Arturia REV Spring 636 User Manual

USER MANUAL

Special Thanks

DIRECTION

Frederic Brun Kevin MOLCARD

ENGINEERING

Samuel Limier

Stefano d'Angelo

Kevin Arcas

Simon Conan

MANUAL

Fernando Manuel

Rodrigues (author)

Camille Dalemans

SOUND DESIGN

Jean-Michel Blanchet Victor Morello

DESIGN

Martin Dutasta Clément Bastiat Shaun Elwood Morgan Perrier

TESTING

Florian Marin

Alessandro De Cecco

Raynald Dantigny

Alexandre Adam

Baptiste Aubry

Leo Der Stepanians

Randy Lee

Holger Steinbrink

Timothée Behety

Yann Burrer

Corentin Comte

Loris De Marco

Minoru Koike

Charlotte Metais

Jose Rendon

Geoffrey Gormond

Pierre-Lin Laneyrie

Mathieu Nocenti

Marie Pauli

BETA TESTING

Gustavo Bravetti

Andrew Capon

Chuck Capsis

Jeffrey Cecil

© ARTURIA SA – 2020 – All rights reserved.
26 avenue Jean Kuntzmann
38330 Montbonnot-Saint-Martin - FRANCE

www.arturia.com

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is
provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.

All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Product version: 1.0

Revision date: 26 February 2020

Marco Correia (Koshdukai)

Raphael Cuevas

Ben Eggehorn

Tony Flying Squirrel

Mat Herbert

Jay Janssen

Fernando Manuel

Rodrigues

Terry Marsden

Bernd Waldstädt

George Ware

Chuck Zwicky

Thank you for purchasing Arturia's Rev Spring-636!

This manual covers the features and operation of the Rev Spring-636.

Be sure to register your software as soon as possible! When you purchased Rev Spring-636
you were sent a serial number and an unlock code by e-mail. These are required during the
online registration process.

Special Messages

Specifications Subject to Change:

The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing.
However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications or features
without notice or obligation.

IMPORTANT:

The software, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may
be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate
for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable.

If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Arturia's Rev Spring-636

Since the late 1990s, Arturia has received acclaim from players and reviewers alike for
designing state-of-the-art software emulations of the venerable analog synthesizers from
the 1960s to the 1980s. From the Modular V, back in 2004, to Origin, a modular system
that was introduced in 2010, to the Matrix 12 V (2015), the Synclavier V (2016), the Buchla
Easel V and the DX7 V (2018), and most recently the Synthi V, the CZ V, and the Mellotron V.
Last but not least, we also have to mention Pigments, our first original software synthesizer,
featuring multiple synth engines and a creative-inviting GUI.

Arturia's passion for synthesizers and sonic purity has given demanding musicians the best
software instruments for professional audio production.

Arturia also has a growing expertise in the audio field, and in 2017 launched the AudioFuse,
a pro studio quality audio interface that features two proprietary DiscretePRO® microphone
preamplifiers and a set of top-notch AD/DA converters. This line was recently expanded with
the launch of the AudioFuse Studio and the AudioFuse 8Pre. Arturia has also been busy
making effect plug-ins, launching in 2018 the first Arturia effects bundle: 3 PreAmps You'll
Actually Use, which included the 1973-Pre, the TridA-Pre, and the V76-Pre.

Other bundles followed, dedicated to compressors and delays. With the launching of a new
effects bundle, this time dedicated to reverbs, Arturia consolidates its position as a leader in
audio effect plug-ins.

The ARTURIA Rev Spring-636 is one of the three reverb plug-ins included in the current
bundle, and benefits from Arturia's decade-long experience in recreating the most iconic
tools of the past.

ARTURIA has a passion for excellence and accuracy. This led us to conduct an extensive
analysis of every aspect of the Grampian 636 spring reverb. Not only have we modeled the
sound and behavior of this unique reverb unit, we have added several features that were
unimaginable in the days the original Grampian 636 was being manufactured.

Rev Spring-636 runs as a plug-in in all major formats inside your DAW.

DISCLAIMER: All manufacturer and product names mentioned in this manual are
trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with
Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers mentioned are used solely to identify
the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during Rev
Spring-636 development. All names of equipment inventors and manufacturers have been
included for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not suggest any affiliation or
endorsement of Rev Spring-636 by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.

The Arturia team

Table Of Contents

1. WELCOME ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.1. What is a reverb?................................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2. What is a Spring Reverb?................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.3. Where have spring reverbs been used? ............................................................................................................... 4

2. ACTIVATION AND FIRST START.......................................................................................................................... 5

2.1. Activate the Arturia Rev Spring-636 license......................................................................................................... 5

2.1.1. The Arturia Software Center (ASC).................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2. Working with plug-ins....................................................................................................................................................... 6

3. REV SPRING-636 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................... 7

3.1. Arturia's Rev Spring-636 plug-in .................................................................................................................................. 7

3.2. Understanding the Rev Spring-636 Signal Flow.............................................................................................. 8

3.3. Getting hands-on with Rev Spring-636.................................................................................................................. 9

3.3.1. Reverb Basics ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

3.3.2. Advanced methods of using the plug-in................................................................................................................................................... 10

4. REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL................................................................................................................. 11

4.1. Channel Configuration (Mono/Stereo) ................................................................................................................... 11

4.2. Main Control Panel ............................................................................................................................................................. 11

4.2.1. Power (Switch)............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

4.2.2. Input .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

4.2.3. Decay................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

4.2.4. Width (Stereo Width).............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15

4.2.5. Blend.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

4.2.6. Link ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

4.3. Advanced Mode Control Panel ................................................................................................................................... 17

