectations. Thinking of anything as a reverb with personalized impulse responses is quite the future, and it’s about time we started using some cutting-edge technologies in our job endeavors.
Fog Convolver 2 masterfully mixes contemporary IR modeling with classic controls and settings, providing an unmatched sound texture to whatever ambient you wish to create in your track..
2. AudioThing Outer Space
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Outer Space by AudioThing will help you to provide spatial sound naturally.
Tape delays are a great effect, as they always bring quite a live sound. The idea is that the repeating does not occur clearly in time, which gives more organicity. Now we will tell you about one of the plugins that do this job well.
Outer Space software from AudioThing will give you echo, reverb with echo, or only reverb. It emulates a popular analog box that pros use both on stage and in the studio. You will have many settings and the ability to get high-quality sound. Let’s try to figure out what this plugin is.
Key Features:
- Choose The Mode
You will have a Mode Selector to help you choose the required operation. In total, there are 12 modes: four echoes, seven echoes with reverb, and one pure reverb. Switch between them to get the sound you want.
- Three Playheads
In addition to this, you will have three Playheads. The number and how many of them work will depend on the selected mode. However, you can customize the operation of each of them yourself. Namely, synchronize with your host’s tempo, or set the time in milliseconds.
- Bass & Treble Control
It is also worth noting that Outer Space has its small equalizer in the form of Bass and Treble controls. But keep in mind that they will only act on the echo. However, you can also set them to affect the reverb as well. To do this, go to the More menu and select the required option.
- Shape The Sound
Of course, you will get several other settings to help you provide the required sound more thoroughly. In particular, we are talking about Repeat Rate, Intensity, Wow/Flutter, and Echo Volume controls. For example, Wow/Flutter will help to get a wobbling effect.
- Noise & Tape Age
Another great feature of this software is that you can add analog noise. It is a kind of mixture of tape and physical units. In addition, you will be able to influence the age of the tape thanks to the switch in the lower right corner. There are options New, Old, and RT.
Compatibility:
AudioThing Outer Space is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Outer Space is a great tape echo plugin that allows you to use delay and reverb. It has twelve modes of operation and all the necessary settings. Therefore, thanks to it, you can easily add spatiality to your guitar parts. In addition, you can use the software on other instruments you want.
Related Reading:
Top 12 Delay Plugins For Music Production In 2022 (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 10 FREE Delay Plugins For Musicians 2022 (VST, AU, AAX)
3. AudioThing Speakers
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
AudioThing Speakers is a multi-effects microphone and speaker emulation plugin.
The plugin simulates various speaker and microphone setups and allows you to apply effects such as distortion, filtering, and modulation to the sound. It can be used to add character and warmth to recordings or to create unique, distorted sounds.
Key Features:
- Speaker emulations
AudioThing Speakers features a library of 50 different speaker simulations, including both classic and modern models. The speakers range from vintage tube-powered units to modern digital models and include various types, such as guitar and bass speakers, studio monitors, and even car speakers. Each speaker has been carefully modeled to capture its unique characteristics, such as frequency response, distortion, and other tonal qualities. You can choose from the library of speakers to apply to their audio and adjust the settings to taste. Some of the speakers included are Altec, Celestion, JBL, EV, Fane, Gauss, Jensen, Klipsch, and more.
- Microphone emulations
The plugin also features 32 different microphone emulations, which can be used to add a sense of realism and depth to the speaker simulations. The microphone emulations include both dynamic and condenser models, as well as vintage and modern options. Some of the microphone emulations include: Shure SM57, Shure SM58, AKG C12, AKG C3000, Neumann U47, Neumann U67, Rode NT1-A, Rode NT2000, and more.
- Distortion/Degradation Algorithms
AudioThing Speakers also features 18 different distortion and degradation algorithms, which simulate various analog and digital distortion types, such as tube saturation, tape emulation, and bitcrushing. Tape, Tube, Transistor, Diode, Bitcrisher, Lo-Fi, Decimator, Shaper, Overdrive, etc., are some of the algorithms in the plugin.
