Convolution reverbs are reverb effects which use impulse responses (IRs) to simulate an acoustic space. These are the best freeware convolution reverb effects in VST plugin format for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac.

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An impulse response captures the sound of an acoustic space or an artificially simulated space (when recorded from a hardware reverb unit, for example). Loading an impulse response in a convolution reverb effect will apply the reverb properties of the sampled acoustic space to the processed audio signal. This way, we can simulate recording an audio track in a natural environment (by using impulse responses of outdoor spaces) or mimic the sound of expensive hardware reverb effects.

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1. Convology XT by Impulse Record

Convology XT is a free convolution reverb VST plugin developed by Impulse Record. It includes a collection of 70 reverb impulse responses captured from a variety of vintage hardware reverb units. Additional impulse responses are available for purchase on the developer’s website. More importantly, the plugin is capable of loading external impulse responses in WAV format.

In terms of its ability to modify the loaded impulse response file, Convology XT is the most advanced freeware convolution reverb VST plugin on this list. The user can adjust the attack and decay time, pre-delay, and the frequency response. It is also possible to time-stretch the IR file and to apply modulation in order to achieve a stereo widening effect. The plugin doesn’t introduce any latency, which is somewhat of a rarity among freeware convolution reverbs.

Convology XT can be downloaded completely free of charge from Impulse Record’s website. After installing and loading the plugin for the first time, enter the serial number provided at checkout to activate your license. The developers have also provided several tutorial videos to help new users get started with the plugin.

More info:Convology XT(32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & MacOS)

2. MConvolutionEZ Convolution by MeldaProduction

MConvolutionEZ comes with a wider range of impulse responses than Convology XT, but its feature set is less advanced. The user can adjust the stereo width of the active impulse response and shape its tone using a pair of filters. Unfortunately, the timing properties like attack and decay time can’t be customized. This is a serious drawback which makes MConvolutionEZ less of a professional mixing tool and more of a beginner option for users who are just getting started with using convolution reverb plugins. Still, its ease of use and intuitive user interface are part of the reason why we recommend giving it a try.

Much like Convology XT, MeldaProduction’s convolution reverb plugin can load external impulses responses in WAV and FLAC format. Due to the convenient file browser which is located at the very center of the user interface, MConvolutionEZ is a great tool for testing newly downloaded impulse response libraries. The included reverb impulses sound pretty good, too.

One thing we didn’t like, though, is the fact that MeldaProduction bundles all of their plugins into a single installer. This makes for longer download times and a somewhat annoying installation procedure. Also, the plugin will show a nag screen asking the user to upgrade to the paid version of the plugin which is called MConvolutionMB. The plugin’s functionality isn’t affected by the nag screen, though.

More info:MConvolutionEZ(32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & MacOS)

3. SIR1 by SIR Audio Tools

SIR1 is an old product (released in 2004.), but some users still swear by it. Its simple user interface and a rather capable feature set make it a useful tool even in this modern age of VST plugins. However, SIR1’s biggest drawback is the fact that it is only compatible with 32-bit VST plugin hosts on Windows. Mac owners and Windows users running 64-bit digital audio workstations are out of luck.

The user interface is well designed, with the file browser on the right, waveform display on the top, the control parameters on the left, and the spectrum display on the bottom. The user can adjust the pre-delay time and the envelope of the loaded impulse response. The IR can also be time-stretched, which is a great feature to have in a convolution plugin. SIR1 has a fixed latency of 8960 samples and is optimized for low CPU consumption.

More info:SIR1(32-bit VST plugin format for Windows)

4. Reverberate LE by LiquidSonics

Reverberate LE is another older plugin on this list (released in 2006.) and it shares the same compatibility issues with SIR1. In other words, it will only work in 32-bit digital audio workstations on Windows-based machines. If you happen to fall into that particular category of users, Reverberate LE is well worth a shot.

The plugin includes only a small collection of impulse responses, so it’s mostly up to the user to provide their own IR samples (WAV, AIFF, and FLAC files are supported). Once loaded, the impulse responses can be customized using the Reverberate LE’s envelope shaping and time-stretching controls. The plugin also features a parametric equalizer which can completely alter the tone of the IR sample.

