Excite Audio Lifeline Space is a versatile reverb plugin that offers a wide range of spatial effects for music production and sound design. As part of the Lifeline series, Space focuses on creating realistic room tones and ambient characteristics with intuitive controls. The plugin features four distinct reverb algorithms – Hall, Plate, Spring, and Slap – each designed to emulate different types of reverb commonly used in audio production. Space allows users to shape the reverb’s character through parameters like size, tone, and mix, providing flexibility to craft everything from subtle room ambience to expansive soundscapes. The user interface is clean and modern, with a resizable window and visual feedback to help dial in the desired effect. Space can be used as a standalone plugin or as part of the larger Lifeline Expanse multi-effect, where it can be combined and reordered with other modules for more complex processing chains.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with visual feedback makes it easy to dial in reverb settings
• Four versatile reverb algorithms cover a wide range of spatial effects
• Can be used standalone or as part of the modular Lifeline Expanse system
Cons:
• Limited to four reverb types compared to some more comprehensive reverb plugins
Excite Audio Lifeline Space offers four distinct reverb algorithms, each with its own character and use cases. The Hall algorithm produces realistic room reverb that can be scaled from small intimate spaces to large concert halls. This versatility makes it suitable for adding natural ambience to drums, vocals, or full mixes. The Plate algorithm emulates the classic sound of plate reverb units, known for their fast attack and smooth decay. This works well on percussive sources or for adding thickness to vocals and synths.
The Spring algorithm recreates the distinctive sound of spring reverb commonly found in guitar amplifiers. This can add vintage character to guitar tracks or be used creatively on other sources for a lo-fi effect. The Slap algorithm provides a slapback delay effect that can create anything from subtle early reflections to more extreme metallic feedback sounds.
Each reverb type can be fine-tuned using a set of intuitive controls. The Size parameter adjusts the perceived dimensions of the reverberant space, while Tone shapes the frequency response of the effect. A Mix control allows for blending of dry and wet signals, essential for achieving the right balance in a mix. The plugin also features a visual display that provides real-time feedback on the reverb’s characteristics, helping users to understand how their adjustments affect the sound.
Advanced users can delve deeper into Space’s capabilities through additional parameters. Pre-delay can be adjusted to control the timing of early reflections, while decay time determines how long the reverb tail persists. A built-in EQ section allows for further shaping of the reverb’s tonal qualities, useful for fitting the effect into a busy mix or creating special effects.
One of Space’s strengths is its integration with the Lifeline Expanse system. When used as part of Expanse, Space can be freely reordered in the signal chain, allowing for creative combinations with other effects modules. This modular approach enables users to create complex processing chains, such as running distortion into reverb or applying stereo widening to the reverb tail.
The plugin’s user interface is designed for efficiency and ease of use. Controls are laid out logically, with the most commonly used parameters readily accessible. The resizable window ensures that Space can fit comfortably into any workflow, whether on a laptop screen or a large studio monitor. Visual feedback is provided through an animated display that represents the reverb’s characteristics, helping users to fine-tune their settings by ear and by eye.
Compared to other reverb plugins on the market, Excite Audio Lifeline Space strikes a balance between simplicity and depth. While it may not offer as many reverb types as some high-end plugins like FabFilter Pro-R or Valhalla VintageVerb, its four algorithms cover the most commonly used reverb styles in music production. The interface is more streamlined than complex options like Eventide Blackhole or Soundtoys Little Plate, making it potentially more approachable for beginners or those who prefer a faster workflow. Where Space stands out is its integration with the Lifeline Expanse system. This modular approach offers more flexibility than standalone reverb plugins, allowing users to combine reverb with other effects in creative ways. However, for those seeking highly specialized or esoteric reverb types, plugins like Valhalla Shimmer or Eventide Blackhole may offer more unique sounds out of the box.
In terms of sound quality, Space holds its own against more established reverb plugins. The algorithms produce clean, natural-sounding reverbs that sit well in a mix. While it may not have the extensive tweakability of some professional-grade reverbs, it offers enough control to achieve a wide range of spatial effects suitable for most production needs.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and mixers looking for a versatile, easy-to-use reverb plugin
• Users of the Lifeline Expanse system wanting to expand their effects palette
• Musicians needing to add natural space and depth to their recordings
• Sound designers seeking a tool for creating ambient textures and atmospheres
Excite Audio Lifeline Space is a capable reverb plugin that offers a good balance of functionality and ease of use. Its four reverb algorithms cover the most common spatial effects needed in music production, from natural room ambience to more creative sound design applications. The intuitive interface and visual feedback make it easy to dial in the desired reverb character, while advanced controls provide depth for more experienced users. The plugin’s integration with the Lifeline Expanse system is a standout feature, allowing for creative combinations with other effects modules. While it may not offer the extensive customization options of some high-end reverb plugins, Space provides more than enough versatility for most production needs. Its clean, natural sound quality and efficient workflow make it a solid choice for producers, mixers, and sound designers looking to add depth and dimension to their audio. Whether used as a standalone effect or as part of a larger processing chain, Excite Audio Lifeline Space proves to be a valuable tool for shaping the spatial characteristics of a mix.