I Think I Found The Best Reverb 🌌

Also best budget reverb!

0:00 - Reverb and me
2:34 - Bricasti M7
4:50 - Methodology
7:24 - The Winner!
11:00 - Synth Demos
13:31 - Guitar Demos
15:03 - Raw Algorithms
18:39 - Synth Demos II
19:54 - Meris's UI
27:24 - Reverb + Tape Delay
30:03 - Boss RV-200
30:45 - Ugh
32:31 - Most "Affordable" Pedal
34:24 - Empress Reverb

[BennJordan]

Yes, this very much is a gear review video. It took weeks to make, and there's even a Part II coming next.

I mentioned very clearly in my previous video that it would take a few weeks to transition. More importantly, the reason I'm winding down videos like this is because I don't enjoy it as much, not because I made a promise to anyone.

If that changes, then I may decide to do them again. It's my channel, after all. 😂

If that is unacceptable to you, fair enough. Here's how to never see my face here again:

[MerisUs]

A friend tapped our shoulder regarding this video. We're absolutely blown away. There are so many companies out there making amazing effects . So to get your #1 vote is a big deal. This is the most comprehensive and meticulous demo we have ever seen haha. It looked like ALOT of work. We're grateful. Your custom patches sounded absolutely gorgeous.

[bogeydogg]

Benn, I wanted to tell you that I understand EXACTLY why you're not enjoying making gear videos. I also wanted to tell you that myself and a lot of others in this community are very bummed out about it because of videos like THIS. This is a video people expect when they pay hundreds of dollars for a masterclass.
You came to YouTube with decades of experience in music and pro-audio and then you very visibly do everything you can to avoid bias because you know that you are more valuable as a trusted asset to musicians than you are as an influencer. To many of us you are the most valued creator in this space and the rapid growth of your channel (along with its annoyances) is a reflection of that.
Please do not take this as a guilt trip to try and get you to make videos you don't want to make. I'm sure whatever you do will have the same degree of value. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!!

[bryant]

So much of the “gear sphere” is just a game of telephone from forums and YouTube telling folks what sounds best, all subject to opinion (and sponsorship). You sir did the math and brought the receipts. That’s proof we can trust. Thank you.

[martinomburajr]

Your obsession with sound is amazing. I can watch hours of your videos going down these crazy rabbit holes. You take us on journeys we appreciate. How you don’t have 1Mill subs yet is a mystery

[kihokahoka]

Hello Benn, I am one of the guys at GFI. We're honored you picked Specular Tempus as the best "affordable" reverb as there are so many awesome reverb out there and the ST itself has been around since 2018. Your demo video of the Specular Tempus algorithms is still the best one we've seen so far.

[gfisys]

The analysis doesn't get more thorough than this! Really enjoyed the video. It's also so refreshing to see a good ol' sharpie-on-a-paper diagram these days. Thanks for the shoutout, Benn, and looking forward for the Part II !

[devinbelangermusic]

I can't wait to see your choice! I am a certified reverb addict and my 3 fave reverbs I've ever used on my records are: Meris MercuryX (just an absolute beast that anyone who loves reverb should check out), Walrus Sloer (so much vibe and character and the best sounding modulation), Empress Reverb (learned about it from Benn years ago, still unbeatable for workhorse sounds like halls/plates etc).

[stefansynths]

I would love an in-depth video on reverb DSP. I know it wouldn't perform well, but it could be a valuable resource for more people to get involved with this dark magic.

[TheForeboding]

Confession to make. I have a bit of a Reverb pedal addiction myself. Got the Empress, Mercury-7, Hall of Fame 2, Secret Path, Nightsky and since yesterday I have the Slöer too. I used to own the Big Sky, Blue Sky, Slö and Blackhole. The best? That doesn't exist. Any pedal works for any combination of instruments, but they all have their own character. The fact that this video came out yesterday, right when the Slöer arrived is scary timing. Thanks for this Benn.

[silverXnoise]

I played guitar in a post-rock band a while back, and our reverb of choice was (and still is) the Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail. Simple, workmanlike, but its sound is versatile and beautiful. I like these new “shimmer” reverbs, but I don’t know that I’d have anything else on my pedal board.

[Distortic]

I love how you feed the trolls accusing you of being a shill. I always enjoy your analytical views on what exactly you feel sounds best, and then you blow us away with seemingly simple demos. My opinion is that algorithms are the secret sauce and a simple daw wich most of us have with cheap or free reverbs is more than enough for my production needs. And you even say that. The perspective you offer on how to listen and design sound is what makes you invaluable to the community as a whole. Thanks Ben

[terra_zero]

12:20 damn dude, was watching this while I was working and had to take off my headset and stop working to fully appreciate that little adventure. Super sick!

[michaelfaymusic]

When I bought this last week I was unaware that it was capable of doing all of my household chores alongside being such an amazing sounding reverb. I was pretty impressed by the earlier demos but I just realized from watching this that I purchased it on sound alone and am pleasantly stunned by its depth! Great video sir.

[mazzky]

Excited for the 'weird' reverbs. Also, I really appreciate that these reviews go into the theory and execution of these products. I'm not particularly enamored with the Meris for myself but I still get so much from just watching you talk about how reverbs work in general. Its like a review+. I'm sort of happy you're not going to do straight up gear reviews anymore (I have enough GAS as it is) but I hope you continue to talk about the how of music gear.

[johnnyjules]

Years ago when I discovered your channel, I bought the Empress Reverb because of your video. I'm still in love with the both of you.

[christopherscholl]

I loved the long format demo. Reverb is fun to listen to. Thanks for this.

[henryhill]

Undersold the UAFX Golden there a bit, the plate and spring modes on it are the best I've ever heard from a pedal. For those of us who are more into vintage electro-mechanical reverbs than digital reverbs, its great

[adde]

Thanks - I had just convinced myself that I didn't really need this pedal :D Also worth mentioning that GFI Skylar is a really nice "budget" version of the Specular Tempus, and only about $200.

[isaiahburkhart]

Looking forward to this. Just picked up a Mercury X demo a couple days ago and it is blowing my mind. Taking it slow with all the options. I found your channel just a year ago and have been very impressed with the content. I really appreciate the transparency. As someone who has worked serving others for the last 25 years, it has become commonplace to complain - even when the service is free. I have learned a tremendous amount from your content and I hope you stay true to your path. I also love the gear vids, so if you want to keep sprinkling those in occasionally you're not going to hurt my feelings. Have a happy holidays.