Documentation
RoomTrace v1.1
Compact spatial effect for depth, width, and gentle motion. Adds dimension without washing the mix.
Download RoomTrace
VST3 and AU formats. Free for personal and commercial use.
Download for macOS Download for WindowsOverview
RoomTrace is a spatial processor designed to add depth and dimension to individual tracks or submixes. Unlike reverbs that create obvious "room" sounds, RoomTrace sits behind the source material, adding space without clouding the mix.
The algorithm uses a combination of short reflections, filtered diffusion, and subtle stereo modulation to create a sense of physical space that moves gently over time.
Architecture
RoomTrace processes audio through three parallel paths:
- Dry: Unprocessed signal with adjustable delay compensation
- Early: Sparse, distinct reflections for spatial cues
- Late: Dense, filtered diffusion for sustained depth
The Early and Late sections are mixed together before the output stage, where Width and Motion are applied.
Parameters
| Parameter | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mix | 0% - 100% | Balance between dry and processed signal |
| Size | Small - Large | Simulated room dimensions (affects reflection timing) |
| Depth | 0% - 100% | Amount of late-field diffusion |
| Width | Mono - Wide | Stereo spread of the effect |
| Damp | 0% - 100% | High-frequency attenuation in the tail |
| Motion | 0% - 100% | Speed of subtle stereo modulation |
| Pre-delay | 0ms - 50ms | Time before reflections begin |
| Output | -12dB to +6dB | Final output level |
Size Settings
Small
Tight reflection pattern (10-30ms spacing). Creates intimate, "close mic" character. Good for vocals, acoustic guitars, and percussion that needs subtle space without obvious reverb.
Medium
Balanced diffusion (30-80ms spacing). Versatile setting for most sources. Works well on synth pads, background elements, and bus processing.
Large
Widely spaced reflections (80-200ms spacing). Creates distinct, audible space. Use sparingly or with high Damp settings to avoid muddiness.
Using Width
The Width control uses mid-side processing to adjust stereo spread:
- Mono: Collapses effect to center, maintaining mono compatibility
- Narrow: Subtle widening, good for maintaining focus
- Normal: Natural stereo field based on source material
- Wide: Enhanced stereo spread, especially effective on pads and textures
Motion Control
Motion applies slow stereo modulation (0.1Hz - 0.5Hz) to the late field. This prevents the static, "frozen" quality of some reverbs and adds subtle life to sustained sounds.
At low settings, the effect is imperceptible but prevents ear fatigue. At higher settings, it creates gentle swirling effects suitable for ambient production.
Recommended Settings
Vocal Space
Size: Small | Depth: 30% | Width: Normal | Damp: 40% | Pre-delay: 15ms
Synth Pad Wash
Size: Large | Depth: 70% | Width: Wide | Damp: 60% | Motion: 30%
Drum Room
Size: Medium | Depth: 20% | Width: Narrow | Damp: 20% | Pre-delay: 5ms
Ambient Texture
Size: Large | Depth: 100% | Width: Wide | Damp: 80% | Motion: 60%
CPU Optimization
RoomTrace uses a fixed buffer size regardless of DAW buffer settings. This ensures consistent sound but uses more CPU than some algorithmic reverbs. To optimize:
- Freeze/render tracks with RoomTrace when finished editing
- Use the Low CPU mode (available in settings menu) for tracking
- Reduce DAW buffer size only if experiencing dropouts
System Requirements
- macOS: 10.14 or later, Intel or Apple Silicon, 64-bit
- Windows: Windows 10 or later, 64-bit
- Formats: VST3, AU (macOS only)
- Host: Any VST3/AU compatible DAW
Installation
See the PulseFold documentation for installation paths. RoomTrace uses the same locations.
Changelog
v1.1 (January 2026) — Added Low CPU mode, improved Width algorithm
v1.0 (November 2025) — Initial release