4.3.1. Pre Delay .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

4.3.2. Pre Filter.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

4.3.3. Tank.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

4.3.4. Post Equalizer............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20

5. USER INTERFACE ........................................................................................................................................................ 21

5.1. The Upper Toolbar............................................................................................................................................................... 21

5.1.1. Save Preset...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

5.1.2. Save Preset As….......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

5.1.3. Import............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

5.1.4. Export Menu .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22

5.1.5. Resize Window options......................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

5.1.6. Help..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

5.1.7. Preset Selection .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

5.2. Advanced Mode (Double Arrow) Button............................................................................................................. 24

5.3. The Lower Toolbar............................................................................................................................................................ 24

5.3.1. Panic.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24

5.3.2. Undo ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24

5.3.3. History ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

5.3.4. Redo.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

5.3.5. Bypass............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

5.3.6. CPU meter..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

5.4. The Preset browser.......................................................................................................................................................... 26

5.5. Fine-tuning parameters................................................................................................................................................. 27

5.6. Resetting your controls.................................................................................................................................................. 27

6. Software License Agreement............................................................................................................................ 28

1. WELCOME

1.1. What is a reverb?

We all know the phenomenon that is reverberation and have experienced it, even if not
consciously. Reverberation is the sum of all sound reflections that happen in a room or
space when a sound is produced. That's what give us the perception of that space, and also
"imprints" the sound signature of that space in the perceived sound.

That's an inescapable phenomena, and we will experience it even if we don't want to.
Although most of the time it is a good thing to have, and contributes to giving life and
dimension to the sound, that's not the case when we want to record something.

Usually, studios have controlled acoustics in their recording rooms, still allowing some
reflections but not enough to have a significant influence on the audio and its original
spectrum. Great efforts are taken to treat the room acoustics to ensure this.

Some ambience is usually added afterward, though. That's where artificial reverb units
come in handy. Today, we have lots of devices with sophisticated techniques and algorithms
to reproduce the acoustics of any room and space we want. However, it wasn't always like
that. In the past, engineers had to turn to the mechanical properties of springs and large
steel plates to create some artificial ambience for the sound. That "ambience" didn't aim
to reproduce any kind of natural room or space sound signature; it was there just to add
liveliness and dimension to the sound.

So instead of reproducing any kind of natural acoustic reverberation, they created their own
"sound signature reverberation." These sounded great to the ears of musicians and listeners,
so much so that even today, when the accurate emulation of acoustic spaces is possible, we
still want those artificial sound signatures in some cases.

Rev Spring-636 Main Reverb Controls

2 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - WELCOME

1.2. What is a Spring Reverb?

The original method for adding reverb to a recorded sound was to place a loudspeaker in a
room, play the original sound through it, and rerecord the reverberated sound.

Sometime later, mechanical devices were invented that were able to create sound
reflections similar to the acoustic reflections of a room. Historically, there have been two
kinds of mechanical reverberation units: Plates and Spring Reverbs.

Springs have a number of qualities that contribute to their unique sound. The main
characteristic of a spring reverb is its “bouncy” quality. This is due to the timing between
echoes, because to create each reflection the wave needs to travel the whole length of the
spring.

As we can see, the actual operation is relatively simple: the audio signal is captured by a
transducer, sent to one end of the spring (or several springs), and in this way creates a wave
that travels through the spring length. When the wave arrives at an end of the spring, part
of the wave’s energy is reflected and stays in the spring. It is these reflections that create
the characteristic sound of a spring reverb. At the other end of the spring, there is another
transducer that converts some of the motion in the spring into an electrical signal.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - WELCOME 3

1.3. Where have spring reverbs been used?

Reverbs are used mainly to add ambience. Naturally, we could think that the aim would
be to simulate some kind of acoustic space, and sometimes it is. But there is also a more
creative approach, which is simply to add an extra dimension to the sound, without trying
to imitate any kind of space in particular.

Spring reverbs provided a relatively simple and inexpensive method for creating
reverberation effects. The Hammond Organ Company was the first to include a compact
spring reverb effect in their line of organs. The design was so successful it was released
as a separate piece of hardware, through a company specially created to commercialize it:
Accusonics.

Leo Fender was one of the first customers of Hammond, having installed spring reverbs
in his guitar amplifiers. The first Accusonics spring tank was included in the 1963 Fender
Vibroverb amp. The spring reverbs used in guitar amplifiers are usually enclosed in a metal
box, called the reverb pan, which is attached to the bottom of the amp.

For electric guitars they became almost an obligatory effect, perhaps because they were
added to guitar combos at a very early stage. Here they might even be used alone, or in
combination with other effects. Sometimes they doubled as a distortion unit, which the Rev
Spring-636 plug-in can also do.

Spring reverbs are completely artificial; they will not "simulate" an acoustic space. But they
are great to mix with other reverbs, even natural reverb. For example, a richer sound can be
achieved on vocals and drums by combining natural reverb with a spring reverb. No matter
what sort of space simulator you prefer, adding that "extra dimension" from a spring reverb
can help complete the sound.

Keyboards and synthesizers can also greatly benefit from the artificial ambience of springs.
Famous synthesizers like the Synthi-A and the ARP 2600 even included spring reverb units
built-in.

Although old technology, spring reverbs are still in use today. They can be found in many
top studios with a defined and recognizable sound character, such as Sound City in L.A. and
Thump Studio in New York. The model on which this plug-in is based is still a legend, due
to its rarity and aura. It is often associated with various musical styles, including dub and
electronica.

Rev Spring-636 showing all the controls available

4 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - WELCOME

2. ACTIVATION AND FIRST START

The Arturia Rev Spring-636 plug-in works on computers equipped with:

Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.10 or later.

