2CAudio Aether

2CAudio Aether is an algorithmic reverb plugin built around auto-randomizing algorithms where no two instances are ever exactly the same, mimicking how real acoustic spaces naturally vary. Unlike convolution reverbs that replay static impulse responses, Aether generates subtly animated, evolving spaces ranging from realistic rooms to expansive otherworldly effects.

The algorithm splits into two parts: Early Reflections and Late Reflections. The early reflections stage calculates discrete delay patterns in pure floating-point precision, providing spatial cues that identify the nature of the given acoustic space. 33 space-type models across 6 classes cover everything from phone booths to amphitheatres. Features include Mid-Side stereo processing with cross/width controls, a Cascade control for serial/parallel routing, 2x/4x oversampling, 64-bit double-precision DSP, and 0-sample latency. Over 75 variable parameters control the characteristics, though the visual interface keeps things manageable.

The preset browser holds 451 factory presets across 20 classes plus 100 frequency profiles, with 1,334 total resources available when adding all expansion packs. Controls are divided into three main areas, with the left side covering early reflections and the right side handling late reflections. CPU usage is efficient in normal modes, though high-quality oversampling is best reserved for offline rendering.

Who Is This For?

• Professional producers and engineers seeking exceptional algorithmic reverb as an alternative to hardware units
• Sound designers who need evolving, non-static spaces for both mixing and creative work
• Electronic music producers working in genres where the richness of algorithmic reverbs is preferred over convolution
• Mix engineers looking for clear sense of space without clouding across diverse material
• Ambient and experimental musicians exploring expansive soundscapes

Aether was originally $249.95 and now sells for $99.95, making it accessible at a fraction of its original price. It received a Sound On Sound nomination for Best Software Plug-in: Effects (2011) and an Electronic Musician Editor's Choice award (2010). Note that the current version is 1.6.1 from 2013, requires Intel-based Mac CPU (no Apple Silicon native support), and there has been no version 2 announcement. Windows support covers 7/8/10 only.