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.
Sep 17, 2013 Altiverb IR - AMS RMX16 Reverb (MAC+Win) pwsandy on 18:09 MAC folks who encounter issues with the Installer can simply reset the permissions! Dissatisfied people with my links should just shut up, or upload it themselves! Free Download VST Plugin Alliance Complete v2013.R1.Update3-R2R. Longsound MicroVerb VST; UAD AMS RMX16; 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.
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. https://imnobackder1986.mystrikingly.com/blog/add-a-blog-post-title-efe0eee2-7e74-44ad-8c42-001a1889ee3f. https://imnobackder1986.mystrikingly.com/blog/setting-traktor-pro-3-to-record. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Ams Rmx16 Plugin
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.
The 1980s are in style, again. From the prominent and multi-layered synthesizers, to the punchy electronic drum sounds, today's music listeners love the sounds that were common to popular music in the decade of decadence.
On an album I recently produced for SIGNALS, I was tasked with nailing the 80s aesthetic, while maintaining the punch and presence common to modern mixes. Here are some of the virtual instruments and plugin processors I used to do so, with insight as to how I used them.
Virtual Instruments
The Arturia V Collection
If you're looking for plugin versions of vintage synthesizers, this is the most comprehensive and authentic collection of virtual instruments I've used. While the V Collection (now up to version 6) can absolutely be used on more modern-sounding productions, I've found it to be especially effective for creating music with a bit of a retro vibe.
Arturia's emulation of the Roland Jupiter 8 is stunning. The rich pads, the intuitive arpeggiator, and the ethereal leads — all the qualities that made the original one of the most widely used synthesizers of the 1980s are recreated to near-perfection.
While the Yamaha CS-80 was released in 1976, it was used on many important recordings in the 80s — notably in Vangelis' score for Blade Runner. The expressive, evolving pads of the Arturia CS-80 V are featured prominently on many of the 80s-inspired productions that I've worked on recently.
The original Yamaha DX7 brought the glassy, bright tones of FM synthesis to the mainstream, used in productions by A-ha, Whitney Houston, and many more. While those sounds (especially the piano) eventually became overused and dated, if that's the aesthetic you're going for, look no further than Arturia's emulation.
Several other components to the V Collection — including the Fairlight CMI and Synclavier are excellent choices when hoping to recreate the textures and tones of synthesizers from the 1980s. Not only do they sound great, but they also play wonderfully, especially when combined with any of the Arturia Keylab controllers, which I was able to check out at the recent NAMM show.
Production & Mix Tips
I approach building my synth arrangements as if I were piecing together a frequency-based puzzle. Especially on productions that have five or more layers of synthesizers, each of which may be playing differing parts, I take special care in making sure that not too much is happening at any one area of the frequency spectrum. Between the onboard controls that allow you to sculpt the tonal balance of the instruments, and additional processing such as filtering and equalization, it's essential to ensure that synthesizers play nice with one another. I employ the 'mix as I go approach' and handle this task as I play the different parts, and find that this method allows me to stay creative and continue adding layers.
Abbey Road 80s Drummer
80s Drummer includes two drum kits, both of which were pristinely recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Worth mentioning are the Octobans — a set of toms that were used extensively in the 1980s. One of the most recognizable qualities to the sound of drums in the decade was the extensive (excessive?) use of reverb, and specifically, gated reverb. With 80s Drummer's Mixer Section, you can dial in the exact amount of non-linear room reverb that your production calls for.
Important to me when programming drums that are meant to sound like an acoustic kit are that they feel right — the dynamics and playability are essential, and I can 'finger drum' a convincing performance using 80s Drummer with ease.
Production & Mix Tips
Similarly to how I would typically handle drum room mics in a mix, I automate the gated reverb to breathe with the different parts of the song. Interestingly, I find myself using more gated drum reverb in verses, as to draw attention to it, as opposed to using more drum room in choruses, for the purpose of adding excitement. I find that excessive gated drum reverb in choruses can muddy a mix when not used correctly. This depends upon the arrangement, of course.
XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 (with the Reel Machines AD Pack)
For when trying to emulate the sounds of popular drum machines of the 1980s, I will often reach for the Reel Machines AD Pack, which can be used within Addictive Drums 2 and Addictive Trigger.
XLN Audio meticulously sampled the Oberheim DMX, Roland 808/909, Simmons Clap Trap/SDS-V, and my most beloved drum machine — the LinnDrum. Additionally, they incorporated vintage preamps and analog tape machines into the signal chain, and both room and plate reverbs.
The result is a powerful sounding and extremely versatile weapon for nailing the synthesized drum tones from the 80s. Additionally, the Reel Machines user interface is beautiful and easy to use.
Production & Mix Tips
Tune your LinnDrums super low for an 'Instant Prince' sound.
That Sound – 1985
It's easy to get burned out while hunting through gigantic sample libraries, so my policy now is if upon first listen, a sample library doesn't strike me as instantly inspiring, it doesn't belong in my collection. Thank you, Marie Kondo. That being said, That Sound Drums has made numerous sample packs that I've found to be indispensable. I've been using the 1985 sample pack since its release, and adore it for the size, impact and character. The pack comes with 1067 total samples and comes with separate dry, natural and two AMS reverb mix options. If I want to make my drums sound authentically 80s, I often reach for this pack.
Production & Mix Tips
I often load a full kit from 1985 onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live and construct an entire drum performance, but these samples work great for drum augmentation and replacement as well. If your recorded drums need some 80s characteristics, the sounds in this pack are great for layering.
Delay
UAD Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay
The original hardware unit, which was introduced in 1982 was popularized by U2 guitarist, The Edge, who used it to create some of the most iconic guitar tones of the decade. It works splendidly on plenty of other sources including synthesizers and vocals. I like using the attenuator section to drive the input, which gives a bit of grit and texture to a lead vocal delay.
Production & Mix Tips
The modulation section makes the SDD-3000 a truly versatile plugin, allowing for a gentle chorus-ey delay when used subtly, or an out of this world warble when applied liberally. I usually start subtle, especially when trying to emulate The Edge's tone.
Soundtoys PrimalTap
Ams Reverb
While Soundtoys Echoboy is arguably the most versatile, and greatest delay plugin ever, there's something more authentically 80s about the sound and feel of the PrimalTap, which is an emulation of the legendary Lexicon Prime Time Delay.
I often use the VCO (which was a feature on the original hardware unit) to add a subtle amount of modulation to the echoes. This feature is great for many-repeat guitar sounds, and for adding warble to synthesizer pads.
Much like most of the other Soundtoys plugins, PrimalTap can be driven into a warm (or wild) saturation. http://imnobackder1986.mystrikingly.com/blog/download-full-version-tone-generators-vst.
Production/Mix Tip:
The 'Freeze' function doesn't necessarily suggest the 80s but is a great tool for creating eerie drones. Essentially 'Freeze' captures a sliver of audio and loops it. Combine this with the VCO for otherworldly sonic warping.
Reverb
UAD AMS RMX16 Expanded Digital Reverb
Released in 1981 by Advanced Music Systems, this iconic hardware unit was used on countless records, and became an integral part of the abruptly decaying drum reverb sounds of the 80s. Fortunately, UAD has meticulously emulated the RMX16 so that we can achieve that famous sound, at a fraction of the cost.
Production & Mix Tips
This thing is a monster on toms, on the first single from the upcoming Signals record, the rich, full low end of the RMX16 was an integral part of achieving the pounding drum sound.
In addition to being a fantastic choice for a gated reverb, the RMX16 has some truly wonderful delay and chorus sounds, so make sure to experiment with them.
Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Plug-in Bundle
Lexicon created some of the most iconic reverb units of all-time, many of which were used liberally on productions in the 80s. For when I'm looking for reverbs of the non-gated variety, I regularly reach for the PCM Native plugins. The seven reverb types included are Plate, Vintage Plate, Hall, Random Hall, Concert Hall, Room and Chamber — so whether I'm searching for dark, bright, lush or tight — I can find what I want in this bundle.