You can use the Rev S pring-636 plug-in as an Audio Unit, AAX, VST2 or VST3 plug-in (64-bit
only).

2.1. Activate the Arturia Rev Spring-636 license

Once the software has been installed, the next step is to activate your license, so that you
can use it without limitations.

This is a simple process that involves a different software program: the Arturia Software
Center.

2.1.1. The Arturia Software Center (ASC)

If you have not already installed the ASC, go to this web page:

https://www.arturia.com/support/downloads&manuals

Look for the Arturia Software Center at the top of the page, and then download the version
of the installer that you need for your system (macOS or Windows).

Follow the installation instructions and then:

• Launch the Arturia Software Center (ASC)

• Log into your Arturia account

• Scroll down to the My Products section of the ASC

• Click the Activate button

That's all there is to it!

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - ACTIVATION AND FIRST START 5

2.2. Working with plug-ins

Rev Spring-636 is ready to be used in all major digital audio workstations (DAWs), including
Live, Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools and others. Unlike what happens with hardware, you can load
as many instances of Rev Spring-636 as you find useful. Rev Spring-636 has two other big
advantages over hardware:

• You can automate numerous parameters using your DAW’s automation system;

• Your settings and current plug-in state will become recorded in your project, and
you can pick up exactly where you left off the next time you open it.

The Main Rev Spring-636 Controls

6 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - ACTIVATION AND FIRST START

3. REV SPRING-636 OVERVIEW

3.1. Arturia's Rev Spring-636 plug-in

Our goal has been to emulate the most revered hardware of the past and make them
available to the world. That's why we chose one of the most renowned spring reverb units
that ever existed.

Of course, being an Arturia product, we have pushed the envelope, adding some tasteful
new features that honor the original while making it more useful in a modern context.

Arturia Rev Spring-636 Main and Advanced control panels

Nevertheless, we wanted to keep the simplicity of the original spring reverbs. Our aim is
always to keep things as simple as possible.

As usual with the effect plug-ins produced by Arturia, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) has
two panels, the Main Panel and the Advanced Panel.

The Main Panel has the controls for the "traditional" spring reverb, as well as a couple of
extras.

But we also included several more substantial features. These appear in a separate
"Advanced" panel that opens below the main panel. Here you will find things like Pre Delay,
Pre Filter, several tank options, and EQ.

We will take a detailed look at all of these things in the Control Panel chapter [p.11]. Now, it's
time to check out how it sounds. Let's go!

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 OVERVIEW 7

3.2. Understanding the Rev Spring-636 Signal Flow

The Rev Spring-636 has some extra features, not usually found in a spring reverb, that can
enrich the processor and give the user an extra dose of versatility. The signal flow reflects
that:

As the signal enters the plug-in, it is sent through the preamp distortion drive circuit, and
then split into two audio signals:

1. The "dry" path, which is sent without any further processing to a mixer just before
the reverb output;

2. The "reverberated" signal path.

The reverberated signal is then sent through the Pre Delay and the Pre Filter. These are two
of the extra modules that can be found in the Advanced Control Panel.

After this stage, the signal enters the Spring Reverb Engine. This is the "heart" of the
processor, and there the audio will be processed by the chosen "Spring Tank" model (as
selected in the Advanced Control Panel), while the reverb tail duration will be controlled by
the Decay Time.

Next stage for the reverb signal is the EQ module, where some EQ can be applied.

If the reverb signal is in stereo, it will then be routed through the Width control, which acts
like a "monoizer" for the reverb. This stage only applies to stereo tracks.

Last stage is the mixing between the "dry" signal and the "reverberated" signal, controlled by
the Blend knob.

Finally, the mixed signal will be sent out, with the final gain controlled by the Output knob.

This is the complete signal flow of the Rev Spring-636. It may seem a bit overwhelming,
but spend some time with it and we're sure you'll gain a deep understanding of how the
compressor works.

8 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 OVERVIEW

3.3. Getting hands-on with Rev Spring-636

3.3.1. Reverb Basics

To get an idea of Rev Spring-636's capabilities, we suggest you try the following:

• Load a stereo clip into an audio track in your DAW (drum or vocal tracks are
ideal for this; the drier, the better);

• Load an instance of Rev Spring-636 as an insert in that track. Open the Rev
Spring-636 window;

• Ensure the Default preset is loaded. This will mean that all settings are positioned
in their initial values;

• Begin playback. The clip will already have a slight amount of reverb added. You
can change the amount of reverb by simply turning the Blend knob left or right.
By default this control is positioned at the center (0.500), which means it will
mix 50% of Preamp signal with 50% Reverb signal. Turning the knob fully to the
right provides 100% Reverb, while 100% to the Left provides 100% Preamp. The
Preamp is an extra feature of this reverb;

• Now let's try some heavier processing, just to get a feel for the main features of
the Rev Spring-636. First of all, raise the Input. You'll notice some distortion being
added to the sound. That's the preamp effect. The Input control is mainly there
to overload the signal of the Preamp and introduce distortion. This is one of the
characteristics of the original unit, which led to it being used sometimes as a
distortion unit;

• You will also notice that when you turn up the Input knob, the Output knob moves
in the opposite direction. This is because they are linked;

• Now try to move the Output independently. This will cause it to be unlinked from
the Input (the link switch changes position). Link mode only works from the Input
to the Output. It will allow you to try different distortion (overload) amounts,
without fear of blowing up your speakers;

