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An introduction to CarbonDSP Vellum, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Vellum is a reverb built specifically for voices.
— CarbonDSP official site
What is Vellum?
Vellum is a free reverb from CarbonDSP built specifically for voices. It has four front-panel controls, SIZE, TONE, DUCK and MIX, each a macro over several internal parameters.
The maker highlights that there is no setting that sounds broken. The macros move along curated curves, which may make it easier to find a workable setting, even for someone new to reverb.
The tail comes in four different spaces, Room, Plate, Hall and Air, each built from a separate network. Decay times range from roughly 0.6 s to 5.6 s.
DUCK is a side-chain action that lowers the reverb while you sing and lets it return in the gaps. It supports VST3 and standalone on 64-bit Windows 10 or later, and downloading requires registration.
Four macro controls
SIZE, TONE, DUCK and MIX cover sounds from close and natural to a large chamber, according to the maker.
Four spaces
Room, Plate, Hall and Air are separate networks, not one reverb with a longer decay.
DUCK
The reverb dips while you sing and returns in the gaps. The tail continues behind the voice without masking the words.
Smooth tail design
Eight delay lines of non-harmonic lengths avoid a metallic ring, and three diffusion stages build density.
Damping inside the loop
Damping happens inside the feedback loop so dark settings get darker as they decay, like absorption in a real room.
Advanced panel
Nine controls are collapsed; seven are neutral-default offsets, while DRY and WET are absolute trims.
Signal flow overlay
An overlay shows each stage of the real signal path and the controls that affect it.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free (registration required) |
| Formats | VST3, Standalone |
| OS | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit |
| Channels | Mono, mono to stereo, stereo |
| Latency | None |
| CPU | about 1.2% of one core at 48 kHz |
| Decay range | about 0.6 s to 5.6 s |
| Latest version | 1.1.0 |
What is included and system requirements
- Vellum plugin (VST3 and standalone)
- Manual (PDF, about 1.1 MB)
- Download from your account page
- Supports 64-bit Windows 10 or later
How to use it
- Register an account on the maker's site.
- Download and install Vellum from your account page.
- Scan for VST3 plugins in your DAW.
- Insert it on the vocal track or a dedicated send.
- Choose from the four spaces: Room, Plate, Hall, Air.
- Set the size and brightness with SIZE and TONE.
- Raise DUCK so the reverb dips while singing.
- Set the overall amount with MIX.
Finishing vocals
DUCK may help add space behind a voice without burying the words.
Narration and streaming
A short space may add a touch of air to speech.
Rap and harmonies
Plate may be worth trying to add sheen to voices.
Who it may suit
- People who find reverb settings difficult
- Those looking for a free vocal reverb
- Anyone who wants reverb that stays out of the way of the voice
Good to know before you buy
- Registration is required to download.
- A separate paid Vellum Pro is mentioned.
- The maker notes that v1.1.0 leaves presets unchanged with one exception described in the changelog.
Price
Free to use (CarbonDSP official site, checked 2026-10-27).
Free.
See Vellum on the product page
Sources: carbondsp.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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