AAS Objeq Delay 2: the successor to its unique FX plugin, which melds morphable acoustic resonators with multimode delays and modulation
Most people know Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) from Canada for their physical modeling Synthesizer plugins, such as Chromaphone 3 or Multiphonics CV-3, but less so for their FX plugins.
No wonder they only have one standalone FX in their portfolio, and CV-3, which can be used as an FX. Only one, but it’s special. It combines delays with resonators like no other.
After nine years on the market (April 2017 release), AAS is now launching the Objeq Delay 2, a major update with new features and more.
AAS Objeq Delay 2
Objeq Delay 2 is not a free update, but that’s understandable given that it’s been on the market for 9 years. It was also often available as a free download or bonus when shopping at stores like Plugin Boutique.
AAS Objeq Delay 2 picks up where version 1 left off and expands upon it with new options. The concept remains the same: resonators meet delay enriched with filtering and modulation, but in an expanded feature set.
It’s not immediately apparent from the interface layout that the filter section is the signal’s starting point. High and low cut – each sweeping from 20Hz to 20kHz and offering a choice of 6dB, 12dB, or 24dB/octave rolloff slopes.
From here, it moves on to the plugin’s key feature: the resonators. Once activated, they enrich your input signals with harmonics. Like OD 1, it’s based on acoustic resonators from Chromaphone 3, including membrane, drumhead, plate, string, beam, and marimba.
New on Objeq Delay 2 is the ability to seamlessly morph them and to automate this with the built-in modulation engine.
This produces very organic and original resonator results. Resonators can be tweaked with various controls, including frequency, decay (how long it resonates), material, format, and polarity.
The resonated signal then goes into the delay section, which also got an upgrade. Where Objeq Delay 1 offers a classic stereo delay with sync and ping-pong, OD2 features a multimode/multi-topology delay.
You can choose between four delay options: one-tap, two-tap, four-tap, and split. Features like sync, time and feedback controls, and built-in filters are still on board. There is also a spacing parameter for the delay taps.
New is the psychoacoustic panning option with the four-tap delay to add natural depth and space to your echoes.
More Modulation
The Objeq Delay 1 had a single LFO that was admittedly a bit short. AAS has improved this in Objeq Delay 2, giving the plugin two assignable modulators that can be more than LFOs.
You can now move your sounds in six different ways: LFO (rectangle, sine, triangle) with quantizer and chaos engine, RMS, envelope follower, and pitch tracking (mono). Each of these can be assigned to different parameters freely with the polarity option.
This new modulation flexibilty allow for far more complex movements within the effect. And don’t forget, you can also animate the resonator morphing with it.
Further, you have an input/output section with dry/wet controls, balance controls, and in/out controls. AAS ships Objeq Delay 2 with over 100 presets, showcasing the plugin’s new capabilities.
First Impression
At first glance (without testing), this looks like a great evolution of the original. Each module has been nicely expanded in its capabilities. The modulation options, in particular, make the whole package much more exciting.
It’s good that you can still switch off individual modules. It’s a shame, however, that you still can’t reverse the signal path, i.e., delay the signal first and then send it to the resonator for even more sound design flexibility.
AAS Objeq Delay 2 is available now at an introductory price of $79, down from $99. Existing Objeq Delay 1 users can upgrade for an intro price of $39 instead of $49. This offer is valid until May 5, 2026.
If you purchase the plugin from Plugin Boutique in April, you get u-he Twangström for free with every purchase of 49€ or more as part of their monthly giveaway.
It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Applied Acoustics Systems
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