Audioscape XL-305R

The Audioscape XL-305R is a groundbreaking stereo spring reverb unit combining a meticulously tuned 12-spring assembly, analogue signal processing, versatile controls, and modern enhancements, delivering unparalleled sonic depth and tonal flexibility for professional audio applications.

A Legacy Reimagined

Rooted in the iconic XL-305 Spring Reverb from the 1980s, the XL-305R builds upon the revered analogue design that earned a cult-like status among sound engineers and producers. Its defining characteristic lies in its 12-spring assembly, where each spring is carefully tuned to an equally tempered scale. This precise calibration mimics the harmonic resonance of an open piano lid with the damper held down, creating an organic, musical reverb texture rarely achieved by traditional spring units. Under the guidance of Wayne Kirkwood, the original XL-305 designer, and following four years of dedicated research and development, every component of the XL-305R—from electronic circuitry and spring decay behaviour to aesthetic and functional design—has been meticulously re-engineered for the modern studio environment.

Precision and Control

The XL-305R delivers a seamless balance between simplicity and versatility, offering comprehensive control over the reverb's sonic character. Input controls allow users to drive the signal into the spring tank with dedicated LED indicators providing instant visual feedback on signal overload. Mix controls facilitate precise blending between dry and wet signals, enabling both subtle ambience and rich, immersive reverb effects. Each channel features a four-band centre-detent EQ section, providing powerful tone-shaping capabilities over the wet signal, ensuring optimal clarity and tonal balance in any mix.

Parallel/Wet toggle switches provide further flexibility, allowing users to choose between a fully wet signal or a parallel blend. When the mix controls are fully engaged with parallel mode activated, the unit operates at a balanced 50% wet signal. Additionally, a Mono Drive lighted push-button switch links the stereo channels, simplifying stereo image management, while a Mono Return switch sums the reverb output into a cohesive mono signal.

LED output level indicators offer clear monitoring of the final processed signal, ensuring precise gain staging and optimal audio integrity.

The Sound of Innovation

The XL-305R excels at producing a wide range of reverb textures. With milder input settings, it evokes the smooth diffusion of a plate reverb, while higher input drive introduces the characteristic spring 'bounce' that remains unmistakably musical. Whether adding subtle space or creating lush, immersive soundscapes, the XL-305R adapts effortlessly to diverse creative needs.

The Science Behind the Design

The innovation behind the XL-305R lies in its equally tempered spring timings, a concept pioneered by William 'Bill' Hall. Unlike conventional mechanical reverbs that rely on material diffusion or parallel spring delays, Hall's logarithmic progression approach creates an evenly diffused reverb field. Originally developed from an acoustic burglar alarm experiment, this design became the foundation for the MasterRoom reverb systems.

Bill Hall's mathematical precision in calculating spring timings continues to define the XL-305R's unique character. After Hall's departure from MicMix, Wayne Kirkwood inherited his research, refining and preserving the original design principles that now underpin the XL-305R's groundbreaking performance.

A Timeless Classic, Reimagined for Today

The Audioscape XL-305R embodies the legacy of analogue innovation while embracing modern workflows and studio standards. From its precision-engineered spring assembly to its intuitive controls and robust construction, the XL-305R sets a new benchmark for professional spring reverb systems, ensuring timeless sonic excellence for generations to come.