Traditional ‘linear’ reverbs maintain consistent decay patterns and tonal characteristics, often emulating natural spaces such as halls or cathedrals. Non-linear reverbs take a more creative approach, enabling users to alter decay patterns in unconventional ways - resulting in complex, evolving reverbs that can vary in intensity and character. Legend in the recording industry has it that this unique sound was initially discovered by accident during a recording session for Peter Gabriel's track ‘Intruder’ when a ‘listen mic’ - which featured very aggressive compression - was left on during recording in the stone room at the Townhouse Studios. The result? Huge, expansive reverb that disappeared in an instant. This sound became so popular that it eventually became available in hardware FX units and went on to define the sound of the 80s. This iconic sound can be heard on tracks like Phil Collin’s ‘In the Air Tonight’, Kate Bush's ‘Hounds of Love', Bronski Beat's ‘Smalltown Boy’ and other hits from the 70s’ and '80s. Indeed, non-linear reverb techniques are still in use today among many popular producers and engineers.
A new frontier of sonic textures
SSL's new GateVerb plug-in helps impart new sonic textures and dynamic changes to a track, while offering precise control over the reverb tail and other elements. This can result in clear, punchier mixes, with more texture and character. Its wide range of easily accessed reverb controls includes Density, Time, Colour, Size, and Retro - so you can dial in exactly the right amount of '70s or '80s vibe. Additionally, GateVerb provides ducking and sidechaining features, and introduces the ability to time-sync pre-delay and time parameters according to the pre-defined tempo of your DAW.
“GateVerb is an incredibly powerful creative tool that can add clarity, punch or an extra degree of vibe to almost any mix," comments Jon Sandman, SSL Plug-in Product Manager. "With its highly flexible set of controls and creative parameters, GateVerb can help users take control over how their reverbs morph and change over time. This can have a significant effect on the overall outcome of a mix."
- Comprehensive reverb controls - By using its Density, Time, Color, Size and Wet/Dry blend control, users can adjust any balance of both wet and dry signals simultaneously from a single control - while changing the size of the room, early reflection parameters, the harmonic colour of the reflections, as well as the reverb decay time.
- Ducking with sidechaining - To maintain instrumental or vocal prominence in a dense mix or complex audio scenario, it is very often essential to apply ducking. In GateVerb, this easily accessible feature allows the user to apply gain reduction based on both internal and external sidechain signals.
- Pre-Delay - By using GateVerb's Pre-Delay functionality, users can introduce a delay between the dry signal and the onset of the reverb. This allows greater control over the reverb's overall impact, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
- Lo-Fi Controls - A dedicated Lo-Fi control allows users to create mixes that stand out with unique, retro vibes. By deliberately degrading a signal with the Lo-Fi control, users can achieve a vintage effect that adds character and texture to their audio.
- Time-synched decay - By using this control, the decay time can easily be synced to match the tempo of the track, ensuring a rhythmic consistency. This feature is particularly useful in music production where timing precision is crucial, such as in electronic music.
- Mix Lock - The Mix Lock control allows users to lock the mix control during preset changes, so that the previously used settings can be maintained. This is especially useful for live performance, or while quickly switching between two different sounds.
SSL Complete, complete access, Rent-To-Own or Paid In Full
GateVerb is available as a standalone plug-in or as part of SSL Complete, which is included in the Complete Access Bundle - alongside every Slate Digital plug-in - for ONLY $19.99 p/month (Ts&Cs apply). Find out more here.
For more information, to access a free trial of GateVerb, or a trial of SSL Complete, please visit the SSL eStore.
