Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by
Reverb plugins are more commonly used to give your tracksand mixes a sense of space.
CRTIV Reverb is a stereo reverberation effect AAX, AudioUnit and VST plugin for professional music production applications. This reverb plug-in provides a wide palette of reverb spaces while requiring only a minimal effort to obtain useful results. The tails created by this reverb are very dense and produce a well-defined spatialization. Mutant Reverb is a mono-to-stereo reverb plugin with a built-in ducker; perfect for vocals, percussion, synths and many other applications where you need precise control of reverb tails. Adding reverb to sounds gives warmth, character and places the sound in a real-world space.
But there are some other ones which can add personality,color, and even alter the sound of the source quite a lot.
In this post I will go over some of the best reverb plugins out there, as well as some really affordable alternatives to those, and even some free ones.
Let’s get straight to it;
Free Reverb Plugins
Some free plugins can actually be as good as premium ones,you just need to find the right ones.
I will only list three here since I already have an entire post on the best 15 FREE reverb vst plugins which you should definitely check out.
Spring Reverb Hotto Engineering (Windows, Mac)
Hotto Spring reverb is an incredibly simple, no-nonsensespring reverb that is super easy to use since it only features a coupleparameters which you can tweak.
The interface is intuitive and easy to use, and for being afree reverb vst plugin it actually does sound great!
Get Hotto here.
Looking for guitar VST/AU plugins? Here are the 21 best ones.
Ambience Reverb by Smartelectronicx (Windows, Mac)
Ambience Reverb not only comes with all the conventionalcontrols that all other reverbs provide, but it also features some other moreunconventional ones which definitely add to its versatility.
One of these features is the Gate button; This one will gatethe reverb and add a cool special effect.
Another one is the Hold Button, which allows you to hold thereverb in an infinite loop.
Some other useful features are; the EQ, Shape, and theDampening sections.
All in all, I think that this is an excellent freeware thateveryone should at least try out, especially since it could easily be a premiumplugin.
Get Ambience here.
Are you looking for a new DAW? Here’s a list of the best DAWs currently available!
Safe Reverb by Semantic Audio (Windows, Mac)
The whole point behind the SAFE plugins by Semantic Audio is to provide the user with an easier way to control the plugins by using semantic terms such as “warm, bright”, etc. to make the whole process more intuitive.
You just type the word in and it adjust the settingsautomatically.
On their website you will not only find a Reverb plugin, butalso an overdrive, EQ and Compressor.
Sure, none of these plugins are your traditional “dial everydetail in”-types of plugins since you can use semantic terms.
However, they all sound great and if you want to use it likea regular Reverb, you can…
You just have the added bonus of being able to use terms like“warm, bright, dull” etc.
Get Safe Reverb here.
Affordable Reverb Plugins
The upcoming reverb plugins on this list won’t be free, butalso won’t cost you a leg and an arm to get!
Related: Looking for Drum VST plugins? Here are the best ones.
XenoVerb by Audiority (Windows, Mac)
XenoVerb is a very versatile Reverb created by Audiority featuringboth classic and creative reverb algorithms which deliver a wide range ofreverbs.
The interface is extremely clean and easy to navigate whichis ideal for any beginner…
Plus, it’s super affordable.
So, if you’re just getting started with your musicproduction journey and want a premium reverb that won’t break the bank,definitely give XenoVerb a shot.
Get Xenoverb here.
Spring Reverb by Softube (Windows, Mac)
Softube is known for creating excellent plugins, some ofthem are even free like the One Knob Saturation plugin that I absolutely love.
Vst Plugin Crtiv Reverb Vst
You can find that one in my list of the best freeDistortion VST plugins.
What they tried to achieve when creating this plugin is toprovide an authentic, vintage spring reverb that resembles an original one asmuch as possible.
It is full of character, it’s super easy to use, and it evenlooks great…
What’s not to love?
Plus, it’s super cheap!
Get Spring Reverb here.
