AudioScape's XL-305R traces back to the Micmix Master Room XL-305, a spring reverb released in 1979 that found its way into major studios and developed a cult following for its smooth decay and distinct sonic signature. AudioScape rebuilt the hardware under the direction of the original designer, Wayne Kirkwood, and we worked with them to bring it into plugin form. What separates this from other spring reverbs is the 12-spring assembly. Each spring is precisely cut and tuned to mimic real room dimensions inside the tank, creating a reverb that behaves more like an analog echo chamber than a typical spring. The closest comparison is opening the lid of a grand piano, holding the damper pedal, and singing into the strings. You get a lush, complex decay that algorithmic and convolution reverbs don't replicate. Each channel has its own input drive (push the tank harder for more character), wet/dry mix control, and a 4-band EQ for shaping the tone of the reverb signal independently of the dry sound. Mono Drive links the stereo channels together for a tighter image, and Mono Return sums the reverb output to mono when you want the effect centered. Grammy-winning engineer Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, Lady Gaga) called it the best spring reverb plugin he's heard.
Related
Related