The GAMMA Cumulus Reverb is a compact reverb pedal that puts three distinct reverb styles, Studio, Spring and Plate, in one small box. It is one of six stompboxes in the GAMMA guitar effects pedals line, a brand-new and exclusive line sold through Guitar Center1. GuitarPlayer's Dave Hunter describes the Cumulus 3-Way Reverb as a "compact and affordable reverb pedal delivering three popular reflection types"2.
The three reverb modes
Cumulus conjures three distinct styles of reverb: Studio, Spring and Plate. The trio of reverbs is selected with a handy mini-toggle switch, and the pedal also offers controls for Mix, Tone and Decay1. GuitarPlayer's review lists the same mini-toggle for reverb type: Studio, Spring and Plate2.
The Plate setting is the most expansive of the three. It emulates the rich, expansive sonics of old-school plates such as the EMT 140, and it also offers the longest decay of Cumulus' three reverbs to produce near-cavernous ambience. Players wanting a more lush vibe can choose the Plate setting1.
Controls
Three knobs for Mix, Tone and Decay allow fine-tuning of the three reverb modes1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mix | Blends the reverb with the dry signal1 |
| Tone | Shapes the reverb's tonal character1 |
| Decay | Sets the length of the reverb tail1 |
| Type toggle | Selects Studio, Spring or Plate1 |
Power and bypass
Each GAMMA pedal can be run from a 9-volt battery or power supply, but the battery and DC adapter are not included1. The pedal uses buffered bypass, which Delicious Audio describes alongside its "scrupulously curated circuitry and buffered bypass (for consistent tone and signal output)"1.
No battery or DC adapter comes with the pedal, so plan to have a 9-volt supply on hand before your first gig.
Build
The heavy-duty metal chassis and knobs are durable enough to withstand being kicked off stages and tossed into gig bags, according to Delicious Audio's profile1. For more on this effect category, see Reverb Pedals.
Videos
Guitar Center
Demos In The Dark
Acoustic Control Corporation
Questions
Does the Gamma Cumulus Reverb run on a battery?
Yes. Each GAMMA pedal can be run from a 9-volt battery or a power supply, but the battery and the DC adapter are not included, so you will need to supply your own. A standard 9-volt DC supply works, and the pedal can also be powered from a battery for players who want to keep it off a daisy chain.
Is the Gamma Cumulus Reverb true bypass?
No. The Cumulus uses buffered bypass rather than true bypass. Delicious Audio describes the pedal's circuitry as scrupulously curated, with the buffer there for consistent tone and signal output. A buffered bypass can be useful on larger boards with long cable runs, where it helps preserve the signal.
Which Cumulus mode has the longest decay?
The Plate setting offers the longest decay of the Cumulus' three reverbs, producing what Delicious Audio calls near-cavernous ambience. Plate mode emulates the rich, expansive sonics of old-school plates such as the EMT 140, so it is the mode to reach for when you want the most lush, sustained wash.
Does the Gamma Cumulus come with a power supply?
No. The pedal runs from a 9-volt battery or a power supply, but neither the battery nor the DC adapter is included in the box. Players will need to use their own 9-volt supply or install a battery.
Who makes the Gamma pedal line sold at Guitar Center?
The GAMMA line is Guitar Center's own brand, sold exclusively through the retailer. The line launched with six compact stompboxes, and the Cumulus Reverb is one of them. Delicious Audio profiled the Cumulus as part of that new and exclusive GAMMA guitar effects pedals line.
Sources (2)
- Gamma Cumulus Reverb, Delicious Audio, 2023-06-02
- Acoustic Control Gamma Effects Pedals Review, GuitarPlayer, 2023-09-21