Wave Alchemy Pulse is a digital reverb plugin that emulates the iconic Lexicon PCM-60 reverb unit from 1984. This plugin aims to capture the essence of the original hardware’s tight, punchy 80s reverb sound while adding modern features for enhanced usability. Pulse offers two reverb modes (Plate and Room) with four size options and four time settings. The interface closely resembles the original PCM-60, featuring simple controls for size, time, and contour. Wave Alchemy has expanded on the original design by incorporating additional parameters like Delay, Smooth, Duck, and Flux, which allow for more detailed sound shaping. The plugin uses a hybrid approach, combining impulse responses with algorithmic processing to achieve a balance between accuracy and flexibility. Pulse is designed to deliver the characteristic grainy, lo-fi quality of early digital reverbs that has become sought-after in modern music production.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the Lexicon PCM-60 sound
• Simple, intuitive interface reminiscent of the original hardware
• Additional modern features like Smooth, Duck, and Flux for enhanced control
• Hybrid technology combines impulse responses with algorithmic processing
• Clean, noiseless output with extended dynamic range
Cons:
• Limited reverb types compared to more versatile modern reverb plugins
• Lack of stereo width control, which is present in other Wave Alchemy reverb plugins
Pulse offers a streamlined set of controls that closely mirror the original Lexicon PCM-60 while adding some modern enhancements. The main reverb section provides two modes: Plate and Room. Users can select from four size options (Small, Medium, Medium-Large, and Large) and four time settings (Short, Medium-Short, Medium-Long, and Long). These fixed options maintain the simplicity of the original hardware while offering enough variety for most applications.
The Contour section provides four EQ settings: Flat, Bass, Treble, and Full. This allows for quick tonal adjustments to the reverb tail without the need for complex EQ controls. The Delay knob controls the pre-delay time, allowing users to create space between the dry signal and the onset of the reverb effect.
Pulse Smooth control acts as a level-dependent transient shaper, specifically designed to reduce the volume of transients in the reverb signal. By softening the initial attack of the reverb, Smooth can create a more lush and darker reverb sound without affecting the dry signal. This is particularly useful for achieving smoother, more natural-sounding reverbs on percussive sources.
The Duck parameter is an automatic volume ducker that lowers the reverb level in relation to the dry signal. This feature is invaluable for maintaining clarity in a mix, especially when using thicker reverb settings. It allows users to add substantial reverb without overwhelming the original sound, making it easier to blend the effect into a busy arrangement.
Flux is a custom DSP algorithm that adds modulation to the reverb signal. It uses level-dependent filtering to create movement and depth in the reverb tail. At subtle settings, Flux can add a gentle sense of three-dimensional movement. When pushed to extremes, it can produce lush, chorus-like effects or lo-fi textures. This feature greatly expands the creative possibilities of the plugin, allowing users to go beyond the capabilities of the original hardware.
The plugin’s user interface is clean and straightforward, closely resembling the original PCM-60 layout. This design choice not only pays homage to the classic unit but also ensures that users familiar with the hardware will feel immediately at home. The additional controls are seamlessly integrated, maintaining the overall simplicity while expanding functionality.
Wave Alchemy has paid close attention to the quality of the reverb sound itself. They sampled a pristine condition PCM-60 using high-end converters, capturing every possible reverb variation. The company then enhanced the dynamic range to create a noiseless output that extends beyond the capabilities of the original hardware. This attention to detail results in a plugin that captures the character of the PCM-60 while offering improved audio quality.
When compared to other vintage digital reverb emulations, Pulse stands out for its focused approach on a single iconic unit. Many competitors offer emulations of multiple classic reverbs in one plugin, which can provide more variety but may sacrifice depth in each individual emulation. Pulse’s dedication to the PCM-60 allows for a more authentic recreation of its specific character. In terms of sound quality, Pulse holds its own against higher-priced competitors like Universal Audio’s Lexicon 224 emulation. While the UA plugin offers more reverb types and a broader range of the Lexicon sound, Pulse captures the essence of the PCM-60 at a more accessible price point. Compared to algorithmic reverbs like Valhalla VintageVerb, which aims to recreate the sound of various vintage digital reverbs, Pulse offers a more specific and potentially more accurate emulation of the PCM-60. However, VintageVerb provides more reverb types and greater flexibility in parameter adjustment. When considering other Wave Alchemy reverb plugins like Glow or Radiance, Pulse is more limited in scope but excels in its faithful recreation of the PCM-60 sound. The lack of stereo width control in Pulse is notable, as this feature is present in Wave Alchemy’s other reverb offerings.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers seeking authentic 80s-style digital reverb
• Mix engineers working on retro-inspired tracks
• Sound designers looking to add character and grit to modern productions
• Musicians wanting a simple, high-quality reverb with a vintage flavor
• Anyone looking to recreate the specific sound of the Lexicon PCM-60
Wave Alchemy Pulse is a highly focused plugin that successfully captures the essence of the Lexicon PCM-60 while adding modern enhancements. Its strengths lie in its authentic sound, simple interface, and the addition of useful features like Smooth, Duck, and Flux. These additions expand the creative possibilities beyond what the original hardware could offer, making Pulse a versatile tool for both vintage emulation and contemporary sound design. The plugin’s limitations, such as the fixed reverb types and lack of stereo width control, may be drawbacks for some users seeking more flexibility. However, these constraints also contribute to the plugin’s ease of use and help maintain its authentic character. Pulse excels at delivering the grainy, punchy reverb sound characteristic of early digital units, making it an excellent choice for producers and mix engineers working on 80s-inspired tracks or looking to add vintage flavor to modern productions. While it may not be the most versatile reverb plugin on the market, Pulse offers a unique and high-quality emulation of a classic unit that has shaped the sound of popular music for decades.