Illusion

Name: Illusion
Price: 249 USD
Author: LiquidSonics

by LiquidSonics · Reverb · Synthesized Fusion-IR reverb

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A reverb built on LiquidSonics' Fusion-IR Synthesis, which generates modulated impulse responses from your settings rather than loading recorded ones.

Three engines cover rooms, plates and nonlinear reverbs, with selective dynamics, detailed EQ and per-component spectrum analysis.

Best for: Vocals, Keys & Synths, Drums, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: impulse-response based, non-linear, plate, built-in analyzer, drums, vocals, synths, bitcrush, cinematic, classic, creative, ducking, external sidechain, gated, mixing, original design, room, sidechain input, sound design, tempo-synced, wide.

What it does

Illusion is what LiquidSonics calls "a revolutionary new reverb." Instead of an algorithmic network or a library of captured IRs, its Fusion-IR Synthesis builds modulated impulse responses on the fly from the controls you set.

Three engines: small and large environments, classic plates, and nonlinear reverbs, each with its own character.
Early reflections: advanced reflection synthesis with modulated reflections, plus a Flux control that adds natural spatial movement.
Selective dynamics: compress or duck the reflections, the reverb or the whole wet signal independently, with external sidechain support.
EQ and analysis: analog-style roll-off filters from 6 to 36 dB/oct, digital brick-wall filters, 5-band parametric EQs and a spectrum analyzer for each component.
Extras: tempo-synced pre-delay and late reverb delay, phase-safe true-stereo width control and bit-depth reduction.

The current version is 1.4.6.

Source: LiquidSonics product page

When to use it

Illusion sits between convolution realism and algorithmic flexibility. Compared with it, Valhalla VintageVerb and FabFilter Pro-R 2 are algorithmic all-rounders at lower prices, and Altiverb 8 is the pick for recorded real spaces. Choose Illusion when you want reverbs that sound like part of the source rather than a layer beside it, with deep control over reflections and dynamics.

Best for: vocals, synths and drums that need a natural space, plus plates and nonlinear gated effects.
Genres: electronic, pop and cinematic work.
Look elsewhere if: you want to load your own impulse responses (Reverberate 3) or need surround and Atmos formats (Cinematic Rooms or Tai Chi).
Standout: synthesized Fusion-IRs with separate dynamics on reflections and tail.

What producers say

KVR forum users describe it as natural and inspiring; one user felt it has become less clearly placed in the LiquidSonics line-up.

KVR forum (2021) one user said everything sounds "like an actual sound in a space" and another noted it uses no CPU when not processing, so they ran six instances.
KVR forum (2022) a new buyer was "really impressed" and found it "very easy to dial up some beautiful sounds."
Gripe: another KVR user (2022) felt Illusion "should be retired or updated" to fit the rest of the range.

Where to buy

LiquidSonics: $249

Tutorials and reviews

Illusion | New Reverb Plugin from LiquidSonics - Hear it in Action (Green Light Sound)
The Great Illusion: Reverb Explained - PT1 (Doctor Mix)
The Great Illusion: Reverb Explained - PT2
🎧LiquidSonics Illusion🎧-Revisión en Español-

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