Spring Reverb Free Vst
38 spring reverbs impulse responses selected and cleaned. 3 levels of complexity (low and mid limit the audio bandwidth). Compatible 44100Hz, 48000Hz, 88200Hz, 96000Hz, 176400Hz and 192000Hz. Spring Reverb is a free reverb VST, Audio Unit plugin developed by Hotto Engineering. Compatible OS(s): Windows, macOS. Spring Reverbemulates the physical behavior of the reverberation springs by solving the underlying partial differential equations on basis of the finite elements algorithm. Spring Reverb is an authentic spring reverb recreation that will add vintage character and grit to any audio track. It also includes novel features such as a fully automatable Shake control that will shake the virtual springs around for those thunderous spring effects. Softube Spring Reverb Like every Spring Verb, Softube's VST Plugin brings much character to your sound. Spring verbs are often used in guitar amplifiers. Spring verbs always have an extraordinary sound, so listen to some demo sounds yourself.
- Spring Reverb Free Vst Plugin
- Spring Reverb Vst Free
- Spring Reverb Free Vst Download
- Free Vst Fl Studio
- Hotto Spring Reverb
Feb 15, 2020 To my ears, the Soft Tube Spring reverb is the best on the market. It basically does one thing but does it exceedingly well. It seems expensive at $89.00, but if you really want a great spring sound, it's totally worth it. Spring Reverb Hotto Engineering (Windows, Mac) Hotto Spring reverb is an incredibly simple, no-nonsense spring reverb that is super easy to use since it only features a couple parameters which you can tweak. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, and for being a free reverb vst plugin it actually does sound great! VST Devil's tube Spring is based on spring reverb impulses followed by a classic reverb tail. 2 spring reverb model (2 or 3 springs type) Length (Std and HQ Mode.
System requirements
- Mac OS X 10.12 or newer (older OS versions may work but are not tested).
- Windows 64-bit, versions 7, 8 or 10.
- Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 or newer.
- Screen resolution 1280x800 or larger.
- 8 GB RAM or more is recommended, as well as at least 8 GB hard disk space for installation (individual plug-ins take less space, while sample libraries may require additional disk space. Specific information available on each instrument's page).
- Softube account.
- iLok account.
- Internet access for downloading installer and managing licenses.
- iLok generation 2 and up, if you intend to use an iLok dongle for authorizing your plug-ins (note that an iLok dongle is not a requirement).
- In theory, any 64-bit VST, VST3, AU, or AAX (11.0.2 or higher) compatible host application should work.
However, due to plug-in host differences between DAWs - and our own rigorous testing standards - we only officially test our plug-ins and instruments in the most recent versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, Studio One, Digital Performer, Reaper and Sonar. Softube plugins are not tested in the non-listed systems, but they most likely work as long as the system requirements are met. We cannot guarantee a solution for issues in unsupported systems.
Please Note: Softube plug-ins support 64-bit hosts only, and a 64-bit OS is required. Therefore, for example, Pro Tools 10.x is no longer supported (contact support for latest 32-bit compatible instalers).
Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo.
The most recent maintenance release of the DAW application is recommended.
AAX DSP is not in active development, but older products still support AAX DSP. For legacy TDM/VENUE, please see the Legacy Installers page.
Need a reverb plugin that will add that much-needed vintage “sproing” to your tracks?
Or maybe you are looking for a great all-’rounder that can handle everything from drums to vocals, surf guitar jams to spacey Krautrock freak-outs?
Read on to find out which the best spring reverb plugin for you!
Quick answer: we like the Audiority’s XenoVerb for the top pick, but Softube Spring Reverb is also a very popular choice. And though it’s a little bit pricey, PSP Audioware’s Nexcellence offers the most features.
Let’s take a closer look 🙂
Table of Contents
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Buying Guide
What is Reverb?
Reverb, in audio engineering, is an artificial audio effect that recreates or approximates the combined effect of sound waves bouncing off surfaces in an acoustic space (Wikipedia definition of reverb at link).
