Auburn Sounds Selene - New reverb

[Teksonik]

but I for one and most users I would think, like the preset system

Then your thinking would be wrong. The Commodore 64 level preset system is abysmal.

The wasted space in the frame around the main GUI would be much better used for a preset handling system that's not from the 1980's.

But having said that it's a nice sounding reverb and I appreciate the free version. I may consider purchasing the full version but yeah the patch handling has to improve. I assume there is a way to actually save presets in the full version? I'm not seeing it in the free version.

[Guillaume Piolat]

For the first 8 years there weren't a preset browser at all in our plug-ins apart from DAW presets, Auburn Sounds survived somehow.

We added one in 2024 because some popular DAWs didn't show presets in VST3. It was really thought as quickly patching a hole (lack of presets for some users); so sure it isn't done or final, but it's better than no browser.

The preset list mirrors the DAW's preset list, so many people don't have to open that interface, and would save through the DAW preset system.

Apart from that, I feel like using presets shouldn't always be the default move, having the small pause allows to reflect on using a preset and have a debuff for that (for mostly easy-to-program plugins).

The Auburn OS was meant to fit every interface element that have to be there in every plugin (many of those didn't materialize yet), it's less integrated but reworking 6-7 UIs at once is a tall order, it's not just about adding a black bar on top as it can be ugly. What we want to add eventually wouldn't fit in a single screen.

[kraster]

I don't think I've ever used a preset for a reverb.

Reverbs are way too situational to use presets and even if a preset is in the ballpark it's just as quick (if not quicker) just to dial in the basics like size and decay etc.

Selene isn't super complicated either.

Besides I absolutely love the c64 style preset system.

Great plugin all around and a steal at the price.

[Vortifex]

Just trying the free version. Sounds good! Some feeback about the UI though. I find the text on the bottom controls too dark. Also the decay time is displayed in barely readable text at the bottom but the percentage is displayed in bright text in two different locations. A percentage of what? 143% as a decay time doesn't mean anything. Only the actual time in seconds is useful. Lastly, the sliders on the top right need way too much mouse travel. I can't set them from min to max in one movement because the cursor hits the top of the screen.

[Teksonik]

For the first 8 years there weren't a preset browser at all in our plug-ins apart from DAW presets, Auburn Sounds survived somehow.

For 25 years I've survived without owning any of your plugins so......

The preset list mirrors the DAW's preset list, so many people don't have to open that interface, and would save through the DAW preset system.

The fault in that way of thinking is that many people work in more than one DAW so having to save the same preset over and over is not optimal.

Your free version ships with only 17 presets and even with that small number we are required to scroll up and down because the patch names are so unnecessarily large. That's just poor design.

Apart from that, I feel like using presets shouldn't always be the default move, having the small pause allows to reflect on using a preset and have a debuff for that (for mostly easy-to-program plugins).

You don't have a favorite reverb setting for your acoustic drum kit? Or your electronic drum kit? Or? I do.

it's not just about adding a black bar on top as it can be ugly.

The GUI is already ugly to me (personal preference) so I wouldn't worry about a black bar.

Like I said it's a nice sounding reverb but I have a folder full of nice sounding reverbs so I'll just uninstall the free version and move on. Good luck.

I don't think I've ever used a preset for a reverb.

I do all the time. I have favorite reverb presets I've made for the various acoustic and electronic drum kits I use on a frequent basis and so on. Only one of the reverbs I own (PA's bx_RooMS) doesn't have a built in patch browser and I never use it these days. There is a reason why other reverbs have patch browsers whether you use them or not. Don't confuse presets with patches you make yourself. Two different things.

Besides I absolutely love the c64 style preset system.

Why? Just to be contrarian? There is no practical reason to love the ridiculously large and pixelated patch names. It's a reverb not a Donkey Kong game. It's 2025 not 1982.

Anyway I've expressed my opinion so....moving on.

[enCiphered]

Grumpy old man vibes are strong today.

[midi sentinel]

For the first 8 years there weren't a preset browser at all in our plug-ins apart from DAW presets, Auburn Sounds survived somehow.

Also, remember that you can add high school debate club dropouts to a foe list so you don't actually have to read what I assume are walls of nonsense.

Many people here do it, so can you. Noone is entitled to an answer from you, nor are you obliged to read anyone's nonsense.

Keep up the great work

[foosnark]

I also think the preset browser is a bit silly and awkward (for one thing, it's not obvious at first how to exit it without scrolling to the bottom) if also kind of fun for a second.

That said, reverb presets are not really something I use much either, once I set up a default that I like to start from. A reverb needs to be customized for the material, and this one is more customizable than a lot of them.

The free version is excellent and generous, and I'll be happy to use it. To me it's a little funny that shimmer seems to be the main lure for the paid version, since I usually dislike shimmer reverb anyway

[kraster]

Besides I absolutely love the c64 style preset system.

Why? Just to be contrarian? There is no practical reason to love the ridiculously large and pixelated patch names. It's a reverb not a Donkey Kong game. It's 2025 not 1982.

Anyway I've expressed my opinion so....moving on.

There are reasons beyond practical like you know... character, aesthetics, fun, nostalgia etc.

It's perfectly readable and usable. It only has a positive aspect on me and no negative impact on usefulness.

But If Soviet style pure utiltarian aesthetics are your bag who am I to argue.

[pchase]

I don't mind the preset browser, but I definitely use presets for some of my favourite reverbs. With some reverbs each preset sounds like you are suddenly transported to a completely different space, it's kind of incredible. It really feels like you are moving to a different room or environment, some real and sometimes fantastical. Not all reverbs seem to have this wide a variety though.

[pekbro]

The thing is: it actually works perfectly fine for listing and changing presets. The cursor acts sloppy, but that’s just an effect.

[carlosigls]

Although the free version was more than enough for me, I bought the full version to support the developer. An excellent plugin, the only thing missing for me is a freeze option, and if there is one, I can't find it.

[JerGoertz]

This thing sounds really nice & smooth in my initial testing; I appreciate that it can handle transients without having them "interfere" with the rest of the reverb's sound.

(I did go ahead and buy it even though shimmer isn't a huge draw for me (the oversampling option does tickle my fancy, however).) A very generous price for a what appears to be a very nice reverb.

[diroxe7660]

Thank you, really cool reverb - a keeper for me!

Pretty serious issue though: The gate is overly aggressive, it heavily distorts and crackles if you turn on ER and/or low diffusion.

[Guillaume Piolat]