- Realistic ambiance
The plugin also features 42 different background noise options, which can add a sense of realism or ambiance to the audio. These background noise options include various environmental sounds such as crowd noise, traffic noise, and nature.
Compatibility:
To use AudioThing Speakers, you will need a computer that meets the minimum system requirements of your chosen DAW, and that can run VST, AU, or AAX plugins, in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Summary:
In conclusion, the plugin is a powerful and versatile tool that can add character and warmth to recordings, or create unique, distorted sounds for electronic music production. With its library of speaker simulations, microphone emulations, distortion and degradation algorithms, and background noise options, you can achieve many tonal options and add a sense of realism to your recordings.
4. Audio Thing Latin Percussion
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Audio Thing’s Latin Percussion plugin is a sample-based sequencer that emulates the Sound Master Latin Percussion, a rare analog drum machine from the ’80s.
It features six different instruments that you can shape, pan, pitch shift, and mix independently, and a rhythmic pattern board. You can also randomize each instrument individually on the pattern creator board to shape your very own patterns. Without further ado, let’s dive right into its key features:
Key Features:
- 6 Individual Instruments:
Latin Percussion plugin comes with six different instruments with individual pan, pitch, and volume mix knobs, which is a time saver if you already have something in mind. It also features a randomizer button on the pattern sequencer area that comes in handy if you want to spice things up a little. You can randomize each instrument separately.
- Pattern Creator:
It’s possible to get creative and build nice grooves within this feature. It makes it very easy to adjust, allowing you to modify every aspect of the sequence pattern, like the number of steps, by just clicking on the step numbers above. When you’re done, you can also throw the pattern into your DAW and see it instantly, as Midi notes.
- FX controls:
It also features overdrive and reverb effects to shape unique sounding sequences. You can add reverb to create dimension on a specific instrument in the groove and give it a different vibe.
- 20+ Presets:
There are about 20 different presets in this plugin that will accelerate your workflow with different classic Latin rhythmic patterns (including Samba, Rumba, and Chachacha) that you can modify and customize to taste when creating nice new grooves.
Compatibility:
Supports Windows 7 or higher, and macOS 10.6 or higher, runs on 64 bit only, and comes in VST2, VST3 AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Audio Thing’s Latin Percussion is a versatile, efficient, and CPU-friendly rhythmic sequencer. It takes nearly no time to figure out, enabling you to let your creativity go without holding you back.
The fact that it has separate controls for each instrument to shape both sequence patterns and tone makes it really practical to achieve exciting rhythms to flavor your productions. Although it might seem limited, possibilities are infinite, and from my personal experience, it helps spice things up quite nicely when producing.
5. AudioThing SR-88
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Evoke the 80s sound with this simplistic, sample-based drum machine emulation.
The SR-88 is, of course, based on the affordable SoundMaster Memory Rhythm SR-88 drum machine. It features five drum pieces, including a kick, snare, two hi-hats, and a cymbal. Similarly, there is a simple pattern sequencer that also supports midi drag-and-drop into your DAW.
Key Features:
- Effects
The plugin features a low-pass filter, overdrive, plate reverb, and a compressor. As with the original unit, all of the effects affect the master output. Unfortunately, you cannot send multiple outputs to your DAW. Then again, being a minimalistic drum sequencer, you wouldn’t require it anyway.
- Sequencer
The pattern sequencer is a 32-step sequencer. You cannot create multiple patterns. So, you will be using the drag-and-drop button quite extensively. However, it supports saving patterns and reloading them. Further, you can get some inspiration using the randomize button per channel and pattern.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.7 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
As a minimalistic, easy drum machine, the SR-88 feels just fine. It does what it set out to do, and the sound is genuinely nice. However, even after considering the price, it would’ve been much more helpful if it had multi-outputs and multiple patterns.
6. AudioThing Alborosie Dub Station
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Alborosie Dub Station is a multi-effects plugin by AudioThing.
Alborosie Dub Station was explicitly created to suit Reggae music. AudioThing spent loads of time meticulously analyzing and recreating the original filter, echoes, and spring reverb owned and modified by the legendary pioneer of Reggae music “King Tubby” AKA Osbourne Ruddock. These effects were used by Ruddock during the golden era of Reggae and ensured a genre-accurate sound.
Key Features:
- Filter man
The filter man effect is at the top of Alborosie Dub Station. It’s modeled after the famous “Big Knob” that King Tubby used in the 70s. It’s a passive high-pass filter with 11 frequency steps. You get a knob to select the type of filter, choosing between the original and a more controlled one named measured, a knob to choose the frequency step, the impedance of the filter, and finally, the gain.
- Echowuk
Echowuk is based on the iconic MCI 2 tape that King Tubby used to record and create tape delay effects that are now synonymous with Reggae music. AudioThing studied the tape that was located in Tubby’s studio in Waterhouse Kingston to create Echowuk. You can run it freely for a true Reggae feel or sync it to your DAW, making it ideal for all music genres. You get the standard input and output controls, a hiss control for adding noise, a dry/wet knob for parallel processing, and of course, feedback and time controls.
- Spring Bling
Spring Bling is modeled after the modified Fairchild Spring Reverb used by Tubby himself that was located in his studio in Waterhouse Kingston. It contains the iconic spring reverb sound that you’d associate with King Tubby records and has a single knob to adjust the intensity of the effect. The sound is exactly as you’d expect it to be, perfect for Reggae and Ska.
- Utilities
You can easily save patches in Alborosie Dub Station to easily recall them in future projects. Another fun feature is the randomize button which resets the entire interface and randomizes all three effects. It can be an enjoyable tool to play with.
Compatibility:
Alborosie Dub Station is available on Windows 7-10 and macOS 10.9-11 in VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU formats.
Summary:
Alborosie Dub Station is an excellent multi-effects unit by AudioThing. It can achieve effects that truly capture the feel of early Reggae music, and that’s due to the amount of effort and respect AudioThing put into researching King Tubby’s gear. A proper must-have tool for all Reggae producers.
One of the best tape emulation plugins money can buy is the Reels plugin from AudioThing.
Reels is based on a vintage Japanese portable tape recorder, and its interface greatly shows this. This tape emulation plugin comes with tape stop/start effects and a built-in echo section, and it’s commonly used for its Lo-fi type sound.
It is known for its rough old-school analog sound, perfect for bringing a vintage feel to any mix.
Key Features:
- Tape Modeling
Within Reels, you have access to three different tape emulation options. JP (Japan), IT (Italy), and FR (France) are named after their countries of origin. Each tape option will process and affect the sound in many different ways. The JP tape creates a used type sound with better overall frequency response, perfect for Hip-Hop tracks. The IT tape creates a new old stock sound with limited frequency response, perfect for Lo-Fi Pop tracks. The FR tape creates an overused and badly stored tape sound with bad frequency response, a common sound on Lo-fi tracks. The quality gets better from right to left, with FR being the worst frequency response and JP being the best.
- Built in Echo effect
The built-in echo effect is one of the main settings that makes Reels stand out from its counterparts. It’s a delay effect and has four main easy-to-use and understand controls. The fact that it’s built-in means you don’t have to mess around with any extra plugins, speeding up your workflow.
- Tape Speed
The tape speed effect emulates the sound of the vintage tape recorder. It allows even more options when controlling the tape emulation and adds more characteristics to your track. Combining the tape speed option with the tape modeling option gives you even more control over your sounds.
- The Harshness effect
The harshness effect is essentially a distortion effect, creating a loss of clarity within the tape effect. When used in high amounts on your tracks, it can give a real rumble to the mid- low-end frequencies and gives that realistic sound to your track.
- The WOW/Flutter effect
The WOW/Flutter effect is essentially a pitch-altering effect. It creates a realistic sound by fluctuating the pitch emulating the recording/playback issues found on vintage tape recorders.
- Lots if presets to choose from
Reels include 50 different presets to choose from. If you want some quick inspiration, you can quickly access these presets to change all the tape effects. There is also a separate preset section for the built-in echo feature, so there’s no risk of changing your tape effects when adding different echo effects. Users can also save their own presets.
