The latest generation of DSP chips — the type used in the acclaimed Yamaha ProR3 Digital Reverberator and the Yamaha REV500 — employ 32-bit signal processing for unprecedented precision and dynamic range, coming closer than ever to the delicate sonic nuances of natural reverberation. The Yamaha REV500 delivers extraordinary reverb depth and resolution for ambiance that can only be described as “alive”.
As in all professional audio equipment, basic reproduction precision is the critical foundation on which overall sound quality depends. The Yamaha REV500 more than measures up to the most demanding audio standards with high-performance 20-bit oversampling A/D and D/A converters that ensure absolute precision in reproducing the original signal, as well as unsurpassed effect quality.
Like the music it surrounds, natural reverberation is a 3-dimensional phenomenon. Stereo processing is therefore essential for realistic ambiance as opposed to a simple “effect”. Many digital reverb processors employ a pseudo-stereo scheme in which the stereo signal is processed via a single DSP stage. This can produce acceptable results, but not nearly as natural as the true stereo processing provided by the REV500. The left- and right-channel stereo signals are independently handled by separate DSP stages, thereby maintaining the integrity of the stereo image. If you have a mono source, simply switch to the mono input mode.
The Yamaha REV500 includes 100 top-quality presets (many of the same programs supplied with the top-line ProR3) for select-and-use convenience. Although it is primarily a reverb device, the REV500 can do much more. The presets range from straight reverb through echo to a variety of hybrid effects: reverb plus chorus, flanging, gate, dynamic filter, and others. The presets can be edited as required and stored in any of 100 user program memory locations.
The Yamaha REV500 preset, and user programs are divided into four categories of 25 programs each: HALL, ROOM, PLATE, and SPECIAL. Pressing the TYPE button toggles through the categories, automatically recalling the last individual program selected in each category. Individual programs can be selected via the panel NUMBER keys, MIDI program change messages received from an external MIDI device, or a footswitch connected to the rear-panel FOOT SW jack.
Two to four basic parameters are sufficient for most reverb programming. Reverb time and pre-delay are essential to define the core of the sound, while high-frequency ratio and early-reflection level allow a wide range of variation in how the sound “feels”. The REV500 provides direct access to these four parameters via rotary front-panel controls. The large LCD panel switches to a graphic representation of the selected parameter whenever one of the knobs is operated, so you can easily visualise how adjustments will affect the sound.
In addition to the four main parameters available via the rotary controls, each program has up to 8 additional “internal” parameters which can be accessed and adjusted via the utility mode for truly detailed effect programming. The straight reverb programs, for example, have internal parameters which allow fine control of diffusion, low-frequency ratio, high-pass filter frequency, low-pass filter frequency, density, liveness, and early-reflection delay.
The Yamaha REV500 makes setup and testing easy with built-in snare and rim-shot samples that you can trigger from the front-panel AUDITION button. Single-shot and repeating modes are provided for added convenience.
The Yamaha REV500 provides both balance XLR and balanced/unbalanced phone jack input and output connectors for direct connection to professional or semi-professional equipment. The inputs and outputs also feature independent -10/+4 dB level switches for optimum level matching with most types of equipment.
Features
- Dual input level controls with 4-point input level monitors.
- Extensive MIDI control capabilities: program selection via MIDI program change messages, and real-time effect parameter control via MIDI control change messages.
- Selectable “effect only” or “add direct” (original signal plus effect) output modes for convenient setup in mixer effect loop or series-connected applications.
- Foot switch can be used for effect muting or effect selection with programmable select range.
