METAVERB: An Experimental Reverb for Bold Sound Ideas
A Fresh Look at Spatial Sound
Immerse yourself in a world of unpredictable and captivating sound design with METAVERB – a unique experimental reverb from the talented developer novaflash. This plugin is a real challenge to standard reverb concepts, offering artists and sound engineers a tool for creating completely new, original spatial effects. Built on an innovative concept of two independent reverberation tanks, METAVERB opens the door to endless possibilities for exploring and shaping soundscapes, which are ideal for enriching and processing drum parts and vocals, but are capable of unexpectedly enriching virtually any audio material.
Two-Tank Reverb Architecture
The central idea behind METAVERB is the use of two reverberation engines (tanks) at once, between which smooth or sharp transitions can be made. This bi-tank structure, combined with flexible modulation and dynamic control capabilities from the input signal, makes METAVERB not just another reverb, but a full-fledged tool for real-time sound sculpting. It encourages experimentation, allowing you to go beyond traditional spatial effects.
Detailed Module Overview
METAVERB functionality is implemented through the interaction of three key modules, each of which plays an important role in shaping the final sound:
Flexible Filtering (FILTER)
The first stage of processing is a universal filter with a slope of 24 dB per octave, which offers low (LP), high (HP), and band (BP) frequency modes. This module is equipped with powerful modulation and dynamic control capabilities:
- MODULATION: A sinusoidal LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) allows you to add movement to the filter’s cutoff frequency.
- SPEED (BPM): Controls the modulation speed, synchronizing with the project’s tempo.
- DEPTH: Sets the intensity of the modulation effect. At a value of 0, the modulation is disabled.
- TRCK (Tracking): Allows the input audio signal to dynamically control the CUT-OFF filter parameter, making the processing dependent on the volume or other characteristics of the input audio.
The Heart of the Effect (REVERBERATION)
This module is central to creating the reverberation effect itself. It offers both standard and unique parameters for deep space customization:
- SIZE: Adjusts the overall size of the virtual space. A value of 0 disables the reverb.
- WIDTH: Controls the stereo width of the reverb tail.
- DAMP: Determines the decay rate of high frequencies in the reverb, simulating the absorption of sound by surfaces.
- COLOR: A unique parameter that allows you to choose between the digital sound of the 80s (left), a softer and smoother timbre (right), and a neutral character (in the center).
- A/B MOD: Allows you to smoothly switch between two internal reverb tanks. The SPEED (BPM) parameter sets the speed of this crossfading.
- SLOPE: Determines the nature of the transition between tanks A and B. Left – smooth transition, right – sharp.
- SINGLE: Enabling this mode activates only tank A.
- FREEZE: Allows you to “freeze” the current content of the input buffer, creating an endless ambient tail.
Dynamic Control (TRACKING)
This module is one of the most interesting features of METAVERB, allowing you to control many parameters in real time based on the characteristics of the input audio signal. You can customize the individual tracking effect value for each module (Filter, Reverberation). The INPUT parameter sets the overall intensity of the Tracking module. At a value of 0, the Tracking function is disabled.
- Allows you to create dynamic, input signal-dependent effects.
- Customizing the individual impact of tracking on Filter and Reverberation.
- Overall control of tracking intensity with the INPUT parameter.
Purpose and Application
Although METAVERB was designed with special attention to the processing of drums and vocal parts, its experimental nature makes it a valuable tool for any type of sound. The developer emphasizes that the effect largely depends on the characteristics of the input audio source, which opens up a huge space for creative experiments. The built-in presets are a great starting point for getting acquainted with the plugin’s capabilities, but the real magic is revealed when customized individually. The red labels (RED labels) on the interface indicate parameters that allow for a direct impact on the input signal.
Discover New Sound Horizons
METAVERB from novaflash is not just a reverb, but a powerful sound design tool that invites you to go beyond the familiar. Its unique two-tank architecture, deep modulation and dynamic tracking capabilities from the input signal, and experimental approach to reverb timbre shaping make it an indispensable assistant for those who want to create a unique and expressive sound. Explore, experiment, and give your tracks a completely new spatial dimension!