Little Plate by Soundtoys (Windows, Mac)
Little Plate was Inspired by the original EMT 140 platereverb, but with a couple added twists.
One of the differences between Little Plate and the EMT 140is that the original reverb could only handle up to 5 seconds of reverberationtime.
Little plate allows you to set the decay time to infinity,which means that the reverb tails never fade.
It also features a low-cut filter which will help you keepyour mixes clean, as well as a Mod Switch which ads modulation into the Reverbtail.
Get Little Plate here.
Related: Best Free delay VST Plugins.
Mutant Reverb by W.A. Production (Windows, Mac)
Mutant Reverb is a mono-to-stereo reverb plugin with abuilt-in ducker; perfect for vocals, percussion, synths and many otherapplications where you need precise control of reverb tails.
Adding reverb to sounds gives warmth, character and placesthe sound in a real-world space.
However, big problems arise when a reverb tail masks theclarity of the original signal, resulting in a muddy and undefined sound.
Here’s where you can duck the reverb processing out of theway of the original audio without any complicated side-chain routing.
You can even mute the original signal to listen only to theducked reverb effect in precise detail.
Mutant Reverb also offers Stereo Split processing with a reverbalgorithm that can turn a mono source into a stereo reverb signal.
Get Mutant Reverb here.
CRTIV Reverb 2 by Voxengo (Windows, Mac)
CRTIV Reverb 2 provides a wide palette of reverb spaceswhile requiring only a minimal effort to obtain useful results.
The tails created by this reverb are very dense and producea well-defined spatialization.
Since the reverb uses a kind of “true stereo” algorithm thepanned sounds receive a good stereo field placement.
It can be used on almost any instrument, mix, etc.
However, there is one drawback to this plugin…
It is very CPU intensive and it does require a high-endprocessor.
Get CRTIV Reverb 2 here.
Related: List of the Absolute bestFree VST plugins in the world.
Reverb by KiloHearts (Windows, Mac)
This reverb plugin is a “snapin”.
That means you can use it as a regular VST/AU plugin, or youcan use it with snapin hosts like Multipass and Snap Heap where you can combineeffects in various ways.
The plugin itself is super simple and straightforward, whichmakes it ideals for beginners who don’t want to spend too much money on just areverb plugin.
Get Reverb by KiloHearts here.
Vst Plugin Crtiv Reverb Plugins
Springbox by PSP Audioware (Windows, Mac)
PSP SpringBox is an emulation of a hardware springreverberator.
It recreates several features typical of a spring reverb anda selection of configurations from two to six springs total is provided, aswell as the ability to set stereo spread and pan/balance configured to suitvarious mix setups – from a typical guitar reverb to a creative use as a sendreverb in the mix.
What sets Springbox apart from other Spring Reverb vstplugins is the sheer number of controls provides you with.
This allows you to dial in every detail to perfection, andit can create from traditional and realistic vintage spring reverb sounds allthe way to extremely weird textures.
Get Springbox here.
Premium Reverb Plugins
Now, most of these are pretty expensive…
But they are the best of the best! So, if you truly want agreat reverb vst plugin… here you go!
EAReverb 2 by eaReckon (Windows, Mac)
EAReverb 2 features the “Natural” core engine of theoriginal EAReverb but also brings a plethora of new algorithms andfunctionalities accessible from a totally revised user interface.
Its former version, EAReverb, focused mainly on simulatingnatural environments, but EAReverb 2 is much more than that.
It features six different algorithms; Natural, Bright, AluBox, Auditorium, Plate, and Reverse…
As well as three operation modes; Pro Mode, SE Mode, and POSMode.
Get EAReverb 2 here.
Pro-R by FabFilter (Windows, Mac)
FabFilter Pro-R takes a musical approach to reverb, offeringuser-friendly, non-technical controls like Brightness, Character and Distanceto achieve the reverb sound you are looking for.
The stepless Space control lets you fade between dozens ofdifferent, carefully tuned room models, automatically choosing a matching decaytime for a natural-sounding result.
