Studio Klanghelm has released the Tens plugin, which is a virtual version of the AKG BX spring reverbs produced in the 1970s and 1980s. The plugin is available in paid and free versions.
The original AKG BX20 reverb was released in 1972. The spring device quickly became popular in the music industry due to the organic sound of the effect, flexible settings and operation in stereo. Although the reverb was the size of a refrigerator, the effect was considered compact compared to all plate reverbs available at the time.
In 1975, AKG released a portable version of the device, called the BX10. The size of the effect has been reduced, allowing the unit to be freely carried or transported. The company even equipped the reverb body with a handle for carrying and locking the springs. By the end of the 1970s, the reverb “thinned out” even more – the company released the BX5 model in a 3U form factor for rack use. In addition to its reduced size, the BX5 is also the most affordable device in the lineup.
In 1982, AKG introduced the updated BX25 model. The case size has been reduced by 60% and the spring length by 20% compared to the original BX20. In addition, the reverb is equipped with a built-in delay, intended for use as a pre-delay for reverb. That same year, the company released the BX15, as compact as the BX10, but with more settings and improved EQ control. Despite the success, this was the end of the series.
Klanghelm Tens is a reverb inspired by the entire AKG BX series. The effect imitates the main feature of the AKG device, which is the presence of several connected springs of different lengths and diameters vibrating within a small space. Due to this, a wide range of reverberation decay times is achieved and the signal is output in stereo rather than mono.
Users can change spring tension and behavior using Tension, Whoosh and Metallic adjusters. Additionally, a saturation section is provided, which can be turned on anywhere in the signal path.
The plugin offers three modulation slots to change any parameters. Each slot has its own envelopes and LFOs. The envelope follower can be triggered by an input, output, or sidechain signal. It is noted that with its help, users can also create a ducking effect.
According to the developers, Tens creates deep and organic reverbs similar to those generated by the AKG BX. Modulation parameters provide wider applicability of the effect, allowing you to create a semblance of tremolo, chorus, vibrato and phaser.
Tens comes in two versions: the paid Tens, which costs $24, and the free Tens Jr. The latter is limited to one modulation slot and one fader to control the sound of the effect. In general, there is less flexibility, but it is free.
Klanghelm Tens is distributed in VST, AU and AAX formats. The reverb is compatible with operating systems Windows 8 and later, macOS 10.11 and later (Intel/Apple). You can get more details about the plugin on the official Klanghelm website . A free version of the effect is posted on this page .
