Spring Reverb by Hotto Engineering is a Virtual Effect Audio Plugin for macOS and Windows. It functions as a VST Plugin and an Audio Units Plugin. PSP SpringBox is an emulation of a hardware spring reverberator (VST, AAX and RTAS for Windows; AudioUnit, VST, AAX and RTAS for Mac OSX). It recreates several features typical of a spring reverb, such as a convincing “boing” on transients and a repeatable resonating musical character with an adjustable presence. Spirit Reverb is an audio plug-in featuring authentic spring reverb and powerful digital reverb effects. The 7 reverb types can be tuned to perfection with the customizable control panel. Spring reverbs can be adjusted for different numbers of springs and different spring parameters affecting length, tone.
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 🙂
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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.
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
Spring Reverb Free Vst Synth
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”.
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. Logic pro x vst plugins. 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.
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
Spring Reverb Free Vst Plugin
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
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’.
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.
Reverb is one of the most important tools for audio engineers. It’s an audio effect used on every mix you’ll ever hear.
There’s so many reverb plugins out there. Deciding which one to use is a big challenge. And sifting through hundreds of plugins can sap your creativity pretty quick.
But if you know your way around the different types of reverb plugins, you’ll have head start on choosing the right tools to create the perfect ambience to enhance your mix.
Here’s a primer on the different styles of reverb and the 15 best reverb plugins for each reverb type.
Electromechanical reverb
In the early days of audio, engineers discovered they could use transducers to create vibrations in a piece of metal.
These vibrations could be captured with an electromagnetic pickup like the kind used in electric guitars.
This led to the development of two main types of electromechanical reverb—spring reverb and plate reverb:
What is spring reverb?
Spring reverb takes advantage of the unique behaviour of a coiled spring. The transducer is fitted at one end of spring and the pickup is at the other.
Spring reverb has a darker, edgier character that can vary widely from spring to spring. It’s often found in classic guitar amplifiers.
Using spring reverbs will give you a sploshy, metallic reverb with lots of character.
Best spring reverb VST plugins
Free:Hotto Spring Reverb
Hotto Spring Reverb is a free, no-nonsense spring reverb that’s effective and easy to use.
Spring reverb has a darker, edgier character that can vary widely from spring to spring.
Cheap:Aegean Music Spirit Reverb
Aegean Music Spirit Reverb is an affordable and authentic way to get spring reverb onto your tracks. It also includes other tone shaping effects like delay and tube preamp emulation.
Pro:PSP Springbox
Using spring reverbs will give you a sploshy, metallic reverb with lots of character.
PSP Spring Box has a ton of control to dial in your perfect spring reverb sound. It can go from realistic vintage spring reverb to seriously weird textures.
Where to use it?
Spring reverb is at home on electric guitars, but you can use it anywhere where you need a grittier flavour of reverb.
What is plate reverb?
Plate reverb is the main style of reverb from the golden age of analog recording. It’s created by exciting metal with a transducer just like spring reverb.
However, giant metal plates are required to create high quality plate reverb, so today these devices are expensive and rare.
They’re well loved for a reason though. Plate reverbs create a very recognizable sound that blends well into a mix and doesn’t overpower the dry signal.
Best plate reverb VST plugins
Free:TAL Reverb 2
TAL Reverb 2 deserves to top the list of best free reverb plugins. It’s a fantastic sounding reverb that’s modelled on a plate but can go from natural and realistic to lush ambient textures.
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Plate reverbs create a very recognizable sound that blends well into a mix and doesn’t overpower the dry signal.
Cheap:VallhallaDSP ValhallaPlate
ValhallaDSP makes some of the best value-for-money reverb plugins. Sean Costello’s plugins are widely respected in the pro audio community despite their low price tag.
ValhallaPlate is a fantastic, inexpensive way to get into plate reverb.
Pro:UAD EMT 140 Plate
Universal Audio is the top name in vintage emulation and their plugins run on a dedicated hardware platform.
Their loving reproduction of the classic EMT 140 tube plate reverb is a smash hit. It’s incredibly authentic and sounds eerily close to a real plate.
The free VST vocal effects plugin gives you the ability to control reverb parameters (pre-delay, space, time, and width), damping (low and high), EQ (lows, mids, and highs), and output gain (both reverb. VST 4 FREE - Free Audio Plug-ins and Archives Free audio plugins archive - Instruments and effects for audio software. Plugins for Cubase, FL studio, Reaper, Ableton and other VST/AU platforms. Plug in vst free. Native Instruments. Native Instruments has done a remarkable job by releasing KOMPLETE START. VST PLUGINS FOR FREE Get producing music straight away with free VST plug-ins and samples in KOMPLETE START, taken from our leading production suite, KOMPLETE. Get REAKTOR PLAYER, KONTAKT PLAYER, KOMPLETE KONTROL, free effects VST plug-ins, free synth plug-ins. The Hadron plugin is your ultimate granular synthesis tool. In fact it is such a complete implementation of granular synthesis we’ve renamed the technique to particle synthesis. The plugin is of course free.
Plate reverb uses
Vocals, snares, or anywhere else you need an even sounding reverb with smooth early reflections and distinctive character.
