Detail

Are spring reverbs still up-to-date?

Reverbs, generated using springs don’t sound natural and real. They are far behind software-based digital simulations, sound metallic, generate nasty rattling noise and are prone to electromagnetic interferences. That’s less-than-fashionable.

Despite we still make four spring reverb units: the VSR 3.2, the Retroverb Lancet, the DSR-3 and the ReTubeVerb. Why ?

Because of their insufficiencies.! That’s what makes the resulting effects unique and charming. With a spring reverb you will get effects that no digital room simulation can ever create.

Let’s take a closer look at our four candidates.

Straight-forward and clear: VSR 3.2

The VSR 3.2 can do just one thing perfectly: spring reverb.

It grants the typical vintage character of spring tanks to any signal. You can adjust the reverb sound from dull to brilliant with its TONE control and of course set the mixture between original and reverb signal - that’s it. And that’s more than you might think.

You are looking for a solid and simple spring reverb unit? You should take the VSR 3.2 into consideration. It can be used directly with instruments or in an effect loops.

VSR 3.2 uses a type-9-spring tank from Accu-Bell (former Accutronics) with medium decay time, ranging between 1.75 and 3.0 seconds.

Experimental and fully equipped: Retroverb Lancet

Retroverb Lancet is far more than just a spring reverb unit. Its an analog multi effect. Beside its reverb function it offers complete filter- and VCA-sections as well as a versatile LFO, envelope generator and envelope follower.

Another highlight is the CRASH. You can trigger the springs using a button or even an analog GATE signal. Thus you have total control over the typical rattling noise that only spring tanks can create.

Retroverb Lancet is the right choice for you if you are experienced with more complex devices. It suits well with synthesizers and modular systems. Also guitarists can have lots of fun with this tiny effect monster.

Retroverb Lancet uses a spring tank from Accu-Bell as well. Here, we have a type-8-tank with a medium decay time. We add the CRASH functionality ourself in our Elektroakustische Manufaktur - not an off-the-rack feature.

Double Team: DSR-3

Every section is available twice within the dual spring reverb. It can handle two complete different sound sources using the DUAL mode or process stereo-signals in STEREO mode.

Really deep reverbs can be achieved by using the SERIAL mode. Here both channels are placed in a row, resulting in almost never-ending reverbs.

DSR-3 is designed for studio use. We equipped it with balanced XLR in- and outputs beside its unbalanced jack connections. If you need to process stereo-signals there is no way around the DSR-3.

DSR-3 uses two type-9-spring tanks by Accu-Bell. The spring tanks were selected by ourselves in a complex procedure, comparing frequency response and decay time.

Warmth and Truth: ReTubeVerb

Not only the look of ReTubeVerb makes it a real vintage device.

It completely sets on tube technology without any compromises. We even realized the level meter with a tube, the so-called „Magic Eye“.

The signal is refined by a tube stage before entering the springs. The spring tanks output on the other hand can be shaped with a three-band tube equalizer.

Beside the unbalanced jack connections, ReTubeVerb is equipped with transformer-isolated XLR in- and output.

In many studio circumstances, ReTubeVerb is the secret weapon for assertive and subtle reverbs. Surely, its not an universal effect but its far more versatile than you might think.

You already might guess it, ReTubeVerb uses a type-9-spring tank with a medium decay time, made by Accu-Bell.

Your VERMONA crew from the
Elektroakustischen Manufaktur, Erlbach


Links
  1. VSR 3.2 product page
  2. Retroverb Lancet product page
  3. DSR-3 product page
  4. ReTubeVerb product page
  5. Accu-Bell Sound Inc. Homepage with many information about the history of spring reverb and the current available spring tanks.