Back To Blog
au
plugins
mixing
reverb
12/13/2022

Quick patch: using the Imitor VST as a delay utility

Imitor is a delay with a huge range of capabilities. With up to 32 taps and feedback that goes over 100%, it’s possible to create huge tails that fill up a whole mix – but it can also be used for more precise and refined applications. Today, we’ll explore a couple of simple techniques that make use of Imitor’s flexibility for some fun effects. 

Long reverb predelays

Predelay is an important part of reverb: short predelays are great for accurately mimicking physical spaces, and longer predelays are perfect for creative applications in a mix. I love extremely long predelays, but most reverb plugins don’t have settings that break out of the millisecond range. Enter Imitor: with a single tap enabled, blend all the way up, and Regen at minimum, it delays incoming audio by the amount of time defined by the Time parameter. If we put a reverb plugin like Desmodus after the Imitor in our chain, we can create a precisely definable predelay up to two seconds long. 

And if you want the predelay time to follow the rhythm of your song, enable the Tempo Sync checkbox for BPM-synced predelay times!

This type of effect is a personal favorite on slow basslines, and it’s a great way to fill out the background of a track with more subtle settings, too. 

Dancing slapback

Slapback delays are a staple in many types of production, from pop to rockabilly. They’re easy to create with almost any delay, but we can use Imitor’s Modulation tab to make them a bit more interesting. 

A simple way to liven up any delay is to play with tap panning, and we can set up automatic randomized panning by modulating the Angle parameter with a randomized step sequencer. Right-click on Angle and increase the Index of LFO 1 to route some modulation to the panning, then click over to the Modulation tab to set up a step sequencer. Enabling Tempo Sync and setting Beats to ½ will advance our sequencer every 1/8th note, and by increasing the Random parameter our modulation will be different each time it loops around. 

 Imitor set to modulate its pan controls with an internal random sequencer

This is a great way to liven up a classic effect – plus, it adds some stereo width to any instruments routed into it.

Never Miss a Beat

Get first dibs on discounts, presales, and all NE news.

Your email address will never be shared, sold, or used for nefarious purposes.

I'm interested in news about: