The latest module to join Cableguys’ ShaperBox 3 effects suite offers over 120 reverbs that range from realistic rooms and halls to bizarre soundscapes. As with the other offerings in the range, ReverbShaper comes equipped with editable LFOs and dynamic envelope followers that allow users to create a huge range of rhythmic effects.
Reverb Types
There are a total of 127 reverb models to choose from, with the expected halls, rooms and plate emulations joined by vintage-inspired springs and classic gated effects. For those looking for something out of the ordinary, ReverbShaper also comes packed with a collection of metallic resonances, strange-sounding slapbacks, experimental swells and more. On top of the selection of built-in sounds, users are also able to import their own impulse responses.
ShaperBox Tools
ReverbShaper runs as a module in the company’s ShaperBox 3 plug-in — which we reviewed here in the February 2023 issue of SOS — and can be purchased and used as an individual processor, or combined with any of the other Shaper offerings as part of a larger multi-effects chain.
Parameters that you’d expect to find on a reverb unit are present, with Size and Decay settings joined by the likes of Pre-Delay and Width controls, but ReverbShaper’s headline feature is its range of rhythmic modulation capabilities. As with the other members of the ShaperBox family, the module provides a large central display that allows users to create custom LFOs to control its key parameters over a defined time.
There are a range of pre-defined slopes and patterns, and a set of editing tools make it possible to draw in custom shapes that take control over the plug-in’s Volume and Send levels and add rhythmic variation to the its reverb tails. Cableguys have also included a Clear Tails mode which resets the reverb every time the LFO reaches its minimum point, helping to avoid reverbs building up excessively and creating unwanted ‘muddiness’ in a mix.
An Envelope Follower section then makes it possible to create ducked reverbs with a single click, as well as setting up gate-like effects where only the loudest parts of a signal will be processed. There are also some multi-band processing options built in, which can be utilised in a number of different ways. They can serve as high- and low-pass filters to avoid low-end rumble on sources such as bass and drums, tame excessive sibilance on vocals, or treat only part of a signal’s frequency range. It is also possible to combine up to three separate reverbs with independent per-band settings within a single plug-in instance.
Compatibility
ReverbShaper is supported on PCs running Windows 7 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.10 or higher. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
ReverbShaper is available now, priced at $€39. It is also available as part of the ShaperBox 3 Bundle, which is currently (14 November 2023) available for $€89 as part of Cableguys’ Black Friday sale.
