Spring reverbs became popular in the 1960s and 70s for their “drippy” and “boingy” tone and bright metallic textures. Guitarists, in particular, favored the sound to the point that many guitar amps incorporated a spring reverb in them. However, spring reverbs are tricky to emulate using software, and few free plugins do justice to it. However, with Klanghelm’s TENS, that seems to have changed.
This free plugin sounds quite close to its hardware versions. TENS jr. is the free alternative and the “little brother” of TENS. While TENS features elaborate parameters with more control, TENS jr. is more modest but sounds like TENS’ model 5 – tank A.
The plugin consists of a simple GUI with only six parameters. The first is the decay time, which decides how long the reverb lasts. It can be pushed up to 20 seconds.
Tip: If you want TENS jr. to sound like an authentic spring reverb, keep the decay time shorter, as physical spring reverbs usually have shorter tails and reverb time.
Further, it has a pre-delay parameter kept off by default but can be set up to 250ms. You can also control the dry/wet ratio by using the plugin’s MIX% knob.
Likewise, you get control over the tone of your sound. You can set it to bright or warm by using the CHARACTER slider. You could call it a macro slider for some parameters in the TENS plugin, like metallic, tension, bass, treble, drive, etc.
Lastly, it features two switches. One sets your input to mono or stereo, and the other turns the plugin ON or OFF.
TENS jr. distinguishes itself by providing exceptionally high reverb density, rapid build-up, and minimal “boing” artifacts. It’s unlike the traditional spring reverbs commonly present in guitar amplifiers, organs, or certain synthesizers. That results in a sound that closely resembles the characteristics of a plate reverb, like the free epicPLATEmkII I reviewed.
I like how the plugin accurately emulates and resembles the spring reverb’s metallic, vintage, and drippy tone yet allows you to extend beyond that and get creative.
It also gives you a very clean sound, free of the artifacts of a spring reverb. So, it’s a delight to apply it to electric guitars, organs, synthesizers, electric pianos, acoustic pianos, etc. The tone is vintage and reminiscent of the 70s Classic Rock, Blues, Reggae, Surf Rock, etc. Classic rock recordings from the 1960s and 1970s used spring reverb on guitars, drums, and vocals. Thus, it’s often associated with that era’s raw and energetic sound.
If you’re into that “twangy” guitar tone, you’d love using TENS jr. You can also hear this style of reverb effect in songs by new age artists like Tame Impala, Lana Del Rey, Tycho, War On Drugs, The Neighbourhood, etc.
To conclude, this plugin is a modern twist on the vintage-style or analog spring reverb and captures the classic sound while providing the convenience and reliability of contemporary technology.
TENS jr. is available in AAX, VST, and AU plugin formats for Windows and Mac operating systems.
Check out TENS jr.’s manual here.
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