The Chase Bliss Reverse Mode C is a multidirectional delay pedal built in collaboration with Empress Effects. Chase Bliss describes it as "a fantastical mix of motion and space," an echo made of multiple distinct voices that move in different directions: forward, backward, and up1. Those three echo voices can be isolated or blended together in a variety of ways to create rich, layered repeats and unique panning effects1.
The concept is a tribute. It celebrates a very special mode found on the Empress Superdelay, released in 2008, and for Chase Bliss's 10th anniversary the company teamed up with Empress to make a tribute to that mode12. The pedal was designed collaboratively by Joel Korte of Chase Bliss and Steve Bragg of Empress, a process Korte describes as "really collaborative and natural, one feature leading to the next"3.
Three voices moving in different directions
The core of the Reverse Mode C is its three echo voices, which can be isolated or blended to build layered repeats and panning effects that shift the stereo image14. Pedal of the Day, writing about the pedal, put the emphasis on motion rather than the repeats themselves:
"its signature sound is actually the way it moves. It creates this layered, mesmerizing motion unlike anything we've done"4
On top of the three voices sit six varieties of modulation that can be pushed into audio rate: frequency shifting (x2), vibrato, chorus, and tremolo (x2). The motion can be synced to the delay time or left free-running14. The Time knob sets the master delay time, with a maximum of 4.19 seconds when maxed out, and tap tempo is on board as well51.
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Three echo voices | Isolate or blend them for layered repeats and panning effects1 |
| Six modulation types | Frequency shifting (x2), vibrato, chorus, tremolo (x2), pushable into audio rate1 |
| Modulation sync | Synced to delay time or free-running1 |
| Time knob | Master delay time, up to 4.19 seconds5 |
| Tap tempo | Set delay time in tempo with your playing1 |
| DIP switches | 16 dip-switches on the rear for extra digital control67 |
MusicRadar noted the pedal has two footswitches, both pulling dual-shifts5, and Gearnews pointed to the DIP switching as part of the "extra digital control that Chase Bliss has made a reputation from"7.
Power and connections
The Reverse Mode C runs on 9V DC center negative and draws approximately 270 mA1.
At ~270 mA, the Reverse Mode C needs a proper 9V DC power supply. A battery is not an option, and a small daisy chain shared with other pedals may not keep up with the current draw1.
Connectivity is extensive for a compact delay:
- True stereo in and out, including mono splitting1
- MIDI supporting program change, control change and clock sync1
- Expression control14
- CV control4
- Two presets1
The stereo output is where the three voices earn their keep: blending them produces unique panning effects and a shifting stereo image, which Pedal of the Day flagged as a pedal for "the experimenters, audiophiles and Stereo Effects lovers"4.
One operational detail worth knowing: Dry Kill mode is toggled by holding the TAP switch down while powering up the pedal. The same process enters Dry Kill, and the pedal remembers the preference for future power-ups8.
From the Empress Superdelay to Small Batch Bliss
The Reverse Mode C is based on the Superdelay collaboration with Empress Effects from 2008, celebrating a special mode found on that pedal7. Guitar Pedal X called the result "a fantastic recreation and evolution of the Empress Superdelay Reverse Model C with a heap of new features"6. The concept for the circuit first emerged during a trip to Tokyo several years ago, where the two company founders explored new creative possibilities9.
The pedal was the first release in Chase Bliss's Small Batch Bliss collection, a made-to-order line of special edition pedals with no limit and no selling out, ordered within a month-long preorder period17. Korte explained the purpose of the series: "the big one is that it lets us take chances and make things like Reverse Mode C"3.
The preorder model works like this:
- Chase Bliss opens a month-long preorder window1
- Orders must be placed by the preorder deadline before the window closes710
- Pedals are shipped in the order the orders were received3
- Shipping starts in early October, with all orders out the door by sometime in November39
The 2023 preorder price was $39957. In Japan, the pedal was available through distributor Umbrella9.
The second edition
On August 1, 2025, Chase Bliss announced a Small Batch limited release consisting of a second-edition Reverse Mode C with a new colourway, alongside the new Lost + Found Stereo Multi-Modulator10. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson, who already owned the original edition, reviewed the new look:
"and the new edition looks glorious! What a gorgeous colour combination!"10
The 2025 product page also lists Trails as a feature2. Delicious Audio reported the second-edition run was available for preorder with the same end-of-August deadline and the same shipping targets: starting early October, all orders out the door by sometime in November9.
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Questions
How long is the maximum delay time on the Reverse Mode C?
The Time knob sets the master delay time and reaches a maximum of 4.19 seconds when maxed out, according to MusicRadar's coverage of the pedal. Tap tempo is also on board for setting the delay time in time with your playing.
How do I turn off Dry Kill on the Reverse Mode C?
Hold the TAP switch down while powering up the pedal to exit Dry Kill mode. The same process, holding TAP while powering up, is used to enter Dry Kill again. The pedal remembers this preference for future power-ups.
Is the Chase Bliss Reverse Mode C true bypass?
Chase Bliss lists the Reverse Mode C's bypass as true bypass, mode dependent. That means bypass behavior depends on which mode the pedal is in, so check the mode you are running if bypass switching matters to your signal chain.
Can I still order a Reverse Mode C?
The Reverse Mode C is sold as a made-to-order pedal in month-long preorder windows rather than as a standing catalog item. The 2025 second-edition run required orders by August 31, with shipping targeted to start in early October and finish in November.
How many presets does the Reverse Mode C hold?
The Reverse Mode C holds two presets, according to Chase Bliss's product page. Presets can also be reached over MIDI, which supports program change, control change and clock sync messages.
How much current does the Reverse Mode C draw?
Chase Bliss lists the Reverse Mode C's current draw at approximately 270 mA on a 9V DC center-negative supply. That is well beyond what a battery or a small daisy chain can comfortably provide, so plan on an isolated output.
Sources (10)
- Reverse Mode C, Chase Bliss
- Reverse Mode C, Chase Bliss, 2025
- Octave Tap, Chase Bliss
- Chase Bliss Reverse Mode C Multidirectional Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2023-10-21
- Chase Bliss teams up with Empress Effects for the Reverse Mode C, MusicRadar, 2023-07-25
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-12-20
- Chase Bliss Reverse Mode C Small Batch Bliss Multidirectional Delay, gearnews.com, 2023-07-25
- Support | Get Expert Support Now - Chase Bliss, Chase Bliss
- Chase Bliss Reverse Mode C, Delicious Audio, 2025-08-05
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-08-01