Production & Mix Tips
Just because there isn't a non-linear setting in the PCM bundle, don't let that stop you from making one yourself. Apply a gate after an instance of one of the Lexicons ('Room' is a good starting point), try a fast attack and release and set the threshold appropriately.
AIR Music Technology Non-Linear Reverb
While not the most visually appealing or versatile plugin, if I'm trying to do the gated reverb thing in close to no time at all, I'll reach for the AIR, which fortunately comes bundled with Pro Tools. It usually takes minimal tweaking to achieve the desired effect, and sounds great on drums, vocals, and any source that needs to be 'appropriately dated'.
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Production & Mix Tips
The reverse function is highly usable, especially on vocals. For a haunting, unsettling vocal sound, I'll often use it.
UAD Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb and Effects
The hardware unit was released in 1986, and if you search for images of recording studios in the 80s (and beyond) chances are you'll see one perched at a place of prominence atop a console. This UAD emulation recreates the look, feel, and sonic versatility of the original, while allowing for multiple instances of this famous sounding processor to be used simultaneously. I love using the 480L to create a believable sense of space around elements.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Ams Rmx16 Plugin
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.
The 1980s are in style, again. From the prominent and multi-layered synthesizers, to the punchy electronic drum sounds, today's music listeners love the sounds that were common to popular music in the decade of decadence.
On an album I recently produced for SIGNALS, I was tasked with nailing the 80s aesthetic, while maintaining the punch and presence common to modern mixes. Here are some of the virtual instruments and plugin processors I used to do so, with insight as to how I used them.
Virtual Instruments
The Arturia V Collection
If you're looking for plugin versions of vintage synthesizers, this is the most comprehensive and authentic collection of virtual instruments I've used. While the V Collection (now up to version 6) can absolutely be used on more modern-sounding productions, I've found it to be especially effective for creating music with a bit of a retro vibe.
Arturia's emulation of the Roland Jupiter 8 is stunning. The rich pads, the intuitive arpeggiator, and the ethereal leads — all the qualities that made the original one of the most widely used synthesizers of the 1980s are recreated to near-perfection.
While the Yamaha CS-80 was released in 1976, it was used on many important recordings in the 80s — notably in Vangelis' score for Blade Runner. The expressive, evolving pads of the Arturia CS-80 V are featured prominently on many of the 80s-inspired productions that I've worked on recently.
The original Yamaha DX7 brought the glassy, bright tones of FM synthesis to the mainstream, used in productions by A-ha, Whitney Houston, and many more. While those sounds (especially the piano) eventually became overused and dated, if that's the aesthetic you're going for, look no further than Arturia's emulation.
Several other components to the V Collection — including the Fairlight CMI and Synclavier are excellent choices when hoping to recreate the textures and tones of synthesizers from the 1980s. Not only do they sound great, but they also play wonderfully, especially when combined with any of the Arturia Keylab controllers, which I was able to check out at the recent NAMM show.
Production & Mix Tips
I approach building my synth arrangements as if I were piecing together a frequency-based puzzle. Especially on productions that have five or more layers of synthesizers, each of which may be playing differing parts, I take special care in making sure that not too much is happening at any one area of the frequency spectrum. Between the onboard controls that allow you to sculpt the tonal balance of the instruments, and additional processing such as filtering and equalization, it's essential to ensure that synthesizers play nice with one another. I employ the 'mix as I go approach' and handle this task as I play the different parts, and find that this method allows me to stay creative and continue adding layers.
Abbey Road 80s Drummer
80s Drummer includes two drum kits, both of which were pristinely recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Worth mentioning are the Octobans — a set of toms that were used extensively in the 1980s. One of the most recognizable qualities to the sound of drums in the decade was the extensive (excessive?) use of reverb, and specifically, gated reverb. With 80s Drummer's Mixer Section, you can dial in the exact amount of non-linear room reverb that your production calls for.
Important to me when programming drums that are meant to sound like an acoustic kit are that they feel right — the dynamics and playability are essential, and I can 'finger drum' a convincing performance using 80s Drummer with ease.