In music or audio production, reverb is typically used on otherwise “dry” or unaffected audio signals in order to create the impression of the sound being present in a particular environment.
Now, reverb actually occurs naturally, and is present in most every environment. But in the confines of a typical recording space, reverberant qualities may be less present than is desired or required, or in fact may be totally absent. So audio engineers employ artificial means for generating reverb.
Before the advent of digital–and even analog–signal processing technology, studio engineers typically added reverb to sounds by placing the source in a highly reverberant or “echo-ey” space. This was typically a large, empty room with high ceilings and hard wooden walls and floors.
But with the advent of signal processing technology and the shift toward smaller studio spaces, most engineers eventually gravitated toward artificial reverb as one of the to go-to plugins to use for music production.
What is spring reverb?
Spring reverbs were among the earliest forms of reverbs. Similar in principle to plate reverbs, spring reverbs utilized metal springs instead of a metal plate. This spring vibrates in response to audio signals directed into the mechanism, producing a characteristic metallic sound.
The sound produced by spring reverbs had little in common with natural reverb sounds. Nevertheless, the highly reverberant–and sometimes jarring–effect produced was quite distinctive, and was an essential element in early rock-and-roll and surf music.
On Choosing a reverb plug-in
For studio engineers who frequently record acoustic instruments, realism is one of the most important considerations in choosing a reverb plug-in.
For these purposes, a particular reverb should approximate the sonic qualities of a particular environment as closely as possible.
But authenticity and realism aren’t necessarily suited to every application. In some cases, recording engineers, music producers, and/or artists may prefer the “artificiality” of a plate or spring reverb, or even the totally unnatural qualities of a more complex modulated reverb. Spring and plate reverbs in particular are often sought after for these unique qualities they impart to the sound.
You can read more about the different types of reverb by jumping to the bottom of the page.
Best Spring Reverb Plugins
Audiority XenoVerb
Audiority’s XenoVerb is a versatile reverb plug-in that brings together the best of classic and modern reverb algorithms. Despite its clean and simple interface, it is capable of delivering a remarkably wide range of useable reverbs.
A lot of thought and research have clearly gone into the development of each algorithm, and the overall design is marked by remarkable attention to detail. Practically any type of acoustic space can be dialed in with the XenoVerb, making it so much more than your typical spring reverb emulation.
Specs and features
- Ten reverb algorithms: Room, Hall, Plate 1 and 2, Springy, Glass, Flow, Shimmer, Bode, and Formant
- Eight controls for each algorithm
- “Active” bypass switch
- “Freeze” feature for creating loops
- “Limiter” control for attenuating the wet signal
- Vintage LED display with a drop-down algorithm menu
- Knob value meter for precise tuning of tones and pre-delay times
User impressions
Among the most common praises for XenoVerb are its flexibility and high-quality algorithms. Capable of delivering an exceedingly wide range of reverbs from the traditional to the futuristic, it is nevertheless remarkably easy to operate. Many users have in fact expressed amazement at how so much capability has been packed into such a reasonably-priced reverb plug-in.
Bottom-line
Perhaps the one thing that XenoVerb lacks to push it over the edge is a width knob. With the addition of this somewhat ubiquitous feature, what is an already tremendously versatile reverb processor would be even more useful and flexible. As it is, few reverb plug-ins come close to the combination of simplicity and state-of-the-art features that XenoVerb provides, and it is definitely a winner in our books.
Demonstration
Softube Spring Reverb
Softube’s Spring Reverb aimed at providing as close to an authentic, vintage spring reverb effect as possible with this unit. Gritty and full of character, it contrasts sharply with the slick and polished “studio-quality” reverbs that have inundated the market as of late.
The plug-in makes no pretenses of being anything other than a thick and juicy approximation of the dripping-wet reverb sound that has graced countless classic tracks over the years. It even has a “shake” control that approximates the harsh “clang!” produced by a guitar amplifier when kicked by an over-jubilant rock star!
