Which Convolution Reverb?

[jeffn1]

Well, I am clueless about this, but I think I should pick up a Convolution reverb.

Is there any good reason to jump on the Voxengo group buy, when I could pick up Convoboy full for $12.95 or the free version of Convoboy or SIR.

jeffn1

[M'Snah]

yes.

zero latency.

There are other threads here already discussing the differences, all three use different algorithms, so the resulting sounds can sound different. That's a good reason to use all three of them

[jeffn1]

yes.

zero latency.

There are other threads here already discussing the differences, all three use different algorithms, so the resulting sounds can sound different. That's a good reason to use all three of them

Thanks, Hans. For me it does not make sense to by mutiple convolution reverbs.

So, the big difference is the amount of latency, with Voxengo saying latency is low enough for real time input and Convoboy's prmium offering lower latency than its free version or SIR.

There may be some difference in sound too? But it is unclear which is "better"?

jeffn1

[oddbods finger]

SIR has a 'better' rating of 6
ConvoBoy has a 'better' rating of 7
Pristine Space has a 'better' rating of 9

[jeffn1]

SIR has a 'better' rating of 6
ConvoBoy has a 'better' rating of 7
Pristine Space has a 'better' rating of 9

Where did you get these ratings?


jeffn1

[PeterL]

If you have PristineSpace, you don't want to have anything else for sound and latency

[jeffn1]

If you have PristineSpace, you don't want to have anything else for sound and latency

Peter:

So you think its worth the extra $$ to get Pristine Space (especially during the group buy)over the pay version of Convoboy?

Is latency much better than the premium Convoboy (note that the premium version of Convoboy is has better latency than the free version)? And do you think there is pretty much agreement on sound being better in Pristine Space?

jeffn1

[oddbods finger]

Where did you get these ratings?


jeffn1

www.ironybypass.com


seriously, why don't you demo them all and decide which one YOU like the best.

[jeffn1]

Where did you get these ratings?


jeffn1

www.ironybypass.com


seriously, why don't you demo them all and decide which one YOU like the best.

Frankly, I don't trust my judgment (in addition to time issues and my notion that the more plugs I install the more I am asking for trouble with system stability).

jeffn1

[kritikon]

Latency may not be an issue for you though. What host are you using? ... Most of the major hosts have full plugin delay compensation, so apart from real time input, the latency is not a problem in either recording from s/w or playback. Cubase, Tracktion, Sonar all have full pdc as far as I know, and I'm sure others do too.

I can't see there many instances where access to convolution is absolutely necessary in real time...most likely you're going to record dry and add reverb later, and if you have full pdc, then it boils down only to which sound you prefer (if you can hear any difference) and which GUI you prefer, any esoteric functions that they have, and the price.

I'm pretty picky about my reverbs, but SIR does fine for me - I never saw the point in spending even a small amount on a convolution engine. The main importance with convolution is that you put good quality impulses into it.

Pristine Space would probably be my choice if I was into surround sound etc, but if you don't do that, then why not save some cash?

The main benefits/drawbacks as I see them are:

SIR is free, therefore good value. It's easy to use and easy on the eye. Major fault is that it only accepts stereo impulses (and there are some good mono impulses around, that you have to render to stereo if you want to use them).

ConvoBoy looks like it's got some good little features, like ability to load separate impulses L and R side. Cheap as well. It appeared to have some good features on the loading/useage of impulses.

Pristine Space - multichannel is obviously the main advantage. But as I only record to stereo and don't use surround, it's no benefit to me. If you do record to surround, then it could be invaluable, as you can do things like have separate impulses for front and rear etc, like some of the better h/w units. Far more realistic in anything more than stereo.

Latency - none of them have any benefits to me irregardless of the figures. I never ever record initially with FX on. It's a moot point with something like SX. I don't know how it affects use of DSP cards though - latency might be an issue there (I don't use a DSP card).

[jeffn1]

Thanks, Kritikon. That was exactly the type of analysis I was looking for. I appreciate it.

I think I will blow $12.50 for the full Convoboy. It should be more that sufficient for my purposes.

jeffn1

PS: You probably know this, but the Pristine Light Convolution Reverb that is offered in the group buy is only stereo.

Latency may not be an issue for you though. What host are you using? ... Most of the major hosts have full plugin delay compensation, so apart from real time input, the latency is not a problem in either recording from s/w or playback. Cubase, Tracktion, Sonar all have full pdc as far as I know, and I'm sure others do too.

I can't see there many instances where access to convolution is absolutely necessary in real time...most likely you're going to record dry and add reverb later, and if you have full pdc, then it boils down only to which sound you prefer (if you can hear any difference) and which GUI you prefer, any esoteric functions that they have, and the price.

I'm pretty picky about my reverbs, but SIR does fine for me - I never saw the point in spending even a small amount on a convolution engine. The main importance with convolution is that you put good quality impulses into it.

Pristine Space would probably be my choice if I was into surround sound etc, but if you don't do that, then why not save some cash?

The main benefits/drawbacks as I see them are:

SIR is free, therefore good value. It's easy to use and easy on the eye. Major fault is that it only accepts stereo impulses (and there are some good mono impulses around, that you have to render to stereo if you want to use them).

ConvoBoy looks like it's got some good little features, like ability to load separate impulses L and R side. Cheap as well. It appeared to have some good features on the loading/useage of impulses.

Pristine Space - multichannel is obviously the main advantage. But as I only record to stereo and don't use surround, it's no benefit to me. If you do record to surround, then it could be invaluable, as you can do things like have separate impulses for front and rear etc, like some of the better h/w units. Far more realistic in anything more than stereo.

Latency - none of them have any benefits to me irregardless of the figures. I never ever record initially with FX on. It's a moot point with something like SX. I don't know how it affects use of DSP cards though - latency might be an issue there (I don't use a DSP card).

[PeterL]

ConvoBoy Full Version has 23.2ms minimum latency, PristineSpace has 64 samples minimum latency (=1.5ms) and a zero latency option (although I never used PS in zero latency mode).
For sound best to try the demos.
I have the license for the full version of PS and currently enjoy the True Stereo mode.
PS is the best quality reverb I currently have, although browsing through impulses is a little bit more comfortable in ConvoBoy and SIR.

[Har]

I'm following this thread with interest, as I've ben trying to use SIR as well as the demos of Pristine Space and ConvoBoy in SONAR, but even with the PDC engaged and messing with the buffer settings I still have major latency issues using these in real-time (which I need, as I tend to play and react directly against the effects as I hear them).

(on the other hand, I do now have a new system with much faster CPU and mo' RAM since the last time I tried these...not sure if that'll make much of a difference if at all, though)

[PeterL]

I've forgot to add my signature.
RME means no problems at all.
Maybe you problem is the soundcard.

[Sahul]

Also take into account the CPU use/latency ratio. In this sense, Pristine Space Light is a clear winner, while Convo Boy is the less optimized.