Empress Effects Reverb

The Empress Reverb is a stereo reverb processor in stompbox format, offering 32 algorithms across 12 mode types (as of firmware 6.0, updatable via SD card) with 24-bit/48 kHz conversion and 32-bit internal processing. The key design decision that separates the Empress Reverb from competitors: an Analog Dry Path with wet/dry blending through a VCA – the dry signal never passes through the ADC/DAC stage, eliminating latency and digital artefacts on the direct signal. Dry path dynamic range: 106.9 dBA. Dry path THD: 0.09%. An output transformer on Output 2 eliminates ground loops when running stereo into two amplifiers. Power: 9 V DC, 300 mA. Dimensions: 145×95×45 mm. Weight: approx. 680 g.

32 algorithms – range and character of the modes

Twelve reverb mode types each provide two variants: Room, Hall, Plate (Vintage and Studio), Spring (Dark and Bright), Shimmer, Reverse, Ambient, Lo-Fi, Swell, and Ghost – plus Beer mode, a composite ambient algorithm combining a gate, compressor, stereo delays, an octave-up pitch effect, and reverb. Room, Hall, and Plate algorithms are realistic space simulations; Shimmer adds octave-up regeneration; Ghost and Swell target ambient music with freeze capability. Infinite hold is available in most modes by pressing the Select footswitch during play. A built-in 10-minute multitrack looper is activated via the Scroll + Bypass combination, eliminating the need for a separate looper in the chain. New algorithms added via firmware load from a microSD card without a computer.

Universal Control Port and MIDI integration

The Universal Control Port (TS 6.3 mm jack) is a single connector handling five connection types: expression pedal, external tap switch, CV signal (0–5 V), external audio input, and MIDI – mode detection is automatic on connection. This means the Empress Reverb can be controlled from a Eurorack CV source, a stage MIDI controller, a pedalboard external switch, or an expression pedal without hardware reconfiguration. Up to 35 presets in scrolling or bank mode. Bypass is selectable between true bypass and buffered bypass (trails) via the configuration menu. A 0/6/12 dB input pad adjusts headroom for high-level input signals.

KEY FEATURES

• 32 reverb algorithms across 12 mode types (firmware 6.0), updatable via SD card
• Analog Dry Path – dry signal never passes through ADC/DAC
• Wet/dry blending via VCA – no zipper noise
• Output transformer on Output 2 – ground loop elimination in stereo setup
• Universal Control Port: expression pedal / CV / tap switch / audio in / MIDI
• Up to 35 presets (scrolling or bank mode)
• True bypass or buffered bypass (trails) – selectable via menu
• Input pad: 0 / 6 / 12 dB
• Built-in 10-minute multitrack looper
• Infinite hold available in most algorithms
• Firmware updates via microSD

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: stereo reverb processor, stompbox
• Algorithms: 32 (firmware 6.0), 12 mode types with 2 variants each
• Converters: 24-bit / 48 kHz
• Internal processing: 32-bit
• Dry path: analog (Analog Dry Path)
• Dynamic range (dry): 106.9 dBA
• Dynamic range (wet): 105.5 dBA
• THD (dry): 0.09%
• THD (wet): 0.22%
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ
• Output impedance: 100 Ω (Output 1) / 600 Ω (Output 2, transformer-isolated)
• Frequency response (dry, –3 dB): 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• Frequency response (wet, –3 dB): 10 Hz – 23.4 kHz
• Input headroom (wet, no pad): +0.5 dBu
• Input headroom (wet, 12 dB pad): +10.8 dBu
• Output headroom: +16.2 dBu
• Input pad: 0 / 6 / 12 dB
• Presets: up to 35
• Control Port: TS 6.3 mm (CV / MIDI / expression / tap / audio in)
• Bypass: true or buffered (selectable)
• Power: 9 V DC, centre-negative, 2.1 mm, 300 mA
• Dimensions: 145 × 95 × 45 mm
• Weight: approx. 680 g