Plate reverbs have a timeless magic — they add lush space, shimmer, and character in ways digital reverbs often struggle to replicate.
With Radiance, Wave Alchemy takes the legacy of the EMT-140 plate reverb and reimagines it for the modern studio.
This isn’t just a clone — Radiance fuses vintage warmth with cutting-edge flexibility, giving producers the ability to go classic or experimental. Whether you want haunting vocals, big drums, or ambient textures, Radiance delivers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9.2/10)
Interface & Workflow
Radiance has an elegant interface that balances vintage vibe with modern usability. The plate model selector is front and center, offering 7 different EMT-140 plate models, each with its own character.
On the main page, you’ll find controls for mix, pre-delay (sync-able), input saturation (preamp drive), transient smoothing, ducking, and modulation (Flux / Ensemble).
The advanced page opens up deeper control, with gating, a 4-band mid/side EQ, dual-band stereo width, character modes (Clean, Vintage, Gritty), and mono modes. A built-in preset browser with 250+ presets makes it easy to find the right sound or spark inspiration.
Features
- Seven EMT-140 plate models (Air, Vintage, Dark, Tube, Crisp, Clear, Classic)
- Input saturation / preamp drive for warmth and grit
- Flux and Ensemble modulation for movement and stereo width
- Advanced dynamics: ducking, transient smoothing, gating, pre-delay sync
- Character modes: Clean, Vintage, Gritty
- 4-band mid/side EQ and dual-band stereo width controls
- Preset browser with 250+ presets, randomize, tags, and favourites
- Resizable UI with light/dark themes
Price & Value
Radiance retails around $65, making it very affordable compared to many premium reverbs.
For the price, you get vintage plate authenticity with modern shaping tools that go far beyond simple decay and damping. It’s an excellent choice for producers who want classic reverb tone with contemporary flexibility.
Pros
- Beautiful plate tones across seven distinct models
- Flexible shaping tools (ducking, transient smoothing, EQ, gating)
- Stereo width and mid/side controls for precise placement
- Modulation and saturation add character and movement
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Not as much boutique “color” as some high-end reverbs
- Bright models can get harsh without EQ taming
- Can become CPU-heavier with lots of modulation and width controls enabled
Verdict
Wave Alchemy Radiance is a near-perfect blend of vintage plate reverb charm and modern flexibility. It captures the lush sound of the EMT-140 while adding tools that make it practical for today’s mixes.
From dreamy vocals to massive drum rooms, Radiance can do it all, and at a price that’s hard to beat.
Rating: 9.2/10 — A polished, versatile plate reverb plugin that bridges old-school character and modern workflow.
FAQ
How many plate models does Radiance include?
Seven — ranging from dark and warm to bright and airy.
Is Radiance good for drums?
Yes. The transient smoothing and ducking ensure drums stay punchy while still drenched in plate ambience.
Can Radiance be used in tight mixes?
Absolutely. The mid/side EQ, stereo width tools, and character modes let you fit reverb without muddying the mix.
Does Radiance use a lot of CPU?
Generally efficient, though enabling multiple modulation and stereo processing features can increase CPU load.
Is Radiance beginner-friendly?
Yes. The basic controls are simple, but deeper pages allow advanced shaping for pro users.
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