The Free Non-Linear Reverse Delay That Turns Rewinds Into Rhythm
Some effects add space. Skew v2 adds time travel—the kind that rewinds your audio in perfectly synced chunks, then bends the playback speed with non-linear curves so the pitch slides, wobbles, scratches, and dives like a tape machine having a very creative day. (sinevibes.com)
Skew v2 is a non-linear reverse delay for macOS, Windows, and Linux, now available as a free download (email required). (sinevibes.com)
Product page: https://www.sinevibes.com/skew/
Free download button: https://buy.paddle.com (via the product page)
What Skew v2 Does (In One Breath)
Skew constantly records incoming audio into a buffer, then plays it back as reversed slices locked to your DAW’s transport/tempo—while warping playback speed using selectable curves, which creates pitch bends and rewind-style motion that stays musical and repeatable. (sinevibes.com)
Why It Sounds Different From “Normal” Reverse Delays
The secret sauce is Skew’s triple-playhead design: one playhead for feedback, and two for playback. That architecture helps the pitch-bending behavior stay consistent across repeats, so your feedback doesn’t turn into random mush—it stays “designed.” (sinevibes.com)
Key Features (Quick Facts)
- Triple-playhead reversing delay with overdubbing feedback
- 12 non-linear curves to bend playback speed (and pitch)
- Tempo-synced time range from 1/32 note to 16 bars
- Smooth, click-free control changes (lag filtering)
- Mono→mono, mono→stereo, stereo→stereo support (sinevibes.com)
Best Use Cases
- Drum fills & breaks: instant “rewind into the drop” energy
- Vocal throws: reverse swells that land on tempo instead of guessing
- Synth leads & FX: pitch dives, detune flickers, vinyl-ish scratches
- Guitars: rhythmic reverse fragments that feel edited, not accidental (sinevibes.com)
Fast Starting Moves (No Overthinking)
- Pure reverse: choose a short rhythmic time (1/8–1/4 feel), low feedback, minimal curve warping
- Tape rewind: longer time (1–2 bars), stronger curve warping, moderate feedback
- Pitch slides / vibrato: shorter time, pick a more extreme curve, keep feedback controlled
- Scratchy glitch: short time + higher feedback, then ride the curve selection like an instrument (sinevibes.com)
Formats and Compatibility
- macOS: AU / VST3 / AAX (macOS 10.13+)
- Windows: VST3 / AAX (Windows 8.1+)
- Linux: VST3 (Linux 2020+) (sinevibes.com)
Bottom Line
If you want a delay that’s rhythm-tight but sonically weird in a controlled way, Skew v2 is the kind of free plugin that makes you check twice if you accidentally clicked a paid tier. It’s a reverse delay, a pitch-bender, and a rewind machine—wrapped into a workflow that stays synced and playable.
Get it here: https://www.sinevibes.com/skew/
