Spirals 1.0 by undulaemusic is an exceptional Max for Live device that offers Ableton Live users the captivating sonic experience of traditional spring reverbs. Instead of relying on standard convolution methods, Spirals employs a blend of innovative audio processing techniques such as phase dispersion, delay, and diffusion.
The device mimics the physical characteristics of authentic spring reverbs by examining the spectrograms of real spring impulse responses. This method results in an accurate reproduction of the classic 'chirp' sound commonly associated with spring reverbs, achieved by smearing the phase across the frequency spectrum using 80 tuned allpass filters in series.
This innovative approach also allows a level of tweaking often absent in simulated spring reverbs. Spirals' intuitive interface provides numerous controls that let users adjust frequency delays and phase tuning to create a wide range of tonal variations. The LF Time and HF Time knobs give users control over the low and high-frequency delay times while the Character knob adjusts the tuning of the phase dispersers, bringing about changes to the overall vibe of the spring sound from dark and loose to bright and tight. Moreover, the Decay knob dictates the length of the reverb tails by adjusting the feedback amount of both delay lines.
Spirals also features an initial high pass filter to trim the low frequencies. The audio is then routed through two distinct parallel processors dedicated to high frequencies and mid-low frequencies respectively. Upon this signal path, each chain runs through gentle saturation before they're combined to be mixed back with the original signal as controlled by the Dry/Wet knob.
A testament to undulaemusic's attention to detail and innovative approach to sound design, Spirals 1.0 takes the stage not just as a brilliant replication of traditional spring reverbs' unique sound but also as a formidable tool for producers to get creative with.
Compatible with Ableton Live versions from 10 to 12, Spirals' capabilities extend from producing authentic vintage reverb sounds to facilitating modern stirring manipulations. Whether you're keen to capture the nostalgic charm of classic spring reverbs or eager to explore breakaway sonic territories with its advanced capabilities, Spirals is ready to redefine the way you utilize reverb in your Ableton Live sessions.
Check out the Spirals 1.0 Max for Live device on the undulaemusic website or the official Max for Live library to explore the perks of stepping beyond convention to rediscover the authentic charm and flexibility of spring reverbs. The device is commercially licensed and can be found at this website, or on the official Max for Live library page.
Example Usage
To unlock the charm of classic reverbs using Spirals 1.0 in Ableton Live, start by loading the device onto your audio track. Here's a simple walkthrough for beginner-level users to get you familiar with tweaking its parameters.
- Set Up the Track: - Create an audio track in Ableton Live and insert any sound sample that you're familiar with. - Drag Spirals 1.0 onto the audio effect slot of the track.
- Initial Parameter Setup: - Begin by adjusting the Dry/Wet knob. For a balanced effect, set it to around 50%. This allows you to hear both the original signal and the processed sound.
- Input Filtering: - Turn the Input HP knob to find the right balance for your sound. Start at about 25% to gently cut unwanted low frequencies, ensuring the reverberation focuses more on the mid-range and high frequencies.
- Explore the Character: - Test the Character knob by rotating it fully clockwise and then counterclockwise. Notice how it colors the reverb from "dark and loose" to "bright and tight." Try settings around the midpoint and slightly towards the bright side for a classic spring reverb feel.
- Adjusting Decay: - Use the Decay knob to define the length of your reverb tail. For subtle ambiance, set it around 20-30%. For a more pronounced effect, increase it to 60% or higher.
- Time Manipulation: - Modify the LF Time and HF Time knobs to control the delay times separately for low and high frequencies. Start both at about 50% to retain a natural sound, and experiment by increasing the HF Time slightly more than the LF Time for a shimmering effect.
- Using the Timescale: - Shift the Timescale knob to couple changes in LF and HF Times together. Use subtle adjustments here to achieve nuanced results without drastically altering your reverb dynamics.
- Final Touches: - Listen to your track and adjust any settings that might need fine-tuning based on how your sound is interacting within the mix.
With these steps, you'll begin to understand how to sculpt the reverb to your desires and add a nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic spring reverbs. Remember, each adjustment can bring a new dimension to your sound, so don't hesitate to experiment!
