Introduction to Reverb Pedals
Reverb is an effect that emulates the natural reverberation of a physical space, adding ambience and a sense of three-dimensional depth to your guitar’s tone. When you play guitar in a room, the sound reflects off the walls, floor, and ceiling before decaying. Reverb pedals recreate this sound, allowing you to add lush, immersive effects to make your guitar tone sound bigger and more atmospheric.
Reverb became an essential guitar effect starting in the late 1950s and early 60s, pioneered by genres like surf rock and instrumental guitar that used spring reverb tanks to add a splashy, drenched tone. Guitarists ever since have utilized reverb to enhance their tone, add dimension, and create unique atmospheric textures. Reverb smooths out the guitar’s attack, blends notes together, and can add a dreamy quality that transports listeners. It’s an effect that opens up many creative possibilities for guitar players in any genre.
While overdriven and distorted tones benefit from the depth and ambience of reverb, it also adds fullness and interest to clean tones. Reverb pedals let guitarists sculpt their ideal reverberant space, from short slapback echoes to cavernous halls. Whether you want to craft moody soundscapes or add a touch of room sound to your tone, a quality reverb pedal is an incredibly valuable addition to any guitarist’s pedalboard setup.
Types of Reverb
Reverb pedals aim to simulate the sound of different real-world spaces and environments. There are a few main types of reverb that each have their own characteristic sound:
Hall Reverb – This reverb effect emulates the natural reverberation of a large concert hall or auditorium. Hall reverbs typically have the longest decay times, resulting in a big, expansive ambient sound. The reverberations are relatively even across the frequency spectrum.
Room Reverb – As the name suggests, room reverb aims to recreate the natural echo profile of a small room. Room reverbs have a shorter decay time than hall reverbs, giving a sense of smaller, more intimate space. The tone is generally warmer and more balanced.
Plate Reverb – Plate reverbs were originally created by sending audio through transducers attached to a large metal plate or sheet of steel. The vibration of the plate produces a bright, shimmering reverb tone that cuts through a mix. Plate reverbs have a relatively fast initial decay.
Spring Reverb – This classic reverb effect uses metal springs to generate echo. The sound is created by a pair of transducers, one which sends an audio signal through the spring and another which receives the reverberation. Spring reverbs have a recognizable vintage twang and "boing" sound.
Digital vs Analog Reverb – Digital reverbs use DSP and recording sampling to model real spaces. They offer pristine audio quality and flexibility. Analog reverbs use physical components like springs and plates to naturally create echo and space. The sound is often darker, grittier and more inconsistent than digital reverbs. Both have their uses depending on the needs.
Key Features to Look for in a Reverb Pedal
When shopping for a reverb pedal, there are several key features to consider that will determine the overall functionality and sound quality:
Reverb Types – The most important factor is what reverb types are included. Hall and room reverbs are essential for natural ambience. Plate and spring reverbs offer classic vintage tones. Specialty reverbs like shimmer provide unique effects. The more reverb types available, the more sonic possibilities.
Adjustable Parameters – Controls like decay, mix, tone, modulation and more allow you to shape the reverb sound. Longer decay times create ambient washes, while short decays provide subtle ambience. The mix knob balances dry guitar tone vs wet reverb. Tone controls shape the EQ. Modulation adds depth.
Mono vs Stereo – Stereo reverb offers a wide, immersive effect. Mono is more limited. For gigging guitarists, stereo inputs and outputs provide flexibility.
Bypass Modes – True bypass retains tone and dynamics when off, while buffered bypass reduces switching noise. Consider the pros and cons of each for your setup.
Preset Slots – Saving customized reverb settings is convenient for live performance. The more presets available, the more sounds you can store and access.
Expression Pedal Input – Allows real-time control of parameters like decay time. Very handy for transitions and dynamic effects.
Size/Form Factor – Standard vs mini pedals. Smaller pedals conserve pedalboard space, while larger pedals offer more hands-on control. Choose what fits your needs best.
