Diffuse is an analog/digital hybrid effects plugin from Surreal Machines that combines an analog-modeled delay with a classic reverb design. It lets you morph between delay and reverb sounds.
Diffuse blends two effect types in one plugin. Its analog-modeled delay is fused with a reverb design that the developer links to early digital units. Surreal Machines describes it as offering more than the best of both worlds, with a range of sounds that sit between pure echo and pure reverb. It is a Delay effect, available for Windows and macOS in VST3, VST2 and AU formats, and it is included in the Dub Machines Bundle.
Diffuse is built around a morph between delays and reverbs. Moving between the two lets you find sounds that fall somewhere in between, which the developer describes as fantastical.
The developer also points to plenty of nonlinearities and smooth, tape-style delay changes. These characteristics suit effects that need to shift gradually rather than jump between settings.
Diffuse gives direct control over three areas: smearing, echoes and damping. Surreal Machines says these controls are designed to be intuitive, so you can shape the spread and decay of a sound without working through complex routing.
Because the plugin handles both delay and reverb character, it can be used on individual tracks or on a bus where you want a single effect to cover both roles.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Surreal Machines |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Delay |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Free trial | Yes |
Diffuse is an analog/digital hybrid effects plugin from Surreal Machines. It combines an analog-modeled delay with a classic reverb design used in early digital units.
Diffuse is available in VST3, VST2 and AU formats. It runs on Windows 8 through Windows 11 and on macOS 10.11 El Capitan or higher, in 64-bit.
You need a VST 2.4 or VST 3 host on Windows, or a VST 2.4, VST 3 or Audio Unit host on Mac. The recommended minimum is an Intel i5 CPU or an M1 Apple Silicon processor with 4GB RAM.
Yes, Diffuse has a trial version available.
FREE TRIAL
FREE TRIAL