Problem with low output on Alesis Nanoverb

[brassplyer]

I strongly suspect something is wrong with the output level on an Alesis Nanoverb. Even with the input set just a hair under clipping and the output at full throttle, I get low output gain, never comes anywhere near full scale. The sound that's there is good but I think something is crippled. I tried using it in the insert jack of my preamp and it's still low.

If memory serves, I had issues with it years ago but then got into using software reverb and never really delved into the problem further. I'd like to try using it again and wondering if there's a relatively simply fix for this. Anyone have similar issues with this unit and fixed it or think they know what the problem is anyway? I don't mind brandishing a soldering iron. Yeah, I could get another one but want to see if I can fix this one.

Thanks.

 

[witzendoz]

I tried using it in the insert jack of my preamp and it's still low

How are you doing this, as a insert return, Insert sending to the nanoverb returning to the insert?

Or just taking the lead and plugging the output into the insert? If so this could be the problem.

It is supposed to be plugged into a line level input.

alan.

 

[brassplyer]

I tried using it in the insert jack of my preamp and it's still low

How are you doing this, as a insert return, Insert sending to the nanoverb returning to the insert?

Yes. TRS end into the insert jack on the pre, Tip lead into the left input jack on the Nano, Ring lead into the left output jack on the Nano.

 

[witzendoz]

Yes. TRS end into the insert jack on the pre, Tip lead into the left input jack on the Nano, Ring lead into the left output jack on the Nano.

That should work, have you tried taking the output from the nano to another channel line in to see if you get any level that way?

How have you got the mix knob, doe it make any difference to the volume? With the mix knob dry the signal should pass straight through.

Have you tried the insert lead on another device? Or tried the insert lead reversed (swap the leads to the input and output) to check it's wired up correctly.

Cheers
Alan.

 

[bamalamalu]

My Nanoverb 2 has the same problem and it's my 2nd unit. Had to send the first one back to Thomann. I dont bother about it anymore. Its crap! The only piece of gear I regret that I bought. Dont buy another one!
Now I´m using my Marshall Reflector guitar pedal instead. Works ok for vintage reverb in the studio You can also try to hook up a spring reverb tank to your mixer if you want old school reverb.

 

[Bobbsy]

My first home reverb unit was a Nanoverb and it was okay regarding levels--the only criticism I'd have was a bit of self noise but nothing too drastic. I still like the Plate 1 reverb on some voices!

I always fed it from an aux out on a mixer but any proper line level should be okay--might be worth querying with the supplier.

 

[Lt. Bob]

man .... that Nanoverb is about the worst sounding reverb that anyone anywhere has ever made in the history of reverb so you guys are lucky if it won't get loud enough to hear.
Yeah, the only voice on it that even appraoches being usable is the plate 1 but that's just because it's not quite as awful as all the other voices.

I have a couple that i bought for something cheap to throw around but they sounded so bad I couldn't use them and they sat in a drawer for several years.
This summer I had a real need for one on my Sunday gig 'cause I needed a small extra set-up to make the scheduling work out on that day.
So I dug out one of the Nanos ....... I did use it all summer but it is the very definition of clangy trashy poorly designer nasty digital reverb and was pretty close to unusable.
The only way i could use it was to have it VERY down in the mix ..... if it ever got where you could actually hear it ...... horrible.

As soon as my last summer gig was over I tossed it in the garbage.
I wouldn't even give it to someone because it's so bad.

 

[Blue Jinn]

I think I read somewhere that the nano series have crappy power supplies. (Low voltage rails, i.e. no headroom)

Don't know if that would make a difference, but just saying....