Softube TSAR-1 True Stereo Algorithmic Reverb Details
The TSAR-1 Reverb is not an emulation. It's not a stock design. It's
not a static snapshot of a space. The TSAR-1 is a powerful, modern
reverb algorithm. It's alive and vibrant, it's gentle and dreamy, and
above all - it's natural and believable. The TSAR-1 is the
better-sounding alternative to the established, traditional reverb
products. At a fraction of the price. Based on a “best of the best” list
of vintage classic reverbs, and sprinkled with a taste of modern high
end units and a heaping spoonful of Softube’s own mojo, the TSAR-1
brings affordable pro-quality algorithmic environmental processing to
Native platforms (Mac/PC; VST/AU/RTAS).
The True Stereo Algorithm inside the TSAR-1 is what gives it its
magic. The strength lies in its sophisticated sound and versatility, no
matter whether it's used on strings and brass or rock drums and lead
vocals, it always shines. All this while still having a comprehensive
and easy-to-use interface that is unparallelled in other high-end reverb
products.
As with all Softube plug-ins, TSAR-1 is designed using advanced
component modeling, wherein both the circuit components and the
interaction of the components are modeled. This approach allows Softube
to capture in detail the specific electronic and sonic behaviors of all
the devices that contributed to the overall TSAR sound and performance.
“We chose an algorithmic design for TSAR-1 rather than a
convolution-style reverb,” explained Softube product manager Niklas
Odelholm, “because we wanted to create a true classic reverb with as
much finesse, dynamics, sonic flexibility, and versatility as possible.
Fortunately, native computer processing power is so great, that we’re
able to deliver a pro-quality algorithmic design at a fraction of the
cost of the hardware units it’s based on.” The proprietary algorithm
Softube implemented is capable of creating an exceptional range of
ambient environments, from natural spaces to tiny cubes to canyons--and
everything in-between.
Central to TSAR-1’s sonic precision is its True Stereo design. Many
“stereo” reverbs are actually mono reverbs that combine the L/R input
signals and artificially split them on output. Others models are dual
mono, which maintains L/R separation, but doesn't account for the L/R
cross-talk that occurs in natural spaces. TSAR-1 expertly addresses
these issues with a proprietary reverb engine that is actually four
discrete engines, each of which is dedicated to a specific part of the
signal path. Engine one processes the Left signal, engine two the Right,
engine three handles Left+Right, and engine four processes Right+Left.
This architecture results in significantly greater detail and nuance in
the reverb sound itself, and both your source signal’s and the reverb’s
stereo imaging stays totally intact.
Programming TSAR-1 is easy and intuitive, with all parameters and
edit/compare instantly accessible. For those who wish to keep
programming time to bare minimum, there’s the included TSAR-1R
plug-in---a variation of the reverb that wraps the TSAR-1 reverb engine
in a simple three-control interface, with each control operating several
inter-related parameters simultaneously. Creating custom reverb
environments has never been faster or easier! And since TSAR-1R and
TSAR-1 use the exact same reverb engine, there’s no trade-off in quality
when you go “R.”
Softube TSAR-1 True Stereo Algorithmic Reverb Features
- True Stereo Algorithm
- Extraordinary versatility
- Comprehensive user interface
- Modern and powerful high-end reverb
- Extensive preset library
- Comes bundled with the TSAR-1R Reverb
Softube TSAR-1 True Stereo Algorithmic Reverb Controls
Reverb Section
Five easy accessible parameters make up the reverb section, and
are often the only parameters you need to adjust.
|
Predelay Use it as a rhythmic effect or to carefully
match the tail with the early reflections.
| Time Longer or shorter
reverb tail. Where do you want to go
today?
| Density Smooth, modern and
dense, or sparse, lush and vintage.
| Tone Dark or bright? No need to adjust dozens of knobs to get
the character you need.
| High Cut Too much sizzle? Cut
the highs. |
Top Row
The top row allows you to do the final touches to get exactly
the sound you're after.
|
Early Reflections Type Large, Medium or Small? What room
do you want to place your tracks in?
| Early Reflections
Mix Already got a
good sounding room and just need some longer reverb? Turn
down the earlies with the mix knob.
| Diffusion Need that extra
smoothness on your snare?
| Modulation A vintage style chorus-y
modulation, or a modern and classy modulation?
| Reverb Mix and Output
Volume They
just have to be there, right? |
Interactive Display
Show both current and previous settings, and toggle between
those by clicking on each of the parameter value displays.
Extensive Preset Library
41 well designed presets, categorized into a "modern" and a
"vintage" set. The modern set focuses on the classy reverb sounds
of today, while the vintage set mimics the characters of old
school reverbs we still love to use.
All presets are well documented with examples of intented use
cases.
TSAR-1R. Same sound quality, easier to use.
With just three reverb parameters and the required mix
and volume knobs, it has never before been this easy to dial in a
great reverb sound.
The TSAR-1R comes bundled with its
bigger brother, the TSAR-1.
Predelay Perfect for getting that small
gap between the vocals and the reverb tail
Time One fader to rule them all. The Time
control changes the Density, Diffusion, Early Reflections, Reverb
Time, etc. Almost like a continous swipe through all the best
presets.
Color Need a bright or a dark reverb?
Softube TSAR-1 True Stereo Algorithmic Reverb System Requirements
- Mac OS X (10.4 or higher), Windows XP or higher
- Mac: Intel or PowerPC processor (G5 or higher)
- Windows: PIII or higher
- 512 MB RAM
- Any VST, AudioUnits or RTAS compatible host application
- iLok USB key and the latest Pace Interlok drivers
