The Alesis MicroVerb is a compact reverberation box that can be used in the studio or on the stage. I've only used this little reverb box in the recording studio for getting some quick verb, but it's certainly suitable for any sort of use. There are a number of different version of the MicroVerb, but this review is for the original. We have one of these in one of the smaller studios in the studio complex where I work, and it's already hooked up to the patch bay so I don't know the connections in the back since I haven't had a need to hook it up. It isn't rackmountable exactly, as it takes up about a third the size of a single rack mountable space. UTILIZATION The configuration of the Alesis MicroVerb is quite simple. There isn't much to using it at all, as it only has a few different parameters to work with. This simple make up is the reason I like using it for getting a quick reverb sound, as otherwise I don't find it to be incredibly useful. There are a number of modes to choose from, including a variety of large and small reverb room sizes, two gate reverbs, and a reverse reverb mode. It also has parameters for input, mix, and output. A manual isn't needed, although I haven't seen one so I can't speak to how well it's put together or not. SOUND QUALITY While not the most impressive sounding reverb out there, for a small compact box with a good amount of different sounds, the Alesis MicroVerb gets the job done just fine. I don't think that I would use it for printing any reverb, but I use it a lot just for getting a quick sound to listen to in the studio and then later I'll print reverb with the real plate reverb that we have. I like the larger room reverb sounds the best, but the reverse is awesome sounding as well. In general the sounds aren't the most realistic, but are certainly more than useful. OVERALL OPINION The Alesis MicroVerb has become somewhat obsolete, as there are many reverb plug-ins out there that are capable of getting these sort of sounds and better. However, it is a cool little box and I do use it on occasion if I'm looking for this sort of sound. While I must admit that it doesn't make it on too many recordings that I've done, I still enjoy using it as it's nice to have for a quick auxiliary reverb if I don't want to use a plug-in or I'm in a room that doesn't have a plate reverb. All in all, while I can't say I'd recommend buying one, the MicroVerb is a cool little reverb that will still see some use out there...
Obviously this is primarily a reverb rack unit, you do get some other effects to color things up. There is Delay, chorus, pitch mod, flange, leslie simulation (ok, nothing really nails the real sound except the real thing) and some special effects and harmonizer type effects. This is a digital effect, but clean and warm none the less. You cannot edit it through a computer, but it does have midi in/out. Besides the midi, you get Stereo 1/4" in and Stereo out. You can run mono also, but I recommend stereo, you get more out of the effects that way. You also get a 1/4" stereo footswitch input, which is Very! awesome. It gives you a couple of options. You can use it as a bypass switch (on/off effect), a control switch when you use the leslie simulation (speed up or slow down) and you can use it as a tap tempo by tapping it, or by holding it down and playing something, of which the unit figures the tempo out accordingly. VERY COOL! Yes, it is a rack mounted unit. UTILIZATION This is a pretty simple unit to use. Most basic reverb units are. You get 100 presets and 100 user banks to save into. They give you a sheet with a total breakdown of the effects and that is very helpful, don't lose that unless you have great memory. Its nice to have nearby when using this unit live. It has two knobs on the left side that are for quick editing. They correspond to the each effect preset and have different applications for each. The manual is easy to read and has answered all of my questions so far. Again, the preset list is key. SOUND QUALITY You can find this unit for under $160 and for that price, this reverb is great! Some of the extra effects (pitch mod, harmonizers) I don't really see using that much, but they are fun sometimes and I like having them there...they might grow on me. I use this mainly in recording and I use if for everything that needs a little reverb, especially vocals. But it works great for drums, guitar, keys, you name it. They have a lot of presets already edited to work with certain instruments (pretty convenient). If I had to pick, it sounds the best on the vocals, but sometimes I use it on the whole master mix and get some pretty cool post production effects. I really don't dislike this thing on anything I have used so far. Its a reverb and it sounds good, so you really can't go wrong. OVERALL OPINION I have only had this for 2 months, but I use it all the time. The best thing about this unit is how affordable it is. You really get a lot of bang for your bank. I also have to mention again the foot pedal options, I love it. So far, I can't say anything bad about it. I have used some really nice plug ins in a pro studio and some of those sounded better than this unit, but most were more expensive and overall, they didn't beat the microverb down, they were just better. I also had a yamaha REV-100 which I didn't really care for. All the plate reverbs reminded me of the song "I just died in your arms tonight," which I didn't like. In fairness, it was pretty hot stuff back in the mid 90's, but I never really liked that era for pop music. Overall opinion on value.... SWEET DEAL I would definitely buy this unit again!!
