Do you dream of creating vast, echoing soundscapes with your guitar? Imagine notes that shimmer and hang in the air, painting pictures with sound. Many guitarists want to make these beautiful, ambient sounds. But choosing the perfect reverb pedal can feel like navigating a foggy forest. There are so many choices, and they all promise something different!
It’s tough to know which pedal will give you that perfect, ethereal wash of sound. Do you need a long, cavernous decay or a subtle, shimmering halo? This confusion can stop you from making the music you hear in your head. But don’t worry, this blog post is here to help!
By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a great ambient reverb pedal. We’ll break down the different types of reverb and what to look for. Get ready to discover the secrets to unlocking your own dreamy, atmospheric guitar tone.
Our Top 5 Reverb Pedals For Ambient Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Reverb Pedals For Ambient Detailed Reviews
1. Walrus Audio Fundamental Series Ambient Reverb
Rating: 8.5/10
The Walrus Audio Fundamental Series Ambient Reverb pedal is a fantastic tool for guitarists who want to create big, beautiful soundscapes. It’s part of Walrus Audio’s new Fundamental Series, which aims to bring their signature sounds to more players. This pedal looks great with its classic black finish and cool blue and off-white ink details.
What We Like:
- It offers three different reverb styles that create amazing, spacious sounds.
- The pedal has a cool black finish with blue and off-white ink that looks sharp on any pedalboard.
- It’s designed to be easy to use, making it simple to dial in your desired reverb.
- The sounds it produces are truly vast and lush, perfect for adding atmosphere to your music.
What Could Be Improved:
- The power supply is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
- Walrus Audio recommends using an isolated power supply, which adds to the overall cost if you don’t already have one.
- Daisy-chaining power supplies is not recommended, meaning you might need more power outlets than you think.
If you’re looking to add some incredible depth and atmosphere to your guitar playing, the Walrus Audio Fundamental Series Ambient Reverb is definitely worth checking out. It delivers stunning reverb tones in a straightforward and stylish package.
2. Strymon Cloudburst Ambient Reverb Guitar Pedal with Ensemble Engine
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to dive into a whole new world of sound with the Strymon Cloudburst Ambient Reverb Guitar Pedal. This pedal isn’t just about making your guitar sound good; it’s about creating amazing soundscapes. Whether you play electric guitar, acoustic guitar, synths, sing, or play keyboards, Cloudburst can help you make incredible music.
What We Like:
- It can make your sound go from a small room to a huge, endless space.
- The special Ensemble engine creates cool, evolving sounds that react to how you play.
- It’s super easy to use, even with all the amazing stuff it does.
- It fits easily into your music setup and sounds great for electric and acoustic guitars, as well as synths, vocals, and keyboards.
- The sound quality is top-notch, just like you’d expect from Strymon.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price point might be a bit high for some beginners.
- While versatile, it’s primarily focused on ambient sounds, so if you need a very traditional, short reverb, other pedals might be more specialized.
The Strymon Cloudburst truly unlocks new sonic possibilities. It’s a powerful tool for any musician looking to add depth and character to their sound.
3. JOYO Reverb Pedal 9 Digital Reverb Types with Modulation and Trail Function for Electric Guitar Effect (Atmosphere R-14)
Rating: 9.1/10
The JOYO Atmosphere R-14 pedal is a powerhouse of reverb, offering guitarists nine different digital reverb sounds. You can explore classic spring reverb, the vastness of a church hall, or the smooth decay of a plate reverb. It even includes unique sounds like Eko-Verb, Shimmer, Comet, Rewind, Forest, and Pulse. Beyond the core reverb types, you get dedicated controls for modulation effects depth, allowing you to add movement and character to your sound. The convenient “Trail” function switch lets your reverb tail fade out naturally when you turn the pedal off, making transitions seamless. Its cool new look, complete with ambient lights, gives it a futuristic yet retro vibe that’s sure to make playing more enjoyable, whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing on stage. JOYO is a trusted brand with a decade of experience, known for its affordable and inspiring gear that guitarists worldwide love.
