The original Eventide SP2016, launched in 1985, was a programmable digital effects processor reverb, capable of delays, reverbs, digital filtering and EQ, gain control, chorusing, flanging, etc, revered for its signature reverbs by mix and recording engineers like Mick Guzauski, Roy Hendrickson, George Massenburg, Dave Pensado, and Allen Sides.
The SP2016 was a very innovative piece of hardware, also because of its plug-in based architecture: the plug-ins, in this case, were actual ROM chips that you could plug to the box to enhance its capabilities with new algorithms. The SP2016 was reissued in 2004 in a slimmer rack format (not as charming as the original box, to be honest). For fascinating historical context, check out Eventide’s legacy SP2016 webpage.
ProTools users were the first ones to experience an SP2016 software emulation (later ported to VST, only for Windows). That was a 32-bit plugin though, and by today’s standards quite outdated. Eventide later published the SP2016 Stereo Room plugin, based on the popular algorithm of the original machine.
SP2016 fans wanted more though, and Eventide has now announced the availability of a more versatile SP2016 Reverb plug-in.
Plugin Features
The SP2016 plugin offer three distinct reverb types, each available in two versions: Vintage and Modern. The Modern algorithms are brighter, more diffused, and use higher bit resolution.
Room: Basic no-nonsense, no-frills ambient ‘room.’ The extreme pre-delay range makes it possible to use this effect for reverberant doubling and single echoes.
Stereo Room: Recreates the ambience of a large concert hall, with very clear, natural reverberation.
Hi-Density Plate: Plate reverb with dual pickups simulating the effect of a big, heavy plate allowing users to make vocals, guitars, and percussive instruments appear much bigger and brighter than they actually are.
Unique Position control allows users to take their listeners from the back of the room all the way to the stage while retaining all of their other settings.
Control the structure of the reverb by fine-tuning the controls — including PREDELAY, DECAY, POSITION, and DIFFUSION. The EQ section allows for simple high and low filtering of the reverb with adjustable filter ranges. The low filter can be used to cut or boost at the specified frequency.
Boasts a variety of artist presets including some by Dave Pensado, Joe Chiccarelli, Richard Devine, Sasha, George Massenberg, The Butcher Bros., Buda &Grandz, Erin Tonkon, and more.
Price and Availability
The new SP2016 Reverb (MSRP $249.00 USD) is available as an AAX/AU/VST plug-in for Mac and PC at a promo price of $79.00 USD thru October 31, 2018. Owners of Eventide’s 2016 Stereo Room or Anthology XI can cross-grade for $29.00 USD during the promo period.
For more in-depth information, including a free and fully-functional 30-day trial, please visit the dedicated SP2016 Reverb webpage.