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 standalone mode and VST, AAX, and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
Overall, Reels is a great plugin. Its unique sound and design make it stand out from its counterparts, and the three different tape types within Reels essentially give you three different tape sounds in one plugin, and when you combine that with the tape speed option, it adds even more variation, increasing the versatility of the plugin. In addition, the built-in echo effect is a nice extra and gives your more control over your sound all within the same plugin.
8. AudioThing Blindfold EQ
More Info & Download
“It’s the ears, not the gears,” is prominent with this one.
Blindfold EQ is precisely what it sounds like – it doesn’t show you any information regarding the frequency or gain you are adding or cutting. It features two shelves and two peak filters, and the latter two have a Q-factor parameter each. It feels like a breath of fresh air among the myriads of overly visual plugins available today.
Key Features:
- Trust Your Ears
Using your ears is what you should be doing in any plugin, but none of them force you to do so. AudioThing designed Blindfold EQ to give you no visual clue about your EQ parameters and help you trust and train your ears. At first, it might feel tricky but, eventually, it should help you improve your mixing skills.
- Analog Saturation
The Analog button at the left of the interface enables a saturator, which sounds like tube saturation. If your audio recording sounds thin or dull, try enabling it and driving the gain of the low or high shelf. The additional harmonics from the emulation will make your audio sound richer and fuller.
- Soft Clip
The soft clipper included in this plugin helps you keep your audio under control and bring in some character to the sound. It works well when used in conjunction with the analog saturator.
Compatibility:
Blindfold EQ is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.7 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
If you feel like your mixing is a little too dependent on the trusty spectrum analyzer, have a go with this plugin. The sound and workflow are pretty standard, but it will make you go out of your comfort zone and give you a new look at mixing and mastering. However, if you are a beginner, we would suggest getting started with a visual plugin and learning what the various frequency groups sound like first.
9. AudioThing Megaphone
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Megaphone is a niche plugin that emulates an amplified bullhorn or a PA loudspeaker.
You’ve probably seen a megaphone at either a school or in public. They’ve also grown famous in YouTube videos to emphasize a phrase/word. But what could be better than a megaphone? Apparently, a plugin that emulates it right in your audio software!
AudioThing’s Megaphone provides plenty of controls to adjust the sound to your liking. You can make it light and clean or noisy and distorted. I use it most for media sound-designing when recording an actual megaphone would be time-consuming.
Key Features:
- Speaker Modes
Megaphone has two modes, which change the type of speaker emulation. The first is a regular megaphone (the horn-like amplifier), while the second is a standard PA speaker often used for press conferences.
- Slap-back
The Feedback module in the plugin lets you insert the output sound back into the amplifier to emulate the behavior of a real megaphone. Since a megaphone has its speaker close to its mic, a feedback delay is almost always present when used in loud volumes or a closed room.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.7 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Using Megaphone is straightforward: add the plugin, select your emulation mode, dial in the drive, and control the mix amount. Adding feedback and noise helps make the effect much more convincing if it’s something you’re looking for. Also, check out Bad Tape by Denise, an alternative if you are merely looking to distort your audio. Instead of a bullhorn, it emulates a painfully damaged tape machine.
10. AudioThing miniBit
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
miniBit is an 8-bit synthesizer designed by AudioThing.
AudioThing describes miniBit as an 8-bit chiptune synthesizer that emulates retro computers and 80s game consoles. Everything from the oscillator waveshapes, the effects, and the user interface design scream vintage.
Key Features:
- Oscillator
There is a single main oscillator in miniBit, and it comes with 18 waveforms. There’s also a sub-oscillator in the form of a square wave pitched an octave lower. The waveforms are not bandlimited, and you can observe the shape of the oscillator through the oscilloscope. A fantastic feature is the ability to draw your own custom waveforms. Finally, the oscillator has a glide knob for achieving legato effects.