Algorithmic reverb
Algorithmic reverb uses digital trickery to create reverb. It usually works by using many cascaded digital delay lines to create the illusion of acoustic reflections. The earliest electronic reverb devices were algorithmic, so many of the classic sounds we associate with studio reverb were created this way.
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Algorithmic reverbs aren’t always realistic since processing power was so limited in the early days. But they can still create a desirable and characteristic reverb sound that works in tons of mixing situations.
Best algorithmic reverb VST plugins
Free:Smartelectronix Ambience
Smarteletronix Ambience was one of the first quality free reverb plugins on the scene. And it’s still a great option for dreamy, ambient, algorithmic reverb.
Cheap:VallhallaDSP VintageVerb
Valhalla VintageVerb is a versatile algorithmic reverb with vintage style modes to simulate the frequency and sample rate limitations of 70’s and 80’s hardware reverbs.
Algorithmic reverbs aren’t always realistic since processing power was so limited in the early days. But they can still create a desirable and characteristic reverb sound that works in tons of mixing situations.
Pro:UAD Lexicon 224
The UAD Lexicon 224 is a painstakingly accurate replication of the classic vintage hardware. The original Lexicon 224 was one of the first readily available digital reverb units introduced to studios in the late 1970’s. It’s responsible for so many classic reverb sounds from that era.
Algorithmic reverb uses
Algorithmic works best for Synth pads, effects, or anywhere else you need a stylish, enveloping reverb.
Convolution reverb
Convolution reverbs create ambience through a mathematical process called (wait for it) convolution.
These reverb plugins use Impulse Responses to create their effect. Impulse responses are made by measuring the reverberation of a real space with a microphone and a specialized tone called an impulse.
Algorithmic works best for Synth pads, effects, or anywhere else you need a stylish, enveloping reverb.
The impulse response is a sonic profile that the plugin uses to apply its specific reverberation characteristics to your sound.
To put it simply, convolution reverb lets you use the ambience of any real world space inside your DAW.
Hot tip: Convolution can also be used to model things like speaker cabinets for electric guitar.
If you have an all purpose convolution plugin, you can use IRs of speaker cabs to get a convincing sound when you record amps direct.
Best convolution reverb VST plugins
Free:SIR Audio Tools SIR1 (Windows) LAConvolver (Mac)
These free simple convolution tools are capable of loading great sounding impulse responses. That’s the beauty of convolution! They may not be the most full featured plugins out there, but they can totally get the job done.
Cheap:Liquid Sonics Reverberate Core
Liquid Sonics Reverberate Core is an effective, inexpensive convolution reverb solution. It has the ability to load and tweak parameters of any impulse response.
Pro:Audio Ease Altiverb
Audio Ease Altiverb is the gold standard for studio convolution reverb. Its powerful convolution engine and IR collection are capable of creating extremely realistic and compelling acoustic spaces.
Convolution reverb uses
Close mic’d instruments or wherever you need natural, realistic sounding spaces. Convolution reverb is a great choice for acoustic instruments like strings and piano.
Spring Reverb Free Vst Plugins
Non-linear reverb
There’s a few classic reverb sounds you might know that I haven’t covered yet.
I’m talking about special effects like gated and reverse reverb. These sounds are all examples of “non-linear” reverb.
Electromechanical, algorithmic and convolution reverbs all attempt to model real spaces—with varying degrees of success. Even though some examples are quirky and not at all realistic, they still have a “linear” decay.
Convolution reverb is a great choice for acoustic instruments like strings and piano.
That means the reverb rings out with the normal, uniform decrease in energy that would happen a real acoustic space.
Non-Linear reverbs throw that idea out the window. They’re the classic reverb “effects” from the 80s like gated and reverse reverb.
Best Non-linear Reverb VST Plugins
Free:Longsound MicroVerb VST
Longsound MicroVerb VST is an emulation of the Alesis Microverb hardware unit. This entry-level hardware reverb is known for its three non-linear presets, which sound pretty weird in all the right ways.
Cheap:ValhallaDSP VintageVerb
We’ll have to give this one to Valhalla VintageVerb again for its fantastic nonlinear algorithms.
Pro:UAD AMS RMX16
The hardware AMS RMX16 is another early digital reverb that has been painstakingly modelled by Universal Audio. It’s nonlinear presets are responsible for many of the gated reverb sounds on recordings from the 1980’s.
If other verbs are sounding just too…normal, try a non-linear style for a change of pace.
Non-linear reverb uses
Use non-linear reverb to create psychedelic special effects. If other verbs are sounding just too…normal, try a non-linear style for a change of pace.
Early reflections
You need a sense of space in your recordings for them to sound natural and inviting.
That’s why reverb is an essential element of every mix. And to use it properly, you have to know your tools.
So to recap:
The best reverb plugins are…
Whether you’re adding a realistic ambience to an acoustic guitar, creating a cavernous space for a synth pad or just trying to nail that classic 80’s gated snare, knowing which reverb to reach for is key.
Plate, spring, convolution, algorithmic and non-linear reverbs all have helpful applications in your music.
Try any of the plugins from this list see how the how the different types work for you.