Plugin Alliance have announced the launch of a new reverb developed by ADPTR AUDIO, the creators of the renowned Metric AB plug-in. Created in collaboration with Geraint Luff of Signalsmith Audio, Utopia is said to reimagine reverb not just as an effect, but as a powerful compositional and harmonic tool.
Utopia is the very first spectral reverb to join the Plugin Alliance line-up, and has been built around a unique algorithm that tracks and transforms harmonic content in real time. Users are provided with an array of parameters that can be used to create expansive spatial effects that range from “ethereal choirs to dystopian sonic fever dreams”, offering a creative alternative to conventional convolution-based reverb processors.
As well as the sort of controls you’d expect to find on a reverb plug-in, Utopia includes a number of parameters dedicated to governing the spectral processing and manipulate the resulting harmonic content. Its Color section offers some tonal control over the reverb signal, while the initial onset and decay can be defined using the plug-in’s Shape section. The companies say that the spectral processing unlocks new abilities for transforming the reverb tail, with the algorithm dynamically dampening only the harmonic content that clashes, preserving clarity as new sounds enter without sacrificing the overall sustain.
Key Features
- Spectral Reverb Engine: A unique DSP algorithm analyses and manipulates the harmonic content of the audio, offering unparalleled control over the character of the reverb tail.
- Intelligent Harmonic Management: The Auto Clear feature intelligently removes clashing harmonics as chords change, ensuring a clean and musical reverb tail even in dense mixes.
- Advanced Rhythm Control: Precisely control motion and phrasing with the integrated Volume Shaper and Buffer Reset, fully synchronisable to tempo, and can be triggered via side-chain or MIDI inputs for rhythmic spatial effects.
- Dynamic Shaping: The Shape parameter sculpts the onset and decay curves, enabling everything from gentle swells to sharp, percussive decays and delayed blooms.
- All the Colours: Effortlessly transition from flat to coloured reverb responses. This single, smooth control affects decay, spectral characteristics and post-reverb EQ.
Compatibility
Utopia is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 12 and higher. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Utopia is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $69.99 until 23 July 2025, when it will increase to its full cost of $150.
