The Demeter RRP-1 Real Reverbulator is a real spring reverb built in pedal form by Demeter Amplification. Instead of modeling spring reverb digitally, it contains two separate Accutronix spring tanks, one long and one short, each with its own decay character, and it lets you run either tank alone or both together1. Demeter designed it with what it calls the same technology as its award-winning RV-1 Real Spring Reverb, the rackmount unit the company released in 200112.
For a player, that means the RRP-1 behaves like a genuine spring reverb: the short spring has a fairly quick decay time, whereas the longer spring has a lingering ambiance1. Delicious Audio's spring reverb buying guide counted the two differently sized springs among the pedal's strengths, writing that they "open up a host of sonic possibilities"3.
The controls
The RRP-1 keeps its control set small. Five controls cover input level, output level, wet/dry balance, tank selection, and the phase of the long spring1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets input level1 |
| Gain | Sets output level1 |
| Blend | Dry/wet knob1 |
| Spring Select | Selects either long, short, or both spring tanks1 |
| Phase | Flips the phase on the long decay spring1 |
Volume and Gain together give you a two-stage level arrangement: Volume sets how hard the springs are driven at the input, and Gain sets how much of the resulting signal comes out. Blend then balances your dry guitar against the wet reverb signal1.
Spring Select is the control that sets the RRP-1 apart from single-tank spring pedals. Long, short, or both are the three positions, and because the two tanks decay differently, the both position layers a quick decay and a lingering ambiance at the same time1.
The Phase switch flips the phase on the long decay spring, which Demeter describes as offering additional sonic possibilities1. Delicious Audio's guide notes the same function, and it matters most when both tanks are engaged, since the phase relationship between the two springs changes how their outputs combine3.
The unit also includes a mechanically dampened computer grade footswitch with a status indicator light, so switching the reverb in and out is quiet and visible on a dark stage1.
Real springs, not a model
Demeter positions the RRP-1 plainly: "The RRP-1 Real Reverbulator is the ONLY Real Spring Reverb manufactured in pedal form"1. The claim the company is making is about the mechanism. There is no algorithm approximating spring reverb here; the signal passes through actual springs, with the boing, drip, and mechanical character that comes with them.
The pedal's circuit uses Burr Brown audiophile chips, which Demeter pairs with what it calls the finest components for un-compromised tone and long life1. The company also states that the unit is 100% handmade in the US1.
Where it came from: the RV-1
The RRP-1's place in Demeter's line can be traced through the company's pricing: the Real Reverbulator launched at $699.00 and now lists at $759.004. Demeter builds the unit with Burr Brown audiophile chips, which the company describes as chosen "for un-compromised tone and long life"1.
The Real Reverbulator ships with a mechanically dampened computer grade footswitch with a status indicator light, so a player can bypass the effect from the floor1. Its single control is a Blend knob, a dry/wet blend that sets how much of the reverb signal sits alongside the dry guitar signal1. You can read more about other options on the reverb pedals page.
The RRP-1 brings that rackmount design onto a pedalboard. Demeter says the pedal-sized unit measures 10 x 6 x 1.75 inches and is small enough for most pedalboards, though at 5 lbs it is a substantial piece of hardware compared with compact digital reverb pedals1.
The RRP-1 requires its 24-volt power supply1. That is a higher voltage than most pedals use, so plan on a dedicated outlet on your power brick rather than a shared daisy chain.
Availability and price
Demeter lists the RRP-1 at a current price of $699.00, down from an original price of $759.0014.
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Questions
Does the Demeter RRP-1 use real springs?
Yes. The RRP-1 Real Reverbulator is a real spring reverb in pedal form, built around two separate Accutronix spring tanks, one long and one short. Demeter describes it as using the same technology as its award-winning RV-1 Real Spring Reverb rack unit, rather than a digital emulation of springs.
What power supply does the Demeter RRP-1 need?
The RRP-1 runs on a 24-volt power supply, which Demeter supplies with the unit. That is a higher voltage than the supply most pedals use, so it cannot share a standard daisy chain with the rest of a pedalboard.
Can you use both spring tanks at once on the RRP-1?
Yes. The Spring Select control chooses the long tank, the short tank, or both together. The short spring has a fairly quick decay time while the longer spring has a lingering ambiance, so combining them layers two different decay characters in one reverb sound.
How big and heavy is the Demeter Real Reverbulator?
The unit measures 10 by 6 by 1.75 inches and weighs 5 lbs. Demeter says that size is small enough for most pedalboards, though at 5 lbs it is heavier than most compact reverb pedals because it carries two real spring tanks.
What does the Phase switch do on the RRP-1?
The Phase switch flips the phase on the long decay spring. Demeter and the Delicious Audio buying guide both describe this as opening up additional sonic possibilities, since reversing the phase of one tank changes how the two springs interact when both are engaged.
Is the Demeter RRP-1 made in the USA?
Yes. Demeter states that the RRP-1 is 100% handmade in the US, and the company builds it with Burr Brown audiophile chips and what it calls the finest components for uncompromised tone and long life.
Sources (4)
- RRP-1 Real Reverbulator, Demeter Amplification
- RV-1 | Music Biz Magazine (May 2001) | Demeter Amplification, Music Biz Magazine, 2001-05
- 2025 UPDATE: Best Spring Reverb Pedals, Delicious Audio, 2025-01-01
- PRS-2 Presence Control, Demeter Amplification
