Minimal Audio have announced the release of Cluster Delay, a new plug-in that features up to eight delay taps which allow delay sequences to be shaped over time and processed with a range of built-in effects and modulation capabilities.
Delay & Modulation
A scope display at the top of the plug-in’s GUI provides a visual indication of the delay effect, displaying each taps level, as well as their timing and position in the stereo field. Up to eight taps can be created, and a Spacing parameter shifts their timing in order to create rhythmic effects. As well as its stereo operation, a mid-side mode is also available.
A selection of delay time options are provided, and can be set either in seconds, or as tempo-synced time divisions, whist a Feedback dial allows the delay line to be routed back through itself, with a setting of 100% resulting in the effect sustaining almost infinitely. An Analog button causes the delay line to employ analogue-modelled feedback techniques, which Minimal Audio say can be used to generate tape-like delays when paired with high feedback settings and low-pass filtering. Spread and Crossfeed controls then serve to offset the delay times for each channel and adjust cross-channel feedback, allowing users to create everything from subtle stereo width effects to more extreme ping-pong delay effects.
Variation can be added to delay sequences thanks to the plug-ins Ramp and Scatter controls, with the former capable of introducing both positive and negative gain envelopes to create ‘ramping’ effects, and the latter creating some stereo movement by applying different pan values to individual taps. High- and low-pass filters placed in the delay line then allow users to determine the frequency range of the delay effect without affecting the unprocessed sound.
Effects
In addition to its delay modulation capabilities, the plug-in also boasts six built-in effects processors, which can be applied to either the input or output signals, or placed within the feedback loop. Chorus, Phaser and Flanger sections are available, along with Frequency Shift, a reverb-like Diffusion processor and a Wobble effect that introduces tape wow and flutter-style modulation to the delay line.
Compatibility
Cluster Delay is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.9 and above. It is available in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, and will require an internet connection during its initial activation.
Pricing & Availability
Cluster Delay is available now, priced at $49.