It is a highly customizable and great sounding plugin, andlike every other FabFilter plugin, it’s one I’d absolutely recommend.
There is also an integrated 6-band post-EQ, which allows youto completely shape the reverb in great detail.
The FabFilter plugins are one of the crowd’s favorites, andPro-R is definitely one of them.
Get Fabfilter Pro-R here.
TSAR-1 Reverb by Softube (Windows, Mac)
Softube is a company known for creating great qualityplugins, and TSAR-1 Reverb is one of them.
It’s not an emulation, nor stock design, or even a staticsnapshot of a space, but rather a modern reverb true stereo algorithm thatsounds very natural and real.
The number of presets it comes with is pretty high, and ifyou don’t find one that suits your needs exactly then you can adjust the reverbto your liking since the UI is extremely easy to understand because it onlyprovides you with a couple of faders and knobs.
Get TSAR-1 Reverb here.
Blackhole Reverb by Eventide (Windows, Mac)
Blackhole Reverb is a massive reverb plugin based on anEventide’s hardware stomp-box which, funny enough, shared the same name.
Most reverbs emulate real spaces or plates, but Blackhole isintended for creating more abstract special effects.
Basically, it allows you to create virtual spaces whichcould never exist in reality.
If you’re looking for a simple reverb that can will giveyour vocals, drums, or any other instrument in the mix, a subtle reverb effect,then Blackhole isn’t for you.
On the other hand, if you want a reverb plugin that can iscapable of creating some highly unusual sounds, then by all means… getBlackhole.
Vst Plugin Crtiv Reverb Pedal
Get Blackhole Reverb here.
UltraReverb by Eventide (Windows, Mac)
With over 300 awesome presets and 9 high-end hardware-basedreverb algorithms, as well as compression, EQ, and delay…
UltraReverb is one of the more versatile reverbs out theretoday.
Features
- Halls, Chambers, Rooms, Plates, and Ambience derived from Eventide’s flagship hardware processor, the H8000 UltraHarmonizer®
- Create acoustically natural or other-worldly environments
- Packed with over 300 killer presets for mixing, mastering, post production, and sound design
- Includes Artist Presets designed by top engineers and recording professionals
Get UltraReverb here.
SP2016 Reverb by Eventide (Windows, Mac)
The SP2016 was the first programmable studio rack processor.It introduced the concept of the ‘plug-in’ to the pro audio world back in 1982.
This reverb effect was used by many great artists such as TalkingHeads, Adele, Mariah Carey, Eminem, and more.
Now, a couple decades later, this effect can be bought as aVST plugin.
It features six distinct reverbs; Room, Stereo Room, andHigh-Density Plate algorithms, each available in the Vintage and Modernversions.
The Vintage algorithms are true to the original box, all theway down to the bit-depth.
The Modern algorithms are brighter, more diffuse, and use ahigher bit-depth.
Get SP2016 here.
Conclusion
Some of these plugins come with a free trial, which meansthat you can try them out completely for free before putting down your money.
Depending on what kind of sound you’re going for, I’dsuggest that you pay close attention to the reverbs I mentioned that tend to beused as an entirely different effect and not just to recreate the sound of aroom.
I hope this information was useful!
Have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spring Reverb?
A spring system has a transducer at one end of a spring and a pickup at the other.
It has a very distinctive sonic characteristic to it which is slightly darker, more metallic and edgier than the other reverb types.
At the time, spring reverb was frequently used for recording and it was commonly built into electric guitar amps since they’re pretty small and inexpensive to make.
What is a Plate Reverb?
Plate reverb is very similar to Spring reverb in the sense that it’s created by exciting a metal with a transducer.
It’s the typical sound of the age of analog recording.
They are not so common these days since in order to achieve this effect properly you need huge plates, which can be quite expensive.
Plate reverb blends well into the mix, which is why it’s so loved.
What is an Algorithmic Reverb?
Algorithmic reverbs are created digitally by using cascading digital delay signals.
