Waves Atlas Reverb — an algorithmic reverb plugin

Waves has released a VST reverb inspired by algorithmic units that helped shape many 1980s hits. Atlas Reverb supports Windows and macOS in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Photo: official website waves

The plugin uses an original DSP engine whose algorithms were tuned by hand during thousands of hours of listening to finished mixes, rather than isolated tracks. Its browser offers more than 100 spatial presets in classic categories: Plates, Halls, Rooms, Gated, Springs, Chambers and Cathedrals. Dynamic Detection adapts the response to the incoming audio in real time as track density changes, avoiding a static wash of sound.

Photo: official website waves

Controls include Space, with Size, Density and Depth, and a Ducker that automatically reduces the reverb tail while the lead vocal or instrument is playing. A Damp section controls high- and low-frequency damping, alongside a dedicated two-band equalizer. The optimised design keeps CPU use low for large studio sessions and live performance.

Photo: official website waves

Waves Atlas Reverb is available as a separate licence at a temporary price of $100, normally $150. It is also included in Waves Ultimate and premium bundles.