Analogue Reverb

Analogue reverb uses physical components like springs or plates to create natural-sounding reverberation. Spring reverb produces a characteristic metallic echo by sending audio signals through coiled metal springs, popular in guitar amplifiers. Plate reverb involves vibrating a suspended metal plate to generate a rich, smooth reverb with adjustable decay, widely used in classic studio recordings for its warm, full-bodied sound. Both types offer unique tonal qualities that add depth and vintage character to music.

Released in 1957
The EMT 140 was the worlds first artificial reverb unit and it changed the recording world by allowing any studio to have “reverb on tap”, even smaller studios who did not have physical echo/reverb chambers.
Released in 1971
In 1971 after huge success with the EMT 140, EMT delivered the EMT 240 Reverb Foil. The surface of the vibrating 0.02 mm gold foil measured only 30 X 30 cm. The foil was contained in a double enclosure affording very high isolation from airborne and solid-borne disturbances, sufficient to allow placement of the EMT 240 even in mobile units or – at a sound pressure level of 105 dB – next to monitor loudspeakers
Released in 1976
The Klark Teknik DN50 Spring Reverb was introduced around the mid-seventies, just prior to the launch of digital reverbs.
Released in 1979
The Roland RSS RV-800 stereo reverberation unit incorporates an optional compressor to increase headroom and allow reverberation effects to be added to low level signals.
Released in 1979
The AKG BX-10E2 is an enhanced version of the BX-10E, featuring a redesigned Torsional Transmission Line (TTL) system and improved equalisation for smoother, more natural reverberation. It uses a series of springs to create accurate reverb without including any dry input signal. This compact, high-performance unit is a reference standard for studio applications and is only outperformed by the larger BX-20E.
Released in 1982
The Furman Sound RV-1 was released around 1982 and is a mono analogue spring reverb system with a limiter built in, an odd combination of effects. The Furman Sound RV-1 is a mono device with TRS or XLR inputs on offer. A stereo model was released sometime later.
Released in 1985
The Korg GR-1 Gated Reverb from 1985 is a compact, rack-mountable unit with high-quality spring reverberators, offering precise control over reverb and decay. With a 3-band equaliser, stereo support, and footswitch control, it’s perfect for studio and live performances, delivering classic ’80s reverb sound.
Released in 1997
The Accutronics AccuVerb is a rare, all-tube stereo spring reverb unit, revered for its rich, vintage sound and versatile controls. Equipped with dual channels, LED VU meters, and adjustable input/output levels, it’s designed for professional audio use. Renowned as one of the best spring reverbs ever made, it remains highly sought-after for its exceptional sound quality.
Released in 2015
The IGS Spring Time is a 4-channel analogue studio reverb built using pairs of springs. One short and one long pair. Every channel has separate wet and dry volume knobs. Also, each channel has a 3 band EQ for the wet signal.
Released in 2021
The AudioScape XL-305R revives the legendary 1980s XL-305 Spring Reverb with a 12-spring equally tempered design for rich, musical tones. Handcrafted in the USA, it blends vintage authenticity with modern features like a sidechain high-pass filter and 4-band EQ, offering versatile and characterful reverb.
Released in 2024
Introducing the CVPA PlateMic: a compact analogue stereo plate reverb with low noise preamps, transformer-balanced output, and the unique ability to sing/play directly to the plate, offering a range of reverb adjustments for unmatched stereo depth and dynamics.

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