Cheap Reverb Boxes...

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ghetto3jon

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i'm looking for a cheap reverb/multi effect unit for my demo station (tascam 424, art tube pac, mxl 603s, etc). i don't want a rack unit, because i don't want to get into a rack setup...but i've been looking at these cheap desktop units at musicians friend. now please don't attack me...i know these are cheap effects...but that's what i need. it's just a cassette based demo setup. so does anyone have any opinions experience with any of these:

alesis pico verb
alesis nanoverb
art fx-1
alesis ineko
fostex de-1
nady dsp-256

the fostex strikes me as the best as far as features...can anyone help me?

thanks you
jon.
 
Double your budget and get something nice... The low-end TC M300 would be good at 200. You'll actually be able to get some use out of it. It wouldn't kill you to put a rack unit on a table top either.

Otherwise I'd prefer guitar stomp boxes to the effects you've mentioned.

Songworks makes a spring reverb for 200 (www.songworks.com) that, I'm probably gonna get for my guitar rig/and recording. At least it won't sound like a tin can. Or a mosquito playing a kazoo.

Guitar pedals usually have a unique sound--which makes them hit or miss, rather than the ultra cheap digital effects, which just sound bad.. IMO. Plus if you play guitar another decent pedal is a bonus.

The fostex unit is probably no more than a toy, a repackaged zoom or digitech guitar job, with a higher sticker price.

-Jtt
 
I don't have any experience with those... but you can get some pretty bitchin' reverbs by taking a "send" out to a speaker putting the speaker into the bathroom... or playing it through the living room stereo [etc.]... putting a mic or two in that room and blending it in to what you're doing.

Usually one of the best sounding inexpensive reverbs you can find.


Best of luck.
 
Fletcher said:
I don't have any experience with those... but you can get some pretty bitchin' reverbs by taking a "send" out to a speaker putting the speaker into the bathroom... or playing it through the living room stereo [etc.]... putting a mic or two in that room and blending it in to what you're doing.

Usually one of the best sounding inexpensive reverbs you can find.


Best of luck.
Click to expand...

*gasp fletcher knows cheap? :eek: ;)
 
I have an Alesis Nanoverb. I've never used anything better, so I'm not an expert, but it will give you some okay reverb sounds. It's not real flexible but if you are just looking for a cheap basic unit, I think it will get the job done. It also has some other nifty effects like chorus and flanger. You can get some crazy vocal effects with the flanger.

But, I think that if you want something good, you should go with something else, maybe spend a little more money. But if you just need a couple quick and easy reverbs and no hassle, then this could work for you.
 
ghetto3jon said:
but i've been looking at these cheap desktop units at musicians friend.
Click to expand...

Why, oh why? If you want cheap, go second hand. You can find second hand Alesis Microverbs for $50 (or lower with some luck) there. Nothing to great, but perfectly useful in your situation.
 
Find a used Lexicon Alex...probably in the $75 range. If you want a truely studio sounding reverb, get a used TC Electronics M-One.
Good luck, RD
 
I'm agreeing reggarding going up a step on the budget. $200 is still super cheap for a reverb, but the TC M300 or Lexicon MPX-110 would be better than any of the alternatives mentioned.
 
Look for a used Alesis Wedge. I bought one new in a blow out for $100 a few years ago. I imagine you could find one pretty cheap. Its a tabletop thing too--no rack. It sounds a lot better than the nanoverb and has complete control of all parameters.

Fletchers idea is a good one too. Before digital reverb, thats the principle that a lot of reverb tanks were built on, except for plate reverbs.
 
Great suggestion on the Wedge, I used to have two of them and they are the best reverb alesis has come out with. I sold both a while back, but they are definitely worth it if you can find one in great condition for cheap. They are also super easy to use, one of the best interfaces ever on a digital effects device, in my opinion.
 
Make it three votes for the Alesis Wedge. Killer little box.
 
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