The Alesis Midiverb was a groundbreaking digital reverb and effects processor that was first released in 1986. It was one of the first affordable digital processors available to musicians and recording engineers, and it quickly became a staple of studios and live performances around the world.
Before the release of the Alesis Midiverb, most digital reverb units were extremely expensive and only available to high-end recording studios. Alesis saw an opportunity to create a more affordable and accessible digital reverb, and they developed the Midiverb as a result.
The Alesis Midiverb was designed to be easy to use and versatile, with a range of different reverb and delay effects that could be adjusted using simple controls on the front panel. It also featured a MIDI input, which allowed it to be controlled remotely using a MIDI keyboard or sequencer. This made it an ideal tool for musicians and producers who wanted to add professional-quality reverb and effects to their recordings without breaking the bank.
The impact of the Midiverb on the recording industry was significant. Prior to its release, most recording studios relied on expensive analogue reverb units. The Alesis Midiverb offered a high-quality, digital alternative that was affordable and easy to use. This made it possible for small studios and home recording setups to achieve professional-quality reverb and effects, and it helped to level the playing field in the recording industry.
The success of the Midiverb also paved the way for other digital effects processors and plugins. Alesis continued to develop and refine the Midiverb, releasing several updated versions over the years. Other companies also entered the market with their own digital effects processors, leading to a proliferation of affordable and versatile effects units that continue to be an essential part of the recording and live sound industry today.
In addition to its impact on the recording industry, the Alesis Midiverb also had a significant influence on popular music. Its distinctive reverb and delay effects can be heard on countless recordings from the 1980s and beyond, and it played a role in shaping the sound of many iconic songs and albums.
Overall, the Alesis Midiverb was a game-changing product that helped to democratise access to high-quality digital effects processing. Its impact on the recording industry and popular music cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
The Alesis Midiverb offered 63 preset reverbs and effects, with the first 50 focused purely on reverb, and the remaining 13 on gated and reverse reverb effects. Programs may be selected on the front panel, stepping through the program list, or by MIDI patch change commands form any MIDI controlling device.
The Alesis Midiverb’s programs 1- 50 are reverb algorithms designed to cover a wide range of applications. Programs 51-63 are for special effects. The reverb effects are defined by decay time, size, and spectral emphasis, respectively. Large programs tend to have some associated predelay, typical of large spaces. Small programs tend to be more immediate but can sound hard or ringy at unnaturally long decay times.
Bright programs carry treble throughout the length of the decay, while warm programs attenuate the treble as the decay proceeds. Dark programs roll off the treble quickly, leaving only deep bass at the end of the decay.
