Soundtoys Little Plate Review: The Modern Reverb with Classic Roots

If you're a music producer or sound engineer in search of a reverb that combines the lush depth of classic hardware with the flexibility of modern software, the Soundtoys Little Plate may be the perfect addition to your audio toolset. This article will guide you through the essence of Little Plate, its incredible features, practical usage tips, as well as a comparison with other reverb plugins on the market.

Introduction to Soundtoys Little Plate

The Soundtoys Little Plate is a meticulously designed reverb plugin that draws inspiration from the legendary EMT 140 plate reverb. Known for its rich and warm tone, the EMT 140 was famously used on records by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and many others. Soundtoys has harnessed this classic sound in a simple, yet powerful plugin that offers the unique tonal qualities of plate reverb without the need for a physical plate.

Key Features and Unique Aspects

1. Authentic Emulation

Little Plate faithfully replicates the sound and behavior of the vintage EMT 140, providing users with a reverb that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Its algorithm is the result of intense research and modeling of several original EMT units, ensuring that it captures the distinctive sound quality that made the hardware a studio staple.

2. Extended Decay Time

While the original EMT 140 had a maximum decay time of around five seconds, Little Plate extends this to infinity, allowing for endless reverb tails that can be used creatively in ambient music and sound design.

3. Mod Switch

The addition of a modulation feature brings a contemporary twist to the classic plate reverb sound. This allows users to add movement and texture to the reverb tail, making it more versatile in a modern production context.

4. Low Cut Filter

Incorporating a Low Cut filter gives producers more control over the frequency content of the reverb, allowing for cleaner mixes by filtering out low-frequency mud from the reverb signal.

5. Easy to Use Interface

Keeping with Soundtoys' philosophy of simplicity and power, Little Plate features an intuitive, straightforward interface that lets you achieve beautiful reverb sounds with just a few adjustments.

Comparison to Alternatives

Little Plate stands out in a crowded market of reverb plugins. Here’s how it compares to some popular alternatives:

• Valhalla VintageVerb: Another popular reverb plugin known for its versatility and vintage vibe. While VintageVerb offers more types of reverb algorithms, Little Plate excels in delivering that specific classic plate reverb sound.
• Waves Abbey Road Reverb Plates: This plugin models the exact reverb plates used at Abbey Road Studios. It’s more expensive than Little Plate but is ideal for those who want historical accuracy.
• TAL-Reverb-4 (Free): A solid free alternative for those on a budget. While it lacks the depth and character of Little Plate, it’s a good starting point for beginners.

Usage Tips for Optimal Results

Getting the most out of Little Plate involves more than just loading it onto a track. Here are a few tips:

• Use the Mod switch creatively to add a unique character to vocals or lead instruments, especially in slower, more emotional pieces.
• Experiment with extremely long decay times for ambient or experimental music, either subtly in the background or as a key part of the soundscape.
• Pair Little Plate with a compressor for a more prominent, lush reverb effect that stays controlled in a mix.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms, Little Plate supports VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats, ensuring smooth integration with almost any modern digital audio workstation.

• Windows: 7 or later, 64-bit compatible
• MacOS: 10.10 or later

Download and Installation

You can purchase and download the Little Plate directly from Soundtoys at this official download link. Ensure you meet the system requirements for optimal performance and compatibility.

In conclusion, whether you are deepening your production toolkit or looking for that one special reverb, Soundtoys Little Plate offers both classic vibes and modern functionality in an easy-to-use plugin that stands out from the crowd.