• Since we messed with the Input and Output, it's time to check the Blend control.
This control allows you to mix between the overdriven signal and the
reverberated signal. It can also act as a Dry/Wet control. By default, it is
positioned at 50%. If the Input control is at 0 (its default position) you will have
a blend of half-Dry/half-Wet signal (with no distortion). Keeping the Input at 0
and turning the Blend control fully to the Preamp position will give you a Dry
signal. Turning it fully to the Reverb position will give you a Wet signal. In the
Dry position, by raising the Input control, you can use the plug-in exclusively as
a distortion unit;

• While the audio plays, try changing the Input stages. The plug-in allows you
to choose between Mic (the default) and Aux mode. Pressing each button will
change the character of the sound slightly;

• Now, it's time to check the Decay knob. This knob controls the reverb time. The
longer the Decay, the longer the reverb tail will sound. By default it is positioned
at full right (the longest reverb tail the plug-in can get). Try shortening this by
turning the knob to the right. You'll notice that the reverb tail becomes shorter;

• Finally, it's time to try the Width knob. This is a control that's only present when
the plug-in is instantiated in Stereo tracks. It only affects the reverb signal; it
doesn't touch the Dry signal. By default it is at the maximum value too, which
means it preserves the stereo image of the original sound. Try rotating this
control to the left, and observe its effect on the stereo image. You will notice
that the stereo image "shrinks" until it becomes mono. As this will only affect the
reverb signal, it will be more noticeable if you have the Mix control at 100% Wet.
This way, you can have a stereo signal with a "monoized" reverb tail. This is best
tested with headphones.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 OVERVIEW 9

Rev Spring-636 set to add some reverb to a track

3.3.2. Advanced methods of using the plug-in

Now that you have a feeling for the Rev Spring-636 basics, let's go a little deeper.

• Click the double downward facing arrows to open the "Advanced" panel;

• Now, let's try the Pre Delay Control. By default, the control is positioned in the

0.00 ms position (all way to the left). This control delays the wet signal, allowing
you to create a perception of closeness to the source. Raising it a little will add
depth, dimension and lushness to the reverb;

• The next section is the Pre Filter. This one is a very detailed synth resonant
filter, with controls for the Cutoff, Resonance, and several slope and configuration
modes. The filter is a great tool for sculpting the sound. With it you may remove
low frequencies while boosting the frequencies around the cutoff point, or do the
same with high frequencies. Experiment with this for a while. Don't be afraid to
try it with extreme values, and added resonance;

• After the Pre Filter comes something very important: the Tank section. The tank
was an inner aluminum "cabinet" that housed the spring reverb components (the
springs - usually two or three - and the transducers). By selecting different tank
models, you can change the character of the reverb sound;

• When you are done, try the Post Equalizer. This is a single, fully parametric EQ
band with two filters added. But since the EQ band goes from 80 Hz to 12 kHz,
and the filters can cover the entire spectrum (the HPF goes from 20 Hz to 1.2 kHz,
while the LPF starts at 1.2 kHz and goes up to 20 kHz), this a surprisingly versatile
EQ with great audio sculpting capabilities.

10 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 OVERVIEW

4. REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL

The Rev Spring-636 plug-in can be used in Mono or Stereo channels.

The Mono configuration is automatically loaded when we use the plug-in with mono tracks.
When inserted in stereo tracks, the Stereo configuration is automatically loaded as well.

♪: Not all DAWs are able to work with mono tracks, in which case you will not be able to use the



mono configuration.

4.1. Channel Configuration (Mono/Stereo)

The difference between the Mono and Stereo configurations consists of just one parameter
element: Width. Width controls the wideness of the stereo field. When at 100% it does not
impact in the stereo image. When at 0%, the reverb signal becomes mono. When inserted in
mono channels, the plug-in doesn't feature this parameter, since we will not have any kind
of stereo image to start with.

Rev Spring-636 inserted in a mono track. Notice the absence of the Width control

4.2. Main Control Panel

The Rev Spring-636 Graphical User Interface offers just a few controls, since spring reverbs
are very simple units with very few controls too. Those are located in the Main Control Panel,
which is the one that opens by default when we launch the plug-in.

In addition to these Arturia included several advanced features that were not present in
the original unit, some that were unimaginable when the hardware version was originally
launched. These new features are located in a second panel, the Advanced Mode Control
Panel, that opens when we click the double arrow button (the Advanced Mode button) in the
Upper Toolbar.

As is the case with the previous effects bundles, as well as with all current Arturia plug­ins, this GUI also has an Upper Toolbar and a Lower Toolbar. The Lower Toolbar is very
important for the use of the Arturia plug-ins, as it allows the Undo and Redo functions, lists
the editing history, allows you to put the plug-in in Bypass, and measures CPU consumption.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL 11

Of course the Upper Toolbar is very important as well, since it is where we access the main
menus, perform important tasks like loading and saving presets and banks of presets, and
where we can select a preset and see the name of the current preset in use. The toolbars
and their features are covered in detail in the the User Interface chapter [p.21].

We will now have a look at all the controls available, explaining what they do, what are their
ranges, and how to interpret the numbers.

Rev Spring-636 Main Control Panel

Notice that each time we click a control (knob or button), or simply hover the mouse over it,
the Lower Toolbar displays the parameter name at the lower left. Also, a small pop-up box
appears at the right side of the control displaying the current parameter value. This changes
every time we move that control, updating the parameter value in real time. These values
aren't always of the same type.

Now, let’s take a look at each control in Main Control Panel.

4.2.1. Power (Switch)

This switch, when turned Off, puts the plug-in in bypass mode. By default it is turned On,
which means the plug-in is active.

The Power Switch

It does exactly the same thing as the Bypass button in the Lower Toolbar. Notice that, in
both cases, the GUI changes color when the plug-in is bypassed (becoming darker), and the
word "Bypassed" appears briefly.