This creates the illusion of space. However, it doesn’t sound super natural.
What is a Convolution Reverb?
The effect of a convolution reverb is created by measuring the reverberation of a real space with a microphone and an “impulse”.
These impulse responses are sonic profiles that the plugin can then apply to the sound.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may get a commission at zero cost to you.
Imagine creating music with no reverberation whatsoever, you hear the audio directly with no simulation of the sound of space (a room, hall, or a sound-reflective space), this would give you a dry signal, which is unnatural to the human ear, and this is because we are used to getting the illusion of the simulation of a real space in a mix.
Reverb is one of the tools and effects used by music producer/engineer to extract selective clarity, size, richness, wideness, etc. from the various elements of a multitrack production.
It can be used to create all sorts of effects, and can greatly make your music or mix stand out if used properly, but it can easily be misused too, typically, reverb effects can be used to…
- Create depth in a mix; pushing elements further back in a mix
- Multitrack projects are often crowded with 24, 36, and often more tracks filling the arrangement simultaneously (fighting to be heard), adding long reverb times can make certain element uncluttered in the mix
- It can be used to bring coloration to a sound
- You can use it to create drama in a track, for example, the intro can bring in a lush sound, and when the first verse begins, you can automate or dial back the lushness aggressively, making it sound not only dramatic but also pleasing to the ear.
- To create a reverse reverb, the original sound is reversed in time (flipping back), and you then add a duplication of the original track to the next bar, which when played together snap back to its original place in time, using this can be used to create suspense in a track, super useful
A before and after of a simple melody I just created, one with no reverb, and the other with a classic reverb:
You see how the reverb added more clarity and depth to the melody, wish I could show more example, I’ll leave that in your hands.
Since we know the importance of using reverb, I would be recommending some of the best reverb effects plugins in the music production scene right now.
Let’s get going…
1.) MangledVerb by Eventide
MangledVerb combines reverb and distortion to give you a stunning effect, it sends a stereo reverb into distortion, and when that is done, you get a plugin that is capable of creating lush reverbs, ripping distortion leads and sound-sculpting musical chaos.
This plugin is especially great if you are a guitarist, and if you are performing live, you’ll enjoy the RIBBON, you can program two settings for any combination of the controls and seamlessly transition between them.
The way the RIBBON work is you click on the white dot at the tip of any knob and drag it to the desired setting for the left-hand side of the Ribbon. This will program the knob and draw a blue arc from the initial knob position to the new, programmed knob position.
►Key Features:
- Create out-of-this-world soundscapes by increasing the Size and Overdrive.
- Use it as Mono-In/Mono-Out, Mono-In/Stereo-Out or Stereo-In/Stereo-Out for ultimate flexibility.
- Smoothly move from Softclip distortion to Overdrive for ripping transitions.
- Use the Wobble control to create spooky detuning effects.
- Use The Ribbon control to easily manipulate multiple parameters in a live situation.
- Program the HotSwitch to instantly change multiple parameters at once.
- Optimized for live use with MIDI control of The Ribbon and Tap Tempo for quick meta-control on the fly.
- Use Mix Lock to scroll through presets while keeping the wet-dry mix constant.
►System Requirements:
- Windows 7 or higher // 32-64bit
- macOS 10.7 or higher // 64-bit only
- 64-bit only
- AAX, VST2 & VST3 Formats for Windows, and
- AAX, AU & VST2 Formats for mac
2.) MorphVerb by United Plugins
MorphVerb is a multipurpose reverb plugin, whether you need a chamber, hall, algorithms for spring, ambience place, and a plethora of reverb effects.
The beauty of this plugin is the fact that it supports multiple reverb types, it features a lush algorithm for Spring, Ambience, Echoes, Room, Chamber, or Plate. It also features great spaces like Hall or Cathedral and your reverb can even be Infinite.