Production & Mix Tips
Similarly to how I would typically handle drum room mics in a mix, I automate the gated reverb to breathe with the different parts of the song. Interestingly, I find myself using more gated drum reverb in verses, as to draw attention to it, as opposed to using more drum room in choruses, for the purpose of adding excitement. I find that excessive gated drum reverb in choruses can muddy a mix when not used correctly. This depends upon the arrangement, of course.
XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 (with the Reel Machines AD Pack)
For when trying to emulate the sounds of popular drum machines of the 1980s, I will often reach for the Reel Machines AD Pack, which can be used within Addictive Drums 2 and Addictive Trigger.
XLN Audio meticulously sampled the Oberheim DMX, Roland 808/909, Simmons Clap Trap/SDS-V, and my most beloved drum machine — the LinnDrum. Additionally, they incorporated vintage preamps and analog tape machines into the signal chain, and both room and plate reverbs.
The result is a powerful sounding and extremely versatile weapon for nailing the synthesized drum tones from the 80s. Additionally, the Reel Machines user interface is beautiful and easy to use.
Production & Mix Tips
Tune your LinnDrums super low for an 'Instant Prince' sound.
That Sound – 1985
It's easy to get burned out while hunting through gigantic sample libraries, so my policy now is if upon first listen, a sample library doesn't strike me as instantly inspiring, it doesn't belong in my collection. Thank you, Marie Kondo. That being said, That Sound Drums has made numerous sample packs that I've found to be indispensable. I've been using the 1985 sample pack since its release, and adore it for the size, impact and character. The pack comes with 1067 total samples and comes with separate dry, natural and two AMS reverb mix options. If I want to make my drums sound authentically 80s, I often reach for this pack.
Production & Mix Tips
I often load a full kit from 1985 onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live and construct an entire drum performance, but these samples work great for drum augmentation and replacement as well. If your recorded drums need some 80s characteristics, the sounds in this pack are great for layering.
Delay
UAD Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay
The original hardware unit, which was introduced in 1982 was popularized by U2 guitarist, The Edge, who used it to create some of the most iconic guitar tones of the decade. It works splendidly on plenty of other sources including synthesizers and vocals. I like using the attenuator section to drive the input, which gives a bit of grit and texture to a lead vocal delay.
Production & Mix Tips
The modulation section makes the SDD-3000 a truly versatile plugin, allowing for a gentle chorus-ey delay when used subtly, or an out of this world warble when applied liberally. I usually start subtle, especially when trying to emulate The Edge's tone.
Soundtoys PrimalTap
Ams Reverb
While Soundtoys Echoboy is arguably the most versatile, and greatest delay plugin ever, there's something more authentically 80s about the sound and feel of the PrimalTap, which is an emulation of the legendary Lexicon Prime Time Delay.
I often use the VCO (which was a feature on the original hardware unit) to add a subtle amount of modulation to the echoes. This feature is great for many-repeat guitar sounds, and for adding warble to synthesizer pads.
Much like most of the other Soundtoys plugins, PrimalTap can be driven into a warm (or wild) saturation. http://imnobackder1986.mystrikingly.com/blog/download-full-version-tone-generators-vst.
Production/Mix Tip:
The 'Freeze' function doesn't necessarily suggest the 80s but is a great tool for creating eerie drones. Essentially 'Freeze' captures a sliver of audio and loops it. Combine this with the VCO for otherworldly sonic warping.
Reverb
UAD AMS RMX16 Expanded Digital Reverb
Released in 1981 by Advanced Music Systems, this iconic hardware unit was used on countless records, and became an integral part of the abruptly decaying drum reverb sounds of the 80s. Fortunately, UAD has meticulously emulated the RMX16 so that we can achieve that famous sound, at a fraction of the cost.
Production & Mix Tips
This thing is a monster on toms, on the first single from the upcoming Signals record, the rich, full low end of the RMX16 was an integral part of achieving the pounding drum sound.