12 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL

4.2.2. Input

This is a very important control of the unit. It is associated with the two buttons above it,
labeled "Mic" and "Aux 1MΩ". These buttons activate different in put models, which will affect
the input sound of the main control of the unit. The choice will have an effect in the way the
preamp will act, especially if you overdrive it (this plug-in can also act like a distortion unit).
The higher the gain, the higher the distortion (the lamp starts to lit when the wet sound is
overdriven).

Input range goes from 0 dB to +60 dB. By default, it is positioned at 0 dB.

This is the parameter that controls how much audio will feed the reverberation circuit. Even
at 0 dB, we will have enough to get reverb. The gain should be used only when we want to
get distortion by overloading the circuit.

Rev Spring-636 Input control and

Overload indicator

You can get a really heavy distortion with this control. However, if you just want a clean
spring reverberation, you should leave the signal at 0 dB.

♪: Input control acts mainly to get distortion. If that's not what you want to achieve, use it carefully.



Most of the time you will not need to raise the Input gain to get reverb.

Usually it is better to start with the Input and Output linked (the default behavior), while
raising the Input, listening to the added distortion. If you don't like it, or feel you don't
need that effect, you can leave the control at its default position, since it will not affect the
reverberation effect.

In case you decide to get some added distortion, but you want a higher output level, you
can still raise the Output level. As soon as you touch that control, it will become unlinked.
Then you can adjust the Output level independently to find the optimal level.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL 13

4.2.3. Decay

This control is where we set the reverb time. The longer the Decay, the longer the reverb
tails will be.

Decay ranges go from Short (0.00) with the control positioned fully to the left, to Long (1.00)
with the control positioned fully to the right.

Rev Spring-636 Decay

Control

By default, the selected position is Long, which achieves the longer reverb decay.

This control didn't exist in the original. It was added for extra flexibility, something that users
of the real one could only dream of. If you want to achieve the modeled behavior, you have
to leave the control at the Long position.

Try this control extensively to find the best decay time for the ambience effect you want
to achieve. Beware though that decay time changes are only effective when the knob is
released.

♪: Decay time changes are only effective when the knob is released. So, don't expect to hear changes



while you are editing this control.

14 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL

4.2.4. Width (Stereo Width)

Width is a control that didn't exist in the original unit. It controls the wideness of the stereo
field. At halfway (centered position) the reverb stereo image is already more centered than
the original (Dry) sound. Fully to the right, the stereo field is like the original signal, while
fully to the left, the stereo image becomes "monoized". This control only acts on the wet
(reverberated) signal, leaving the dry signal untouched.

Rev Spring-636 Width

control

By default, this control is positioned fully to the right, which preserves the stereo image of
the original. Value range goes from 0.00 (fully left, labeled Mono) to 1.00 (fully right, labeled
Stereo).

♪: The Width control is only present in stereo channels. When the plug-in is instantiated in mono



channels, this control will not be present.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL 15

4.2.5. Blend

In the real hardware unit the preamped signal is always present. So we can say that the
output signal is always Wet. We decided to add another extra level of control, again seeking
to give you an extra dose of versatility, and called it Blend.

Blend is more than a Dry/Wet control. It works in a similar way except that, instead of
blending between the Dry and Wet signal, it blends between the signal from the Preamp
(with or without added overload distortion, depending on the settings of this control) and
the reverberated signal. So, Blend is a mix control between the preamped signal and
reverberated signal.

The Blend knob is set by default at the middle position, where it mixes the Preamp and
Reverb signal 50/50, which means both signals are "blended" at the output of the plug­in. We can turn it all the way to the left, which is labeled Preamp (meaning only the
preamped signal is present), all the way to the right, which is labeled Reverb (meaning only
the reverberated signal is present), or anything in between. Values are displayed between

0.000 and 1.000, where the first value means all preamp and no reverb, and the second
value means all reverb and no preamp.

If the Input control is set to 0, Blend will act as a Dry/Wet control.

Rev Spring-636 Blend and

Output controls (the

Output is shown unlinked)

4.2.6. Link

The Link switch connects Output control to the Input control. It is a toggle switch, which is
On by default. The control is labeled with a picture of a chain.

When Link is On, each time we move the Input control, the Output control moves in the
opposite direction. Since the distortion is program dependent, we may be tempted to drive
the signal really hot. This way we can raise the Input value (and distortion) without the risk
of raising the volume too much.

We can always move the Output independently, since the link only works from the Input to
the Output, and not the other way. Therefore, after we find the ideal Input level to achieve
the desired distortion, we can then check for the right Output gain without changing the
Input.

If we turn Off this control, both Input and Output can be changed independently. It will
switch Off automatically as soon as we touch the Output control.

16 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL

4.3. Advanced Mode Control Panel

The Advanced Mode Control Panel is accessed by clicking the Advanced Mode (double
arrow) button in the Upper Toolbar. These are very important add-ons, that bring a lot of
extra power and flexibility to the reverb.

Rev Spring-636 Advanced Mode Control Panel

4.3.1. Pre Delay

Pre Delay, as the name implies, adds an amount of delay to the sound before the audio
enters the reverb circuit (after the preamp stage). This works as a way to simulate a closer
or greater distance from the sound source, adding depth, lushness and dimension to the
reverberated sound. The delay times vary from 0.00 ms (no delay) to 250 ms.

By default, the Pre Delay is set to 0.00 ms (Off position).

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL 17

4.3.2. Pre Filter

Pre Filter affects the audio that goes into the reverb circuit stage (after the preamp stage).
You may look at it pretty much as a synth filter. It has several slope and filter cutoff
configurations (Low Pass, High Pass and Band Pass), each with slopes of -6 dB per octave,

-12 dB per octave, and -24 dB per octave. Add to that a variable filter cutoff point and
resonance amount, and we have a complete multi-mode synth filter. The filter type can be
selected through a drop-down menu in the upper part of the section window.

