Echo Cube is a dual delay plugin inspired by the rare Cooper Time Cube, recreating its acoustic tube-based echo with two independent lines, three models, and flexible routing for unique spatial effects.
Acoustic Delay Concept
Echo Cube emulates the Cooper Time Cube, a 1971 analog device that created echo by sending audio through long coiled tubes, using air as the delay medium. Unlike tape or electronic delays, this physical propagation produced very short delays (around 14 ms and 16 ms per line) with distinctive acoustic filtering, phase character, and subtle combing effects.
The plugin captures the full signal journey, including preamp saturation and gain staging, to preserve the hardware’s quirky, imperfect charm. This results in a compact acoustic space that adds width and presence rather than long repeat tails, ideal for doubling, Haas effects, and subtle spatial enhancement.
Dual Delay Lines and Models
Two independent delay lines, A and B, each offer dedicated time, feedback, and level controls. Three models expand the concept: the Time Cube faithfully recreates the original hardware, while Garden Hose and Corrugated are experimental variations based on DIY acoustic paths, each with distinct tonal and textural characteristics.
Garden Hose produces a tighter, more focused sound, while Corrugated introduces a narrower bandwidth and rougher texture. These models allow for creative sound design beyond the original unit, exploring how different materials and physical paths affect tone, depth, and perceived space.
Routing and Signal Flow
The two delay lines can be combined using five routing modes: serial, parallel, ping pong, mono sum, and mid/side. This provides precise control over delay interaction and stereo image shaping, enabling everything from classic ping-pong echoes to mid/side spatial processing.
Brightness and contrast controls further shape the tone, allowing users to tailor the frequency response and dynamic character. The resizable window and preset system with randomizer facilitate workflow, making it easy to save and explore different settings.
Workflow and Practical Applications
Echo Cube is best suited for doubling, subtle spatial enhancement, and mix placement, thanks to its very short delay times and unique acoustic character. Engineers can use it to add width and presence to vocals, guitars, or drums, without creating obvious echo effects.
For sound designers, the Garden Hose and Corrugated models offer experimental textures, while the routing modes enable creative stereo manipulation. The plugin lives as an insert effect, and its intuitive controls allow for quick adjustment of delay time, feedback, and tone, making it a versatile tool for both music production and post-production.
Key features
- Two delay lines with independent time, feedback, and level
- Three models: Time Cube, Garden Hose, and Corrugated
- Five routing modes: serial, parallel, ping pong, mono sum, mid/side
- Brightness and contrast controls for tone shaping
- Resizable window and preset system with randomizer
- Based on an original Cooper Time Cube unit
- Available for macOS, Windows, Linux (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP)
Best for
Best for producers and engineers seeking a unique acoustic delay for doubling, width enhancement, and mix placement, as well as sound designers exploring experimental textures through routing modes and alternative models.