Krotos Reformer Pro is a revolutionary sound design software that allows users to perform and manipulate sound effects in real-time. This plugin enables audio professionals to replace any input audio with pre-recorded sound libraries, offering a unique approach to Foley and sound design. Reformer Pro ships with over 2 GB of high-quality sound libraries covering common use cases in sound design, recorded by Krotos’ team of sound designers. The software’s standout feature is its ability to turn sound libraries into performable sound instruments, allowing users to control their libraries in real-time using a microphone or any pre-recorded audio. This innovative approach enables rapid syncing to picture without losing creative spark, making it an invaluable tool for post-production work in film, television, and video games. Reformer Pro also includes an Analysis Tool that allows users to analyze and use their own sound libraries within the plugin, expanding its versatility and creative potential.
Pros:
• Real-time sound replacement and manipulation
• Includes over 2 GB of high-quality sound libraries
• Ability to analyze and use custom sound libraries
• MIDI control support for performance without a microphone
• Continuous mode for creating evolving sounds and textures
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for optimal results
• Requires additional purchases for expanded library options
• Some users report difficulties achieving realistic results for certain sound types
Reformer Pro boasts an impressive array of features designed to streamline and enhance the sound design process. At its core, the plugin allows users to perform sound effects without the need for a traditional Foley pit. This is achieved through its real-time audio replacement technology, which maps input audio to pre-recorded sound libraries. The software ships with a diverse collection of sound libraries covering various categories such as footsteps, cloth movement, debris, and environmental sounds.
The Analysis Tool is a key component of Reformer Pro, enabling users to expand beyond the included libraries. This feature allows for the analysis of custom sound libraries, which can then be used within the plugin. Users can simply drag and drop folders of audio files into the tool, analyze them at the desired sample rate, and then perform with their own sounds.
Reformer Pro VST offers multiple ways to interact with sound libraries. In addition to using a microphone or pre-recorded audio as input, the plugin supports MIDI control. This allows users to perform sounds using any MIDI controller, offering high-speed, tactile response with velocity and pitch control for maximum expression. The Continuous Mode is another standout feature, particularly useful for game audio and post-production. This mode creates instant, evolving drones, ambiences, or textures, avoiding repetitive backgrounds and adding depth to soundscapes. Users can render these directly to the timeline with AudioSuite in Pro Tools.
Reformer Pro Plugin also includes a Dynamic Input feature, which allows for sound design without the need for an audio input. Users can automate and explore their libraries directly from the plugin UI, scanning through any library by frequency or amplitude. This feature is particularly useful for discovering unexpected sounds within existing libraries.
The plugin supports a wide range of host applications, including Pro Tools, Reaper, Logic Pro X, Nuendo, Cubase, and Ableton Live. It offers native Apple Silicon support and is available in various formats including AAX Native/AudioSuite, VST, VST3, and AU. Reformer Pro supports sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, making it suitable for high-quality audio production.
When compared to similar plugins, Reformer Pro stands out for its real-time performance capabilities and the ability to use custom sound libraries. While other sound design tools like Native Instruments’ Kontakt or UVI’s Falcon offer extensive sound libraries and powerful sampling engines, they typically don’t provide the same level of real-time manipulation and performance features as Reformer Pro. Audiokinetic’s Wwise, popular in game audio, offers similar real-time sound manipulation but is primarily designed for implementation rather than creation. Izotope’s Iris 2 shares some similarities in terms of sound manipulation, but focuses more on spectral selection and synthesis rather than real-time performance of pre-recorded libraries. Reformer Pro’s unique approach to sound design sets it apart in the market, offering a bridge between traditional sound library usage and live Foley performance.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers working in film, television, and video game post-production
• Foley artists looking to expand their toolkit and workflow
• Audio professionals seeking to create dynamic, evolving soundscapes
• Podcasters and radio producers needing quick access to diverse sound effects
• Musicians and producers exploring innovative sound design techniques
Krotos Reformer Pro represents a significant leap forward in sound design technology, offering a unique blend of real-time performance, extensive sound libraries, and customization options. Its ability to turn static sound libraries into dynamic, performable instruments opens up new creative possibilities for audio professionals across various industries. While the software does have a learning curve and may require additional investment for expanded libraries, its potential for streamlining workflows and inspiring creative sound design is undeniable. The inclusion of features like MIDI control and Continuous Mode further enhances its versatility, making it a valuable tool for both traditional post-production work and more experimental sound design. Despite some reported difficulties in achieving realistic results for certain sound types, Reformer Pro’s innovative approach and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling option for sound designers looking to push the boundaries of their craft and work more efficiently. As with any specialized tool, its value will largely depend on the specific needs and workflow of the user, but for many audio professionals, Reformer Pro could indeed reform their approach to sound design.