CSR: Classik Studio Reverb

I've been recording using various DAWs, VSTi and VSTe technologys in my virtual studio since 2005.

I've tested and auditioned most (and there are many!) all the free reverbs. If you can get by with the sonic limitations and minimal parameter control of the freebees, TC Electronics is my favorite in this category.

I also have higher quality reverbs... CSR (IK Multimedia Classic Studio Reverb), Eos and Adverb from Audio Damage, and Valhallaroom from ValhallaDSP.

In the early 70s, when I was working in the studio, we had all the analog accoutrements... Ampex and MCI mastering decks, Willi Studer desk and multitrack, Urei 1176LN comp/limiters and Little Dipper, Universal Audio LA2A, Dolby and Dbx noise reduction, Keypex gates, Eventide harmonizers... racks and racks of ancillary gear. The reverbs were positively killer... an EMT plate (240 IIRC) and an AKG spring units that cost thousands of dollars. Still in its' infancy, digital technology was cutting edge and the PC and internet had not yet been invented.

Today's technology is light years ahead of what we used back then. For me, only one VSTe reverb comes to mind as the closest to emulating the sound of those early studio EMT and AKG units and that is CSR from IK Multimedia. This is my goto reverb because the sound is extremely complex, effervescent, detailed and rich. I think that most would agree that the best reverbs meld more of a "feeling" to the signal and less of something that the listener actively "hears"... I'd simply call this musicality. I "hear" Eos, Adverb and Valhallaroom... I can only feel the lush plate, room, hall and inverse models from IK Multimedia! Hall, Plate and Room presets in CSR sound like actual places. By comparison, the other reverbs sound too "digital". I sincerely wish I knew how they do it! IK Multimedia has invented some brilliant in-house high-tech mojo using their own tools and techniques to develop incomparable models that are truly the best in the industry!

For my money, CSR Classic Studio Reverb from IK Multimedia is the best value if you want professional sounding reverb with some knockout presets, excellent parameter control and full automation! My jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw that today, a license for the full-blown download product is available for only $49.00... this is a no-brainier!!