Digital Reverb

Digital reverb, also known as artificial reverb, is a type of audio effect used in recording studios to simulate the sound of a natural acoustic environment. The first digital reverb units were developed in the late 1970s, with early examples including the EMT 250 and the Lexicon 224. These early digital reverbs used a combination of digital signal processing and analogue-to-digital converters to create a convincing simulation of different acoustic spaces. Digital reverb quickly became popular in the recording industry, as it provided a more flexible and cost-effective solution than traditional mechanical reverbs or echo chambers. Digital reverb units could simulate a wide range of acoustic spaces, from small rooms to large halls, and could be easily adjusted and automated to create dynamic and complex reverb effects. Over time, digital reverb technology continued to evolve, with improvements in processing power, algorithms, and user interfaces. Today, digital reverb is an essential tool in the recording industry, and a wide range of software and hardware reverbs are available to suit different recording needs and budgets. Despite the advances in digital technology, however, many recording engineers still value the unique character and sound of traditional mechanical reverb units, and these continue to be used in certain recording environments.

Released in 1985

Roland SRV-2000 MIDI Digital Reverb

The Roland SRV-2000 is one of those classic old Japanese reverbs that while not perfect, is certainly perfect in some situations, and in particular for snare! Yes, it is grainy at times, perhaps a little too bright and the reverb tails are not the smoothest, but it is these characteristics that give the Roland SRV-2000 it’s mojo and a place in your studio.
Released in 1985

EMT 252 Digital Reverb

It’s no secret that the “EMT sound” is a key ingredient of many hit records. It’s been that way for over 25 years. The very first unit, the EMT 140, is still used by major studios. And the sound of their big digital units. the 250 and 251, is legendary. In 1985 EMT introduced the EMT 252, offering more features than the 250 and 251.
Released in 1985

Lexicon PCM 70 Digital Effects Processor

The Lexicon PCM 70 has become something of a legend of late, with good examples selling for the same money or more, than what they sold for when new. It is ironic really…when the Lexicon PCM 70 was released everyone said it was not a ‘real’ Lexicon. While it may not be a 224X, released the same year, it does offer a taste of the Lexicon sound.
Released in 1985

ART DR2a Digital Reverberation System

The ART DR2a Digital Reverberation System is a high quality digital signal processing device providing realistic natural reverberation as well as creative new reverb effects. In designing the DR2a, ART incorporated the latest findings in digital reverberation research and gave careful consideration to user feedback on desirable features.
Released in 1985

Alesis XT Digital Reverb

The Alesis XT Digital Reverb, released in 1985, is a high quality digital signal processing system, specifically designed to simulate natural reverberation and special acoustic effects.
Released in 1986

Ibanez SDR 1000 Stereo Digital Reverb

Welcome to a whole new realm of digital signal processing! The Ibanez SDR 1000 Stereo Digital Reverb re-defines digitally-simulated reverberation with true stereo operation. Featuring 16-bit digital processing for crystal-clear reverberation, and factory preset programs developed by professional studio engineers, for the Ibanez SDR 1000.
Released in 1986

Vesta Fire RVD901 Digital Reverb

Back in the mid 1980s, a brand emerged out of Japan to take on the big names in Japanese digital audio effects such as Korg, Roland and Sony. Vesta Fire rose to the challenge with the Vesta Fire RVD901 digital reverb.
Released in 1986

Klark Teknik DN 780 Digital Reverberator

Often referred to as the poor man’s AMS RMX 16, the Klark Teknik DN 780 is a great reverb in its own right and has maintained a loyal following over the years. The Klark Teknik DN 780 digital Reverb is not simply a reverberation device. The Klark Teknik DN 780 gives the user a unique and flexible means of producing realistic acoustic simulations for environments of all types and sizes.
Released in 1986

Sony MU-R201 Stereo Digital Reverb

The Sony MU-R201 was released following the comparatively high-priced Sony DRE-2000 and marked Sony’s initial foray into stereo processing for their reverbs. Although it gained limited traction in the western market, it achieved popularity in Japan. Despite this, Roger Nichols was an ardent proponent of the MU-R201 and employed it extensively in his mixing, including some of the Steely Dan mixes.
Released in 1986

ART DR1 Digital Reverb

The software based ART DR1 Digital Reverb has 46-bit technology and 14KHz bandwidth, giving you wide dynamic range and frequency response. This range and response result in high definition performance. Couple this technology with the convenience of full function remote control, 0ver 100 user presets and full MIDl capability.
Released in 1986

Alesis Midiverb Digital Reverb

The one that changed everything, the Alesis Midiverb came along and gave everyone a digital reverb for their home studio recordings. It was no Lexicon that is for sure, but when the Alesis Midiverb came along it was a gift for home recording musicians and it launched Alesis as a company, into the stratosphere.
Released in 1986

Korg DRV-1000 Digital Reverb

The Korg DRV-1000’s D.S.P. technology offers affordable, high-quality digital reverb with 128 acoustic variations and convenient “Long” and “Cancel” functions for versatile, on-stage use.