Erica Synths Nightverb

With a strong focus on lush, ethereal reverbs, this desktop device strikes a decent balance between simplicity and versatility.

Erica Synths’ Nightverb is a desktop‑format, stereo‑in, stereo‑out algorithmic reverb effect processor that has enough input level adjustment to allow it to be used with the hotter signal levels of modular synths as well as instruments like guitars and keyboard synths. For those unfamiliar with Erica Synths, the company are based in Latvia, where they also do their manufacturing. Their products have tended to focus on Eurorack modules, desktop instruments and desktop processors — some of which are quite esoteric!

Overview

Nightverb has more in common with what were traditionally rackmount reverb processors than with pedals (there’s no footswitch unless you add an external one), and it’s designed with ease of use in mind, which means it has perhaps fewer user‑adjustable parameters than some of the more feature‑heavy software reverbs. Despite that, it’s capable of generating a surprisingly wide range of reverb effects. While perfectly capable of creating small space emulations and typical studio reverbs, Nightverb’s main focus seems to be on lush, ethereal reverb textures, and though the longest don’t reach infinity, they can probably see it on a clear day! All of which makes it a particularly good fit for electronica and ambient musical styles.

We’re informed that the stereo reverb algorithm used in Nightverb was developed by 112dB, who develop plug‑ins and, more recently, Eurorack modules in Utrecht in the Netherlands, and it runs on Erica Synths’ own custom DSP engine. The styling of Nightverb is clearly related to that of 112dB’s Black Stereo Reverb and Black Stereo Delay Eurorack modules, which are also available from Erica Synths.

Sporting a dark‑as‑night theme, with a moth graphic picked out in gold, the Nightverb is visually striking, and it’s housed in a rugged folded metal case with large, vintage‑style knobs, clear graphics and a gently sloping profile that sits perfectly on a desk. The overall size, including knobs, is 230 x 145 x 70mm, and it weighs 833g. On the rear of the case are two balanced TRS jack inputs, two balanced TRS jack outputs, a footswitch jack, a USB socket for patch backup and firmware updates (there’s no software editor, which could have been a handy touch) plus a PSU input for the included 12V, centre‑positive power supply. If you plan on using a pedalboard PSU, then, you’ll need one that has fully isolated outputs with a polarity swapping cable for the Nightverb in order to accommodate the centre‑positive connection. Mono operation is catered for by plugging into the designated jack and the unit is also happy working with...