The section also has a switch to turn it On or Off. This way, we can quickly check how the
filter is affecting the overall sound.

Rev Spring-636 Pre Filter section controls.

Active switch shows the section is Off

There are two other controls: One for the frequency Cutoff, and another for Resonance
amount.

Cutoff range goes from 20 Hz up to 20 kHz. By default it is positioned at 20 kHz.

Resonance range goes from 0.1 up to 15.0 (real Q values). Default is 0.707.

♪: Pre Delay and Pre Filter have no effect on the audio before it enters the reverb circuit. Therefore,



if the Blend control is set to Preamp, neither the Delay nor the Filter will have any effect in the audio.

18 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL

4.3.3. Tank

The Tank section has a series of buttons, each one selecting a different tank configuration.
In the original spring reverb units, the tank was an inner aluminum "cabinet" that housed
the spring reverb components (the springs - usually two or three - and the transducers). The
use of multiple transmission (reverberating) springs housed in a tank with different delay
times allowed the simulation of a more natural ambience, as well as improving the overall
frequency response of the reverb.

This tank was then connected to the outer chassis by four more small springs.

The characteristics of the tank and how the springs were mounted inside it had a strong
influence in the final sound of the reverberation. That's why we included several options of
tanks, to allow you to choose which one fits best to the overall reverb sound you want to
achieve.

Tank selector section in the Advanced

Panel

Besides the original unit's Gibbs tank, we added seven other models: various vintage and
modern Accutronics tanks, an alternate vintage Gibbs tank, as well as two special tanks: the
Synthi-A spring reverb tank, and the Space Echo reverb tank. All in all, these allow for an
extra degree of versatility.

Feel free to experiment with each modeled tank. You'll be surprised on how much the sound
character can vary with each model.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL 19

4.3.4. Post Equalizer

An equalizer is a bank of filters that allows us to sculpt the signal by boosting or cutting
specific bands of frequencies.

The EQ included in this reverb unit is a single band EQ (fully parametric), with adjustable
Gain, Frequency and Q (bandwidth), complemented by a Low Pass Filter and a High Pass
Filter.

The Rev Spring-636 Equalizer turned On

The High Pass Filter has a fixed slope of -12dB/Octave, and a selectable continuous
frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 1.2 kHz. By default it is Off (the knob is positioned at the
far left, which turns the filter Off). You can confirm whether the filter is Off (or at which
frequency it is acting on) by hovering the mouse over the control.

The Low Pass Filter also has a fixed slope of -12dB/Octave, and a selectable continuous
frequency ranging from 1.2 kHz to 20 kHz); By default it is also Off (the knob is positioned at
the far right, which turns the filter Off). Again, you can confirm whether the filter is Off (or
at which frequency it is acting on) by hovering the mouse over the control.

♪: Notice that both filters have a wide range of frequencies, and that the HPF can be set to cut exactly



at the same frequency of the LPF. If you do that, they will form a Band-Pass Filter.

The EQ band has three controls: one for the center Frequency, another for the Gain, and
finally a third control for the bandwidth (Q). Frequency control goes from 30 Hz to 16 kHz,
and defaults to around 700 Hz. Gain goes from -12 dB to +12 dB, and defaults to 0. The
bandwidth is variable, and dependent on the gain applied - the more gain is applied, the
narrower the bandwidth becomes.

The entire EQ section can be turned On or Off by clicking the switch labeled On above the
main controls. When the EQ is active the On button becomes lit. By default, it is Off.

20 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - REV SPRING-636 CONTROL PANEL

5. USER INTERFACE

The Rev Spring-636 User Interface has a Main Control Panel, an Advanced Mode Control
Panel and toolbars in the top and bottom of the window.

It is still a very simple User Interface. That will always be the main focus of every Arturia
product: to unleash your creativity while remaining easy to use.

We already looked at the control panels. Now, it's time to look at the toolbars.

5.1. The Upper Toolbar

The plug-in GUI (Graphical User Interface) has the usual Arturia toolbar that runs across the
top edge, with the Arturia logo / plug-in name on the left (the colored part), followed by the
Library button and the Preset name, with arrows to navigate through the different presets
stored in the library.

After this, we have the button that gives access to the Advanced Mode control panel (a
double arrow).

A dot is added next to this double arrow button whenever the Advanced Mode is active (i.e.,
when there are parameters set to non-default values) if that panel is not visible.

The Upper Toolbar

This u pper toolbar, which is common to all current Arturia plug-ins, gives access to many
important functions.

These can be found by clicking on the Arturia Rev Spring-636 button at the top left-hand
corner of the plug-in window. Since these options are also common to all current Arturia
plug-ins, they may be already familiar to you:

5.1.1. Save Preset

This option will overwrite the active preset with any changes you have made, so if you
want to keep the source preset also, use the Save As option instead. See the next section for
information about this.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - USER INTERFACE 21

5.1.2. Save Preset As…

If you select this option, you are presented with a window where you can enter information
about the preset. In addition to naming it, you can enter the Author name, and select a
Type. You can even create your own Type by entering custom names in the Type field. This
information can be read by the preset browser and is useful when searching for the preset
later.

5.1.3. Import...

This command lets you import a preset file, which can be either a single preset or an entire
bank of presets. Both types are stored in .springx format.

After selecting this option the default path to these files will appear in the window, but you
can navigate to whichever folder you are using to store presets.

5.1.4. Export Menu

You can export presets in two ways: as a single preset, and as a bank.

