Demeter RV-1 Real Reverb


Demeter RV-1 Real Reverb
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Digital reverbs or software plug-in equivalents with all the familiar reverb parameters like: decay time, pre delay, high frequency roll-off and diffusion are common in studios nowadays. How about a simple reverb that is not digital without those bothersome parameters to adjust? Demeter Amplification, a manufacturer of very high quality tube-based studio equipment, has released the RV-1 Real Reverb.

Housed in a single rack space chassis, Real Reverb uses two Accutronics spring reverb tanks, each with its own decay time, for two separate channels of analog reverb. The silver front panel sports a power switch, a set of three control knobs for each channel that adjust Input, Output and Wet/Dry mix levels and phase reverse switches that subtly change the frequency response of the reverb. There are also low cut filter buttons (100Hz) for each channel that remove unwanted rumble from the reverb input. Mode switches select mono or stereo inputs and mono or stereo linked outputs while indicator LEDs show power for the unit and input signal overload for either channel.

Analog reverbs in most studios have typically been very large and delicate plate units or noisy, rack-mounted spring units. By utilizing very high quality electronics and careful circuit design, Demeter has produced an extremely quiet and excellent sounding spring reverb. The unit's two separate channels have fixed decay times of 1.5 seconds and 3.5 seconds. However, there is the ability to mix inputs to both channels for a stereophonic reverb with left and right outputs.

In my mixes I really enjoyed the character and depth of the Real Reverb. A spring reverb produces a very dense, ringy sound that is reminiscent of the onboard reverb of most guitar amplifiers. In the studio this sound works well on electric guitars, nylon guitars and certain vocal and drum tracks. Many percussive sounds accentuate the metallic character of the reverb...a cool effect and not a conventional reverb sound. I like to use dense reverbs in mono for guitar solos and certain percussion instruments and this unit provides two different reverbs at the same time! In the stereo linked mode, the unit has a very dense and smooth stereo field that makes instruments and vocals sound larger than life. None of my digital effects or plug-ins produce the organic sound of this reverb.

If it's time for a fresh reverb sound, then the Real Reverb at $699 MSRP is a great choice. For more information contacted Demeter Amplification at 15730 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91406 or call (818) 994-7658 or Web to: www.demeteramps/com

is a Los Angeles-based engineer/producer and partner in Old Skool Productions.

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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