Apogee Clearmountain’s Domain is a multi-effects plugin designed in collaboration with legendary mix engineer Bob Clearmountain. It aims to recreate Clearmountain’s signature effects chain used on countless hit records. The plugin combines reverb, delay, and pitch-shifting effects in a flexible routing system, allowing users to craft complex spatial environments for their mixes. At its core are three convolution reverbs modeled after Clearmountain’s favorite spaces, including his custom Mix This! chamber. The stereo delay section offers extensive control over timing, feedback, and saturation. A pitch-shifting module can add subtle chorusing or dramatic octave effects. The plugin’s interface is divided into several pages, with a unique visualizer displaying the interaction between effects. Presets recreate the exact “domains” used on classic Clearmountain mixes, while the randomizer function generates new effect combinations. Clearmountain’s Domain is designed to simplify the process of creating depth and dimension in a mix, bringing Bob’s techniques to producers of all levels.
Pros:
• Authentic recreation of Bob Clearmountain’s effects chain
• Flexible routing allows for complex effect combinations
• High-quality convolution reverbs based on real spaces
• Presets recreate iconic mix environments from hit records
• Intuitive interface with helpful visualizer
Cons:
• Relatively high CPU usage compared to simpler effects plugins
• Learning curve to fully utilize all features and routing options
• Limited to stereo operation (no surround support)
Clearmountain’s Domain offers a comprehensive set of tools for crafting spatial effects. The plugin is divided into several main sections, each with its own dedicated controls and routing options. The Input section allows for initial signal conditioning before the effects chain. A de-esser helps tame harsh sibilance that might be exaggerated by reverb or delay. A 3-band EQ lets users shape the frequency content entering the effects, which can dramatically alter the character of the resulting ambience.
The Delay module is a fully-featured stereo delay with independent control over left and right channels. Users can set delay times in milliseconds or sync to tempo, with a “Spin” parameter for slight timing offsets between channels. The feedback path includes a “Blur” control, adding saturation for vintage-style echoes. EQ controls on the delayed signal allow for further tone shaping.
The Pitch section adds subtle to extreme pitch-shifting effects to the delayed signal. Each channel can be shifted up to an octave in either direction, with a randomization function for chorus-like modulation. This pitched signal can be routed back into the delay for unique cascading effects.
The heart of the plugin is its Reverb section, featuring three convolution reverbs based on Clearmountain’s go-to spaces. The Apogee Studio reverb offers a tight, controlled ambience. The Mix This! chamber recreates Bob’s custom reverb space, known for its bright, splashy character. The third reverb slot can be loaded with various impulse responses, including larger halls and more extreme effects. Each reverb has its own pre-delay and EQ controls.
A central mixer allows for precise blending of all effect elements, including dry/wet balance for the overall plugin. Solo and mute buttons make it easy to isolate specific parts of the effects chain.
The unique Visualizer display offers real-time feedback on how the various effects are interacting, with color-coded representations of delay, pitch, and reverb components. While not essential for operation, it provides an intuitive way to understand the complex signal flow. Clearmountain’s Domain includes an extensive preset library, many of which recreate the exact effect chains used on classic records mixed by Bob. These serve as both practical starting points and educational tools, allowing users to dissect Clearmountain’s approach to spatial processing.
The preset library serves as both a practical resource and an educational tool, offering insight into how Clearmountain approaches spatial processing on different instruments and in various genres. The randomizer function encourages experimentation, often yielding unexpected and inspiring results. Where the plugin truly shines is in its ability to create a sense of depth and dimension that feels organic and musical. Rather than simply adding reverb or delay, Clearmountain’s Domain allows users to craft complex environments that enhance the emotional impact of a mix. It’s particularly effective on vocals, drums, and guitars, but can add life to virtually any source material.
While many reverb and delay plugins exist, Clearmountain’s Domain occupies a somewhat unique position in the market. Its closest comparisons might be other “signature” plugins like the Waves Abbey Road series or UAD’s Ocean Way Studios. However, Clearmountain’s Domain offers a more comprehensive effects chain rather than focusing solely on reverb emulation. In terms of flexibility, plugins like FabFilter’s Pro-R or Eventide’s Blackhole offer deep customization of reverb characteristics. Clearmountain’s Domain takes a different approach, emphasizing the interaction between multiple effect types rather than granular control over a single reverb algorithm. The plugin’s routing capabilities are reminiscent of modular effects racks like Reason’s Combinator or Native Instruments’ Reaktor. However, Clearmountain’s Domain presents these options in a more streamlined, mix-oriented package. Ultimately, the plugin’s strength lies in its ability to quickly achieve the polished, three-dimensional sound associated with Clearmountain’s mixes, something that would typically require chaining multiple plugins together.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking to emulate Bob Clearmountain’s signature sound
• Producers looking for complex, professional-sounding spatial effects
• Anyone wanting to add depth and dimension to their mixes
• Those interested in learning from Clearmountain’s mixing techniques
• Users who prefer an all-in-one solution for reverb, delay, and modulation
Clearmountain’s Domain is a powerful tool that brings the techniques of a mixing legend to a wider audience. It excels at creating cohesive, three-dimensional spaces that can elevate a mix from good to great. The plugin’s strength lies in its ability to combine multiple effect types in ways that would be cumbersome to achieve with separate plugins. While it may have a steeper learning curve than simpler reverb or delay effects, the results can be truly stunning when mastered.