• Export Preset: Exporting a single preset is handy when you want to share a
preset with someone else. The default path to these files will appear in the "save"
window, but you can create a folder at another location if you like. The saved
preset can be reloaded with the Import Preset menu option.

• Export Bank: This option can be used to export an entire bank of presets from the
plug-in, which is useful for backing up or sharing presets.

22 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - USER INTERFACE

5.1.5. Resize Window options

The Rev Spring-636 window can be resized from 50% to 200% of its original size without
any visual artifacts. On a smaller screen such as a laptop, you might want to reduce the
interface size so it doesn't dominate the display. On a larger screen or a second monitor,
you can increase the size to get a better view of the controls. The controls work the same at
any zoom level, but they can be harder to see at the smaller magnification values, or when
using high resolution monitors (like HD monitors or higher). The higher the resolution, the
bigger the size that should be used.

♪: You can also Zoom In or Zoom Out by using the key combinations "Ctrl" and numeric "+" (for Zoom



In) or "Ctrl" and numeric "-" (for Zoom Out). In macOS, instead of "Ctrl" use the "Cmd" key.

5.1.6. Help

The Help section in this menu allows direct access to the User Manual (the document you
are reading), as well as to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

5.1.7. Preset Selection

The Preset browser [p.26] can be opened by clicking the library symbol on the toolbar. The

filter, name field and left / right arrows in the toolbar all assist with preset selection.

Selecting a preset is performed by clicking the preset name field in the Upper Toolbar. That
action will open a list with all the presets available. The currently selected preset is marked
with a √. Then simply place the mouse over the name of the preset you want to select (the
preset name will be highlighted), and click it.

Alternatively, you may use the Preset Forward and Backward arrows (the arrows at the
right of the preset name field) to navigate through all the presets.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - USER INTERFACE 23

5.2. Advanced Mode (Double Arrow) Button

This button opens the Advanced Mode control panel. This is where are located the controls
for the extra features added by Arturia to expand the possibilities found on the original units.
This extra control panel is common to all three reverbs.

When the Advanced Mode panel is opened, the arrows point u p. When the panel is closed,
the arrows point down.

When there are parameters active in the Advanced Mode panel (edited or set to values
different than the defaults), and that panel is not visible (i.e., closed), the double arrow button
(pointing down) has a dot next to it to call your attention to those parameters. To check them,
click the button to open the Advanced Mode control panel.

A detailed explanation of the Advanced Mode features is available in the Control Panel

chapter [p.11].

5.3. The Lower Toolbar

When you hover the mouse over a parameter control, you will see a readout showing that
parameter name and a brief description of it in the left part of the lower toolbar.

Also, you will notice that a small popup window will show up at the side of the parameter
control, displaying the current value of the parameter. This will also show the value changes
when you move the control (edit the parameter). This is handy, because you don’t need to
touch the parameter control to read the current value, and also you may keep looking at the
parameter while you read the value changes.

The Lower Toolbar

At the right-hand side of the lower toolbar are several small windows and buttons. These
are very important features, so let’s take a closer look.

5.3.1. Panic

The Rev S pring-636 has a Panic button. This button allows you to "kill" the reverb in case
something goes wrong; for example, if the decay time of the reverb is too long and you
want it to stop immediately and then adjust it.

5.3.2. Undo

The Undo button is a curved arrow pointing to the left. This button reverts the last edit you
performed. If it is clicked repeatedly it will revert the parameter changes in the order they
were performed in the session, from the latest ones to the earliest ones.

24 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - USER INTERFACE

5.3.3. History

This button lists all the parameter changes performed in the current session.

Rev Spring-636 Undo History

5.3.4. Redo

The Redo button is a curved arrow pointing to the right. This button works exactly the
opposite way of the Undo button. It will reinstate the last undone edit. If it is clicked
repeatedly it will reinstate the parameter changes in the order they were undone (the latest
undone ones first).

5.3.5. Bypass

This one is obvious. Activating the bypass option will completely disable Rev Plate-140 plug­in. This action may also be performed by the Power switch.

5.3.6. CPU meter

The CPU meter is used to monitor how much of your computer’s CPU is being used by the
plug-in. If you stress your computer too much, the global performance of your system and
the audio may suffer.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - USER INTERFACE 25

5.4. The Preset browser

The preset browser enables you to search, load and manage preset configurations in Rev
Spring-636. Although this looks and is based on the usual Arturia Preset Browser, it is simpler
and even easier to work with. You access the preset browser by clicking on the library
symbol next to the Arturia logo/plug-in name on the left.

When you click on the library symbol, you will see a screen with all the Presets you have
saved. You can sort the list by several different criteria to make it easier to find the right
preset. There are two columns: The first one can list the presets by Name or by "Featured".
The Featured presets were selected as important by Arturia. The second one lists the presets
by Type or by Designer.

There is only one attribute visible, which is the one you select by clicking the column title.
By default, Type is the attribute selected. When you select the Designer attribute the list
changes, and that attribute replaces the Type field in the second column.

26 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - USER INTERFACE

If you want to delete a preset, first select it in the browser list. Next, click in the name field
at the top to open the list of presets. Then choose the option "Delete current" at the bottom of
the list, and confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Preparing to delete a

Preset from the Rev

Spring-636 library

5.5. Fine-tuning parameters

Usually to change values in the plug-in controls, just click on the corresponding control and
drag the mouse up or down. If the controls are switches, simply click them to toggle On or
Off.

If you want finer editing values, you can use Ctrl+Drag (Cmd+Drag for macOS).
Alternatively, you can Right-Click and Drag. With this technique the values change more
slowly, which enables you to edit the values with greater precision.

