The Keeley Soft Reverb is a compact triple-mode reverb pedal from Keeley Electronics, released on Christmas Eve 2024 at a list price of $99 USD1. It offers three reverb modes on a three-way mini switch: Soft Focus, Spring and Plate, making it what Guitar World called "a handy three-in-one"2. The Soft Focus mode is the pedal's namesake, simulating the infamous "Soft Focus" patch from a Yamaha rack effect beloved by shoegaze guitarists1.
The pedal is a Sweetwater exclusive, available only through that retailer3, and Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio noted it is built in the US, "unexpectedly considering the price point"1.
Controls and modes
The top panel is simple: Dwell and Level controls plus the mode switch4. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the Dwell and Level controls as the way to "contour your chosen effect perfectly into the mix at hand"3, and Guitar World found that altering their positions "offers surprisingly versatile results"2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Dwell | Shapes the reverb effect, together with Level, to fit the mix3 |
| Level | Sets the effect level into the mix3 |
| Mode switch (three-way mini) | Selects Soft Focus, Spring or Plate reverb emulations2 |
A single stomp switch activates the effect3.
Soft Focus, Spring and Plate
The Soft Focus mode is the headline. Delicious Audio described the pedal as "including one simulating the infamous 'Soft Focus' patch from a Yamaha rack effect beloved by shoegaze guitarists"1. Alongside it sit more conventional choices: Guitar World's Alex Lynham described it as "a triple-mode reverb pedal that has more 'normal' spring and plate reverbs alongside an ambient 'soft focus' mode"4.
On the sounds themselves, Lynham's verdict was positive with one caveat:
"The Soft is an excellent-sounding reverb, even if the spring reverb is a bit basic"
He added that plate mode is where it's at, sound-wise4.
Power, bypass and internal switches
The Soft Reverb needs a pedalboard power supply to work; Guitar World's review states plainly that "the Soft requires a pedalboard power supply to work," so there is no battery option4. Plan a dedicated output on your power supply for it.
One thing to know before you buy or set it up:
Trails and bypass behavior are set on internal dip switches, not on the top panel4. If you want the reverb tail to ring out after you disengage the footswitch, or prefer true bypass behavior, you will need to open the pedal to set it.
RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the pedal as "meticulously engineered with revamped algorithms to showcase its reverb effects with stunning delivery for captivation in the studio and a huge, wide sound onstage"3.
Where it sits in Keeley's reverb range
Keeley's reverb line runs from the Caverns delay-and-reverb pairing to the stereo Zoma and the Andy Timmons signature Nocturne. The Soft Reverb is the entry point in price and scope: a single-stomp, mono, three-mode reverb aimed at players who want the Soft Focus ambient sound without paying for presets, MIDI or stereo. Guitar World's summary of its appeal: "Whether you're seeking an effortlessly controllable studio effect or eying the missing piece of your pedalboard puzzle, the Soft Reverb from Keeley is the 'verb for the job"2.
Questions
Can the Keeley Soft Reverb run on a battery?
No. According to Guitar World's review, the Soft Reverb requires a pedalboard power supply to work, so there is no battery option. Plan a spare 9V DC output on your power supply for it, and note that the trails and bypass behavior is set on internal dip switches rather than on the top panel.
Is the Keeley Soft Reverb analog or digital?
RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the circuit type as analog, even though the pedal offers reverb emulations. Keeley describes it as meticulously engineered with revamped algorithms to showcase its reverb effects, so the processing side is digital while the pedal's listed circuit type is analog.
What is the Soft Focus mode?
Soft Focus is the pedal's ambient mode, named for the infamous Soft Focus patch from a Yamaha rack effect that shoegaze guitarists made famous. Delicious Audio describes the Keeley's version as simulating that patch, and it sits alongside more conventional Spring and Plate modes on a three-way mini switch.
Where is the Keeley Soft Reverb made?
The Keeley Soft Reverb is built in the US. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio noted that this was unexpected considering the pedal's $99 price point.
How much does the Keeley Soft Reverb cost?
The Keeley Soft Reverb listed at $99 USD when it was released on Christmas Eve 2024, according to Delicious Audio. It is a Sweetwater exclusive, so it is sold only through Sweetwater.
Does the Keeley Soft Reverb have trails?
Yes, but you set it internally. Guitar World's review notes that some of the Soft's advanced functionality, like trails and bypass, is on internal dip switches, so you will need to open the pedal to choose whether repeats fade naturally after you switch the effect off.
Sources (4)
- New Pedal: Keeley Soft Reverb, Delicious Audio, 2024-12-24
- Keeley launches $99 Sweetwater-exclusive pedal series, Guitar World, 2025-01-06
- Soft Reverb by Keeley Electronics, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Keeley x Sweetwater Soft Reverb, Super Bass Overdrive and Distortion and Suns Ultravoid Fuzz review, Guitar World, 2025-03-10
