Audiority Space Station UM282 is a faithful digital emulation of the iconic Ursa Major Space Station SST-282, an early 80s echo and reverb unit that revolutionized sound processing. This vintage-inspired plugin transforms mono signals into lush, stereo-reverberated soundscapes using innovative delay techniques. Unlike traditional reverb devices of its era, the Space Station employs multiple delay taps to create its unique sonic character. The plugin features 8 audition taps for listening and additional taps for synthesizing reverberation, offering a level of complexity and depth rarely found in modern digital effects. With its distinctive 20Hz-7kHz bandwidth, the Space Station UM282 captures the essence of early digital reverb, delivering a warm, slightly lo-fi sound that’s perfect for adding character and dimension to tracks. The user interface faithfully recreates the original hardware’s aesthetic while incorporating modern features for enhanced usability in today’s production environments.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of a classic, sought-after hardware unit
• Unique multi-tap delay system for creating complex, evolving reverbs
• Vintage sound character adds warmth and depth to digital productions
• Flexible control over individual delay taps for precise sound shaping
• Includes modern features like tempo sync and ducking for enhanced functionality
Cons:
• Limited bandwidth may not suit all modern production styles
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with vintage gear
• Higher CPU usage compared to some simpler reverb plugins
The Audiority Space Station UM282 boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from typical reverb plugins. At its heart is a single multi-tap delay line with 8 audition taps, allowing for intricate control over the reverb’s character. Users can choose from 16 audition delay programs, categorized into Rooms, Combs, Delay Clusters, and Space Repeats, each offering a distinct flavor of reverberation.
The plugin’s delay time can be adjusted up to 255ms, which can be extended to 2.55 seconds in long mode, resulting in reverb times of up to 3.5 seconds. This flexibility allows for everything from tight, room-like ambiences to vast, cavernous spaces. The Echo Sync feature enables tempo-synchronized delays, making it easy to create rhythmic effects that lock in with your project’s tempo.
One of the standout features is the Audition Delay Mixer section, where users can adjust the levels of four pairs of delay taps individually. This level of control allows for the creation of unique spatial effects and custom reverb textures not possible with traditional algorithmic reverbs.
The plugin’s interface is divided into logical sections that follow the signal flow. Section A handles input control, featuring an input level trim and both low and high-frequency cut filters. These filters are crucial for shaping the tone of the reverb and controlling how it sits in the mix. Section B is where the magic happens, housing the controls for the multi-tap delay system. Here, users can blend the direct signal with the various delay taps, creating everything from subtle widening effects to complex, evolving reverbs.
The Space Station UM282 also includes a full stereo mode and an echo-only mode, allowing it to function as both a reverb and a creative delay effect. The addition of a ducking feature is a modern touch that helps the reverb sit better in busy mixes by reducing its level when the input signal is present.
The plugin’s reduced bandwidth of 20Hz-7kHz is a faithful recreation of the original hardware’s limitations, contributing significantly to its vintage character. While this might seem restrictive, it’s precisely this coloration that gives the Space Station its unique sound, reminiscent of early digital reverbs and perfect for adding an authentic 80s vibe to productions.
When compared to similar plugins, the Space Station UM282 stands out for its unique approach to reverberation. While many modern reverb plugins focus on hyper-realistic simulations of physical spaces or offer complex modulation options, the Space Station UM282 embraces the quirks and limitations of early digital technology. Its sound is distinctly different from convolution reverbs or algorithmic reverbs designed to emulate analog gear. In comparison to plugins like Valhalla VintageVerb or Eventide’s Blackhole, the Space Station UM282 offers a more specific, character-driven sound. While these other plugins might offer more versatility in terms of modern reverb styles, the Space Station excels at capturing a particular era of music production. Its multi-tap delay approach also sets it apart from more traditional reverb designs, offering a level of control over early reflections and reverb development that’s rare in other plugins. Unlike some vintage-inspired plugins that merely emulate the surface-level characteristics of old gear, the Space Station UM282 goes deep, recreating the underlying architecture of the original unit. This results in a plugin that not only sounds like the original but behaves like it too, responding to input in a way that feels authentic and organic.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers looking to add authentic 80s reverb character to their tracks
• Sound designers seeking unique spatial effects beyond traditional reverb
• Electronic music producers wanting to add depth and dimension to synth sounds
• Mix engineers looking for a reverb that can add vintage flavor to modern productions
• Film and game sound designers creating retro-inspired soundscapes
Audiority Space Station UM282 is a meticulously crafted homage to a legendary piece of audio hardware that brings the distinctive sound of early digital reverb to the modern DAW environment. Its unique multi-tap delay approach to reverberation offers a level of control and creativity that sets it apart from more conventional reverb plugins. While its vintage character and limited bandwidth may not suit every production style, for those seeking to add authentic 80s ambience or create unique spatial effects, it’s an invaluable tool. The plugin’s ability to transform mono signals into rich, stereo soundscapes makes it particularly useful for adding depth and dimension to synthesizers, drums, and guitars. Despite a potentially steep learning curve, the intuitive layout and modern features like tempo sync and ducking make it accessible to both vintage enthusiasts and modern producers alike. Whether you’re looking to recreate the sound of classic records or push the boundaries of contemporary sound design, the Space Station UM282 offers a unique and powerful set of tools that can add character and depth to any production.