Wave Alchemy Glow is a digital reverb plugin that meticulously recreates the iconic sound of the AMS RMX16, a legendary hardware unit from the 1980s. This plugin combines convolution and DSP technology to capture the essence of the original hardware while introducing modern features for enhanced versatility. Glow offers 14 reverb algorithms, including classic room, hall, and plate simulations, as well as more experimental options like nonlinear and reverse effects. The user interface is sleek and intuitive, featuring a resizable GUI with four color themes to choose from. Wave Alchemy has paid close attention to detail, spending months analyzing and modeling the original hardware to ensure an authentic sound reproduction. The plugin goes beyond mere emulation by incorporating additional controls for modulation, ducking, gating, and stereo enhancement, allowing users to shape the reverb in ways not possible with the original unit.
Pros:
• Authentic recreation of the AMS RMX16 sound
• Modern features enhance versatility and usability
• Intuitive interface with resizable GUI and multiple color themes
• Wide range of reverb algorithms covering classic and experimental effects
• Affordable price point compared to hardware and some competing plugins
Cons:
• May not appeal to users seeking ultra-clean, modern reverb sounds
Wave Alchemy Glow boasts an impressive array of features that both honor the original AMS RMX16 and expand upon its capabilities. At its core are the 14 reverb algorithms, each meticulously modeled to recreate the iconic sound of the hardware unit. These include Ambience, various Room and Hall settings, Plates, NonLin 2 for gated effects, Reverse algorithms, and a Freeze option for infinite sustain. The plugin’s hybrid engine combines convolution technology with custom DSP, allowing for precise emulation of the original’s character while enabling additional sound-shaping options.
The central section of the interface houses essential controls like Delay, which adjusts pre-delay time, and Low and Air parameters for tonal shaping. These EQ controls allow users to craft everything from dark, bass-heavy reverbs to bright, shimmering spaces. The Flux parameter is a standout feature, offering a single control that introduces subtle 3D spatialization and diffusion or more dramatic chorusing effects, adding depth and movement to the reverb tail.
Glow incorporates several modern enhancements that set it apart from the original hardware. The Modern switch tightens the bass response and enhances the stereo image, helping the reverb cut through in busy mixes. A phase-coherent Mono mode ensures compatibility with mono sources and outputs. The Smooth parameter suppresses transients, focusing the reverb processing on the body and sustain of a sound without affecting the dry signal. This can be particularly useful for creating lush, atmospheric effects without overwhelming the original source material.
The Duck control is another innovative addition, providing automatic level control over the processed signal. This feature prevents extreme reverb settings from dominating the mix, allowing for more creative use of long decay times and dense reflections. The Gate parameter extends the gated reverb effect beyond just the NonLin 2 algorithm, enabling users to apply this iconic ’80s sound to any of the reverb types.
Glow’s preset management system is robust, featuring an internal browser that allows for easy saving and recall across different DAWs. The random preset shuffling function can spark inspiration by presenting unexpected combinations of settings. The plugin also offers undo and redo functionality for parameter changes, making experimentation risk-free.
When compared to similar plugins, Wave Alchemy Glow stands out for its dedication to authentically recreating the AMS RMX16 sound while offering modern enhancements. The Universal Audio AMS RMX16 plugin is perhaps its closest competitor, benefiting from direct involvement with the original manufacturer. However, Glow offers a more affordable native solution that doesn’t require UAD hardware. Other vintage-inspired reverb plugins like Arturia Rev PLATE-140 or Softube TSAR-1 focus on different classic units, making Glow unique in its specific emulation target. Compared to more general-purpose reverb plugins like FabFilter Pro-R or Valhalla VintageVerb, Glow is more specialized in its sound character. While these other plugins might offer more flexibility in creating a wide range of reverb types, Glow excels at delivering the specific color and texture associated with the AMS RMX16, which has become synonymous with the sound of ’80s pop and rock productions.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and mixers seeking authentic ’80s reverb sounds
• Audio professionals working on retro-inspired productions
• Sound designers looking to add vintage character to modern tracks
• Musicians wanting to recreate classic gated drum reverbs
• Studios unable to afford or accommodate the original hardware unit
Wave Alchemy Glow successfully bridges the gap between vintage hardware emulation and modern plugin functionality. It captures the essence of the AMS RMX16, a reverb unit that shaped the sound of countless hit records, and makes it accessible to a new generation of producers. The plugin’s attention to detail in recreating the original algorithms is commendable, while the addition of modern features like ducking, gating, and enhanced stereo processing expands its creative potential. The user interface strikes a balance between authenticity and usability, with the resizable GUI and color options catering to different workflows and preferences. While it may not be the go-to choice for those seeking pristine, transparent reverb, Glow excels at imparting character and vibe to a mix. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for those looking to add a touch of ’80s magic to their productions without breaking the bank. Whether used subtly to add depth to a vocal or pushed to extremes for dramatic effect on drums, Wave Alchemy Glow proves to be a versatile and sonically compelling reverb plugin that honors its legendary inspiration while embracing modern production needs.