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A popular pedal with anyone using a synth or guitar among other instruments, a lot of people believe a pedalboard isn’t complete without the option to create atmospheric reverb. If you are trying to recreate the acoustics of large spaces or an authentic amp spring then the best reverb pedals can help you to find the last piece of the puzzle and complete your sound.
Some of the most famous brands make it easy to enjoy the sound of a ‘verb pedal at an affordable price but to make sure you pick an elite product, we have created a list of the best reverb pedals. They are well suited to any kind of instrument you can hook them up to and with additional features and a range of prices included, there is something for everyone.
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TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal
Editor’s Choice
With a vibrant look, it is hard to miss this excellent reverb pedal, and the same could be said about the sound. Because of the tone bypass, there is no loss of tune and the reverb algorithms used to ensure it gives you realistic yet impressive reverb sounds. It is well priced meaning it should fit into most people’s budgets so almost anyone can add this onto their pedalboard.
This is especially the case since it is pretty compact. There are TonePrint 3 slots so you can customize the perfect reverb sound via the free TonePrint editor and design your own sound. It is a common sight on the pedalboard of guitar players and is also popular with FX loop signals and there is the option to turn on the buffered bypass mode so a high-frequency loss is not something you have to worry about.
With all the usual suspects in terms of reverb modes such as hall, church, plate, spring, room, and more you can customize the sound to make it crisp, warm, bright, and anything in between.
PROS:
- Incredibly versatile
- Good value
- Can create your own reverb sound and have it at the ready
- Lots of different modes to choose from
CONS:
Strymon: blueSky (Blue Sky / reverb machine)
This is one of the most impressive reverb pedals not just because of the tonne of options it offers but the incredible immersive sounds that can rarely be found elsewhere. It is best described as a majestic reverb, and powerful as well. It accommodates the needs of the fans of both spring reverb and studio rack. Not only do you get the pick of 9 different modes but there is also a damping section and full pre-delay to play around with.
The decay feature allows you to tailor your sound to your surroundings so if you are playing a small hall or a massive arena you can adjust accordingly. It is a must-have for any post-rock sound or those who want an elite reverb pedal that has it all.
PROS:
- Unrivaled sound
- 9 reverb modes
- Plenty of adjustment options
- Versatile and well built
CONS:
- Can be a bit pricey for some budgets
Digitech EQ Effects Pedal, REGULAR (POLARA)
If you are on the hunt for a compact reverb pedal then look no further. Ideal for anyone whose pedalboard is already packed, it offers a variety of reverb types so you can choose form hall, modulated, room, reverse, plate, spring, and more. With soft click operation it feels responsive under your foot so if you’ve hooked it up to your guitar and are performing live, the responsiveness will be very welcome.
It has reliable signal quality because of the high voltage operation and because of the stomp lock knob guard, it helps to prevent accidental adjustments when you need it to do its job the most. With a vacuum style and the fact that it is 9V DC powered you can position it anywhere on your board.
PROS:
- Plenty of reverb choices
- Reliable signal
- 9V DC powered
- Compact design
CONS:
- Other brands have more natural sounding options
BOSS Reverb Processor Guitar Pedal (RV-500)
A lot of people consider this to be that studio-level reverb pedal that is impossible to better. Although the price is a bit higher than most, you do get what you pay for and that is more than just the reputable brand quality you would expect from BOSS. There are 12 modes with everything you would expect to be available as well as 21 reverb types and all of them are highly customizable.
You can also combine two patches and use them at the same time to create a unique sound and there are also 3 footswitches making it versatile. There are also delay features to add into the mix so it might save you money on other pedals and you can amend the carryover function and it is one of the best reverb pedals for performing live because of the advanced settings, ability to switch between sounds and the sonic atmosphere each one creates.
PROS:
- Studio level performance
- 12 reverb modes
- Highly customizable
- Option of delay
CONS:
- The set up can take a little getting used to
Walrus Audio Slö Multi Texture Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal
This is one of the best reverb pedals for textured sounds as there are plenty of options to create the ideal sound. Anything from a lush vibrant reverb to the sleepy kind can be brought to life and the dark feature allows you to make your reverb atmospheric and haunting via the lower octave option.
The unique sound options ensure you can make something a little different when it comes to your next track. With true bypass and sustain at the click of a button, it enhances the textured tones. Some people describe it as a compact stompbox although that doesn’t do it justice.