Specs and features
- Tension control for spring character and reverb length
- Adjustable number of spring pairs
- Tube driver simulation with bass and treble controls
- Shake control for classic “clanging” effects
- Low CPU requirements
User impressions
Softube’s Spring Reverb has quite a bit of accolades from hobbyist as well as from seasoned pros. It has been used by producers and engineers on the projects of such artists as Adele, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and U2.
One producer in particular pitted the Spring Reverb head-to-head against an AKG BX20, considered by many to be the holy grail of spring reverbs. After logging hundreds of hours comparing the two, this producer retired his venerable BX, and now uses the Softube Spring Reverb exclusively.
Bottom-line
Softube Spring Reverb is a deceptively simple and yet effective reverb that brings that coveted vintage flavor to any production. Some users have complained about the exaggerated quality of the spring reverb approximation, but reviews tend to be generally positive.
Demonstration
PSP Audioware SpringBox
Developed by PSP Audioware, SpringBox is a plug-in emulation of a hardware spring reverberator device. Its features aim to replicate some of the most recognizable characteristics of spring reverb units, among them the “boing” effect on transient signals.
Spring Reverb Free Vst Plugin
It also has a repeat control for musical resonance, with a separate presence control. The SpringBox can be configured with two to six springs, with the stereo spread and pan/balance control providing utmost flexibility for use in insert and send applications.
Specs and features
- Can be configured with two to six springs
- Stereo spread and pan/balance make it suitable for a variety of applications
- Two-channel (A and B) setup
- Factory and user presets slots available
User impressions
Many users have lauded the SpringBox’s ability to provide the classic character of a spring reverb with the precise parameter control of a plugin. It has been used by producers working in a wide variety of styles, although interestingly, it seems to be surprisingly popular among hip-hop producers.
In any case, many users have noted the SpringBox’s usefulness not just on guitar, but on most other instruments and sound sources as well.
Bottom-line
The SpringBox is an easy to configure spring reverb plug-in with effective stereo routing and versatile spread and diffusion controls. Equally capable of processing drums and guitars, it is somewhat let down by the inability to custom tailor each spring individually and by the less-than-useful A/B option.
Demonstration
SpringAge Overloud
Overloud’s SpringAge represents a significant departure from now-familiar spring reverb simulation with its combination of convolution and algorithmic technology. Merging the best qualities of both signal processing approaches, it aims to replicate the tone and dynamics of an authentic spring reverb device.
SpringAge comes with three spring models, each inspired by some of the most iconic reverb units in recording history. Suitable for use with vintage and modern equipment, it is equally effective on guitars, vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, and drums.
Specs and features
- Combined algorithmic and IR reverb
- Three reverb emulations: AQTX (classic spring, best suited for guitar and vocals), S201 (intended for keyboards, synthesizers, and lead instruments), and ANGEL (channel reverb applications)
- “Boingy” control
- Brightness control
- Tension control
- Flexible EQ
- Tube preamp can be overdriven
User impressions
SpringAge seems to have garnered quite a following with its unique approach to spring reverb emulation. Many users have compared it favorably to Softube’s Spring Reverb, highlighting the added advantage of its versatile and detailed parameter control. The flexibility of unit clearly seems to have won fans over, with many appreciating the ability to overdrive the preamp section.
The two-band parametric EQ has also been praised for its ability to tailor the reverb for specific guitar or vocal applications.
Bottom-line
SpringAge score points for its realistic spring reverb approximation, with the added control over the drive being the icing on the cake. Some users have complained about the relatively limited range of sounds possible, and the inability to push the boingy and tension controls to the extreme.
Nevertheless, the general consensus is that SpringAge provides very reasonable value for the money.
PSP Audioware Nexcellence
Already having garnered rave reviews for the SpringBox, PSP Audioware came out another contender in the spring reverb plug-in arena. Called Nexcellence, this new plug-in draws inspiration from the “necklace-type” spring reverb mechanisms fitted into Hammond organs in the 1960s. With the addition of a whole new set of features such as two spring processor engines, extended parameter control, and an opto-limiter circuit, Nexcellence is just as suited to modern applications as it is to classics-oriented projects.
