Alesis NanoVerb

The reason why I bought the Nanoverb was to have a small portable unit I could take with me to gigs. Quite often at smaller venues I see that there is maybe one single Reverb Unit for the mixing board - or even none at all. As it is not really the job of the sound technician to supply the equipment (unless of course it is a requirement) it still is good to have a plan B around.
So I purchased the Nanoverb from Alesis. It is really straightforward and the sound is not astonishing - but the quality is enough for most live applications.
The effects can't really be edited. There is an 'Adjust' knob that sets a fixed parameter (i.e. frequency of Chorus and so on) but that doesn't really qualify for editing. Also not Presets can be saved. This unit is truly 'quick-and-dirty'.
The whole thing is of course digital and has a stereo in, stereo out and bypass out on the back.

UTILIZATION

As I already mentioned the unit is truly straightforward. You have five knobs on the front: Input, Mix, Output, FX select and Adjust. So basically choose one of the 16 presets (Chorus, Delay, Flange, Rotary and Reverbs) and see what the Adjust knob does to the signal. That's really it - the manual really isn't needed.
The unit is built very well and the five knobs give a very easy overview on the parameters - this is what makes it excellent for Live. If you want to you could build 3 NanoVerbs into one Rackspace.

SOUND QUALITY

I found the Chorus, Flange and Rotary to be ok at best. I don't know where I would be using them - surely not in the studio. And Live I just don't really need these kinds of effects.

Delay and Reverb are very nice for Live applications - again in the studio I am not so sure. I think I would prefer a Plug-In or look for a more specific effects unit.
The reverb sounds are quite dense and you need to be careful to not make the signal too wet. In the right ratio they are very usefull - too much and the signal is lost in a sea of sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought this unit a few years ago and must say that I have not used it as much as I intended to. It is however nice and small and Alesis has always been very good at making good quality devices for a decent price. I don't think I would buy it again as there are simply better solutions out today. On the other hand I am not willing to sell it because its construction is very solid and it is very easy to adjust the sound.

Conventional stereo digital effects presets (reverb, delay, chorus etc..). Compact case (probably not rackable). Adjusting the depth or duration. Dry / Wet mix. I / O 4 TRS. Activity indicator and saturation. Setting the input and output levels.

UTILIZATION

Used instrument effect (dry / wet) and indeed console (100% wet). In both cases, the result is satisfactory and can get out of tricky situations. Obviously there is certainly better since ... It lacks fine adjustments on the effects ...

SOUND QUALITY

I mainly use 'hall' and 'flat' on guitar, vocals, violin, flute ... Personally, I do not like too much delay in general, but some like it ... They assume their choice!

Never had the opportunity to test chorus, flanger and rotary ... not very popular in the traditional ...

OVERALL OPINION

more than 15 years ... perfect reliability. Value attractive price, but it is certainly better now. Very compact, always on hand to help me ...

I would do the selection with newer hardware, yes ...

multi effect modulation by i / 3 U rack, so all digital. The steel hull gives it strength over time in terms of shocks, but the subject is very sensitive to dust, humidity etc ...

UTILIZATION

There is a control button and a selector effect so it is not complicated at the same time is very limited when it is known as a reverb is already difficult to configure with lots of buttons!

SOUND QUALITY

I find cold and very usable effects, they go with what the price, the rotary is the surprise of the box, because it is a neutral and not too tooth so the digital side. The chorus are toy, and reverbs are mostly unmanageable, and those that are, they are not natural.

OVERALL OPINION

I did not keep it long because I had no use! There is no need to hang a rack still a pedal for guitar offers better results for the same price! The money is great but in terms of quality ... It remains in the Alesis anything. It is good to start with, or in support.

- Multi-effect digital entry level with pay 18bits.
- Many effects but we particularly note the reverbs.
- Little choice in editions the wet / dry mix knob and an effect setting (reverb for the length, the repetition time for the echo, the rotation speed for the leslie ...)
- Stereo input and output mono compatible. 1 input for connecting an FX pedal for triggering the foot

UTILIZATION

Use, could not be more simple.

SOUND QUALITY

I love all the reverbs which although very connoted digital reverbs (algorithm) is no shortage of heat and may also have a certain cachet following uses.
It can be used on any instrument and voice.
The chorus is nice too ... in fact I regret the delay doubles FX who mix with reverb or chorus with reverb ... It's not bad but they are the only setting button rarely allows to reach the desired setting ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for over 10 years .... and I think there have been reprints since the first version I have.
I regret that crachottent mainly knobs ... Not cool when you want to move into live settings ... I also regret not generated the breath machine that is not always negligible and finally I think the PSU is much room for improvement ... (Ronflette. ..)
If not for the price it's very good to begin