Blackhole — Free Download
Eventide Blackhole is a native reverb plugin that creates vast, otherworldly spaces, from subtle ambient washes to dramatic, time-warping effects, based on the legendary rackmount algorithm.
Extraterrestrial Reverb
Blackhole is a reverb effect designed to transcend the physical limitations of real-world acoustics. It allows you to craft virtual spaces that could never exist naturally, with large sizes producing a soft attack and lingering, harmonic tails that shine on guitars, strings, and pads. At smaller settings, it imparts an angelic sheen to vocals or transforms a simple drum track into an otherworldly rhythm section.
The plugin is equally capable of extreme, space-warping special effects and drones, as well as subtle, musical effects that highlight key instruments or provide a backdrop for a mix. Its intuitive controls make it accessible, while offering deep sound-shaping potential. This reverb originated as an algorithm in Eventide’s rackmount DSP4000 and H8000FW, was ported to the Space stompbox, and is now refined for native plug-in use.
Key Capabilities
A unique ‘Gravity’ control inverts the reverb’s decay, effectively reversing the arrow of time, while a Kill Switch mutes the input so you hear only the reverb tail, enabling dramatic automated effects. The Mix Lock feature keeps the wet/dry ratio constant when browsing presets or adjusting settings, and fully flexible mono and stereo options bring new realms of stereo imaging to mono instruments.
An innovative Ribbon and Hot Switch allow simultaneous changes to any combination of parameters, making real-time performance expressive. The plugin includes full support for the Native Instruments NKS Effects system. With over 50 presets created by Eventide artists, it offers a wide range of starting points, from room-sized spaces to the vastness of outer space.
Workflow and Use
Blackhole is designed for ease of use, with presets that serve as launch pads for exploration. The Mix Lock is particularly useful in a mixing workflow, allowing you to audition different reverb settings without altering the balance of the effect. The Ribbon control lets you morph between parameter combinations, ideal for evolving pads or cinematic soundscapes.
For practical applications, use small sizes to add a vocal sheen or texturize drums. Larger sizes work well on guitars, strings, and pads, creating sustained, harmonic washes. The Kill Switch can be automated for gated or rhythmic effects, and the Gravity control offers a unique way to shape the tail, from swelling to reversing.
Applications and Legacy
This reverb is a versatile tool for any DAW-based producer, from ambient and electronic music to rock and pop. It can serve as a ‘secret weapon’ for adding a special character to tracks, a role it has filled in studios for decades. Whether used subtly to highlight a solo or as a dominant effect for a full mix, it provides a distinct, otherworldly color.
The plugin’s heritage ensures a refined algorithm, trusted by professionals. With the ability to create everything from angelic vocal sheens to massive, space-warping drones, Blackhole is a go-to for those seeking to break free from conventional reverb. Its presets offer immediate inspiration, while the deep controls allow for endless custom sound design.
Key features
- Over 50 artist-crafted presets
- Unique Gravity control to invert reverb decay
- Kill Switch for input mute, hearing only the tail
- Mix Lock to keep wet/dry balance when changing presets
- Ribbon and Hot Switch for simultaneous parameter changes
- Flexible mono and stereo operation
- Full Native Instruments NKS Effects support
Best for
Best for producers and sound designers seeking unconventional, space-expanding reverb for vocals, guitars, synths, and drums, from subtle ambient textures to dramatic, time-altering effects, within a DAW.
