The Magic Behind Valhalla Reverbs w/ Sean Costello (Valhalla DSP) | Ep 10

Sean Costello, creator of Valhalla DSP, shares his journey from computer music experiments in the 1980s to building one of the most respected audio plugin companies in the industry. His path included studying computer music at Stanford, working on physical modeling and car engine sounds for video games, and eventually launching Valhalla DSP in 2010 after the economic downturn left few opportunities in Seattle. Costello's approach to reverb development stems from an almost obsessive fascination with reverb networks as mental puzzles rather than purely sonic tools. He has created hundreds of reverb algorithms over the years, constantly refining his understanding of what makes a good reverb, from echo density and modal quality to the subtlety of resonances that took him two decades to properly hear and appreciate.

What sets Valhalla apart is Costello's philosophy of simplicity and intentionality in design. Working closely with his wife Kristen, who handles the visual design and business vision, Costello deliberately creates plugins with minimal interfaces that prioritize user workflow over exhaustive parameter control. He believes in building focused tools rather than Swiss Army knife plugins, allowing professionals to work quickly without getting lost in endless adjustments. The company's flat, modern GUI aesthetic reflects this honesty about what the plugins actually are: original algorithmic creations rather than hardware recreations. Costello emphasizes that plugin development is a friendly, collaborative space where developers help each other navigate technical challenges, and he credits the JUCE framework as essential to his ability to maintain the company as a small, independent operation while supporting multiple plugin formats and platforms.

Originally posted on Aug 3, 2020