Madrona Labs’ Aaltoverb is a performance-ready plug-in
Spin-off from Aalto synth plug-in lets you change size parameter without clicks.
Madrona Labs has repackaged the reverb section of its Aalto virtual modular synth as a standalone plug-in named Aaltoverb. The original Aalto reverb effect was deemed not flexible, but with Aaltoverb, the Seattle-based boutique brand has aimed for a performance-friendly tool that can be played like an instrument.
Aaltoverb comprises four main parameters: size, decay, tone and mix. Of note is the size parameter, which can be operated smoothly without any clicks. What you’ll hear instead is pitch shifting, which the brand has likened to the sound you get from changing the speed on tape delays, but applying to the “whole acoustic space”. According to the company, this should help you transition smoothly between different reverb spaces.
An infinite decay can be accessed by turning the decay knob control all the way up. This introduces the plug-in’s freeze function that the brand says will give you a “truly endless wash of sound without audible loop points”.
Rounding out Aaltoverb’s features are controls for tone and mix. Tone, in particular, isn’t your regular reverb EQ – it’s designed to overwhelmingly muffle the track for a more pronounced low-end, produce a sizzle in the high-end, or, when used around the 1000 Hz range, be a transparent effect that’s great for tweaking a mix.
Retails at $35. Compatible with both Mac and Windows. More info at madronalabs.com.
