This is it, the reverb made famous by Chris Lord Alge who uses it to this day on all his mixes, the Sony DRE 2000. It is a beast of a reverb both physically and in terms of its sonic signature. There are few units left in the wild, as they are fragile and difficult to fix, but thankfully plugin recreations are starting to appear which should preserve its place in history, and deservedly so.
The Sony DRE 2000 was the very first digital reverb from a Japanese company and was first shown at the 67th AES Convention in New York in November of 1980. The Sony DRE 2000 was released in 1981 with a retail price of US$15,000. It took some time for their countrymen to follow but follow they did, starting in 1983 with the release of the Yamaha Rev1 and in 1984 with the Roland SRV-2000.,
In August of 1982, Sony released Version 2 software that provided improved stereo imaging, increased depth to the reverbs, smoother decay and the addition of a second early reflection. In addition to the original Reverb-A which was improved in Version 2 software, Sony added Reverb-B (Medium size concert hall), Reverb-C (Plate reverb) and Reverb-D (Plate reverb).
In 1984, Sony released the Sony DRE 2000-A which came with Version 2 software pre-installed and oddly they chose to remove the digital input and outputs. The fact that the sampling rate was 32kHz may have had something to do with that decision given the lack of compatibility at that time.
The Sony DRE 2000’s hardware includes a rack module that contains the electronics and input/output interfaces. Additionally, it comes with a remote-control unit for program selection and parameter adjustment from the listening position. While being slightly more compact at 3U compared to the Lexicon 224, its main competitor at the time, the Sony DRE 2000 has a deeper housing.
In terms of circuit board dimensions, the Sony boards are wider than those in the Lexicon. On the Sony, only two fans are positioned to the left of the circuit boards, whereas the Lexicon requires space for the power supply in this area. Furthermore, the Sony features four boards, a significant reduction compared to the Lexicon 224, which has eight boards when fully expanded.
The front panel of the Sony DRE 2000 went through three iterations as can be seen from the above images. The second and third iterations used the “DIGITAL” logo that appeared on many Sony professional audio products of the era, including the Sony PCM-1630 digital recorder. Similarly, the remote control too had three iterations over the lifetime of the product.
Digitally processed reverberation effects
With the advanced digital technology employed in the Sony DRE 2000, high-quality reverberation effects with a better signal-to-noise ratio, better frequency response and wider dynamic range can be added to incoming signals.
Reverberation not susceptible to external vibration
Unlike conventional mechanical reverberators, the Sony DRE 2000 is unaffected by external vibration or mechanical shock because all operations are performed electronically. Because of this, the Sony DRE 2000 can be installed almost anywhere.
Reverberation parameters easily programmed
The reverberation parameters which determine the reverberation characteristics are easily programmed with the parameter buttons on the supplied remote-control unit.
Programs can be memorised
Up to 10 programs can be stored in the non-volatile memory for later recall.
Delay modes
The delay function produces a delay between the sound source and the delivered signal, with delay times of from 1 to 999 milliseconds (for each channel) in mode-1 and delay times of from 1 to 999 milliseconds (channel 1) and from I to 499 milliseconds (channel 2) in mode-2.
Echo modes
Echos can be added to incoming signals in two modes. In mode-1, the same echo pattern is added to both channels and in mode-2, different echo patterns are added to each channel.
Pre-programmed reverberation, delay and echo modes
Four modes of reverberation, two modes of delay and two modes of echo have been pre-programmed in the unit.
Compact and lightweight
The Sony DRE 2000 is more compact and lightweight than conventional mechanical reverberation units.
Updates added August 1982
Sony had been developing new Sony DRE 2000 programs based on user suggestions. In August of 1982 they were ready to release these new reverberation programs and new system software which enhanced the sound quality of the Sony DRE-2000 and made it easier to operate. The new programs included the following improvements:
- Stereo Width of Reverb (Spatial Spread of Reverb)
Sony DRE 2000 synthesises stereo reverb effects from a mono source. This stereo reverb effect is essential for creating a sense of space. The new programs give you a wider stereo image than the old ones. - Echo Density
A higher echo density is achieved in the new programs so that individual echoes are not detected by the ear. This results in flutter-free reverberation. - Smooth Decay
It is not too much to say that reverb quality is determined during decay. An improvement produces a smoother decay, resulting in a more natural reverb. - A Second Early Reflection
Your present Sony DRE 2000’s single early reflection in the reverb program is delivered to both channel-1 and channel-2. The new programs (Reverb-B, Reverb-C, Reverb-D) feature two independent early reflections which are routed to the associated output channel. Their level and delay time can be independently controlled. These early reflections will contribute to the effects of simulated room size, depth of reverb and ambience as well. - A Second Memory for User’s Preset Parameters
In your present Sony DRE 2000, you cannot change factory-preset parameters. In other words, whenever you press a mode key on the remote keyboard, the specified mode comes along with factory-preset parameters set in the non-volatile memory. The system software, which controls the reverberation programs, has been also updated to allow you to replace factory-preset parameters with your own parameters, and vice versa.
The New Programs
- Reverb-A
This program is basically the same as the old Reverb-B, but the stereo width is improved. Initial diffusion is not high but increases as sound decays. This program simulates a large concert hall. Early Reflection and Sub-Reverb parameters are unchanged. - Reverb-B
This program simulates a medium-sized concert hall. Initial diffusion is higher than Reverb-A. It has two early reflections but no Sub-Reverb. The level and the delay time of early reflection (Early Reflection-1) for channel-1 are controlled by the E.RFL level key and the E.RFL delay time key, respectively, while the level and the delay time of early reflection (Early Reflection-2) for channel-2 are controlled by the SUB REV level key and the SUB REV delay time key, respectively. The same controls apply to Reverb-C and Reverb-D. - Reverb-C
This program simulates a plate reverb whose initial diffusion is very high. This program is well suited for percussive sounds as well as many types of popular music. - Reverb-D
This program simulates a plate reverb like Reverb-C, but it comprises longer delay lines and has a lower initial diffusion than Reverb-C. This program has the least coloration of the four new programs. We recommend using it at a relatively long reverberation time of, say, over 4.0 sec.