What We Like:
- Offers nine diverse digital reverb types, including unique modulation sounds.
- The Trail function provides natural effect decay for smooth transitions.
- Dedicated modulation depth control adds extra sonic possibilities.
- Stylish design with ambient lights enhances the playing experience.
- JOYO has a strong brand reputation for quality and affordability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Using the pedal correctly requires a proper connection to your guitar.
- It’s recommended to use a JOYO original power adapter or one that meets the pedal’s current requirements to avoid noise.
The JOYO Atmosphere R-14 is a fantastic pedal for adding depth and character to your guitar sound.
4. LEKATO Reverb Digital Guitar Effect Pedal
Rating: 9.4/10
The LEKATO Reverb EP-03 pedal brings a universe of sound to your electric guitar. With 9 different reverb effects, it helps you create everything from subtle room echoes to vast, dreamy soundscapes. This pedal is built tough for the road and easy to use, making it a great addition for any guitarist looking to expand their sonic palette.
What We Like:
- It has 9 different reverb effects like Room, Hall, Plate, Spring, Shimmer, Cloud, Bloom, Swell, and LoFi.
- The pedal is made of strong metal, so it can handle being used a lot, even on stage.
- You can power it with a USB-C cable or a 9V DC adapter, giving you lots of options.
- It uses a powerful 32-bit DSP to give you clear and rich reverb sounds without any delay.
- The controls are simple and easy to understand, letting you adjust your sound quickly.
- It has a true bypass, meaning your guitar’s original sound stays pure when the effect is off.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many effects, some guitarists might want even more variety.
- The “LoFi” effect, while unique, might not be for everyone.
The LEKATO Reverb EP-03 is a solid choice for guitarists wanting to add quality reverb to their setup. Its versatility and durable design make it a valuable tool for any musician.
5. SONICAKE Delay Reverb 2 in 1 Guitar Effects Pedal Digital Levitate
Rating: 9.3/10
The SONICAKE Delay Reverb 2 in 1 Guitar Effects Pedal Digital Levitate is a cool gadget for guitar players. It gives you two awesome sounds: a digital delay and a plate reverb. This pedal can make your guitar sound bigger and more interesting, like you’re playing in a concert hall or creating cool echo effects. It’s designed to be easy to use, even for beginners, and adds a lot of sonic possibilities to your playing.
What We Like:
- It combines two popular effects, delay and reverb, into one pedal.
- The delay can last up to 2000 milliseconds, which is a really long time for cool echoes.
- The reverb has a big “decay” setting, letting you control how long the reverb sound lasts.
- It has a “Trail” function so the echo and reverb don’t just stop suddenly when you turn the pedal off.
- The “Tap Tempo” feature lets you easily set the delay speed by tapping your foot.
- Its special buffer bypass circuit keeps your guitar’s original sound clear and strong.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pedal requires a 9V center-negative power supply, which is not included.
This SONICAKE pedal is a fantastic way to add depth and atmosphere to your guitar playing. It’s a versatile tool that can bring your sound to life.
Finding Your Dream Reverb: A Guide to Ambient Pedals
Ambient music needs a special kind of reverb. It’s all about creating vast soundscapes and dreamy textures. This guide will help you pick the perfect reverb pedal to make your guitar sound like it’s floating in space.
What to Look for in an Ambient Reverb Pedal
When you’re shopping for an ambient reverb pedal, a few things are super important.
1. Reverb Types: The Heart of the Sound
- Hall and Cathedral: These are classic choices. They give you that big, open sound, like you’re playing in a huge church. Think long, lingering trails of sound.
- Shimmer: This is where things get magical. Shimmer adds high-pitched, octave-shifted notes to your reverb. It sounds like glowing bells or angelic choirs. Many ambient players love this effect.
- Plate: Plate reverb mimics the sound of an old metal plate used for reverb. It’s bright and lively, great for adding a sense of space without washing out your notes.
- Spring: While often thought of for surf rock, some spring reverbs can be tweaked for ambient sounds, offering a more vintage, slightly quirky feel.
