In Summary

LiquidSonics make a number of audio plugin reverbs for realistic rooms. We take a look at using their modern take on classic reverb hardware for drums, and why two of its controls especially could make it a secret weapon for drum ambiences to inspire.

Going Deeper

Seventh Heaven Professional - A Brief History

In the era before audio plugin reverbs really came of age, engineers relied heavily on rack-dwelling digital reverberators. Unlike some convolution-based technologies upon which advanced audio plugin reverbs can be based, legacy hardware often utilised algorithmic processes to generate reverb. Certain units gained legendary status among engineering communities, leading to a growing desire to replicate their rich, expensive-sounding atmospheres directly across DAW inserts.

The original Bricasti M7 hardware reverb is renowned for its ability to produce stunning convolution-like reverb effects despite its algorithmic architecture. Algorithmic reverbs offer greater editability compared to the more fixed nature of convolution reverbs, making the M7 a highly coveted piece of hardware.

LiquidSonics’ Seventh Heaven Professional is an audio plugin that faithfully recreates the sound of the original Bricasti M7 hardware within a DAW environment. Powered by their Fusion IR reverb engine, it utilises multiple impulse responses to achieve the nuanced modulation that distinguishes between a harsh, repetitive reverb and a lush, smooth-sounding ambience.

Seventh Heaven Professional For Drums

One of LiquidSonics’ other creations is lauded by engineers for its abilities on drums. Cinematic Rooms’ uncanny realism is perfect for placing percussion that was recorded drier than desired or for inflating existing space, but Seventh Heaven Professional could offer an alternative. In the video we check out two of its control elements that could help engineers to get the required space fast.

• Reflection Pattern Selection/Reflections Roll-Off: Using a smaller room preset, we take a look at the first handful of reflection patterns to get the best sounding space for the kit, as well as ways to balance their length and brilliance.

• VLF: The M7 has a very low frequency (up to around 200 Hz) reverb engine that provides fullness and body to tails. Using the VLF control slider, we take advantage of the added weight on tap and adjust to taste.

Starting out with just one of Seventh Heaven Professional’s small room presets, and tweaking the early reflections Sets and roll-off can give engineers the basis for some really believable ambiences that can challenge any existing reverb for the top spot on drum duties. With its VLF fullness on tap for thicker tails as well, Seventh Heaven could be your new best friend for dry drum fixes.

Unbelievably, this venerable virtual ‘verb is approaching its seventh birthday, but its lush atmospheres never get old… Below you can hear more tips from LiquidSonics fans on some cool ways that they use to refine their reverbed rhythms: