The EMT 246 Digital Reverberator, introduced in 1986, represented a significant development in digital reverb technology, continuing EMT’s tradition of innovation in reverberation devices. Following the success of the EMT 250 – the world’s first digital reverb – the EMT 246 was designed as a more compact and affordable alternative without sacrificing sound quality.
The EMT 246 was crafted to emulate natural reverberation patterns, excelling at recreating authentic acoustic spaces. It provided sound engineers with extensive control over reverb parameters, including:
- Reverb Time Adjustment: Users could fine-tune reverb time across low, mid, and high frequencies via a single control, allowing precise shaping of the reverb’s frequency response.
- Early Reflections: Acknowledging the importance of early reflections in perceiving room size, the EMT 246 enabled adjustment of both the delay and amplitude of these reflections, providing control over the perceived spatial depth.
- Reverb Programmes: The device offered a range of programmes optimised for different reverb durations:
- Programme S (Short Reverb Time): A high density of reflections with rapid build-up, ideal for simulating smaller spaces.
- Programmes M and L (Medium and Long Reverb Times): Designed for progressively larger acoustic environments with lower reflection densities.
- Creative Effects: Beyond natural reverb, the EMT 246 offered unique sound design options:
- Delay/Echo Programme: Allowed signal delays and echo effects, including phasing effects created through comb filtering.
- Non-Linear Programme: Ideal for enhancing individual voices and instruments by combining two reverb curves, with adjustable early reverb times and the ability to produce reverse reverb effects.
The EMT 246 with dedicated Remote Control
The EMT 246 prioritised ease of use, featuring:
- Joystick-Like Sliders: All parameters could be adjusted via multi-directional sliders, allowing simultaneous control of related settings.
- Parameter Display: Parameters were displayed as numerical values and as relative positions between minimum and maximum, ensuring clarity.
A specialised version of the EMT 246 included digital interfaces compatible with standards such as SONY-1610/1630 or AES/EBU, enabling direct processing of digital audio signals. This version synchronised with the sampling rate of the connected source (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) and featured the EMT 246 F fader unit for mixing direct and reverb signals without requiring an external digital mixer.
The EMT 246 embodied EMT’s decades of expertise in reverb technology, delivering a versatile tool for both natural room simulations and innovative sound design. Its combination of advanced features and user-friendly controls made it an essential asset in professional studios, providing high-quality reverberation effects without requiring extensive acoustic treatment.
The EMT 246 came in one of two versions, one with a separate remote control as seen above, the other was with the controls on the front panel.
