5 Great Reverb Plugins You Should Be Using

Let it be known that I own each of the fantastic reverb plugins I’ll discuss in this post. I’m offering my opinions free of charge! Simply put, I love reverb plugins! Naturally, I want to share why they are so exceptional.

If you are new to reverb, here is a quick tutorial. Reverb is a crucial component of any mix. Reverb creates a sense of space and depth that can bring your music to life. Reverb plugins are digital tools that simulate the sound of different acoustic spaces. A quality reverb can achieve everything from small rooms to large halls.

Types of reverb

There are two main types of reverb plugins- algorithmic and convolution:

Algorithmic

These plugins use complex algorithms to generate a synthetic reverb sound based on mathematical models of acoustic spaces. These reverb types can be versatile and flexible, offering a wide range of sounds and control over the reverb’s character.

Convolution

Convolution reverbs use actual recordings of acoustic spaces to create a realistic and natural reverb sound. In fact, these types of reverbs are often favored for their accuracy and realism. They are beneficial for creating natural-sounding spaces for acoustic instruments or vocals.

Both algorithmic and convolution reverbs have unique strengths and weaknesses, and many producers and engineers will combine both types to achieve the desired sound. In this post, I’ll discuss five of what I consider to be the best examples of both reverb plugins.

That stated, let me introduce you to my favorite reverb plugins.

My Top 5 Favorite Reverb Plugins:

1. Rematrix by Overloud: (PICTURED ABOVE) Overlouds Rematrix reverb is a powerful and versatile plugin that lets you easily create amazing reverbs. You can load up to 5 impulse responses and blend them to create custom spaces. You can also tweak the tone and dynamics of each IR with the integrated effects chain. The vast factory library covers a wide range of styles and genres. REmatrix is not just a convolution reverb; it’s a reverb machine that redefines how you think about reverbs. I had my eye on it for quite a while and purchased it second-hand on another site. No doubt one of my favorite plugins.

What sets REmatrix apart from other reverb plugins is its parallel processing approach. You can mix and match different reverb types, such as plates, rooms, halls, chambers, etc., and independently adjust their levels, pans, EQs, and filters. This gives you unprecedented control over the shape and character of your reverb. You can also use the master section to add delay, drive, modulation, and compression to your reverb signal.

REmatrix is suitable for any music production, from subtle ambiance to lush soundscapes. It comes with hundreds of presets designed by MoReVoX, one of the world’s leading sound designers. You can also import your own IRs or use the ones from other Overloud libraries. REmatrix is compatible with VST, AU, and AAX formats and works seamlessly with any DAW. If you are looking for a reverb plugin that offers both quality and flexibility, REmatrix is an excellent choic

2. Little Plate by Soundtoys: Little Plate is based on the EMT 140 plate reverb, considered a classic in reverb processing. Its warm, smooth sound makes this a fan favorite. Adding it to a track can add depth and space to any mix. Therefore, Little Plate offers a simplified interface and controls, making it easy to use for both beginners and professionals. Included is a “Mix Lock” feature allowing users to maintain a consistent reverb level with the dry/wet mix. It’s so easy to use and sounds very good to my ears.

3. Sunset Sound by IK Multimedia: Sunset Sound is a reverb plugin based on the iconic Sunset Sound recording studio in Hollywood, California. It offers three different rooms, each with a unique sound and character. The plugin combines impulse responses and algorithmic processing to create a highly realistic and immersive sound. It also includes a variety of controls that allow for precise shaping of the reverb’s character. What I love about it is the ability to just push buttons and get a new sound, then adjust to taste. I wonder how close it actually emulates these spaces but I trust IK Multimedia if they say so:)

4. Exponential Audio: Exponential Audio is a company that produces several highly regarded algorithmic reverb plugins, including PhoenixVerb, R2, and Nimbus. High-quality sound and versatility are the trademarks here. Each offers a wide range of controls for shaping the reverb’s character. Advanced features like early reflection controls and EQ options are onboard. More importantly, your CPU will thank you as they don’t eat much. They are a favorite among users who must run multiple reverb instances in a mix. The best part of this plugin is how easy it is to scroll through presets with your arrow keys, which makes it a breeze.

5. Waves IRL-1: Waves IRL-1 is a convolution reverb plugin that offers a highly realistic and detailed sound that can add depth and space to any mix. The plugin includes a variety of controls for shaping the reverb’s character and the ability to load custom impulse responses. Additionally, it offers a unique “Spread” control that can add width and stereo imaging to the reverb signal. Waves include a download containing all the impulse responses you would ever need to put your instrument or vocal in rooms and spaces all over the globe. This picture is of the scaled-down version.

Conclusion:

If you want to add a new dimension to your music mixes, reverb plugins are the perfect tool to explore. I frequently try different reverb plugins to see which are good, bad, or indifferent. With the ability to create a sense of depth and spaciousness, these plugins can significantly enhance the overall sound quality of your music. 

Many options are available in the market, each with distinct features that cater to different needs. For instance, some plugins offer a range of reverb types. In contrast, others provide customizable parameters that allow you to fine-tune the effect according to your preferences. 

It is important to note that choosing the right plugin for your particular needs can significantly impact the outcome of your mix. Therefore, trying out demos before committing to a purchase is recommended. This will help you understand the plugin’s capabilities and allow you to experiment with different settings and find the perfect match for your mix.

In conclusion, incorporating reverb plugins into your music production process can elevate your skills to the next level. You can unlock endless possibilities and create a unique sound by exploring the vast options available. So, go ahead and enjoy the benefits that these plugins have to offer!