Gosh, B2 reverb is the best reverb effect i have ever used. I don't think I will need to buy another one again. Fresh air is second place (that would be my 'breeze' reverb I bought last year...)

Thanks Backwoods!

While working on currently finalizing the manual I realized we still get a few questions via email such as:

So what exactly is B2?
What makes it special?

What makes it different than Aether?
etc.

In the manual I have just put a "B2 Concept" section. This summaries the answer to the above questions fairly well I think. Most of this text is already on the web, but perhaps a slightly more concise and better organized version is helpful, so I will paste it here too:

B2 is a modular dual-engine, non-linear spatial processor featuring built-in harmonic distortion and flexible dynamics. It is our most advanced plug-in to date and is capable of both mind-bending creative effects that defy classification as well as stunningly lush reverbs. Its modular design enables an almost infinite variety of sonic possibilities.

B2 is modular in design. Its anything-goes, science-experiment-esque modus operandi is in some ways more in line with the design of the great modular analog synthesizers of the past than it is with more traditional reverb designs such as Aether. It currently offers 36 damping and 30 EQ filter choices, 33 Attitude types with 4 different routings, 4 Density modes, 12 Contour modes, 2 Modulation modes, 3 Modulation densities, 4 Dynamics modes, 4 Dynamics routings, 2 special spatial modes, and 4 delay feedback/Time modes. We implore those curious at heart to try everything and anything. Of course the modular design also offers opportunities to improve efficiency and save CPU cycles. CPU usage in B2 varies drastically depending on the various modes selected as well as which modules are enabled, and current quality settings. Moreover B2's modular design was conceived specifically to facilitate future enhancements and features.

B2's dual engine design augments its modularity by allowing its two identical engines to have completely independent settings and be configured in a number of possible structures. B2 can be configured in the classic Early Reflections plus Late Reflections model to achieve results similar to Aether. Alternatively, Engine A can be Cascaded into the Engine B to achieve incredibly dense impulse responses with arbitrary envelopes. Dynamics processing can be used to automatically crossfade between two different parallel spaces. Yet another possibility is to use B2 as a discrete four-engine device to achieve unparalleled control over the behavior of inter-channel stereo cross-talk to achieve precise spatialization in classical sound-stage and scoring applications. These are but a few examples. The possibilities are enough to make your head explode, but fret not, as you need only to learn to master one set of controls. After that you can think about how to make them work together as a pair by following the examples provided in our immense collection of well-organized presets.

A non-linear spatial processor can be non-linear in many different ways technically. It may have an abruptly gated or otherwise altered decay envelope as is achievable with B2's Dynamics section. It may exhibit various harmonic distortions as is possible via B2 Attitude control. Extreme modulation settings may induce their own non-linearities as is also possible with B2. Moreover non-linear design elements may be built into the very essence of the time distribution of delays within the reverb and their relative amplitudes. These aspects contribute to the overall character of the reverb both in the time domain and in the spectral domain. B2's Geometry controls define the nature of these relationships and give it a large part of its unique character. Other developers tend to choose static settings for these types of parameters and do not expose them to the user. Sometimes a small set of these parameters are marketed as different "algorithms" where one configuration may be labeled a hall, and other may be a chamber or a plate. B2 is not confined to such limitations. Instead its Range, Random, and Curve controls define its delay distribution, and its Contour control defines the relative amplitude of these delays using any of twelve different methods. The various combinations of these parameters together with B2's density mode options allow an incredibly diverse set of possible geometries. For all intents and purposes, the range of possibilities is effectively infinite. When combined with B2's Cascade function the results are even more diverse and powerful.

When all of these aspects are combined the results are truly deep and awe-inspiring. B2's relatively simple, informative, and ergonomic interface effortlessly distills tremendous complexity into a manageable and enjoyable user experience. It is designed to be a system-level tool that will become essential to your very workflow. The basics will be almost immediately evident, however at its heart, B2 is a tool made by professionals for professionals. It can be configured in a myriad number of ways to meet the shifting needs of your current project. A minimal investment of time spent learning the subtleties and details of its methods and workflow is likely to pay dividends for years to come and unlock previously unimaginable sonic possibilities that will both inspire you creatively as well as help you achieve unrivaled technical excellence in the competitive marketplace.

Andrew,

I read through the entire statement.  Interesting take on licence transfers - the original owner can sell it but not the 2nd owner.  Seems fair for all parties - even your company makes a small profit on the transfer.  Mike's statements ring out for the rest of your support introduction.

Oh, and nice reverbs, too!

I don't have the Latin to express how good this one is.....

It's dynamite, It's a corker, It's one tenth the price of Lexicon PCM. 

Hats off 2Caudio- although you are going to have to figure out a way to get people to buy more reverbs now...

  Thanks! Any ideas? Let's crowd-source this topic...

Another ambient example using Attitude and Cascade to get complex and subtle distortions in the reverberant field...

http://soundcloud.com/2ca...2-ambient-andrew-soute

Aether is my favorite reverb, but I bought Breeze when it was released to have a light-weight reverb to complement Aether, and later added Valhalla Room (yes, I like having reverb options).  So, I was a bit reluctant to buy B2, thinking that it would probably be too redundant.  But, after 2C offered an excellent discount to guys like me, who owned all the products in the Perfect Storm bundle, I gave the demo a go and was pretty much blown away by its sound and versatiliy, so I bought that as well.  It's really an excellent reverb for sound design, creating new and unimaginable spaces, etc.  Highly recommended stuff and Andy is obviously a top-notch guy!

GPD


  Thanks! Any ideas? Let's crowd-source this topic...

I'd love to see what 2C could do for a high-end delay, or maybe even a 2-module effect that combines long delays with your awesome reverbs, with groove-synching of the delay lines ala EchoBoy, some of the modulation abilities of B2, filtering of the delay lines, etc.