Cloudburst is an ambient reverb plugin from Strymon, and its provenance is documented: it is a direct code port of their award-winning hardware pedal of the same name, offering a vast library of reverb sounds and orchestral-inspired synth pads, all easily controlled by a simple and elegant user interface. Strymon itself is described as the Los Angeles-based manufacturer of premium guitar, plugin, and Eurorack products — so the plugin is not a re-imagining but the same algorithm running in software, which is the distinction that matters for a guitar-oriented effects unit. Its distinguishing feature is documented precisely: Cloudburst produces some of the most gorgeous ambient reverb tones and soundscapes you've ever heard, including a whole range of captivating sounds never previously available from a plugin. But how could a reverb plugin deliver something truly new? The answer is Cloudburst's breakthrough Ensemble engine — and the mechanism is stated concretely: Cloudburst's Ensemble effect works by continuously analyzing 48 different frequency bands in the source audio, and then generating corresponding upper harmonic partials of what it finds in each band. The practical result is described as harmonically rich and organic synth pads that closely follow the source audio, adding complexity and dimension to any sound it's applied to, where controlled by a single knob, the new Ensemble engine creates synthetic pads by analyzing 48 frequency bands in the source audio and then generating corresponding upper harmonic partials of what it finds in each band, and the workflow suggestion is try automating Ensemble depth for evolving ambient pads, or gradually increasing decay and modulation to make your reverb bloom with emotion. Requirements are macOS Monterey 12.7 with an Intel Core i5 processor or Apple M1 processor and 8 GB RAM minimum, or Windows 10 with an Intel Core i5 processor or AMD multi-core processor and 8 GB RAM minimum, in AAX, AU, or VST3 compatible plugin host software, with an iLok account and internet connection for activation. A 120-day trial is available through Audient's ARC promotional scheme. It suits ambient production, film and television scoring, sound design, and guitar processing, and the Ensemble engine broadens it beyond reverb into a creative instrument — which is the reason it earns a place in a catalogue rather than being filed as another reverb. #Cloudburst #Strymon #AmbientReverb #Reverb #EnsembleEngine #HarmonicPartials #FrequencyBands #Ambient #FilmScore #Television #SoundDesign #GuitarEffects #PedalPort #iLok #MusicProduction #VST3 #AU #AAX #FLStudio #AbletonLive #LogicPro #Cubase #StudioOne #ProTools