Puremagnetik Stages is a new, unique delay plugin powered by two parallel chains of stages and precise mathematics “golden ratio.”
I like plugins that don’t overwhelm you with parameters, menus, etc. Effect plugins, in particular, should offer interfaces that inspire you to be creative. One developer who nailed this is Puremagnetik. Their plugins are very feature-focused, have a few parameters, and are as easy to use as effect pedals.
The latest plugin, Stages, is based on a complex core. But Puremagnetik has managed to take out the complexity by making it simple and accessible for the user.
Puremagnetik Stages
Stages is a new delay plugin designed in collaboration with Zürich-based sound artist An Moku. Another delay plugin, how exciting some readers now say. But don’t worry, it’s fresh and different. Since Hainbach and other collaborations, we know that musicians bring new ideas to plugin development.
The core uses deep mathematics by fusing geometry and sound with a precisely calculated golden ratio. Yes, that’s math, and honestly, it’s not my area of expertise. Let’s go on with the effect.
Stages plugin relies on 26 delay lines constructed throughout two parallel chains of stages. You can tweak them using 13 ratio sliders, allowing you to explore different rates of the golden delay. Plus, you can adjust stage 1 and stage 2 with two controls. Stage 2 has a “golden” offset of 1618 milliseconds.
Thanks to this, it can process audio through a rich matrix of reflections that never overlap, resulting in complex networks of repetitions. You can then shape the delay timbres with a two-pole highpass post filter.
With the spread control, you can introduce auto panning to the delay lines. Lower values give you more subtle, while higher more pronounced effects. There is also a blend knob that acts as a dry/wet knob.
For additional fun, it offers a randomizer function for all parameters (expect blend and level), giving you instant new effects.
First Impression
The effects that the plugin generates are very reminiscent of a multi-tap delay. The typical delay patterns are very noticeable here. However, the feature set and concept also allow you to generate more unusual patterns.
Especially when the effected sounds more and more drift into the past, you can get some crystal-like goodness.
Puremagnetik Stages comes with the new album “Shapes (for a Name)” by sound artist An Moku. You can get the Shapes album plus the Stages plugin for $1 (name-your-price) on Bandcamp through November 15, 2023. Later, it will probably be available for $20 in the back catalog.
It runs as a VST, VST3, and AU plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Puremagnetik
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