Paragon ST is a stereo convolution reverb that re-synthesizes impulse responses, allowing flexible control over decay, room size, and brightness without artifacts, ideal for music production.
Purpose and Technology
Paragon ST is a true convolution reverb designed for music producers, combining the authenticity of real-space recordings with the flexibility of algorithmic reverbs. Unlike traditional convolution reverbs that rely on static impulse responses, Paragon ST uses re-synthesis technology to analyze and rebuild IRs, allowing extensive manipulation without time-stretching artifacts.
This approach lets you alter decay time, room size, and brightness far beyond the original space, while preserving the natural character of the recording. Developed with Dr. Jez Wells of the University of York, the technology enables authentic transformations, making it a versatile tool for creating unique spatial effects.
Key Capabilities
Paragon ST features stereo width control, based on the Stereoizer plug-in, to adjust the perceived spatial spread. It also includes mic distance control, which adjusts early reflections to suggest the sound source’s proximity, without altering the overall reverb tail. Tempo-locked pre-delay and modulation add musicality and movement to the effect.
The IR panel allows you to EQ the reverb model directly, shaping its frequency response and frequency-dependent decay rate. This seamless tweakability means you need only a few quality IRs to create a vast range of spaces, from natural to fantastical.
Workflow and Integration
In music production, Paragon ST excels at adding atmosphere to dry recordings, such as vocals or drums recorded in dead rooms. It can also create stereo reverb from mono sources using channel crosstalk, broadening the stereo field. The controls are designed for intuitive adjustment, letting you fine-tune the placement of elements in a mix.
The plugin supports AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, AU, and VST3 formats on 64-bit systems, with compatibility for macOS 10.9 and above, and Windows Vista and above. It requires a minimum of 512MB RAM, making it accessible for most production setups.
Applications and Limitations
Typical applications include adding natural ambience to dry tracks, manipulating impulse responses while maintaining convolution fidelity, and exploring creative reverb effects on guitars and synths. The modulation and tempo-locked pre-delay can add excitement, pushing sounds into more experimental territories.
Paragon ST is not sample-accurate for every possible space, but by tweaking a select few IRs, you can cover a wide range. It is limited to stereo output, and the required 64-bit host may not suit older systems. However, for music producers seeking flexibility, it offers a practical solution.
Key features
- Re-synthesis of authentic impulse responses for flexible control
- Stereo width control inspired by Stereoizer
- Tempo-locked pre-delay and modulation
- Mic distance control for early reflection adjustments
- IR panel with EQ and frequency-dependent decay shaping
- No time-stretching artifacts due to re-synthesis technology
- Compatible with AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, AU, VST3 (64-bit only)
Best for
Best for music producers seeking a convolution reverb that offers both authentic space modeling and creative flexibility, ideal for adding depth to dry recordings, manipulating reverb tails, and creating unique stereo effects without sacrificing natural sound quality.