Another interesting feature of this plugin is that you can blend smoothly between any two neighboring reverb types. So you can get 20% Chamber and 80% Hall. MorphVerb fills the gaps between reverb styles and gives almost infinite possibilities.
►System Requirements:
Mac
- macOS 10.10 and newer
- 64-bit only
- Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support
- VST2, VST3, AAX, or AU compatible host
Windows
- Windows 8-10
- 32-bit or 64-bit
- Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support
- VST2, VST3 or AAX compatible host
3.) XenoVerb by Audiority
XenoVerb is a superb Multi-Algorithm Reverb plugin with a sleek and intuitive GUI, I really love the interface of this plugin but it doesn’t only thrive in that aspect. It also features both classic and creative reverb algorithms delivering a wide range of reverbs with a clean and simple interface.
►Key Features:
- 10 Reverb Algorithms:
- Room, Hall, Plate 1, Plate 2, Springy, Glass, Flow, Shimmer, Bode, Formant
- Over 250 presets
- Pre Delay
- Diffusion
- Modulation
- Tone Control
- Reverb Freeze
- Soft Limiter
►System Requirements:
PC
- Windows XP SP3 or later
- Intel i3 or higher
- 2GB RAM
- Screen resolution: 1024×768
- VST2, AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host
MAC
- OSX 10.7.5 or later
- Intel i3 or higher
- 2GB RAM
- Screen resolution: 1024×768
- VST2, AU, and AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host
4.) Perfect Room by denise
Perfect room plugin is a re-implementation of the classic algorithmicreverb, denise ditched the method of using a combination of short feedbacking delays to create the illusion of reverberation, they instead created TXVerb™ technology.
This technology doesn’t use delays for the tail and will enhance the character and coloration of any audio you run through it in an extremely natural way, whether you are using it for drums, vocals, and any other instrument, you’ll absolutely enjoy the mechanism and sound quality of this plugin.
►System Requirements:
Mac:
- OSX 10.7 to macOS 10.14 (64-bit only)
- VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Windows:
- Windows 7 or newer (64-bit only)
- VST, VST3, AAX
5.) GrainSpace by Audiority
GrainSpace is a granular processor by Audiority that focuses on real-time granularization and reverberation of the incoming audio signal.
GrainSpace provides dynamic grain generation (up to 32 per channel), 7-grain parameters, 4-grain modulators (including two 11 waveforms LFO), smearing, chord resonator, and reverb to create crazy sound effects, rich textures, and much more.
System Requirements:
- Windows XP SP3 or later // OSX 10.7 or later
- Intel i3 or higher
- 2GB RAM
- Screen resolution: 1024×768
- VST2, AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host
6.) Spring by Eventide
Eventide Spring is an easy reverb that models the sound and character of the popular artificial reverb found in guitar amplifiers, with an additional tube amp style tremolo.
It doesn’t only model the sound and the character, but also allows you to make a further tweak to physical parameter controls not readily available in the real unit.
One thing that struck me with this plugin is the intuitiveness and play-ability. You can easily adjust the knobs or specifically, you can use the RIBBON to program two settings for any combination of the controls and seamlessly morph to any sound between them.
► Key Features:
- Artist presets by Matt Lange, Nick Hook, and Nu-Trix.
- Tempo Sync reverb decay to your DAW
- Craft original sounds by changing the number of springs and damping frequency
- Alter overall resonance by selecting the size of the spring tank
- Tube-amp-style tremolo that can be routed pre- or post-reverb
- Create chorus-like effects by altering Modulation Level
- The Ribbon controller allows for dynamic modification of several knobs at once to easily morph between settings
- Programmable Hotswitch provides the ability to jump instantly to an alternate sound at the push of a button
- Mac/Windows plug-in version works as VST, AU, AAX
► System Requirements:
- Windows 7 or higher
- macOS 10.7 or higher
- 64-bit only
- AAX, VST2 & VST3 Formats for Windows, and
- AAX, AU & VST2 Formats for mac
Note: Eventide tests their plugins in Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Studio One. However, their plugins should work with any compatible host.