Reverberate LE can operate in zero latency mode, or in low latency mode when the graphics card is used for processing (an Nvidia chip is required for this). Stereo impulse responses are supported.

More info:Reverberate LE(32-bit VST plugin format for Windows)

5. Halls Of Fame 3 Free by Best Service

Halls Of Fame 3 Free is a stripped-down version of the Halls of Fame 3 – Complete Edition (€169) convolution reverb effect by Best Service which comes with over 1,500 reverb presets. The free version only includes 27 reverb presets and doesn’t load external impulse responses. The reason why we’re including it on the list, though, is that the included reverb impulse responses sound exceptionally good.

The plugin features a selection of impulse responses captured from legendary hardware reverb units such as the EMT 240, AKG BX 20, Lexicon PCM96, and the Bricasti M7. The presets can be customized using detailed envelope and tone control parameters. The user can adjust the pre-delay time, attack/release times, and trim the loaded impulse response. The plugin also features a 3-band tone control and a damping control for shaping the tone of the reverb tails.

Unfortunately, the download and activation procedures are a bit more cumbersome than we’d like to see. First, you will need to complete the checkout process, then download two individual installers for the plugin and the sound content, and finally authorize your Halls Of Fame 3 Free installation.

More info:Halls Of Fame 3 Free(32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & MacOS)

Once you’re happy with your convolution reverb plugin of choice, it’s time to obtain some high-quality reverb impulse responses. Here are some of our favorite places to download convolution reverb IR files for free:

Finally, here are a few recommended options for those looking for a paid convolution reverb VST plugin instead of a freeware one:

• Fog Convolver by AudioThing($65)
• Verberate 2 by Acon Digital($99)

Due to its relatively affordable price and well-designed user interface, Fog Convolver is our recommended commercial convolution reverb VST plugin. It comes with a huge library of impulse responses and features a slick user interface with plenty of customization options.

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The Next Generation in Synthesis

Hybrid 3.0 is the next generation in synthesis. This high-definition virtual synthesizer combines the coveted warmth of analog synths with a full range of futuristic digital manipulation capabilities. The result is the best of both worlds — a virtual instrument with a comprehensive set of precisely adjustable parameters that can sound like a synth you remember or something no one has ever heard before.

1200+ Built-In Sounds

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High-Definition Oscillators

With three versatile oscillators and a sub oscillator per part, Hybrid 3.0 is capable of stacking multiple oscillators together for huge pads, leads, basses, and more. Two multifunctional oscillators can recreate the classic subtractive-synthesis waveforms for a dose of analog nostalgia. In addition, these oscillators feature algorithms for digital wavetables. As a result, users can choose from nine different modes, including the Multi-Square waveform, Saw Sync, Saw Cross Modulation (which modulates the pitch of a saw wave with the output of a triangle wave for complex tones), Saw Multi (a stack of seven saws in unison), Square Sync, Square Cross Modulation, Square Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), and Wavetable. Hybrid 3.0 offers 100 wavetables with up to 64 single-cycle waveforms each. A third oscillator includes saw, square, or triangle waves, plus a noise generator and a sub oscillator for deep bass effects.

Dual Filtering and Saturation Modes

Hybrid 3.0 features two multi-mode filters that can run in series or in parallel. In addition, the filters can be assigned one per channel to the stereo outputs, or set so that Oscillator 1 feeds Filter 1, with the remaining Oscillators being routed to Filter 2. Both of the filters offer your choice of DCF (Digitally Controlled Filter) or VCF models. The vintage Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) makes it easier than ever to achieve those fat, retro synth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s. This sound filter brings the legendary soft and fat warmth of classic analog synth hardware filters to Hybrid 3.0.

Use the revolutionary multimode filters to control the tone color of a part by removing or accenting certain frequencies. Choose from an extensive collection of 23 modes. Then dial in the filter cut-off, velocity, and key tracking. Use the resonance dial to change the tone from a nasal sound to a ringing tone by emphasizing frequencies around the cut-off and generating self-oscillation. A blend of the third oscillator and noise generator can serve as an audio modulation source for filter cut-off, producing distinctive electronic audio effects.

