Lumina Delay is the first effects plug-in to be released by Mountainroad DSP, a company set up in 2021 by mix engineer Serge Courtois. Rather than relying on knobs and buttons, the plug‑in allows users to plot delay taps and control their parameters using an intuitive visual interface.
Much of Lumina Delay's GUI is occupied by a grid-style display which is divided into three lanes: Volume, Pan and Hi/Low. Delay taps can be drawn directly onto the grid, and there’s no limit to how many can be added; users are able to create anything from simple slap-backs to intricate patterns that span multiple bars, and it’s even possible to add more than one at the same location and apply different parameter values to each of them.
The Volume lane offers up to +24db of boost and -100dB of attenuation on each individual tap, and can be controlled either by dragging the dot vertically or right-clicking and entering a specific value. The Pan lane, as you might expect, allows different pan values to be applied to each tap, making it possible to create detailed panning effects that would be difficult or impossible to create with traditional delay parameters. Low/High then offers control over low- and high-pass filter settings, again on a per-tap basis.
“I wanted to think outside the box so I created a delay that defies the status quo and reaches beyond the limitations of conventional delay settings. This is just the beginning. We have ambitious expansion plans, promising improved functionalities, additional features and an enriched design in the upcoming updates.” - Serge Courtois, Mountainroad DSP founder / Platinum-certified mix engineer
Since being released earlier in February 2024, the plug-in has already gained the support of some big names. Grammy-winning mixer engineer Tony Maserati has said: “This is one of the most customisable delays I’ve ever used. The built-in automation options allow for unique and attention-grabbing effects contained within one plug-in.” Grammy nominee and Platinum-certified engineer Ryan Schwabe is impressed too, saying: “Lumina features a simple graphical user interface that allows effortless creation of delay taps. With its user-friendly interface, I was able to easily program vocal delays that sunk into my mix right away. This approach to a delay plug-in GUI makes me wonder why this approach was not done earlier.”
Compatibility
Lumina Delay is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Lumina Delay is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $99 (reduced from $149) for the rest of February 2024.
