Sonicbits has released Sphere, a freeware reverb effect in VST, VST3, and AU plugin formats for compatible digital audio workstation software on PC and Mac.
Sphere is an algorithmic reverb plugin based on a modified Schroeder reverberator model. Interestingly enough, a couple of weeks ago, we’ve covered another plugin based on the same reverberator model – the Schroeder Reverb plugin by discoDSP. Both plugins are freeware, but the one by Sonicbits works on both PC and Mac systems. Also, the Sphere plugin by Sonicbits offers a more elaborate control scheme with additional ways to alter the tone of the reverb.
The three main controls are used to adjust the reverb’s early reflections, damping, and stereo width properties. Furthermore, the user can control the pre-delay time (up to 250 ms), feedback amount, and the cutoff frequency of the built-in low-pass filter. The control scheme isn’t complex, but there’s enough flexibility to make Sonicbits Sphere more than just a one-trick pony. Also, the plugin’s interface uses vector graphics, so it can be resized freely without any blur.
Sonicbits is also the developer of the recently released Exakt Lite plugin, a very promising FM synthesizer with an intuitive user interface. That’s something you don’t often hear (if ever) about an FM synth, which is why Exakt Lite is an excellent tool for learning and practicing FM synthesis.
Sphere is available for free download via Sonicbits. You can download it directly from the product page – no signup required. The plugin comes in an EXE installer, which will automatically extract the necessary files to your computer. Please note that only 64-bit plugin hosts are supported.
More info: Sonicbits Sphere (3.8 MB download size, EXE installer, 64-bit VST/VST3/AU plugin format for Windows & macOS)
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11 Comments
Numanoid
onLooks very simple, but I will check it out, a person can never have enough delays :-)
Rafael
onI don’t know if this is DAW-related, but in Reaper the settings reset every time I press play.
Kay
onHi Rafael
Thanks for bringing up this issue. There’s a problem when the plugin is reset, I will publish an updated version this week.
Kay (Sonicbits)
Bartosz Mazur
onIt’s buggy plugin – I have problem with predelay. When i load plugin I have massive predelay but there should be only 6ms. Also the sound is not very good, very delay’ish, digital’ish. I thi9nk that stocks reverbs are a lot better :(
Anon
onSERIOUSLY 3 ROUNDS OF CAPTCHAS JUST TO ACCESS YOUR SITE……………………………..
Tomislav Zlatic
onSorry about that!
Otto Brenner
onI have to contradict, in my ears the sound is quite good, espeically for a freeware reverb!
James
onThis plugin has some real potential.
Pros:
You can separate the reverb effect from the signal easily. This can be quite useful for creating a sustainable background reverb space that adds depth without making a messy sound. A feature of some of the expensive pay verbs.
Cons: It can be difficult to keep settings in place.
Summary: This is one VST to really watch. As a 40+ year live and studio musician, I can see this has real potential for budget-minded musicians that are seeking an expensive sound.
Tomislav Zlatic
onHey, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the plugin. I agree, it’s very promising. Two very cool plugins from Sonicbits so far (be sure to check out their FM synth too).
James
onBest of success. A tough field to break into without a sponsor like the VST providers out there. But the quality and simplicty make it easier to get a sustained background verb than Ataptiverb, which I use every day. Hope you get your message out. Working on a new ablum and if I use Sphere for a guitar intro to one song I am considering it for, I’ll email you a link to use it if you like. Adaptiverb gave a fantastic sound, but if I can get that sound with yours, I will since it uses a lot less memory overhead.
Wish you the best,
James
Atme
onSounds very good! I like it!