MNTRA Instruments Borealis is a dynamic reverb plugin that pushes the boundaries of conventional reverb processing. Designed for both studio and live performances, Borealis offers a unique approach to spatial effects with its “Animistic Performance Reverb” concept. The plugin features 14 distinct reverb algorithms, ranging from lush convolution reverbs sampled from epic spaces to shimmering algorithmic reverbs and vintage diffused delays. Borealis stands out with its interactive 3-axis macro control interface, allowing users to manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously for expressive results. The plugin’s extensive modulation capabilities, including complex non-linear modulators and a deep envelope follower, enable highly responsive and organic soundscapes. Borealis also incorporates a mastering section with a parametric EQ and dual-mode limiter, making it a comprehensive tool for shaping both dry and wet signals. With its innovative design and wide array of features, Borealis aims to inspire and transform the creative process for musicians, producers, and sound designers alike.
Pros:
• Unique and intuitive 3-axis macro control interface for expressive parameter manipulation
• 14 diverse reverb algorithms offering a wide range of spatial effects
• Extensive modulation options with complex modulators and envelope follower
• Built-in mastering section with parametric EQ and dual-mode limiter
• Designed for both studio and live performance applications
Cons:
• Steep learning curve due to the unconventional interface and extensive features
• Resource-intensive, potentially challenging for older or less powerful systems
MNTRA Instruments Borealis boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from traditional reverb plugins. At its core are 14 unique reverb algorithms, each offering distinct characteristics and sonic possibilities. These algorithms range from natural-sounding spaces to more experimental and abstract soundscapes. The “Cavern” algorithm, for instance, produces dark, dreamy reflections with arrhythmic echoes, while “Freeze” offers lush, modulated reverbs with freeze and shimmer capabilities. Other notable algorithms include “Granular” for ambient experimental reverb, “Orbital” for vintage chorused bliss, and “Church” for beautiful timbres sampled from Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church.
The plugin’s standout feature is its innovative 3-axis macro control interface, which allows users to manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously. This “Perform” view presents an animated geometric interface where adjusting the X, Y, and Z axes affects various aspects of the reverb in real-time. This design encourages intuitive and expressive control over the plugin’s parameters, making it particularly suitable for live performances and dynamic sound design.
Borealis offers extensive modulation capabilities, featuring three complex modulators and an envelope follower. The modulators go beyond typical shapes, offering sine, triangle, square, random, stepped, and custom-drawn waveforms. Users can create intricate movement and evolving textures by modulating various parameters. The envelope follower derives control signals from the input, allowing for responsive performances with adjustable attack, release, gain, and threshold settings. Notably, Borealis allows users to modulate modulators with each other and with the envelope follower, creating a network of interconnected, performable sound.
The plugin includes a comprehensive mapping system, accessible through the Mapping Window. Here, users can assign parameters to manual control, axis control, or modulator control. Real-Time Parameter Control (RTPC) tables allow fine-tuning of the range and response of these mappings, with preset shapes available for quick adjustments.
Borealis incorporates a mastering section, adding to its versatility. This section includes a parametric EQ for precise frequency shaping and a dual-mode limiter (Modern and Vintage) for controlling dynamics and achieving desired output levels. This feature allows users to shape both the dry and wet signals within the plugin, potentially reducing the need for additional processing in the mix.
The user interface of Borealis is visually striking and functional. The main Perform view provides an engaging, interactive experience, while the control panel offers more detailed parameter adjustments. The interface is divided into tabs for easy navigation between algorithm parameters, the Mapping Window, Modulation settings, and the Mastering section.
Compared to similar plugins, MNTRA Instruments Borealis stands out for its innovative approach to reverb processing and control. While many reverb plugins focus on emulating specific hardware units or classic reverb types, Borealis takes a more experimental and performance-oriented approach. Its 3-axis macro control and extensive modulation options set it apart from more traditional reverb plugins like Valhalla VintageVerb or Eventide Blackhole. In terms of versatility and sound quality, Borealis competes with high-end reverb plugins like Fabfilter Pro-R or Liquidsonics Reverberate 3. However, Borealis offers a unique focus on performance and dynamic control that these plugins don’t emphasize as strongly. The inclusion of a mastering section also distinguishes Borealis from many dedicated reverb plugins, positioning it as a more comprehensive sound design tool. When compared to other performance-oriented effects like Output’s Portal or Thermal, Borealis shares a similar ethos of encouraging experimentation and real-time manipulation. However, Borealis maintains a focus on reverb and spatial effects, whereas these other plugins explore different areas of sound design.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers seeking unique and evolving spatial effects
• Live performers who want expressive, real-time control over reverb parameters
• Studio producers looking for a versatile reverb with extensive modulation capabilities
• Musicians and artists interested in experimental and unconventional reverb sounds
• Producers who appreciate having mastering tools integrated into their reverb plugin
MNTRA Instruments Borealis represents a bold step forward in reverb plugin design, offering a unique blend of traditional spatial processing and innovative performance controls. Its 14 diverse algorithms provide a wide palette of reverb sounds, from natural spaces to otherworldly atmospheres. The standout 3-axis macro control interface encourages intuitive and expressive manipulation of multiple parameters, making it particularly appealing for live performances and dynamic sound design. The extensive modulation options, including complex modulators and an envelope follower, allow for the creation of evolving, organic soundscapes that respond to input in real-time. The inclusion of a mastering section with EQ and limiting capabilities adds to the plugin’s versatility, potentially streamlining the mixing process. While the learning curve may be steep due to its unconventional interface and wealth of features, Borealis offers rewarding depths for those willing to explore its capabilities. It’s a powerful tool for sound designers, live performers, and studio producers seeking to push the boundaries of spatial effects and create unique, immersive sonic environments.