In addition to being a fantastic choice for a gated reverb, the RMX16 has some truly wonderful delay and chorus sounds, so make sure to experiment with them.
Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Plug-in Bundle
Lexicon created some of the most iconic reverb units of all-time, many of which were used liberally on productions in the 80s. For when I'm looking for reverbs of the non-gated variety, I regularly reach for the PCM Native plugins. The seven reverb types included are Plate, Vintage Plate, Hall, Random Hall, Concert Hall, Room and Chamber — so whether I'm searching for dark, bright, lush or tight — I can find what I want in this bundle.
Production & Mix Tips
Just because there isn't a non-linear setting in the PCM bundle, don't let that stop you from making one yourself. Apply a gate after an instance of one of the Lexicons ('Room' is a good starting point), try a fast attack and release and set the threshold appropriately.
AIR Music Technology Non-Linear Reverb
While not the most visually appealing or versatile plugin, if I'm trying to do the gated reverb thing in close to no time at all, I'll reach for the AIR, which fortunately comes bundled with Pro Tools. It usually takes minimal tweaking to achieve the desired effect, and sounds great on drums, vocals, and any source that needs to be 'appropriately dated'.
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Production & Mix Tips
The reverse function is highly usable, especially on vocals. For a haunting, unsettling vocal sound, I'll often use it.
UAD Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb and Effects
The hardware unit was released in 1986, and if you search for images of recording studios in the 80s (and beyond) chances are you'll see one perched at a place of prominence atop a console. This UAD emulation recreates the look, feel, and sonic versatility of the original, while allowing for multiple instances of this famous sounding processor to be used simultaneously. I love using the 480L to create a believable sense of space around elements.
Production & Mix Tips
In addition to excelling at creating ambience and depth, the UAD 480L can handle multiple other effects including reverse, doubling, tremolo and chorus. If I'm feeling a bit uninspired with a synth pad, I'll load an instance of the 480L and simply start playing around with sliders until something interesting happens.
Other
UAD Softube Vocoder
The vocoding effect, used on several big 80s Hits including Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight' essentially involves combining components of synthesis and speech. I generally choose to use vocoding as a 'sweetening element' rather than to feature it prominently in the mix, but it certainly contributes a unique and beautiful texture. The UAD Softube Vocoder is jam-packed with features that allow one to sculpt the tone of the vocoded signal, resulting in the most authentic-sounding vocoder plugin I've ever used.
Production & Mix Tips
I find that most vocoders tend to be a bit 'unruly' in how they dynamically react to what you run through them, so I'll often place heavy compression on a performance before sending them to the vocoder.
UAD Studio D Chorus
The original unit (The Roland Dimension D) was introduced in 1979, and was used by many top producers of the following decade including Brian Eno. This UAD emulation is faithful to the original, and has more of a thickening, widening effect than the warbly sound that is typically associated with choruses.
Production/Mix Tip
While I adore the Studio D on more obvious sources like guitar, synthesizers and vocals, I recently tried placing an instance of it directly after a reverb and was pleasantly surprised at how it added a certain lushness to the reverb, while doing something truly unique to the stereo field.
UAD Ampex ATR-102
While digital audio made leaps and bounds in the 80s, recordings from the decade still benefited from analog mojo. Debuting in 1976, the original ART-100 units were designed specifically for mixdown and mastering. The upgraded ATR-102 was released two years later and was widely used in mastering studios throughout the 80s and beyond. I used the UAD ATR-102 on the mix buss for all four tracks on the SIGNALS EP, as I find it adds a crisp, three-dimensional, high-fidelity sheen to program material, and a bit of pleasant harmonic saturation, reminiscent of the most detailed recordings of the 80s.
Production & Mix Tips
While I typically use the ATR-102 for mix buss and mastering duties, the Tape Delay feature is fantastic, and I employ it often on lead vocals and staccato rhythm guitars. The wow and flutter controls are also a lot of fun if you're going for a degraded sound.
Mixing Pop Course
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Free Video on Mixing Low End
Download a FREE 40-minute tutorial from Matthew Weiss on mixing low end.
