Dispersion
by Sinevibes · Delay · Bouncing-ball delay
Not rated yet
Dispersion is a rhythmic delay from Sinevibes with up to 32 sequential delay lines whose times are spread exponentially, so repeats speed up or slow down like a bouncing ball.
Pan spread, feedback damping and time modulation push it towards reverb, chorus and stereo widening, for $29.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Drums, Vocals, Guitars, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic.
Keywords: wide, rhythmic, chorus, drums, vocals, synths, experimental, cinematic, mixing, samples & loops, smooth, sound design, tempo-synced, utility.
What it does
Dispersion is a tempo-synced delay that spreads its repeats like a bouncing ball, speeding up or slowing down within each bounce. Sinevibes built it to blend the traits of delay, reverb, chorus ensemble and stereo widening into one rhythmically locked effect.
- Bouncing-ball spread: up to 32 sequential delay lines, spaced with an exponential formula Sinevibes developed, with an optional inverse spread for repeats that slow down instead of speeding up.
- Tempo lock: a single bounce round always adds up to an exact tempo fraction, so the pattern stays in time with the track.
- Feedback: gradual or stepped feedback modes, with an optional two-pole low-pass or high-pass damping filter in the loop.
- Stereo spread: adjustable pan spread that moves the bounces from left to right across the stereo field.
- Modulation: delay time modulation with alternating-polarity routing and a variable stereo phase offset, which pushes it towards chorus and reverb-like textures.
- Workflow: a colour-coded interface that scales up to 200%, lag filters on all parameters for smooth changes, and built-in preset management.
Dispersion v2 works mono to mono, mono to stereo and stereo to stereo. A demo version is available.
Source: Sinevibes product page
When to use it
Dispersion is the pick when you want one specific effect: accelerating or decelerating bouncing-ball repeats that stay locked to tempo. Compared with EchoBoy or Timeless 3 it is far narrower, with no tape or analog modelling and no general-purpose delay modes, but neither of them produces this pattern as directly. Unlike UltraTap, which builds multi-tap rhythms from adjustable taps, Dispersion sets the whole spread with one formula, so it is quicker but less editable. It is also much cheaper than all three, which makes it an easy add-on to an existing delay.
- Best for: bouncing repeats on drum hits, plucks, vocal throws and synth stabs, and diffuse, moving stereo textures.
- Genres: electronic, ambient, experimental and cinematic.
- Look elsewhere if: you need a straightforward tempo delay or tape echo; EchoBoy or ValhallaDelay are more versatile.
- Tip: use it on short, plucky sounds, where the rhythmic bounce pattern is easiest to hear.
What producers say
There is little independent coverage, but what there is treats Dispersion as an unusual, fun delay rather than an everyday one.
- SINESQUARES called it "a very unique effect" that is "fun to tweak and experiment with," describing it as part delay, part gate sequencer that adds movement.
- Usage tip (SINESQUARES): it works best on short, plucky sounds where the rhythmic patterns are immediately audible.
Where to buy
- Sinevibes: $29
- Plugin Boutique: $29
Tutorials and reviews
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