FX pedals were originally invented for guitars but when studio production became more mainstream and digitised, so did the creative application of effects in recorded music and thus, a vast amount of reverb units were born.
Pedals provide an easy exterior solution to instruments like guitars, keyboards and synths. They’re often cheap, flexible and with a huge range of options available, it’s possible to shape your sound in almost any way possible. Our favourite being the Electro Harmonix Cathedral.
So, what about pedals built specifically for keyboards? There are some but most are ‘borrowed’ guitar pedals. Check out this article from Sound on Sound explaining a bit about this.
There is one key difference, though. Most synths and keyboards have stereo outputs and therefore, the pedal requires a pair of stereo inputs. If you are looking for a stand-alone guitar reverb pedal, check out our post here.
Whichever way you look at it, many pedals are cross-compatible and many keyboard-specific pedals are built or modelled on their guitar counterparts. A pedal is a pedal – they operate on pretty much the same principles. You can even use bass guitars with the same pedals, or even electronic drums, etc. Obviously, different instruments will produce different tones, some good some bad, so it’s best to concentrate on pedals which are known to function well with your instrument.
In this article, we’ll try and find the best reverb pedal for synth – the main trait is that they all have stereo in/outs.
Here are the top 4 reverb pedals for synths
Full blown textural reverbs from a great name in pedals.
Vintage style reverb based on legendary spring technology
Absolute top of the range effects unit from Eventide, perfect for synths
Solidly built pedal from the kings of FX pedals
Electro Harmonix Cathedral
Product Description
This unit gives you the holy ability of creating shimmering cascades of vintage verb ranging from short slaps to a real drenched cathedral-like tone which goes on and on and on and on.
The reverb pedal is also highly programmable and allows for the saving of your divine creations. It has a staggering 8 different modes which cover everything including:
Grail Spring: Taken from the verb pedal favourite ‘The Holy Grail’.
Accu Spring: A type of spring reverb exclusive to this pedal
Room: A medium sized reverb
Hall: A larger reverb
Plate: A classic plate reverb
Reverse: Reverse reverb popularised by Hendrix
Grail Flerb: Niche reverb from the Holy Grail
Echo: A classic echo effect
In addition to all of that, you can refine and program your delay tone with several settings and even set it to respond to tempo with a tap tempo function!
Features
- Awesome metal box design
- 8-way selectable reverb
- Up to two seconds of pre-delay
- Tap tempo footswitch
- Tone controls for reverb refinement
- True stereo in/out
- Infinite reverb is possible
Pros and Cons
√ Great sounding textural reverb
√ Fully programmable with changeable tones and parameters
√ Very well constructed
√ High quality sound and low noise
Cons:
x Expensive
- Design 95%
- Functionality 98%
- Cost 86%
- This Sound Rating 93%
Boss RE-20
Product Description
This pedal features COSM technology which effectively replicates the analog tone of the original, despite its all-digital construction and circuitry. From space echo to spring reverb, this pedal’s sound quality is top notch. The footswitch can be used as a feedback ramp, allowing for the creation of rise and fall in delay feedback and drama.
With tons of tone controls from repeat rate to bass and treble, and a 12- way mode selector, this pedal is adaptable to a plethora of uses and it’s highly popular amongst synth players and keyboardists as well as guitarists.
Complete with shed loads of digitally shaped analog-driven goodness and the ability to craft nuanced the textural space echoes, this pedal can provide a retro vibe to all playing with the service of two footswitches.
Features
- Tape flutter and magnetic tape head replication
- Two pedals for performance control
- Stereo inputs
- Repeat rate and intensity control, also controllable via footpedal
- Awesome sound and build quality
Pros and Cons
√ Faithful replica of a legendary classic
√ Thoughtful and adaptable construction
√ Vast selection of modes for a spacey sonic palette
√ Functions as a classic spring reverb or echo chamber-like effect
Cons:
× Not capable of longer reverbs
- Design 92%
- Functionality 95%
- Cost 90%
- This Sound Rating 92%
Eventide H9 Max
Product Description
Firstly, whilst this pedal looks a little simple on the outside, it is connectable to PC or iPad via the free H9 Control app. This allows you to quickly and easily make powerful presets which are saveable to the device’s internal memory.
This device actually has 45 different FX algorithms built into it. Here, we’re concentrating on the reverb units which are fully tweakable to create almost anything ranging from outrageously large cathedral-like reverbs to supernatural space echoes. If you can think of it, this pedal can do it.
Aside from its superb selection of FX and features, this pedal’s design is bulletproof in almost every way. It really is a powerful piece of hardware to behold and the idea is that it’ll replace entire pedalboards. So far, it’s lived up to its name and to its price, becoming a top choice for pro instrumentalists worldwide.
Features
- 45 FX algorithms
- Features SPACE – Eventide’s critically acclaimed reverb unit
- Awesome adaptable FX which are controllable via a PC app
- Tremendous build quality
Pros and Cons
√ Basically provides everything you need and dream of
√ Sturdy and quality build
√ Expandable with unique PC app
√ Reverb unit is insane
Cons:
× Reassuringly expensive
- Design 90%
- Functionality 99%
- Cost 87%
- This Sound Rating 92%
Boss RV-6
Product Description
Delay – This reverb/delay combo creates 3D stereo FX.
Shimmer – This works on the higher frequencies, simmering them with spaciousness and air.
Dynamic – This adaptable setting changes the reverb depth with playing dynamics so it doesn’t muddy quieter playing.
Room – A classic room reverb
Hall – Similar as above but larger
Plate – A classic plate style reverb
Spring – A classic spring reverb
Modulate – A modulated hall / room reverb with extra texture
This bombproof pedal is more compact than many others and at a cheaper price than say, the Eventide H9, it can be thrashed on the road with (slightly) less regard – it still costs over £100 after all, expensive for a Boss!
This pedal is an impressive entry from the legendary modern manufacturer and by cranking the most digital flexibility out of small form, Boss have done an excellent job of creating a large-than-life reverb unit for stereo sources like synths and keyboards.
Features
- Small form, big selection of reverbs
- Digital circuitry provides flexibility and control
- Capable of immersive long reverbs of short echo reverb
- Stereo compatible
Pros and Cons
√ Cheap for a fully-featured reverb
√ Provides mileage with wide selection of FX
√ Bulletproof build
√ Cool adaptable digital FX
Cons:
× No Analogue Emulation
- Design 90%
- Functionality 93%
- Cost 95%
- This Sound Rating 93%
But which is our favourite reverb pedal for synth?
It’s important to remember that reverbs are some of the most important FX in a player’s arsenal and for synth and keyboard players, they can turn the instrument into something truly massive, unescapable and wonderfully ambient. Reverb isn’t an option – it’s a necessity.
Buyers Guide
Reverbs can be short, sharp and subtle or incredibly long and ambient. A short reverb accentuates individual plucked notes whilst a longer one can provide a whole sequence of notes with a seamless sense of space.
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Plate Reverb
Spring Reverb
Other Types Of Reverb
Conclusion
Reverb units aren’t always cheap but they’re always worth it. They can enhance your instrument and playing – you won’t know until you try one! Thank you for letting us guide you to the best reverb pedal for synth.
If you are looking for a budget reverb pedal for guitar check out our other post here.
