Shift Line offers SkyNet, a FREE reverb plugin for macOS and Windows.
SkyNet is a reverb plugin based on algorithms of the same name (SkyNet-1/Skynet-2) from the Astronaut Space Reverb pedal. Shift Line has released the plugin on a pay-what-you-want basis, so anyone who wants to contribute something can do.
SkyNet isn’t a subtle reverb, or that’s not the intention, at least. Shift Line chose these particular algorithms from the Astronaut Space Reverb Pedal because they work best with long decay times.
Reverb is a funny thing because it’s all about context and intention. We can hear one sound that’s almost dry and complain of too much reverb but consider something else perfect when it’s drowning in reverb.
I know that’s an obvious statement, but when we go past a certain point, we start thinking of reverb more in the context of sound design rather than just how something sits in a mix, and it gets a bit more interesting.
SkyNet is ideal for creating huge soundscapes with long decay times. Given the theme of the algorithms, the image of infinite space comes to mind, which can be both light and airy or dark.
In the cinematic context, creating the right amount of space around a sound can evoke feelings of dreamlike bliss or absolute terror because you’re never quite sure how far away the danger is.
The plugin has three main controls:
- Decay: controls the reverb decay time;
- Volume: controls the output volume;
- Mix: controls the dry/wet mix.
Under the main controls is a slider that sets the blend of the SkyNet-1 and SkyNet-2 algorithms. If you’ve seen The Terminator movie, you’ll know that there is no good SkyNet, so blend them however you like; it’s going to end terribly!
Finally, there’s a Bypass button at the top right of the interface.
I think there’s a lot of potential use for this kind of reverb; anything from a sparsely picked electric guitar to a chaotic wall of sound and everything in between.
For more free reverb, check out DReverb Lite from Stone Voices.
SkyNet is available in AU and VST3 formats for macOS (10.13 – 13.0/M1 and M2 supported) and Windows (7-11).
Download: SkyNet
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