Top Reverb Pedal Brands
Reverb pedals come in many shapes and sizes from different manufacturers. When shopping for a reverb pedal, it helps to know which brands are top-notch for their reverbs. Here’s an overview of some of the best reverb pedal brands on the market:
Boss
Boss is one of the giants in the guitar pedal industry. Their RV series has become the industry standard for compact, affordable reverb stompboxes. Boss makes reverb pedals with different reverb types like the RV-6 which offers 10 modes including hall, room, modulated and shimmer reverbs. The Boss RV-500 is their flagship with 12 different reverb types and deep editing parameters. Boss builds their pedals like tanks and are known for reliability.
Electro-Harmonix
Electro-Harmonix makes classic spring and plate reverb pedals that nail vintage amp-style reverbs. The Holy Grail Nano and Oceans 11 are popular options. Their reverbs sound authentic without taking up much space on your pedalboard. EHX also makes unique reverbs like the Cathedral which combines reverb and delay.
Strymon
Strymon has become known for making some of the best boutique reverb pedals with studio-quality sound. Their BlueSky and BigSky pedals are rack-style units with deep editing capabilities. Strymon’s NightSky is focused on more experimental reverbs. Their pedals have incredible sound quality and allow for intricate reverb sound design.
TC Electronic
TC Electronic makes versatile reverb pedals with excellent tone and affordable prices. Their Hall of Fame series provides a wide selection of reverb types. TC Electronic also has TonePrint technology which allows downloading artist presets. Units like the TC Electronic Skysurfer have great reverbs in a compact form factor.
MXR
MXR keeps things simple and vintage-sounding with their reverb pedals. The MXR Reverb delivers studio-quality plate and spring reverbs in a sturdy compact pedal. They also make the M300 which models vintage amp reverb sounds. MXR is a go-to option for basic but great sounding reverb effects.
Eventide
Eventide makes unique reverb pedals using pitch-shifting algorithms to produce shimmering reverbs. The Space and Blackhole pedals are some of the most creative reverbs around. Eventide reverbs are ideal for ambient, experimental and avant-garde music.
Walrus Audio
Walrus Audio is a boutique brand that creates imaginative reverb pedals with lush algorithms. The Walrus Audio Descent and Fathom offer beautiful reverbs with extensive control options. Their reverbs range from classic spring sounds to experimental textures.
Neunaber
Neunaber specializes in high-quality stereo wet reverb effects. Their Immerse MkII pedal includes eight different reverb types and the ability to run two reverbs in parallel. Neunaber’s pedals are compact but produce rich, immersive reverbs.
Best Reverb Pedals by Budget
When searching for a reverb pedal, budget is often a top consideration. Fortunately, there are quality options at every price point. Here’s an overview of the best reverb pedals in various budget ranges:
Under $100
In the sub-$100 range, brands like Donner, Caline, and NuX offer surprisingly decent reverbs often modeled after classic sounds. The TC Electronic Skysurfer is a popular choice around $50 with a simple reverb tone. The Biyang Tri Reverb provides vintage spring reverb for under $50. If you can stretch your budget to $70-80, the Mooer Shimverb and NUX Atlantic offer more versatility. The Joyo Atmosphere gives you shimmer reverb on the cheap. While the tones may not be as pristine as more expensive pedals, these budget options nail classic reverb sounds.
$100-$200
Step up to the $100-$200 range and you’ll start finding pedals with more intuitive controls and a wider range of reverb types. The Boss RV-6 ($150) is a studio-quality reverb with 8 modes. TC Electronic’s Hall of Fame 2 ($130) offers studio-grade reverbs plus TonePrint options. Electro-Harmonix delivers lush reverbs with the Holy Grail Max ($150) and Oceans 11 ($120). The MXR M300 ($170) nails classic spring and plate reverbs. If you want boutique tones, the Walrus Audio Slö ($180) has gorgeous ambient textures. This price tier provides an excellent balance of quality and affordability.
