One part Golden Reverberator and one part Starlight Echo Station, Universal Audio’s Del-Verb Ambience Companion combines six of the UAFX series’ authentic effect models into a stereo reverb and delay powerhouse. First up, this pedal’s reverb side contains three exacting emulations, with a classic tube-driven spring reverb, an atmospheric plate reverb unit, and a clarity-packed hall reverb from the early days of the digital revolution. They’re all perfectly paired with the delay side’s ‘70s-style tape echo, pedal-inspired analog delay, and the UAFX Precision delay for a well-defined digital snap. Moreover, the delay side offers two setting-specific knobs — Color and Mod — to unlock an endless level of tweaking, and that’s before you get to the UAFX app’s downloadable custom voicings. A wealth of utility features, including analog dry through, spillover/trails functionality, tap tempo, stereo/dual mono operation, and more, complete the long-standing UAFX formula of packing studio-grade sound into a simple stompbox.
Three expertly emulated echoes
The Del-Verb Ambience Companion’s reverb side contains three expertly emulated modes, the same modes found on Universal Audio’s highly renowned Golden Reverberator pedal.
- Spring 65: This setting comes straight out of an early ’60s tube amp with a veritable wave of surfy splash. Golden Unit captures the de-facto standard guitar reverb tone, and Sweetwater guitarists of all stripes often prefer a spring-style reverb for a do-it-all workhorse ’verb.
- Plate 140: Replicates the moody sound of the world’s first plate reverb unit. This setting produces a dense, full reverb that adds weight and atmosphere to your every note.
- Hall 224: Clean, crisp, and clear — this mode is based on the first-ever digital reverb units, with a shimmering hall tone.
A trio of top-class delays
Just like the reverb section, the Del-Verb’s delay algorithms come straight out of another classic Universal Audio pedal: the Starlight Echo Station.
- Tape EP-III: If you’re after a character-filled delay with plenty of wow and flutter, this mode will surely be your go-to. Tape EP-III is a nearly indistinguishable re-creation of a legendary tape echo unit from the ’70s, famously used by some of rock’s most renowned guitarists.
- Analog DMM: If you’re not sure what this one is, one strum through the Analog DMM is sure to jog your memory, man. It’s an absolute classic of analog delay tone with massive character in the color-filled degrading repeats.
- Precision: Vibe-filled analog and tape delays are all well and good, but sometimes the pristine echo of a digital delay is required. When that time comes, flip over to the Precision mode for crystal-clear repeats with the utmost sonic clarity.
