AudioThing has introduced Fog Convolver – a convolution plugin that applies the sonic character of an impulse response to another sound in real time.
An impulse response is a recording of the output that is caused by an acoustic space or electronic gear when an impulse is played (electric spark, starter pistol shot or the bursting of a balloon).
Fog Convolver can be used to add reverberation, create special effects, and apply an acoustic impulse captured from audio equipment.
Here’s the official intro video:
The factory bank features more than 250 impulse responses made from spaces, analog and digital equipment, speakers, organic sources, and more.
AudioThing Fog Convolver is available now, with an introductory price of $59, normally $75.
Looks like it is putting some necessary finishing touches on what all convolvers should already be doing. The price (even not on sale) is reasonable.
Having a good IR library takes some work, but it is possible even cheaply to have a great set of IRs.
I was curious to see what was in the instruments folder. Would be cool to have some resonators like lap steel, banjo, or upright bass.
If you visit the site, you can see what’s included in their IR banks. The instruments not in that “resonator” category as I’d hoped. But it would be pretty easy to go knock on some upright bass and record it.
I’ve got the Diego Stocco IRs, they’re fantastic. They would be the perfect companion for this thing.
Technically, most of what FOG can do can also be done with other convolution plug ins, but maybe with extra work and other plugins. I’m not sure of others that can filter/fade/stretch/delay/etc. the IR (I have only tried free ones though, so I could not speak for other paid convolvers). The dynamic waveform and IR navigation UI also seems to make the workflow or experimenting easier.
Now if they would introduce something that applies the soundcharacteristics of old synths to new ones… like the KEMPER amp, but for synths…
Finally!
I remember when Synthtopia posted Diego’ videos everyone was looking for an inexpensive convolution reverb but the only ones were too costly or complicated. Good move.
For folks running on older systems, this is a cool option for a donationware convolver:
http://audio.lernvall.com