$200-$300
In the $200-$300 segment, you’ll find pro-level pedals with advanced editing and premium components. The Strymon Blue Sky ($270) is a studio standard with crystal clear reverbs. Source Audio’s Ventris ($260) has a powerful neuro app for deep editing. Walrus Audio’s Descent ($300) offers gorgeous reverbs plus oscillation and pitch shifting. The Neunaber Immerse MkII ($260) excels at pristine wet reverbs in stereo. Eventide’s Space ($225 used) is packed with gorgeous reverbs and presets. If your budget allows, spending $250+ gets you stellar tone and flexibility.
Over $300
At the top of the market are ultra high-end pedals for pros and gear fanatics. The Strymon NightSky ($480) delivers 12 stellar reverb machines with deep editing parameters. Eventide Space and H9 series offer unmatched versatility. Empress Effects Reverb ($450) is an all-analog studio reverb known for gorgeous sound. Meris Mercury7 ($320) nails cathedral-style reverbs with lush modulation. Chase Bliss Audio Dark World ($350) provides two incredible reverbs in one pedal. If you want the absolute best in reverb pedal technology, these premium options deliver professional studio-grade tones.
Best Reverb Pedals for Specific Genres/Styles
When selecting a reverb pedal, it’s important to consider what musical genres and styles you mainly play. Certain types of reverb work better for some genres compared to others.
Ambient and Post-Rock
For ambient, post-rock, and shoegaze styles that utilize big, lush, atmospheric guitar tones, you’ll want a pedal capable of producing long, expansive reverbs. Hall and plate reverbs tend to work well for creating ambient pads and textures. Modulated reverbs add nice movement to the trails. Stereo outputs provide a wide, immersive sound. Some great options include the Strymon BigSky and BlueSky, the Eventide Space, and the Neunaber Immerse Mk II.
Surf Rock
To nail those drenched spring reverb tones essential for surf rock, a pedal emulating vintage spring reverb tanks is key. The Boss FRV-1 ’63 Fender Reverb is a popular choice, as is the Catalinbread Topanga. These provide the splashy, wet reverb sound heard on countless surf rock records.
Classic Rock and Blues
For classic rock, blues, and related genres, more natural-sounding reverbs like hall and room algorithms are preferable. You want enough reverb to give your guitar tone some space and ambience, but not an overly washed-out surfy tone. Great options include the TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2, the Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Nano, and the Boss RV-6.
Metal
For modern high-gain metal tones, a good plate reverb can help your guitar cut through the mix with clarity and presence. Plate reverbs tend to be brighter and less murky. The MXR M300 Reverb Machine and the Walrus Audio Descent are great choices. Using your reverb pedal before distortion can also yield great results.
Experimental and Avant-Garde
For experimental guitarists and sound design, pedals with unique algorithms beyond standard reverb types open up creative possibilities. Reverbs with pitch-shifting, shimmer, or modulation effects allow for wild new textures and soundscapes. The Eventide Space and Strymon NightSky excel in this category.
Reverb Pedal Placement
When building your guitar pedalboard, one of the most important considerations is where to place your reverb pedal in the signal chain. While there are no strict rules, here are some guidelines for optimal reverb pedal placement:
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Place the reverb pedal towards the end of the signal chain. Reverb is usually one of the last effects you want to apply to your guitar signal before it reaches the amp. This allows the reverb to spread across and enhance your core guitar tone and any other effects like distortion, delay, chorus etc.
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Place reverb after gain/distortion pedals. Most guitarists prefer to put reverb after their overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals. This allows the full distorted tone to be processed by the reverb, creating a lush ambience. Placing reverb before distortion can sound muddy.
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Place reverb before modulation effects. Modulation effects like chorus, flanger and phaser work well when the reverb comes before them in the chain. The modulation gets applied to the reverberated signal, thickening the textures.
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Place reverb before delay. A common pairing is reverb into delay for atmospheric pads and ambience. The delay echoes will be processed by the reverb, spreading out the repeats. This creates a very lush sound.
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Place reverb in the effects loop for amps that have them. For amps with effects loops, it’s best to place the reverb pedal in the loop after the preamp distortion, allowing your amp’s overdrive to be processed with reverb.
The ideal reverb pedal placement order is:
Guitar > Compression > Overdrive/Distortion > EQ > Modulation > Reverb > Delay > Amp input
This allows the reverb to spread across your guitar and effects for maximum ambience, while preserving clarity. However, feel free to experiment to find what sounds best for your rig. The most important thing is finding the right reverb pedal for your musical needs!
How to Use a Reverb Pedal
Using a reverb pedal creatively is key to getting the most out of it. Here are some tips on dialing in tones, stacking reverbs with other effects, and using reverb pedals in stereo rigs:
Dialing in Different Reverb Sounds
The most important controls on any reverb pedal are the Decay, Mix, and Tone knobs. Decay adjusts the length of the reverb tail. Mix controls the wet/dry balance between the unaffected signal and the reverb. Tone shapes the EQ of the reverb effect. Start with longer Decays and higher Mix levels for ambient pads. Shorter Decays and lower Mix gives a subtle studio-like room sound.
Stacking Reverb with Other Effects
Running reverb after delay creates huge, atmospheric soundscapes. The delay repeats get washed in the reverb tail for a gorgeous ambient mix. Modulation effects like chorus and flanger sound amazing when bathed in reverb. The reverb smooths out the chorus warble or flanger swoosh for lush tones.
Using Reverb in Stereo Rigs
Run your reverb pedal in stereo to immerse your guitar tone in a wide, 3D space. Make sure your amp or interface is stereo. Send the left and right outputs from your reverb to two different amps or channels. Adding stereo reverb really brings your guitar tone to life and makes it feel larger than life.
Reverb Pedal Tips
When dialing in your reverb pedal, here are some tips to get the most out of it and avoid common problems:
Achieving Natural Room Sounds
For emulating the natural ambience of a room or concert hall, use shorter decay times and keep the mix lower. This will add just a touch of space without drowning out your dry guitar tone. Settings like 1-2 seconds of decay time with a mix around 25% can give your tone a pleasing sense of air without overdoing it.
Creating Huge Ambient Washes
To get those massive ambient pads, crank up that decay time to 4 seconds or more. Also increase the mix to around 50-75% wet reverb. This will create a lush bed of reverb that can be great for post-rock, ambient, or shoegaze styles. Adding some modulation via the pedal’s tone controls can make the reverb shift and shimmer.
Avoiding Muddiness
Too much reverb can make your guitar tone sound indistinct and muddy. This often happens when the decay time is too long. Try keeping it under 3 seconds, and also experiment with the tone knob on your reverb pedal to cut some of the lows or highs. Running your reverb after distortion instead of before can also help retain clarity. Lowering the mix will let more dry signal come through for definition.
Conclusion
After going through the ins and outs of reverb pedals, it’s clear there are a lot of options when it comes to finding the perfect reverb effect for your guitar rig. The most important factors to consider are the type of reverb you want, key features that suit your needs, staying within your budget, and choosing a pedal that will work well for your musical genre and playing style.
The main types of reverb to choose from are hall, room, plate, and spring. Each imparts a distinct sonic character, from the lush diffusion of hall reverb to the vintage vibe of spring reverb. Carefully consider which reverb types will be most usable and inspirational for your needs. Also look at key features like the ability to sculpt parameters, presets, stereo I/O, and bypass modes.
It’s smart to audition reverb pedals in person if possible, but you can get a good sense of options by researching demos and reviews. While boutique pedals offer great quality, you can find excellent reverbs at every price point from trusted brands like Boss, TC Electronic, and Electro-Harmonix. Set a realistic budget and look for the best value at that level.
Finding your perfect reverb pedal is a fun journey of exploration. The right reverb can bring your guitar tone to life and open up worlds of creative possibilities. Take your time, figure out your needs and preferences, and choose the pedal that really speaks to you. A quality reverb effect is an incredibly versatile tool that no guitarist should be without.