- Step sequencer
miniBit includes an eight-step sequencer that adds interest and even more sound design options. The step sequencer can modulate the oscillator’s pitch but also the volume, filter cutoff, resonance, waveform, and downsampling. Modulating all these parameters with the sequencer gives an extra flair to miniBit. You can achieve an 80s-accurate sound by modulating the waveform since it’s reminiscent of early trackers and wavetable synthesizers. The interface of the sequencer is straightforward to understand, and each parameter has a random button that will help you create inspiring sounds out of nothing.
- Effects
The effects inside miniBit are built in a way that complements the oscillator’s style and the era’s sound. The filter is a lowpass filter with cutoff and resonance controls. It sounds warm, and the resonance has a pleasing bite to it. The delay is mono and can be synced to the host BPM or run freely in ms. The bit crusher is handy in chiptune music. It has a bits control and a downsample control. It can add necessary noise and reduce the bit depth of the oscillator to achieve even gnarlier 8-bit sounds.
- Modulation and utilities
miniBit has an LFO and an envelope generator for modulating various parameters. The envelope can modulate the oscillator’s volume, while the LFO can modulate various parameters. Furthermore, the LFO can run freely or be synced to the host tempo. Finally, a feature I enjoyed is the global randomize button which is located next to the presets menu. Once you tap it, all parameters inside miniBit will be randomized to generate a brand new patch; a perfect way to get inspired when feeling stuck.
Compatibility:
miniBit is available on Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher in VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU formats, 64-bit only.
Summary:
miniBit is an easy-to-use and inspiring chiptune plugin.
The oscillator is robust, and the ability to draw custom waveforms is inspiring. The effects complement the style and sound of the plugin perfectly, and the sequencer makes miniBit a must-have plugin. It’s fairly cheap, so getting it shouldn’t be a problem. However, there is a demo version which I recommend you check out if you are still in doubt.
11. AudioThing miniVerb
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
miniVerb is an 8-bit chiptune and lofi reverb plugin designed by AudioThing. It’s designed similarly to miniBit, the synthesizer we covered above.
miniVerb is inspired by the sound of games consoles and retro computers. It recreates the reverb sound of early game consoles, which achieved a sense of space by playing a delayed version of the dry signal, effectively creating a slapback effect. Of course, this was later developed into traditional reverb effects, which miniVerb covers beautifully.
Key Features:
- Echo
The main engine of miniVerb is the echo section. Here you can recreate vintage reverb effects by using a single echo engine. Producers and engineers of the past added space to their sounds by either playing back a delayed version of the dry signal or multiplying the number of playback signals to create longer delays resembling the reverb sound. You can recreate the former effect by using zero feedback, short time, and mono width. To recreate the latter, you must play longer times and add feedback. Finally, for a more modern sound, you can increase the width and enable double time, which lies in the blue button on the top left corner of the echo section.
- Color the sound
miniVerb includes two filter units to help you color the sound and achieve the perfect reverb tone. The first filter is labeled as a pre-filter and is first in miniVerb’s processing chain. You get to roll off high frequencies before any processing is applied to the sound. The second filter is a post filter and rolls off high frequencies after the echo or reverb sound has been added to the mix. The filters can be switched from lowpass to highpass and turned on or off.
- Vibrato
The vibrato engine offers an additional flavor that pushes the sound further into lo-fi territories. It adds pitch modulation on the wet signal that emulates pitch flutter from old-school tape machines, although it can be exaggerated if you want it to. There are rate and depth knobs to fine-tune the effect and an on/off toggle switch.
- Crusher
The crusher is the most chiptune-appropriate feature of miniVerb. It has three knobs: bits, downsample, and shifter. The bits knob adjusts the bit rate of the sound and has a range of 2-24 bits, the downsample adds a bit crush effect, and the shifter is a pitch shifting effect. The bits knob is handy in a chiptune setting and gets gnarly and noisy the lower the setting you choose. The shifter is probably my favorite control since it allows for the most creative and leftfield results. You can create trippy harmonies or modulate them for some psychedelic results.
Compatibility:
miniVerb is available on Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, 64-bit only.