To add some serious edge, adjust the filter saturation. Hybrid 3.0 offers the original Overdrive filter, which creates a soft tube-like clipping and includes five additional filter saturation modes: Distort, which creates a harder, brighter clipping; Hard Clip, which creates a very hard and bright transistor-like clipping; Rectify, which creates a gentle distortion that retains the character of the input signal; Bit Crush, which creates deliberate aliasing by reducing the bit depth; and Resample, which creates deliberate aliasing by reducing the sample rate.

LFOs

Hybrid 3.0 includes four LFOs per part: two monophonic, one polyphonic, and one special Pump LFO. Use the LFOs to modulate pitch, loudness, or cut-off to produce vibrato, tremolo, or electronic sweeps. Choose from eight modulation types, ranging from sine and triangle waves to random, “drift,” and sample-and-hold modulation. Change the depth, rate, phase, and sync mode to quickly and dramatically alter the sound.

Pump is a special type of envelope that simulates studio side-chaining to create the pumping-and-breathing effect. In the case of Hybrid 3.0, this rhythmic effect can be applied to much more than the overall mix. The Pump LFO can be routed to create a rhythmic effect on a variety of specific parameters, such as pitch or filter settings.

Envelope Editors

Use the four envelope editors to easily sculpt the filter, amplitude, and any two other modulation envelopes. Adjust velocity, attack, decay, and key tracking, and then type in the envelope rate.

Hype Algorithm

New to Hybrid 3.0 is Hype, a quick way of enhancing the low- or high- end of any patch. Beef up wobbles, basses, and kick-drum sounds with deep, sub-bass by adjusting the Hype Low parameter, or turn up Hype High to polish off the high end with shimmer and sparkle; the latter sounds great on pads, strings, brass, and percussive sounds.

Doubling

Hybrid 3.0 offers a new way of making your patches sound enormous. Two Doubling knobs, one for each part, are built into the Common tab for additional widening and thickening. Turn up the Doubling knobs to full for a dramatic response or mix it in subtly for a slight thickening effect.

Performance-Oriented Features

Whether you use it in the studio or in a live situation, Hybrid 3.0 is built to perform. Use the step sequencers for arpeggiation or phrase generation. Set the modulation matrix to easily map modulations from sources to destinations. And set up “morph” groups to modify sounds on the fly, from the interface or a MIDI controller.

Step Sequencers

Hybrid 3.0’s onboard 16-step sequencers have been revamped for more programming and sequencing flexibility. Now, steps can be linked together to vary sequencer rhythm, manipulate note dynamics, and create advanced modulation patterns. Like before, both step sequencers can function as a composition tool or an extra modulation source, making it easy to create patches that move and evolve. You can set note values, velocity, and modulation, and then pick from nine playback options to use the sequencer as a step sequence, arpeggiator, or MIDI phrase generator. Plus, you can even import your own MIDI phrases for complete customization.

Modulation Matrices

Hybrid 3.0 also offers flexible and easy-to-use modulation matrices with 16 assignable modulation sources and more than 20 destinations each. Assign modulations to an oscillator or filter. Hybrid 3.0 allows multiple assignments of sources and destinations, all with adjustable intensities.

Morph Groups

With Hybrid 3.0, you can assign any rotary control or fader on the plugin’s interface to one of the four “morph” groups. Assign pan, filter, or amplifier envelopes to a morph group to alter sounds from your controller while recording or playing live. Each morph group can control several parameters simultaneously. You, in turn, can control morph groups from the dials on the interface or from a MIDI controller.

Effects

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Hybrid 3.0 provides two insert effect sends per part, each with more than 40 effect types, so you can quickly change the sound of a part. A separate master effects section lets you select reverb, delay, and chorus effects to enhance — or warp — any of the sounds at the patch level. Easily adjust effect parameters and sync effects to a chosen tempo.

Seamless DAW Integration

Hybrid 3.0 is available in VST and AAX plugin formats for both 32- and 64-bit operating systems and in AU for 64-bit operating systems. With its rich set of analog and digital sounds and a large array of adjustable parameters, Hybrid 3.0 gives musicians, arrangers, composers, and sound designers the qualities and character of a unique hardware synthesizer with the convenience and flexibility of an integrated plugin.

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AIR Music Technology is a trademark of inMusic Brands, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice.