Apogee Clearmountain’s Phases is a meticulously crafted plugin that brings the iconic sounds of Bob Clearmountain’s vintage analog flanger and phaser rack modules to the digital realm. This plugin emulates the rare, mid-seventies hardware units used by the legendary mixing engineer, offering users the ability to recreate the distinctive modulation effects heard on countless hit records. Clearmountain’s Phases goes beyond simple emulation, providing expanded settings modules that allow users to replicate Bob’s advanced workflow and easily dial in engaging modulation effects. The plugin features authentic models of both flanger and phaser units, which can be used individually or combined in various configurations to create complex, evolving soundscapes. With its intuitive interface, comprehensive preset library, and ability to add vintage character through distortion and component aging simulations, Clearmountain’s Phases aims to be the definitive flanger and phaser plugin for modern producers and mix engineers.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of Bob Clearmountain’s vintage hardware units
• Versatile routing options for complex modulation effects
• Extensive preset library featuring Clearmountain’s personal settings
• Intuitive, resizable interface with detailed tooltip descriptions
• Ability to add vintage character through distortion and aging simulations
Cons:
• Some users may find the photo-realistic GUI less functional than a more utilitarian design
• Button on/off status could be more clearly indicated
Clearmountain’s Phases offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to both vintage enthusiasts and modern producers seeking high-quality modulation effects. The plugin’s core consists of two main modules: the CFX Auto Flanger and the CFX Auto Phaser, both modeled after Bob Clearmountain’s personal hardware units.
The CFX Auto Flanger module provides users with a choice of six different Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) chip emulations, each offering unique characteristics and timing. This allows for a wide range of flanger effects, from tight chorus-like sounds to longer, more spacious delays. The flanger section also includes a “zero crossing” tape machine flange effect, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the plugin’s sound palette.
The CFX Auto Phaser module offers a gentler modulation that can create watery, psychedelic textures. Users can intensify the effect with added resonance and adjust the Feedback Tap knob for even more sonic variations. Both modules feature LFO rate controls that can be synced to the DAW’s tempo or set manually, providing flexibility in creating rhythmic modulation effects.
One of the standout features of Clearmountain’s Phases is its routing flexibility. Users can employ the flanger and phaser individually, in series (in either order), or in parallel. This level of configurability allows for the creation of complex, evolving soundscapes that go beyond traditional modulation effects.
The plugin’s extended settings panel offers deep control over the modulation characteristics. Users can fine-tune parameters such as sweep depth, feedback, and mix levels. The ability to dial in distortion, aliasing, and component aging adds an extra layer of vintage authenticity to the sound, allowing users to recreate the subtle imperfections of hardware units or keep the signal clean and pristine.
Clearmountain’s Phases also includes a comprehensive preset library, featuring settings from some of Bob Clearmountain’s most famous productions. These presets not only serve as excellent starting points but also provide insight into the techniques used on iconic recordings.
The plugin’s interface is resizable up to 150%, ensuring compatibility with high-DPI monitors. The photo-realistic GUI, while visually appealing, remains functional with intuitive controls and detailed tooltip descriptions that explain each parameter in depth.
When compared to other modulation plugins on the market, Clearmountain’s Phases stands out for its authentic vintage sound and the pedigree associated with Bob Clearmountain’s name. While many plugins offer flanger and phaser effects, few combine the level of historical accuracy, sound quality, and flexibility found in this Apogee offering.Unlike some competitors that focus solely on digital algorithms, Clearmountain’s Phases meticulously models specific hardware units, capturing the nuances and imperfections that contribute to their desirable sound. This approach sets it apart from more generic modulation plugins that may lack the depth and character of vintage hardware.
The plugin’s routing options and extended controls offer a level of versatility that surpasses many standalone flanger or phaser plugins. While some competitors may offer more extreme or experimental modulation effects, Clearmountain’s Phases excels in delivering classic, musical results that sit well in a mix. When compared to other vintage-inspired plugins, Clearmountain’s Phases benefits from direct input from a legendary mix engineer, providing users with presets and workflows that have been used on countless hit records. This level of insight and real-world application is rare among plugin offerings and adds significant value for users looking to achieve professional-quality results.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking authentic vintage modulation effects
• Producers looking to recreate iconic sounds from classic recordings
• Musicians wanting to add depth and movement to their tracks
• Sound designers in need of complex, evolving textures
• Professionals who value historically accurate emulations of classic hardware
Clearmountain’s Phases represents a significant achievement in the world of modulation plugins, offering a compelling blend of vintage authenticity and modern functionality. Its meticulous emulation of Bob Clearmountain’s hardware units provides users with access to the sounds that have shaped countless hit records over the past few decades. The plugin’s strength lies not only in its accurate recreation of classic effects but also in its ability to expand upon them with additional controls and routing options. The extensive preset library, featuring settings from Clearmountain’s personal collection, offers invaluable insights into professional mixing techniques and serves as an excellent educational tool for aspiring engineers.
The plugin’s intuitive interface, despite some minor issues with button state visibility, allows users to quickly dial in desired effects while also providing depth for those who wish to delve deeper into sound shaping. While the plugin excels in delivering vintage-style modulation, its expanded feature set ensures that it remains relevant for modern production techniques. The ability to add controlled amounts of distortion and aging effects allows users to fine-tune the character of the modulation, striking a balance between pristine digital clarity and analog warmth. Clearmountain’s Phases may not be the most radical or experimental modulation plugin on the market, but it wasn’t designed to be. Instead, it focuses on delivering professional-quality, musical results that can elevate a mix in subtle or dramatic ways. For those seeking the sound of classic records or looking to add depth and movement to their productions, this plugin offers a powerful and versatile solution that lives up to the Clearmountain name.