In this week's Friday Free Plug-in, we are featuring Protoverb from U-he. This is a free plug-in which was originally conceived as a method for U-he to data-mine their user's ears.

Reverbs are simulated by combining the output of multiple delay lines, there is no mathematical formula that makes such a structure sound "just right". As with all delay based reverbs, it's down to trial and error, and maybe a lot of luck with random values. Protoverb presents you with delay lines of random lengths and a random assembly of networking and feedback strategies.

Protoverb is an experimental reverb based on the idea of a "room simulator". Most algorithmic reverbs try to avoid resonances or model the reflections of sound from a room's walls. Protoverb does the opposite. It builds up as many room resonances as possible, modelling the body of air in the room. It, therefore, does not need to modulate or colour the signal. The result is a very natural sounding reverberation with some interesting features: Long-standing frequencies resonate louder as if the air takes some time to get excited. Multiple instruments don't mash into a diffuse mud, they stay distinct. If you play a short melody, the room seems to repeat a ghost echo of that melody. Those properties are indeed found in churches and large halls, but they're rarely found in conventional algorithmic reverbs.

How Do I Get This Plug-in?

Go to the U-he website where you will find download links for Mac and Windows AAX installers, completely free.