- Specialty Modes: Some pedals have unique modes like “Gated,” “Reverse,” or “Lofi” that can add interesting textures to your ambient playing.
2. Controls and Versatility: Your Sonic Palette
- Decay/Time: This is how long the reverb tail lasts. For ambient, you’ll want a long decay, often 10 seconds or more.
- Mix/Level: This controls how much reverb you hear mixed with your dry guitar signal. You want to be able to dial in just the right amount of wash.
- Tone/EQ: Being able to shape the tone of your reverb is crucial. You might want to brighten it up or make it darker.
- Modulation: Some pedals let you add a gentle wobble or chorus effect to the reverb. This can make your sound even more dreamy and alive.
3. True Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass: Keeping Your Signal Clean
- True Bypass: When the pedal is off, your guitar signal goes straight through without being changed. This is good for keeping your core tone pure.
- Buffered Bypass: The pedal has a buffer circuit that keeps your signal strong, especially if you have many pedals. This can help prevent tone loss over long cable runs. For ambient, either can work, but a good buffer is often helpful.
Materials and Build Quality: Built to Last
Most good reverb pedals are built with sturdy metal casings. This protects the delicate electronics inside. Look for pedals that feel solid and have well-made knobs and switches. This means they’ll handle being stomped on during gigs.
Factors That Affect Quality
- Digital vs. Analog: Most ambient reverbs are digital. This allows for complex algorithms that create those huge, shimmering sounds. Analog reverbs are rarer for ambient and tend to have shorter, more vintage-sounding tails.
- DSP (Digital Signal Processing): The quality of the chip that processes the sound makes a big difference. Better DSP means clearer, more realistic, and more unique reverb effects.
- User Interface: How easy is it to change settings? Pedals with intuitive layouts are better for quick adjustments.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ambient reverb pedals are perfect for creating atmospheric soundscapes.
- Solo Guitarists: They can make a single guitar sound like a whole band or orchestra.
- Post-Rock and Shoegaze: These genres rely heavily on lush reverb to create their signature sound.
- Sound Design: Musicians who want to create unique textures and moods will find these pedals invaluable.
- Practice and Songwriting: They can inspire new ideas and make practicing more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What makes a reverb pedal good for ambient music?
A: Good ambient reverb pedals have long decay times, versatile reverb types like Hall, Cathedral, and Shimmer, and controls that let you shape the sound.
Q: What is “Shimmer” reverb?
A: Shimmer reverb adds high-pitched, octave-shifted notes to the reverb tail, creating a bright, angelic sound.
Q: Do I need a pedal with true bypass for ambient music?
A: True bypass keeps your signal pure when the pedal is off. Buffered bypass can help maintain signal strength with many pedals. Both can work for ambient, but a good buffer is often useful.
Q: How long should the decay time be for ambient reverb?
A: For ambient music, you’ll want a long decay, often 10 seconds or more, to create those vast soundscapes.
Q: Are all ambient reverb pedals digital?
A: Most ambient reverb pedals are digital because digital technology allows for more complex and unique reverb effects. Analog reverbs are less common for this style.
Q: Can I use ambient reverb for other music styles?
A: Yes, you can use ambient reverb for many styles. It can add depth and space to blues, rock, or even pop music.
Q: What is the difference between a Hall and a Cathedral reverb?
A: Both are large-sounding reverbs. Cathedral is generally larger and has a longer decay than Hall, offering an even more immense space.
Q: How does modulation affect ambient reverb?
A: Modulation adds a subtle movement or wobble to the reverb tail, making it sound more dynamic and alive, which is great for dreamy textures.
Q: Should I look for pedals with a built-in looper for ambient playing?
A: Some ambient players like loopers to build up layers of sound with reverb. It’s a nice bonus but not essential for the reverb itself.
Q: What are some popular brands for ambient reverb pedals?
A: Popular brands include Strymon, Walrus Audio, Eventide, EQD (EarthQuaker Devices), and Boss.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.