JeffTadashi « A bit overpriced and untweakable »
Published on 06/13/12 at 21:51The Rocktron Cyborg Reverb is one of the few pedals that Rocktron makes in their "Cyborg" line, which is a little unusual, to say the least. The pedal features 8 digital algorithmic reverbs, 8 preset spots, and it comes with Rocktron's Hush noise-reducing circuitry. It is controllable by midi, via a special connection cable (which comes with the pedal), and it functions off of standard 9 volt DC pedal power.
UTILIZATION
The Rocktron Cyborg Reverb has 8 programmable preset spots, which are selectable by turning the preset knob, or hitting the store switch. If you had to switch from preset 2 to preset 1, however, you would have to press the preset button 7 times, and that can be annoying and problematic. I imagine most people would often switch between a few presets, and this can be a bit of a problem.
SOUND QUALITY
There are 8 reverbs: Two plates, two halls, two rooms, a stadium, and an irregular room (called dual). For each reverb, there are only two controllable parameters: decay, and level. Decay usually sets the length of the decay, which is equivalent to room size on some other reverb units. Level sets the overall mix of the reverb, but it is not possible to get a completely wet signal. With the level maxed, the reverb is about 50% of the overall signal. For a reverb unit, this lack of control is surprising. Simplicity is nice, but there is no way to control the EQ of the reverb, for example. I find that some of the reverbs could use more treble, but I cannot adjust that. Compared to Eventide's Space, this pedal doesn't even come close. But it is at nearly half the price of the Eventide pedal.
OVERALL OPINION
Overall, it's hard to recommend the Rocktron Cyborg Reverb, unless you need 5 or more reverb presets, and want to quickly dial them in. Most guitarists don't have a need for so many preset spots, and would rather have more tonal controls. So it's hard to imagine who exactly needs this pedal. If you can get it cheap, check it out. I got mine on sale for $80.
UTILIZATION
The Rocktron Cyborg Reverb has 8 programmable preset spots, which are selectable by turning the preset knob, or hitting the store switch. If you had to switch from preset 2 to preset 1, however, you would have to press the preset button 7 times, and that can be annoying and problematic. I imagine most people would often switch between a few presets, and this can be a bit of a problem.
SOUND QUALITY
There are 8 reverbs: Two plates, two halls, two rooms, a stadium, and an irregular room (called dual). For each reverb, there are only two controllable parameters: decay, and level. Decay usually sets the length of the decay, which is equivalent to room size on some other reverb units. Level sets the overall mix of the reverb, but it is not possible to get a completely wet signal. With the level maxed, the reverb is about 50% of the overall signal. For a reverb unit, this lack of control is surprising. Simplicity is nice, but there is no way to control the EQ of the reverb, for example. I find that some of the reverbs could use more treble, but I cannot adjust that. Compared to Eventide's Space, this pedal doesn't even come close. But it is at nearly half the price of the Eventide pedal.
OVERALL OPINION
Overall, it's hard to recommend the Rocktron Cyborg Reverb, unless you need 5 or more reverb presets, and want to quickly dial them in. Most guitarists don't have a need for so many preset spots, and would rather have more tonal controls. So it's hard to imagine who exactly needs this pedal. If you can get it cheap, check it out. I got mine on sale for $80.