Klanghelm released the Tens (24€) and Tens Jr. (freeware) spring reverbs for Windows and macOS.
The two releases are Klanghelm’s first reverb plugins. The developer is known for previously releasing some of the best compressor plugins on the market, including the free DC1A and MJUC Jr.
The Tens studio spring reverbs are modeled after the AKG BX20 Spring Reverb, which was released all the way back in 1972. They also take inspiration from the subsequent models in the same line released over the following decade.
The Tens Jr. version features Tank A from Model 5 from its big brother, the Tens reverb.
You can hear the paid plugin in action on the Tens page linked below. There aren’t specific files of the Tens Jr. at work, although they do include a sample of the Model 5, so you can get an idea of how it sounds.
Klanghelm extended the capabilities of the Tens Jr. compared to the original hardware unit it’s based on.
The original single tank is now stereo, and the range of decay times has been extended from 0.5 to 20 seconds.
You can also heavily alter the character of the reverb with the horizontal fader.
Klanghelm states that the Tens Jr. sounds almost like a plate reverb due to its “very high reverb density, fast build-up and very low ‘boing’ artifacts.”
The developer contrasts this sound with that of the classic spring reverbs in guitar amps, organs, and synths.
The Tens Jr. is available for Windows 8 and higher (64-bit only) for VST, VST3, and AAX. The macOS version runs on OSX 10.11 or higher for AU, VST, VST3, and AAX.
Now, let’s dig a bit more into the full-featured Tens reverb.
The Tens offers a broad range of decay times from 0.2 to 40 seconds.
You can extensively alter the plugin’s models through the Tension, Whoosh, and Metallic controls. You can also add preamp saturation at a point of your choice in the signal chain.
Via the modulation section, users can achieve a range of effects such as tremolo, vibrato, chorus, and phaser-like sounds.
The unit can also create quite experimental sounds by using the aforementioned effects in combination.
Every continuous parameter on the Tens can be a modulation target, and the target can be modulated by either an LFO or envelope follower. The latter can be triggered by the reverb input, output, or an external sidechain signal.
Check out the deal: Tens (€24)
Download: Tens Jr. (FREE)
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7 Comments
Patrik Roncolato
onNO WAY! I am a big fan of MJUC and I’m so happy they came back with something new <3
MRG
onBoing.
Johannes
onGreat that you feature that great plugin. Short remark: When I’m not mistaken, the plugin is modeled after all units, namely AKG BX5, -10, -15, -20 and -25, while the junior being modeled after BX5.
Tony
onThis is really excellent, as is everything they produce. The jr is unbelievably good for a freebie.
happy
onVery happy with this plugin, got some unusally verb sounds from it, perfect for experiments. Bought the Tens plugin, thanks.
Daniel C.
onNow this one is simply a marvelous reverb! Thank you so much, Klanghelm. I’ll try to buy the comercial version somewhere next year.
MRG
onTens Jr. won’t install on Win7, but runs anyway. Very nice sound, almost too lushy. ^_^;
Dry/Wet mix knob a bit clicky, that’s unfortunate for automation. (also I prefer my dry and wet as separated sliders, but whatevs girlfriend). Other than that, superb in every way.