IGS Springtime Reverb Unit
Four-channel Spring Reverb
FULL OF SURPRISES!
Sound theory Gulfoss Intelligent Equaliser
plug-in
CALL IT MAGIC, CALL IT TRUE!
Continuing the theme of intelligent plugins, we get
to Gulfoss. The first time we heard of this plugin, it
seemed too good to be true. It claims to use sophisticated
algorithms modelled on what the human ear likes to
hear. It uses these algorithms to use EQ decisions (up to
100 times a second) to increase the clarity and space of
the mix without altering phase relationships, causing
artefacts or latency. It sounds like absolute voodoo.
It sounds like some Artificial intelligence magic put to
work but its creator, an Icelandic man, insists that it
was developed using quantum physics, mathematical
theorems, and psychoacoustics.
RABBIT’S OUT OF THE HAT!
The controls are also quite new and although its just
4 parameters, it takes some time to understand what's
happening with each one. Recover - finds elements in the
mix, corrects eq and phase relationships to bring them
to the front ; Tame - finds prominent elements in the mix
and subdues them if needed ; Bias - lets you choose if
there should be more re-covering or taming;
Brightness - More top end; Boost - Tailors loudness
response curve, mostly giving the mix more body. We
took a mix that we were happy with and used Gulfoss
on the master. We were completely blown away at how
much it had improved the mix. Its unlike anything else
out there. Taming harsh transients, taking out muddy
resonances and adding a super smooth high end. All
this helped the mix translate extremely well on different
mediums. It works extremely well on cleaning up and
adding life to individual elements as well. This plugin
truly defies logic, its almost like magic and points to a
new direction in audio processing
It’s been long since we had something new with
hardware. IGS is a company doing pretty interesting
things including their multi band compressor and other
rack mount units. The springtime is quite a quirky piece
at first glance. Spring reverbs, in general, are not known
for being the most versatile of verbs. They add a certain
distinct character to the signal with its modulation and
sound. So, spending a rather generous amount on an
analog spring verb unit might seem silly. But this unit
will surprise you.
FOR THE MIX ENGINEER, PREPARED TO GO AN
EXTRA MILE
Sporting a bit of a vintage look with its large VU meter,
distinct mustard colour face and big black knobs, the
Springtime looks striking and salient. Inside are two
pairs of physical springs, a long one and a short one. They
are each independently configurable, so you could have
2 stereo verbs or 4 mono channels. Each channel has its
own wet/dry controls, 3 band EQs and bypass switches.
Software verbs are dime a dozen and offer flexibility
and options like never before but this unit sounds quite
different. When you add a bit of springtime, everything
sticks together beautifully. The verb blends into the
signal rather than sounding like something added on
top and adds a sense of space and liveliness to the signal
without a cloud of mud washing out the mix. It can be
used in small amounts just to glue the elements or it can
be pushed for some lovely spring character. It may not
work for every application but on the right guitar tone or
vocals, it sounds quite distinct and interesting. This unit
encourages some experimenting and innovation with
effect work in your mixes. This is something not many
units can do for a mix engineer. It is a bit pricey , but
definitely worth it for engineers looking for some unique
additions to their effect racks.
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
37