Can this German genius shake up the scene?
We don’t know whether or not it was always u-he’s intention to eventually start breaking the vintage analogue-style effects modules out of its softsynths and expand them into plugins in its own right, but we’re certainly glad it’s running with the idea.
First, we had the fabulous Colour Copy bucket brigade delay, an expansion on Repro’s Lyrebird; and now it’s joined by a beefed-up take on Bazille’s Spring Reverb.
Described by the developer as “a flexible spring reverb box-of-tricks”, Twangström (VST/ AU/AAX) builds on the Bazille original by adding two further springs (for a total of three), a filter and a modulation system that takes it far beyond the bounds of ‘realistic’ spring reverb. The tanks are modelled on those found in specific guitar amps, which suggests that, in terms of classic dub-style spring sounds at least, it’s intended first and foremost for use on guitars, keyboards, vocals and the like.
The central panel in the Twangström interface offers a menu of three spring configurations: ‘2 Springs - Type 4’, ‘3 Springs - Type 8’ and ‘2 Springs - Type 9’. Type 4 is based on “a large dual-spring tank like those in early Fender guitar amps” and features jointed (ie, split in the middle by small metal interconnects - see screenshot above) springs that yield a lively sound with a bold low end. Type 8 models a smaller, Marshall-style tank with three springs, and is the least weighty of the three but more dense than Type 4. And Type 9 is a bigger version of Type 8, with its three jointed springs resulting in a more tamed presentation.
Twangström provides a good amount of pre- and post-processing for the spring tank. The input signal is overdriven and saturated with the Input Gain and Drive controls, while the Tone knob adjusts a tilt EQ. At output, Width control sweeps from mono to super wide using mid-side processing, with individual spring positions fixed in pan positions per their configuration.
- Powerful modulation.
- Morphing filter.
- Deliciously dark sound.
- Excellent preset library and browser.
- Modulation isn’t visualised.
- Not as ‘good’ on drums as other plugins.
Verdict: With its top-notch modelling and deep modulation, u-he’s spring reverb is a wonderfully creative plugin at a great price.
Read the full review: MusicRadar
