KIT Plugins has teamed up with the iconic Blackbird Studio in Nashville to release their latest reverb plugin, BB Chamber A. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as it’s their first plugin to incorporate AI technology. BB Chamber A emulates the legendary reverb chamber in Blackbird Studio A, a space renowned for its adjustable ceiling height, which adds versatility to its acoustic properties. The plugin captures the essence of this chamber and brings its unique sound directly into your DAW.

At the top of the plugin’s graphical user interface (GUI), users will find controls related to the chamber settings. One of the standout features of this plugin is the variable ceiling height, allowing users to replicate the exact acoustics of Blackbird Studio A. The mic options in BB Chamber A include the AEA R88, AKG C24, and AKG C414 microphones, each of which can be positioned on the ceiling or the floor, giving you complete control over how the sound is captured in the chamber.

Below the microphone options, the plugin offers a Source section where users can choose between different sound sources. You can opt for a modeled PA speaker or a hi-fi speaker as the source, or use the Direct option, which bypasses the modeled speakers and microphones altogether. In Direct mode, the plugin uses additional modeling to simulate the experience of physically placing your audio source into the chamber. This versatility allows you to experiment with different sound qualities and find the perfect fit for your production.

The right side of the GUI features a dry/wet mix control, giving you the ability to blend the original signal with the processed reverb. This section is crucial for finding the right balance between the natural sound and the chamber’s reverberation. Whether you’re going for subtle ambience or a more pronounced chamber effect, this mix control ensures that the plugin can adapt to your creative needs.

The plugin also includes a channel strip section, which provides additional processing options. First up is the Saturation control, which is based on KIT Plugins’ BB N73 preamp plugin. This allows you to add warmth and character to the reverb signal, emulating the natural distortion and harmonics that occur in real-life analog gear. Next are the high-pass and low-pass filters, which can be applied either before or after the chamber effect—or even both. These filters give you the ability to shape the tonal balance of the reverb, allowing you to control how much low-end or high-end information is affected by the chamber.

Further tonal shaping is available through a four-band EQ section, which is modeled after KIT Plugins’ BB N105 equalizer. This EQ is applied before the reverb effect, giving you precise control over the frequency response of your audio before it hits the chamber. This level of detail ensures that the reverb can complement any source material, from vocals to drums to guitars.

The Compressor section features a simple one-knob compressor, designed to provide smooth dynamic control over the reverb signal. This compressor is user-friendly and allows for quick adjustments without diving into complex settings, making it perfect for users who want efficient control over their reverb dynamics. The final stage of the processing chain is the Output fader, which provides overall level control of the processed signal, ensuring your reverb sits perfectly in the mix.

The realism of the BB Chamber A is something that John McBride, owner of Blackbird Studio, praises highly. He says, “Real reverb chambers have a magic to them. The billions of reflections are a nearly impossible thing to emulate. The BB Chamber A captures the nuance and magic of my chamber in a way I have never heard before, giving me the ability to take the chamber with me wherever I go. The depth and realism are unbelievable. Experience it yourself—I believe you will love it.” With such high praise from one of the most respected figures in the audio world, it’s clear that this plugin offers a truly authentic experience.

In terms of compatibility, BB Chamber A is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or higher, and on Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. The plugin is available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, ensuring compatibility with most major digital audio workstations (DAWs). Authorization is handled via PACE’s iLok system, and users can choose between iLok Cloud or iLok USB keys (Gen 2 or 3). However, machine-based authorization is not supported, meaning you’ll need an iLok account or key to activate the plugin.

BB Chamber A is available now, and as of May 28, 2024, it’s being offered at an introductory price of $75, down from its regular price of $149. This discounted price makes it a great opportunity for producers and engineers to add the legendary sound of Blackbird Studio’s reverb chamber to their plugin collection. With its blend of authentic sound, advanced features, and AI-enhanced modeling, BB Chamber A is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their reverb effects.