Summary:
miniVerb is an exquisite retro reverb and delay unit by AudioThing. The sound is accurate to the retro video game sound era and is excellent for lo-fi and chiptune.
The echo is versatile and can achieve a wide range of effects, and the addition of vibrato and crusher modules is an addition to fresh air. I highly recommend this for all chiptune producers and producers interested in lo-fi, psychedelic music, and any genre that tries to achieve a retro sound.
12. AudioThing Gong Amp
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Audio Thing and Hainbach teamed up for the third time to develop the Gong Amp, the resurrection of a rare experimental amp from the beginnings of EDM.
It is said that the original gear that inspired this particular plugin was the creation of Maurice Martenot in 1932 when he was trying to create his ground-breaking synthesizer, which he would call Ondes. He would build several diffusers, including a special one called Metallique, that consisted of a gong placed behind the amp’s circuitry.
Gong Amp recreates Martenot’s fine work and digitalizes it, emulating a complex mix of convolutions, and resonances, along with physical modeling and feedback machines doing everything possible to stay true to the response of the original piece.
Key Features:
- Mixer:
At first sight, we can see a drive knob, which adds overtones to the signal, a mono knob, which is the speaker cabinet captured with one mic, and the stereo is the speaker recorded with two mics. The resonator mode feeds reverb into reverb and is a special effect designed by Hainbach.
- Performance:
You can create psychedelic vibes and sounds on the performance section with the dynamic control knob. You can also add modulations to craft unique sound effects and cinematic soundscapes.
- Trip mode:
This mode adds crossfading between the mono, stereo, resonance positions. It creates a rhythmical shift on your signal and can take it from a gentle drift to an extreme rotary effect.
Compatibility:
It supports Windows 7 or higher and macOS10.9 or higher, runs on 64 bit only, and comes in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
This plugin is super helpful for minimalistic cinematic effects and electronic music productions. Of course, it can have a wide variety of different appliances, from music production to sound design and cinematic mixing, making Gong Amp incredibly versatile and a terrific tool to have under your sleeve.
13. AudioThing Springs
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Springs by AudioThing offers multiple vintage spring reverbs simulations ranging from a tiny single-spring battery-powered to a long 6-spring pipe unit.
AudioThing claims to have used a combination of convolution and simulation to rebuild these vintage reverbs’ character. Tone stacks from guitar amps had dedicated spring reverb units. So, in addition to the spring reverb emulation, AudioThing decided to pair a unique sounding and famous tone stack EQ: Baxandall EQ with it. The classic Baxandall EQ only has the low and high band controls, but AudioThing has also featured a mid-frequency control with adjustable Q.
Baxandall EQ is a very interesting choice because the bands of this EQ interact with each other. This is a very unwanted behavior in many mixing scenarios, but this is also one reason why its curves are so smooth and musical.
Four sections divide the graphical user interface of this plugin.
You can select and scroll through different presets using the top section. It gives you the option to save/delete custom presets and bypass the plugin.
The left section gives you control over the input signal before any processing is applied. You can also control the wet/dry signal mix using this section.
The middle section is where the actual spring reverb emulation lies. It gives you the option to choose between 11 different spring reverb emulations having one to six springs. This section is responsible for the main character of the spring reverb sound.
The right section consists of an analog EQ simulation based on a famous tone stack. Peter Baxandall designed a tone circuit in the 1950s known as the Baxandall EQ, and since then, it has been widely used in stereo players and guitar amplifiers, etc.
AudioThing has created a hybrid Baxandall EQ by introducing a mid-band control with adjustable Q.
