The Empress Queen of Reverb
The Empress Reverb is the crown jewel of spatial effects pedals. Spanning roughly 32 different reverb algorithms, this pedal renders classic sounds like hall, plate, and spring reverb in immaculate hi-fidelity (especially when run in stereo). Where it really shines, however, is via a wide arsenal of modern ’verbs that range from washy and ambient to downright experimental — there’s sparkle octave reverb, ambient swell, lo-fi, and a ghost mode, just to name a few. Parameters are infinitely tweakable with knobs for output, mix, decay, and high/low EQ, plus two variable “Thing” knobs that change function depending on the mode. The result is limitless but immaculately rendered reverb options for modern players. But don’t worry: the Empress allows up to 35 presets, so no matter how crazy your settings get, you can always find your way back via instant recall!
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From hall to haunting: 32 algorithms and counting
The Empress Reverb interface is clean and efficient with a treasure trove of options beneath the hood. The 12 surface-level algorithms you see on the control panel packs a core palette of classic and experimental reverbs, and many of these contain alternate voicings for a grand total of 32 algorithms onboard. Explore incredible spacious hall, plate, spring, room, reverse, delay, and more. Sub-options augment core tones with innovative tweaks: turn hall mode into a modern hall for ultra-clean contemporary reverb; drive sparkle reverb into “glummer” mode for octave-up and down reverb that’s downright cosmic; and scramble lo-fi mode into “warble” for jagged reverb tails and glitched-out modulation. These modes can get funky and fun, but there’s also a host of familiar sub modes for targeted tone tweaking (i.e. bright spring versus dark spring, classic plate versus studio plate). For added power, each mode offers either tap tempo control or an infinite option that lets you hold the left footswitch for a sustained ambient wash that’s out of this world. And because the Empress Reverb is firmware driven, new algorithms are added periodically at no charge and they are easy to install via download from Empress.
Store up to 35 presets — you’re going to need them!
Let’s be real: a customizable reverb pedal does little good without a way to store and recall those favorite settings. The Empress Reverb stores up to 35 presets that are easy to access using an intuitive navigation system. Scroll through groups of five presets using the center scroll footswitch; LED lights change colors once you reach a new set of five, so it’s easy to know where you’re at in your bank. Simply press the left footswitch to choose your preset, and you’re off the to races. Sweetwater pedal hawks like this preset system; it’s simple and intuitive but doesn’t require any fragile screens that might become a point of failure down the line. But if you’d like to try out other preset layouts, you can customize navigation via the pedal’s advanced settings for even more flexibility.
Countless ways to connect and control
The Empress Reverb’s controls excel in their own right, but what’s really impressed Sweetwater pedal sharks is its many external control options. You can connect an expression pedal to swell effects dynamically in real time, add an external tap tempo footswitch for tempo control from a distance, connect it to MIDI, external audio control, or even control the pedal’s voltage for big tone tweaks on the fly. There’s even a built-in cab sim with three modes, which is great for recording, gigs, or practicing without an amp. For simplicity, all connections run through standard instrument cable inputs. Last but not least, the Empress Reverb runs on powerful firmware that’s updated periodically with new algorithms and effects. Installing fresh firmware is simple and easy: just use download the proper files and load them in via SD card using the Empress Reverb’s built-in slot. This way, you can get the latest software without having to shell out for an entirely new unit.
Empress Reverb Pedal Features:
- 12 core reverb algorithms, with multiple variations for a total of 32 current algorithms on current firmware (6.0)
- Classic reverb modes: hall, plate, spring, room, delay, and reverse
- More experimental and ambient options for unique and refreshing sounds: sparkle, modulation, ambient swell, ghost, lo-fi, and beer
- High and low EQ knobs for tuning tone to your liking
- Save up to 35 presets for convenient recall — never lose a perfect tone again!
- Preset system uses color-shifting LEDs for high-vis navigation that gets you where you need to be
- Tap tempo and infinite hold options (changes depending on which algorithm is activated)
- Built-in cab sim with 3 modes — great for recording, gigs, or practicing without an amp!
- Stereo output option with isolated transformer that eliminates pesky hum and ground loops
- Universal control port: connect an expression pedal, external tap tempo switch, voltage control tools, MIDI, or external audio input
- Advanced controls menu allows true/buffered bypass switching, alternate preset navigation, MIDI configuration, input signal pads, and more
- Updateable firmware support from Empress (future firmware updates must be installed via SD card)