To harness the full potential of Spirals 1.0 in your Ableton Live projects, here's an intermediate-level technique that emphasizes its unique ability to manipulate audio with a character reminiscent of classic spring reverbs.
Start by applying Spirals 1.0 to a send track dedicated to reverb. This setup not only preserves your original dry tracks but also allows for creative manipulation across different audio sources. Route a guitar track and a vocal track to this send for a lush atmospheric effect.
Setting the Foundation: - Adjust the Input HP knob to around 150 Hz. This high-pass filter setting removes low-end rumble, providing a cleaner reverb response that's ideal for a mix with both guitar and vocals.
Customizing the Reverb: - Begin with the LF Time set to around 400 ms and the HF Time a bit shorter at 300 ms. This differentiation creates a rich texture as the low and high frequencies bloom at slightly different rates. - Use the Timescale knob to experiment with synchronizing these times, adjusting the overall timing of the reverb based on your track's tempo. For a lively sound, scale both up by about 10%.
Shaping the Character: - For a vintage feel, dial back the Character knob to create a darker, more classic spring reverb tone. This sets a nostalgic mood, particularly beneficial for an acoustic session. - Utilize the Decay knob to control the length of the reverb tail. Set it around 60% for a moderate tail that enriches the mix without overwhelming it.
Adding Subtle Saturation: - Take advantage of the gentle saturation inherent in the device pathways. Push the mix just a touch (around 40% wet) to add warmth and depth to your track.
Creative Feedback Loop: - The beauty of Spirals 1.0 lies in its feedback loop. Increase the feedback amount a bit for a self-sustaining reverb effect that continuously evolves, ideal for ambient sections of your track.
Final Tweaks: - Spend some time adjusting the blend with the Dry/Wet knob to taste—a setting around 40% wet typically provides a complementary blend without overshadowing the original audio.
This configuration offers a nuanced yet powerful reverb texture, turning your instruments and vocals into a cohesive soundscape reminiscent of vintage spring reverbs, all the while maintaining room for further creative exploration.
Further Thoughts
To unlock the authentic charm of classic reverbs in your Ableton Live projects using the Spirals 1.0 Max for Live device, begin by placing Spirals 1.0 on a return track. This approach will allow you to send your desired audio channels to the effect and maintain clean control over reverb dynamics and saturation levels. This not only helps with mixing precision but also emulates how engineers would traditionally incorporate reverb in a track by blending it via an auxiliary channel.
Setup and Routing: First, determine which elements of your mix will benefit most from the spring reverb texture. Consider vocals, guitars, snare drums, or any element you wish to imbue with a vintage feel. Send these audio signals to the return track where Spirals is active.
Tuning Phase Dispersers: Adjust the Character knob to tailor the reverb's tonality. Starting with a central position gives a balanced reverb feel. Turn it clockwise to create a bright and tight spring-like essence, akin to twanging a real spring reverb tank. Conversely, a counter-clockwise adjustment will introduce a darker, moodier atmosphere.
Manipulating Delay and Reverb Tail: Explore the LF Time and HF Time settings to individually sculpt the reverb characteristics of low and high frequencies. Use the Timescale knob to maintain coherence between these elements, effectively managing the overall atmosphere of the reverb. For instance, reducing HF Time while maintaining a longer LF Time can yield an eerie, looming effect, perfect for denser mixes or atmospheric soundscapes.
Decay and Feedback Control: Experiment with the Decay knob to extend the reverb tail. In a track focused on atmospheric buildup, a decay setting towards the higher end will leave ghostly trails behind sound sources, reminiscent of hauntological audio narratives. However, for crisper rhythms or busier sections, reduce decay to merge classic reverb charm without overwhelming the mix.
Fine-Tuning for Impact: Enable some gentle saturation to harmonize the reverb's inclusion within your mix context. This saturation will analogously compress the blended frequencies, mimicking the inherent color of vintage reverb units. Finally, blend the processed signal with the original using the Dry/Wet knob; a setting around 30-40% is versatile for most contemporary music applications.
With creative exploration and precise control offered by Spirals 1.0, you can encapsulate the essence of classic spring reverbs, injecting your music with a distinctive character that resonates with timeless warmth and texture. Visit undulaemusic.gumroad.com to get Spirals and begin adding nostalgic depth to your projects.