Modelled on legendary hardware from surf rock to dub, SSL's latest spring reverb plugin delivers authentic spring reverb modern controls.
Solid State Logic has dropped their classic spring reverb plugin, SpringVerb, completing the trio in its collection alongside PlateVerb and GateVerb. The new plugin captures the unmistakable character of classic spring reverb while adding the kind of precise control that hardware tanks couldn’t offer.
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Spring reverbs have powered everything from Dick Dale’s surf guitar to King Tubby’s dub productions, but they’ve always come with physical limitations. SSL’s approached this by modelling three legendary spring tank designs: the iconic space-age echo unit, a classic rackmount spring tank, and the dub favourite used by King Tubby and Lee Perry.
Where hardware springs are stuck with whatever tension and configuration they shipped with, SpringVerb allows you to adjust everything. Users can smoothly fade between single, double, and triple springs, with more springs adding density and complexity to the reverb tail. The Time knob controls decay length and can sync to tempo when needed, while a Freeze button stops new input and creates an infinite reverb tail.
Spring tension adjustment changes the reverb’s character dramatically. For a more controlled sound, you can tighten them up. On the other hand, loosen them to unleash a classic twangy bounce with pronounced echoes. A Width control handles stereo imaging from mono (just like many vintage tanks were wired) all the way beyond 100% to push the reverb wide into the stereo field.
SSL’s SpringVerb features an interactive Spring Tank display that reacts to your settings in real time. Springs expand or contract with the Tension control, and there’s a Boing button paired with a Strength knob for triggering chaotic resonance when inspiration strikes.
This plugin takes on one of the classic issues of spring reverbs. Springs naturally emphasise mid and high frequencies, and that can end up totally dominating a mix. To combat this, SSL has built in dedicated damping controls to tame problem areas before they pile up. Intelligent ducking keeps the effect sitting exactly where it’s needed without swamping your source material. Additional tools include pre-delay with rhythmic slapback possibilities (tempo-syncable, naturally), a Drive section for adding harmonic saturation that mimics hardware warmth, and frequency damping to tune the reverb’s response.
SpringVerb works beautifully on guitars, snares, vocals, keys, and synths—anywhere you’d reach for that retro bounce. Together with PlateVerb’s smooth studio polish and GateVerb’s dramatic punch, the Verb collection now covers ground across any production style.
The plugin is available through the SSL eStore and comes included with the Complete Access Bundle subscription, which packs over 150 SSL, Harrison Audio, and Slate Digital plugins. A free 14-day trial is available for those wanting to test drive the entire collection.
Head to SSL to learn more.