Specs and features
- Two spring set processors (can use either or both) simultaneously
- Precise parameter control over spring reverb characteristics
- Input gain knob for boosting or overdriving the input signal
- Built-in opto-limiter circuit
- Feed switch cuts the signal to the reverb, leaving the ‘wet’ signal on
- Up to 250 milliseconds pre-delay
- Input width control pulls down side gain
User impressions
One of the most common praises directed toward Nexcellence is its ability to bring forth the best qualities of plate, room, and spring reverbs. Closer to an all-purpose reverb than to the typical spring reverb emulation, it is equally capable of adding depth and subtle warmth to electric guitar and drums. As compared to the SpringBox, some users have claimed that Nexcellence is “cleaner” and “more hi-fi”.
Spring Reverb Vst Free
Bottom-line
Nexcellence is almost like having two spring reverbs in one, with Set I providing a brighter, yet deeper and more sustain-ey flavor to the dark and vintage-ey character of Set II. Each Set can be used individually, but combining the two definitely provides even more tonal possibilities.
Considered remarkably rich, vibrant, and complex, the Nexcellence is equally at home acoustic, vocal, electric, and electronic tracks.
About the only faults we could find with it are the somewhat high price tag and the absence of a bypass switch for the “feed” feature.
Demonstration
Final Thoughts
Five quality reverbs, one or two of which are about as different from the others as can be…so how do you choose which is the best spring reverb plugin to add to your arsenal?
When making your decision, it might be helpful to first define your sonic goals. Are you looking for the classic “boing”-ey drip of vintage spring reverb?
If so, Softube’s Spring Reverb, PSP’s SpringBox, and Overloud’s SpringAge are all worthy of consideration. If all you want is thick swathes of wet reverb coupled with a relatively simple user interface, you really can’t go wrong with any one of these.
Spring Reverb Free Vst Download
On the other hand, if you want a bit more versatility for contemporary musical stylings and acoustic recordings, the simplicity of those units might leave you wanting. If that is the case, PSP’s Nexcellence and Audiority’s XenoVerb might be more to your liking.
Both up the ante in terms of versatility and features, and yet remain very easy to use. In addition, they both sound excellent over a wide variety of applications, making them capable of so much more than your livening up your surf rock guitar tracks.
Top pick: Audiority’s XenoVerb
Considering that all these reverbs sound pretty darn good, were going to have to go with features and capabilities. This time around, Audiority’s XenoVerb beats out the competiton due to its sheer flexibility, comprehensive set of useful features, and its ability to sonically measure up to the best hardware reverbs on the market.
Addendum: The Different types of reverb
Over the years, a number of different types of hardware reverbs were developed, with names that reflected their form, function, or supposed sonic qualities. These different types of reverbs were later replicated or approximated in software.
Among the most common types of reverbs are:
Room
Room reverbs are descended from the actual echo chambers used to create the earliest artificial reverb effects. Most such reverbs attempt to simulate the effect of a sound existing in an enclosed space.
Hall/Chamber
Hall and chamber reverbs are often simply ‘larger’-sounding versions of room reverbs, with other tonal qualities possibly emphasized or de-emphasized. They may have more high- or low-frequency content (“bright” or “dark”, respectively), for example, or they may exhibit other sonic characteristics.
Plate
Free Vst Fl Studio
Plate reverbs are approximations of the EMT 140 reverb unit that was introduced in 1957. Fixtures in many big-name commercial studios in the 1960s to the 1970s, plate reverbs utilize a system of transducers attached to a large sheet metal ‘plate’.
Hotto Spring Reverb
This plate vibrates in response to audio signals directed through the transducers, producing a distinct reverb effect. Plate reverbs typically produce a bright and clear sound, and are stilled favored for their unique sonic imprint to this day.