5.6. Resetting your controls

Double-clicking a control changes it automatically to the default value. This also works with
Alt+Click (Opt+Click in macOS).

And that's it. We just finished describing all the controls you have at your disposal to process
sound in your DAW using the Rev Spring-636 plug-in. We hope you'll enjoy your new plug-in
(and the results you get with it!) as much as we enjoyed making it.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - USER INTERFACE 27

6. SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

In consideration of payment of the Licensee fee, which is a portion of the price you paid,
Arturia, as Licensor, grants to you (hereinafter termed “Licensee”) a nonexclusive right to
use this copy of the Analog Lab Lite Software (hereinafter the “SOFTWARE”).

All intellectual property rights in the software belong to Arturia SA (hereinafter: “Arturia”).
Arturia permits you only to copy, download, install and use the software in accordance with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

The product contains product activation for protection against unlawful copying. The OEM
software can be used only following registration.

Internet access is required for the activation process. The terms and conditions for use of the
software by you, the end-user, appear below. By installing the software on your computer
you agree to these terms and conditions. Please read the following text carefully in its
entirety. If you do not approve these terms and conditions, you must not install this software.
In this event give the product back to where you have purchased it (including all written
material, the complete undamaged packing as well as the enclosed hardware) immediately
but at the latest within 30 days in return for a refund of the purchase price.

1. Software Ownership Arturia shall retain full and complete title to the SOFTWARE recorded
on the enclosed disks and all subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the media
or form on or in which the original disks or copies may exist. The License is not a sale of the
original SOFTWARE.

2. Grant of License Arturia grants you a non-exclusive license for the use of the software
according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. You may not lease, loan or sub­license the software.
The use of the software within a network is illegal where there is the possibility of a
contemporaneous multiple use of the program.
You are entitled to prepare a backup copy of the software which will not be used for
purposes other than storage purposes.
You shall have no further right or interest to use the software other than the limited rights as
specified in this Agreement. Arturia reserves all rights not expressly granted.

3. Activation of the Software Arturia may use a compulsory activation of the software and
a compulsory registration of the OEM software for license control to protect the software
against unlawful copying. If you do not accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the software will not work.
In such a case the product including the software may only be returned within 30 days
following acquisition of the product. Upon return a claim according to § 11 shall not apply.

4. Support, Upgrades and Updates after Product Registration You can only receive support,
upgrades and u pdates following the personal product registration. Support is provided only
for the current version and for the previous version during one year after publication of the
new version. Arturia can modify and partly or completely adjust the nature of the su pport
(hotline, forum on the website etc.), upgrades and updates at any time.
The product registration is possible during the activation process or at any time later through
the Internet. In such a process you are asked to agree to the storage and use of your
personal data (name, address, contact, email-address, and license data) for the purposes
specified above. Arturia may also forward these data to engaged third parties, in particular
distributors, for support purposes and for the verification of the upgrade or u pdate right.

5. No Unbundling The software usually contains a variety of different files which in its
configuration ensure the complete functionality of the software. The software may be used
as one product only. It is not required that you use or install all components of the software.
You must not arrange components of the software in a new way and develop a modified
version of the software or a new product as a result. The configuration of the software may
not be modified for the purpose of distribution, assignment or resale.

28 Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - Software License Agreement

6. Assignment of Rights You may assign all your rights to use the software to another
person subject to the conditions that (a) you assign to this other person (i) this Agreement
and (ii) the software or hardware provided with the software, packed or preinstalled
thereon, including all copies, upgrades, updates, backup copies and previous versions,
which granted a right to an update or upgrade on this software, (b) you do not retain
upgrades, updates, backu p copies und previous versions of this software and (c) the
recipient accepts the terms and conditions of this Agreement as well as other regulations
pursuant to which you acquired a valid software license.
A return of the product due to a failure to accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
e.g. the product activation, shall not be possible following the assignment of rights.

7. Upgrades and Updates You must have a valid license for the previous or more inferior
version of the software in order to be allowed to use an upgrade or update for the software.
Upon transferring this previous or more inferior version of the software to third parties the
right to use the upgrade or update of the software shall expire.
The acquisition of an u pgrade or update does not in itself confer any right to use the
software.
The right of support for the previous or inferior version of the software expires u pon the
installation of an upgrade or update.

8. Limited Warranty Arturia warrants that the disks on which the software is furnished is
free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of thirty (30)
days from the date of purchase. Your receipt shall be evidence of the date of purchase. Any
implied warranties on the software are limited to thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.
Some states do not allow limitations on duration of an implied warranty, so the above
limitation may not apply to you. All programs and accompanying materials are provided “as
is” without warranty of any kind. The complete risk as to the quality and performance of the
programs is with you. Should the program prove defective, you assume the entire cost of all
necessary servicing, repair or correction.

9. Remedies Arturia's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be at Arturia's option
either (a) return of the purchase price or (b) replacement of the disk that does not meet the
Limited Warranty and which is returned to Arturia with a copy of your receipt. This limited
Warranty is void if failure of the software has resulted from accident, abuse, modification,
or misapplication. Any replacement software will be warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer.

10. No other Warranties The above warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed
or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. No oral or written information or advice given by Arturia, its dealers,
distributors, agents or employees shall create a warranty or in any way increase the scope
of this limited warranty.

11. No Liability for Consequential Damages Neither Arturia nor anyone else involved in
the creation, production, or delivery of this product shall be liable for any direct, indirect,
consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of, or inability to use this product
(including without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption,
loss of business information and the like) even if Arturia was previously advised of the
possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied
warranty or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or 0consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Arturia - User Manual REV SPRING 636 - Software License Agreement 29