Carbonated Audio has launched Foam, a tempo-synchronised ducking reverb plugin designed to manage reverb level while an input signal is active. The plugin combines reverb shaping, tempo-based timing and internal or external ducking controls in a single interface.
Foam reduces the level of its reverb signal while the source is playing, then restores the tail after the source stops. Carbonated Audio states that the reverb continues processing during ducking, rather than being cut off, with the aim of keeping the tail present while reducing its level against the dry signal.
The Make Room control sets the amount of ducking, with up to 36 dB of reduction available. Recovery determines how quickly the reverb returns after the detector no longer receives signal. Recovery can be set using note values for tempo synchronisation or in milliseconds, from 10 ms to two seconds.
By default, Foam’s detector listens to the plugin input, allowing the reverb to duck in response to its own source. An EXT detector mode enables external sidechain keying from another track.
The plugin provides tempo-synchronised controls for both decay and pre-delay. Decay can be set in note values or from 0.2 to 20 seconds, while pre-delay can be synchronised to the session or adjusted between 0 and 500 ms. Carbonated Audio states that pre-delay changes use crossfading to avoid pitch changes during adjustment.
Foam includes a four-point tail editor, displayed against the dry signal on a tempo grid, for adjusting the reverb envelope. Its Size and Bloom controls are presented in an XY field: Size adjusts the perceived scale of the space, while Bloom changes density and diffusion. Decay length remains independent of these adjustments.
Other controls include a Width parameter ranging to 200%, with level compensation intended to maintain consistent output level as stereo width changes. A Tone control adjusts both the brightness of the reverb and the way high frequencies decay. Ten space presets provide starting configurations ranging from short spaces to longer reverb treatments.
Foam can operate as either a send or insert effect. Send mode outputs reverb only for use on an auxiliary return, while Insert mode provides an equal-power dry/wet mix control. Carbonated Audio states that the plugin has zero samples of latency and no lookahead processing. The developer also reports CPU use of under 1% of one Apple M4 core at 48 kHz.
Foam is available for $49 from the Carbonated Audio website, with a free demo version also available.
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