Forever 89 Visco Review: A new era in Drum Sound Design
First Look: Elevate your Beats with Drum Modeling 2.0
4,9 / 5,0 | 
Forever 89 Visco is the new drum designer plugin by former Ableton and Teenage Engineering innovators Svante Stadler and Rikard Jönsson. Ever since the duo announced the new company back in January, the expectations were running wild. And now the first plugin is finally here! We had the opportunity to try Visco ahead of the release. In short, we’re already excited about their next projects! Read our Forever 89 Visco review here.
Forever 89 Visco – Quick Facts
- Sample-based drum designer
- User sample import
- Manual “blob” sound shaping
- Built-in sequencer
- Versatile modulation matrix
- Realistic, synthetic, and experimental drum and percussion sounds
- Effects and master effects
- Real-time processing
Forever 89 releases Visco – What’s New?
As the first product by Forever 89, Visco elevates sample-based drum synthesis to a new level and opens up new possibilities for working with your sample library. In short, it combines a drum machine, sound design tool, and live performance instrument into one powerful plugin with an intuitive user interface.
At the heart of the GUI is the “blob” – a flexible, “liquid” representation of the sound on a 2D canvas. You can shape the sound in any imaginable way using real-world tools like a hand, magnet, and eraser, so it almost feels like you can touch the sound in a very tangible way. That’s very effective – and it’s also great fun, because you can see and hear the results immediately.
I was given the opportunity to test this new sound design tool ahead of its release in my studio (thanks, Forever 89!). Here’s my first impression.
Installing the software on my Mac Studio
Installing Visco is very simple: After downloading and installing the plugin, just open your DAW (in my case: Ableton Live 12), drag the plugin to a channel, import the license file and then you’re ready to go!
At first glance, I was really impressed! At first, the plugin reminded me of RANDOM by Beatsurfing, but Svante Stadler and Rikard Jönsson, who learned their craft at Ableton and Teenage Engineering, have taken it to a new level. The “gooey mass” that represents the sound can be shaped and molded in any imaginable way. For this, you’ve got a whole box of tools at your disposal.
Visco – Sound and Possibilities
Every sound in Forever 89 Visco can contain up to two sample sources, which you can blend and morph to your heart’s content to create the final sound. You can also connect the beginning of one sound to the end of another, which lets you create completely new soundscapes. Using tools like a hand, magnet, eraser, or mirror, you can shape the sample until you’ve got the sound you want. It goes without saying that this opens up exciting sound design possibilities!
In addition to this, Visco includes a sequencer, a generous modulation matrix, and a mixer section with effects like delay, reverb, chorus, compressor, tape, and limiter. The effects have been fine-tuned for drums and percussion and can also be controlled dynamically through the modulation matrix. Moreover, there’s the option to combine multiple sounds on a single track in a loop, and you’ve got almost limitless sonic possibilities.
Furthermore, Forever 89 Visco includes macros that give you full real-time control over the sound for live performances or in the studio. Whether you’re working with factory samples or your own material, the drum designer adapts to any musical genre.
It goes without saying that Visco also receives external MIDI messages. You can also route each sound to a separate output, which allows you to integrate the plugin into your existing workflow regardless of the DAW you’re working with. In summary, Visco opens up a world of sound design and performance possibilities that can take your music to a new level.
Conclusion
To sum up, Forever 89 Visco is an innovative plugin concept that’s sure to cause a stir. It almost feels like you can shape samples with your hands to make new sounds, or mix or morph them with other sounds. The final results range from realistic to extremely experimental. When it comes to drums, anything is possible here. While the sound quality of the plugin itself is excellent, it does of course depend on the source material.
Also, be sure to take a peek at the online user manual to acquaint yourself with the plugin’s numerous features. You’ll likely discover a bunch of features that I wasn’t able to cover in this short review.
In summary, I really can’t think of anything negative to say about Forever 89 Visco. It’s simply a whole lot of fun. I came up with several great ideas for new grooves in no time – either by using the randomizer, or by manually shaping the “blob”. It’s without a doubt a very strong debut release by the new company – which raises the bar for their upcoming projects. I for one can’t wait to see what Forever 89 will come up with next!
Prices and specs
Forever 89 Visco is now available from the developer’s website for an introductory price of €99. The regular price will eventually be €139. The plugin runs on macOS 10.13 or higher (including Apple Silicon) and Windows 10 or higher in VST3 and AU formats (64 bit). For authorization, you’ll receive a license key via email after purchasing. You’ll also find a comprehensive user manual and tutorial videos on the manufacturer’s website.
More information about Forever 89 Visco
Pros and Cons: Forever 89 Visco
Pros
- Sample-based drum designer
- User sample import
- Manual “blob” sound shaping
- Built-in sequencer
- Versatile modulation matrix
- Realistic, synthetic, and experimental drum and percussion sounds
- Effects and master effects
- Real-time processing
Cons
- none
Note: This review by Marcus Schmahl was originally published in German on gearnews.de. Translation: Lasse Eilers
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