PROS:
- Unique sounds
- Customizable textures
- Compact
CONS:
- Can be a little tricky to use at first
Donner Digital Reverb Guitar Effect Pedal Verb Square 7 Modes
For anyone on a budget, this is a contender for the best reverb pedal as it won’t break the bank and still provides some good sound options. You might not get the most natural-sounding reverb but what you do get it 7 adjustable modes that include mod, plate, hall, church, room, spring, and plate. The digital circuit design has been tailor-made to ensure it has a small footprint on your pedalboard so it is easy to make room.
It does have a robust feel to it and the aluminum body looks good. The LED light to show when it is in operation is useful and it is powered by a DC 9V supply although it isn’t included. For some people, this reverb pedal might be on the basic side but anyone looking for a cheap and effective pedal will find it has a pleasant sound that can be a lot of fun.
PROS:
- 7 adjustable modes
- LED light to show when it is on
- DC 9V power supply
CONS:
- Might be a bit basic for some
Reverb Pedals Guide
When it comes to creating an atmospheric sound, few products can offer you such an ambiance as a reverb pedal. Most are packed with additional features and options and even if you are using one for the first time, they can be simple to use if you stick with certain brands.
There is a lot to understand and although things can get quite complex, we have stuck to the basics to bring you some of the important things to understand in the following guide.
What To Look For In A Reverb Pedal
Different Modes
Reverb isn’t a generic sound, there are different types that can be better suited to creating a unique vibe. Some of the most common are hall, spring, room, plate among the various options, and this is exactly what you want.
Because hall is ideal for long and very long echoes and as the name suggests, it replicates the sound of an acoustic space it is used in slow songs to make the vocals more atmospheric or with a synthesizer. Another example is room. It has a natural vibrance to it and is flatter than a lot of the more sweeping options. With room, you feel as though the music is being played directly in front of where you stand and is commonly used to create a live sound.
You can see why you want as many different modes as possible with your reverb pedal as it opens up the possibilities.
Sockets
You need to be able to hook it up to your intended use whether that is in the studio, plugging in your guitar, or anything else, make sure the sockets are suitable for your needs.
Bypass
A common feature on a reverb pedal, bypass allows you to ensure the reverb is pushed straight to the amp which reduces the loss of frequencies. It changes the route through the circuitry to ensure you do not lose the quality of the sound and is beneficial where it would usually have to travel through a long lead or via multiple pedals.
Customization
Being able to tweak the sound can allow you to make it your own. You might want something a little brighter, darker, moody, haunting or any other mood-inducing combination you can think of. This is only possible with the best reverb pedals as a lower budget won’t give you as many options such as dual reverb, delay, decay, and many others.
Size
Whether you are still building your pedalboard or need the final piece of the puzzle then you have to consider the footprint of the reverb pedal. There are compact products that take up little room as well as a stompbox which is going to take up more room but is usually the sign of a product with more features and a higher spec.
Do I Need A Reverb Pedal?
When it comes to choosing any type of pedal, your choice will depend on the sound you are trying to create but when it comes to a reverb pedal, they are so universal in terms of their sound and appeal that practically anyone can benefit from using one.
It creates a deep sound for your guitar, more atmosphere and space for your vocals, and plenty of options for synthesizers. You can use it to make your guitar sound as big as you like, filling the room, or it can bring the sound closer to the audience.
Some people say it is like giving your instrument the echo of what it would have in a large room but with so many modes and adjustable settings, there is a lot more to it.
What Is Better: Reverb or Delay?
This is a common question and delay is based on the timing of the bounced sound as well as the amount and sound of the repetition. Reverb is a way of replicating how a sound might bounce in different settings which is why a lot of the modes are called hall, space, room, etc.
Both are customizable and work well together to create a variety of emotive sounds.
How Much Does A Reverb Pedal Cost?
A basic reverb pedal can be picked up for a reasonable price so you won’t have to spend much more than $50 if you need something basic. This won’t give you as many features and the sound won’t be a patch on the high-end products but if you are not as interested in a studio-level sound then it can still get you something worth using.
If you are serious about your craft and want your reverb level to reflect your level of playing then the elite reverb pedals cost around $350 – $450. This gets you a product that will be customizable, immersive sounds and lots of options for making your sound a unique one.
Why Is Reverb Used On Vocals?
Heavy reverb can be a sign of someone trying to hide something when it comes to vocals but when it is done right it can subtly create a larger, atmospheric vocal sound. It can give fullness to a vocal that might otherwise be lost within the combined instrumentals.
Too much reverb on vocals can reduce clarity so words are difficult to understand and reduce their impact. A common practice is to turn up the reverb on the vocals until you notice it, then bring it down a little as to not overdo it.
