UVI Relayer

Installation is easy through an executable file, the authorization is as usual through the iLok account, on either an iLok key or the computer. On a side note, a total three authorizations are provided.

Adequation :

Very stable on a Macpro 8 x 2,4 GHz with Mac osX 10.8.5/Logic X 10.0.5 and Logic pro 9.1.8, 8 GB RAM, SSL Madi AX. The same on a MacPro 2013 hexacore, OSX 10.10.3/Logic Pro 10.1.1. I used all of its aspects during beta-testing.

Functions are all very detailed, UVI was very inspired to include step-by-step, detailed guides for using on aux channels for each DAW - a great idea.



Overall :

The interface is great, it reminds that of UVI's excellent SparkVerb. The whole is zeasy to read and the different sections are well-thought, very intuitive and the whole approach is really made easy and simplified as can be.

The result is generally rather musical, but for rhythms it becomes spectacular. Made for sound design, house/tech-house, dub (and other genres). The effects are very versatile (echo, reverb, flanger/chorus, time/pitch shifting, tape effect, resonator...).

It's a rather complex delay with specific functions in the same spirit as a step sequencer. Among these you can define the number of repeats (up to 32) not including feedback. For instance, if you set the "Time" setting to 1/4 and the number of repeats to 15, you get one repeat per musical time for a total 4 measured (no, I'm not wrong with my math, for starting the sample on time 1 launches the first repeat on time 2, hence the last on the 4th time of the 4th measure). These repeats can be identical to the original signal or be influenced and transformed through a series of settings: "Time" (an effect which accelerates/slows down the repeats), "Gain" (determines the audio volume of each repeat), "Pan" (places the repeats in the stereo space), "FX1/FX2" and "Feedback". Each section has a pre-set curve which is quite useful to start your own settings, as well as different tools allowing advanced setting of the curves (invert...).

There's also a "Gate Input" allowing to start the delay at a precise given moment, the delayed signal is reinjected and mixed with the direct signal, this function can almost be seen as a sort of looper. It's great to have a voice or rhythm evolve. It can be triggered through a MIDI CC message, which can be quite useful for live situations.

Apart from the usual, basic settings, the main windows also offers a modulation section, an interface allowing to access the most important settings, global hi-pas and lo-pass filters (12dB/octave) and a very efficient color section based on speakers impulse responses - another unique feature for this delay.

I won't detail ALL the settings that are available, they're too numerous for that. The "Time" window offers interesting features such as the snap function (allowing to swap between straight notes, triplets and dotted notes). The "Gain" settings are useful for changing the level of each delay step. The two "FX" sections are well equipped, with two different filter types (biquad and comb) and different effect algorithms (Vowel, Redux and a Waveshaper), an LFO and an Offset setting. All in all, this is a great array of choices, allowing a lot of sonic possibilities.
The "Feedback" part also add two hi-cut and low-cut filters, and it is even possible to define the moment when the delayed signal comes in.

Overall, it is clearly a really well-thought concept, a great tool especially for sound designers. This plugin allows to experiment further with sound treatments than a traditional delay. UVI has managed to mix complexity with ease of use, a real success which illustrate how talented French developers are!


Edit regarding version 1.0.3 : The plugin can now be used on either a mono (mono-to-mono and mono-to-stereo) or stereo track.
It's also worth mentioning that it can be inserted on a virtual instrument track as a MIDI-controlled effect.