Sonic Academy has announced the release of Vela, a new reverb plugin that aims to redefine the capabilities of algorithmic reverb processors.
Vela distinguishes itself by moving beyond static impulse responses or hard-wired algorithms. Instead, it uses a freely editable, node-based structure that offers precise control over density, decay, and frequency response. This approach, which combines adjustable early reflections with a flexible late reverb section, allows users to model realistic rooms in detail or generate artificial soundscapes. You can adjust the time course and filter curve of the reverb itself.
Vela offers a unique approach through its graphical user interface, enabling visual and intuitive design of density and decay with curves. This makes it particularly useful for creative sound designers and mixing engineers, even with complex signal paths. For example, it's possible to create unusual tail progressions, such as inverse or pulsating decays, or even extremely dense reverb tails with thousands of delay taps.
Vela also includes a dynamics and equalization section. The integrated ducking module automatically adjusts the reverb signal to make room for the input signal, which is especially useful for vocals to maintain clarity while the reverb blends in. A De-essing module is also included, allowing users to shape their sound directly within Vela for the mix. Additionally, the plugin provides separate pre- and post-EQ sections with parametric curves and various modulation options. Visual feedback for input width and modulation parameters is also available, aiding in precise adjustments during mixing.
Features
- Customizable Early Reflection System: Allows for detailed shaping of the initial sound reflections.
- Node-Based Late Reflection Engine: Provides fine-tuning of density, decay, and damping filter over time for smooth tails.
- Complete Density Control: Utilizes a network of delays with a node-based graph editor to shape the density of the space, ranging from sparse initial delays to dense, smooth tails. It can also create unusual effects with varying delay tap configurations.
- Node-Based Decay System: Features a node-based graph for editing decay shapes, enabling the creation of short decays, gates, non-linear tail shapes, and effects like reverse reverbs or pulsing sawtooth tails.
- Pre and Post EQ Sections: Each EQ has four nodes with various filter shapes (Low Shelf, Bell, Low-Cut, High-Cut, High Shelf), and adjustable slopes for the Low and High Cuts.
- Node-Based Decay Filter: Offers independent Low Pass and High Pass filter envelopes to fine-tune the damping of the decay over time.
- Ducking System: Helps the reverb interact with the incoming signal for clearer vocals.
- De-essing System: Reduces sibilance before it hits the reverb for smoother tails.
- Diffusion Network: Smooths out discrete taps from low-density late sections or early reflection taps, and adds stereo space. Independent controls for early and late diffusion networks are available.
- Modulation Parameters: Provides control over the number of modulation channels, speed, and amount.
- 160+ Presets: Includes presets that emulate classic reverbs, with decay times marked for easy sorting.
Pricing and Availability:
Vela is available now for an introductory price of £44.10 (Reg. £70.00) until June 30, 2025. A 14-day trial version is also available for download.
