HOFA IQ-Series Reverb V2

With the IQ-Series Reverb, HOFA has succeeded in combining the natural spatial impression of convolution reverbs and the wide-ranging adjustment possibilities of algorithmic reverb effects in one plug-in. In version 2, HOFA has significantly expanded its reverb behemoth. For example, 5.1 surround and multi-channel sound mixes are now also supported. The collection of over 1,500 impulse responses (IRs) in stereo and true stereo is particularly lush. Among them are hundreds of impulse responses of real rooms, but classic vintage hall effects are also represented. In addition, there are exciting combinations of real and synthetic rooms. This equips you for both music and post-production. If that’s not enough for you, you can expand the range with three more IR packs, each with 150 stereo and true stereo impulse responses. The plug-in is also available at a special price as a bundle with all three Packs (Professional Post-Pro, Magic Plates, and Halls & Churches).
The IQ-Series Reverb V2 also shows itself to be creative, not only because reverberation chambers can be distorted, gated and modulated, but also because up to six reverb sounds can be mixed simultaneously. In total, the plug-in offers four IR engines and two algorithmic engines. Adjusting the reverb effect is quick and easy in the interactive 3D view. You can also adjust the length of the impulse responses depending on the frequency. This is very handy, for example, if you like the dense reverberation of a concert hall but want to simulate a small room. You can even let the reverberation in the highs frequencies decay much longer than in the basses. As previously seen in version 1 is the positioner, with which a realistic placement of the sound source in a virtual room is possible.
Want to recreate the warm sound of vintage reverb effects? For this task, the Saturation module is very helpful. By the use of an equalizer and compressor, the sound can be further processed, whereby also striking effect sounds can be created. Classic gated reverb effects are also a breeze. With the intuitive preset browser, the scalable window size, as well as an undo/redo and an A/B comparison function, ease of use is writ large in the plug-in. Intelligent filter mechanisms in the browser facilitate the search for a suitable reverb. In addition to classic types such as Room, Ambience, Chamber, Hall, Church, Plate and Spring, there are also more exotic categories like Space, FX, Reverse, Hybrid and Cabinet. Of course, you can also import your own Impulse libraries.
Verdict
In version 2, HOFA consistently expands the strengths of the IQ-Series Reverb: This plug-in scores as a remarkably flexible and extremely universal reverb effect. Due to the wide range of setting options, not every function is immediately obvious, but thanks to the well thought-out user interface, you will quickly find your way around. Whether you want to recreate classic reverb effects, combine different impulse responses to create exciting hybrid effects, or explore the limits of futuristic reverbs. The application possibilities of this tool are manifold. At the same time, the audio quality is excellent and the results always sound musical and three-dimensional. The significantly higher price compared to version I is fully acceptable in view’ of what is offered and the huge selection of impulse responses.