Phonolyth Cascade is a new experimental reverb and diffusion processor for mac, win, and iOS that takes you behind classic reverbs.
Reverbs are super popular. They give space to every sound and make everything beautiful. With certain reverbs you can even shape a fart into something epic. Reverbs are available as hardware or as software. Yes, even for your iPhone or iPad. Honestly, you can’t have enough reverbs in your arsenal.
If you want a reverb of a special kind, read on. Yuri Turov, the developer of the unique Velvet Machine effect processor, shows with Cascade, a new reverb with an experimental touch.
Phonolyth Cascade
Cascade is a new versatile reverb and diffusion processor with an experimental touch. According to the developer, it is designed first and foremost with expansive modulated supernatural spaces in mind.
Cascade has a unique concept and signal path. Its core consists of a chain, aka cascade, of 24 allpass delay (allpass diffuser) stages for each of the left and right channels. Each stage smears and diffuses the incoming signal a bit, and chaining enough of these together results in a lengthy and diffuse reverberation effect.
A notable feature of the allpass delay is its ability to produce various kinds of non-exponential responses, which works great for out-of-this-world effects like blooming and super-long reverberation.
Cascade uses a randomized modulation scheme where a dedicated LFO modulates each delay time. The LFO is purposefully out of sync with others, thus adding a sense of motion to the sound. So it gets more of an organic, unusual character.
Further, it features a feedback loop around the entire chain, making infinite reverb and delay-infused diffusion textures possible. The feedback loop is complemented by damping filters to modify the frequency response over time.
Thanks to the plugin’s extensive controls, you can dive deep into spheres other than classic reverbs, including stereo widening, transient smearing, hybrid delays/reverbs, and chorus/flanger or even resonator-like effects.
Features Highlights
- Wide range of diffusion textures spanning from subtle smearing and widening to otherworldly reverberation
- Lush randomized modulation
- Infinity and Freeze buttons for never-ending reverb bliss
- Mix Lock for switching presets while keeping the dry/wet mix constant
- Freely resizable UI with light and dark color schemes
- Cross-platform preset format for sharing across plugin formats and OSes
- 30 factory presets to get you started
First Impression
Once again, Yuri Turov shows us his talent for designing unique and special effects. After its unusual but fascinating Velvet Machine plugin, it continues this journey with Cascade, another playful, lovely effects processor that breaks sonic barriers.
Nope, Cascade isn’t your ordinary reverb; it’s an effects processor with its own color and character. Plus, points for the iOS version with AUv3 support. Thanks, Yuri.
Phonolyth Cascade is available now for an introductory price of $19 instead of $29. It runs as a VST3 and AU plugin on macOS (Intel + native Apple Silicon) and Windows. The iOS version is available for an intro price of $4,99 (reg. $7,99) and runs on iPhones and iPads.
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