Key Features:
- Springs offers eight vintages reverbs modeled after the following hardware
- Springs offers eleven reverb simulation
- You have the option to choose from fifty unique presets
- A large VU meter is available for monitoring the input level
- Bandwidth control is the combination of low-pass and high-pass filters. You can choose to eliminate the high or low frequencies on which you do not want the reverb to act
- The input and drive knobs can control the input level and harmonic distortion of the signal, respectively
- You can lock any parameter in place just by right-clicking on the specific parameter. If a parameter is locked and you change a preset, the locked parameter value will not be altered
- Pre-delaycan be controlled using the pre-delay knob
- The plugin is resizeable. Although it may seem like a feature not worth mentioning, many developers often overlook this feature that many sound engineers praise
- A simple emphasis knob controls the presence of the reverb
- Springs also offers a built-in compressor
- The hybrid Baxandall EQ is an exciting feature. You can use it to alter the mixed sound or the wet signal but not the dry signal
Compatibility:
AudioThing Springs is available for 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7 or above in VST2, VST3, and AAX formats. It is also available for 64-bit macOS 10.7 to 10.15 in VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, and AAX formats.
14. AudioThing Bells
More Info & Price
A set of different good-sounding bells, from big to small ones.
After a visit to Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli, located in Agnone, Italy, Audiothing’s team became impressed with this very old company, totally specialized in crafting and selling bells. This inspired the idea to craft a library with the most diverse bell models, including a sample bell from Agnone and a classic school bell, for instance.
Key Features:
-
- Sets
The thing behind Bells is that the multiple bell sets tend to be distinct, providing a more diverse range of instruments. So you can pick “Agnone Bell,” “Cowbells,” “Hotel Desk Bell,” “Perko Fog Bell,” “School Bell,” and others.
- Envelope
Setting the envelope parameters accordingly can be crucial to determine how your bell will resonate and for how long. You only have “Attack” and “Release” knob controls to tweak to keep things as simple as possible. This way, you can expect a diversified response in terms of the amplitude of your bell’s sound, something crucial for its sonority.
- Equalizer
There’s an “EQ” segment next to the envelope parameters. Featuring only two knobs, “Bass” and “Treble,” this is the perfect and most guaranteed way to tame the frequencies in Bells. Roll these knobs to the right to add or boost said frequencies and roll the other way around to cut them effortlessly.
- Arpeggiator
The most comprehensive section in Bells is the arpeggiator, with multiple configurations available. For example, you can set the steps from two up to 32, define how many octaves are being used (two above and two below), set the appropriate rate for it, and finally set the order for this sequence to roll on.
- Doubler
This small section is a nice way to make experimental noises. You can detune your bell sounds – perfect for creepy and eerie atmospheres! – and set every sound one full octave below what you’re playing.
Compatibility:
This library is available for macOS 10.9 or higher (64-bit only) and Windows 7 or higher (64-bit only).It runs only in Kontakt version 4.2.4 or higher.
Summary:
The great variation in bell models in AudioThing Bells is the strongest point of this library. This can be reliable for any producers looking for a concise selection of these instruments, with possible features that can make them sound out of this world and simultaneously make them relevant for any audio production.
Bonus:
Audiothing Things – Motor (Tremolo, Vibrato & Panner with Morphing Feature)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Motor is a hardware-based audio morphing mechanism.
Based on “The Crystal Palace” machine by Dave Young, Motor is an advanced audio modulation tool that also offers the vibrato effect. The workflow is super simple: all you need to do is set the modulation rate and turn up the Vibrato knob. The Wave graphic will let you select the waveforms for modulation.
Key Features:
- Synced Rate
By clicking on the little eighth note next to the Rate knob, you can also make Motor synced to your DAW. It’s probably best not to use it for vocals or other manual instruments. However, for synths or keyboards, it might have an interesting effect.
- More Than Just Vibrato
Other than vibrato, Motor has tremolo and auto-panner effects as well. Altogether, they can turn this simple plugin into an audio-mangling experimental tool. Try it out on guitars or organs for a “Leslie” effect.
- Audio Modulation
Motor supports a side-chain input as well. While it doesn’t do much for the vibrato effect, it creates exciting modulation effects using the tremolo or panner parameters. The effect best suits creating strange sound effects and “robotic” voices.
Compatibility:
Motor is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
The plugin is not for vibrato alone, and it’s probably a good thing for your creativity. We suggest you set the rate to around 4.5 to 6 Hz and automate the Vibrato knob for vibrato. It works excellently to create natural sounds.
Integration is a music website focused on audio advice, how-to, tips & tricks and best plugins (free & paid).
