The Neunaber Illumine is a compact stereo reverb pedal from Californian maker Neunaber, announced in August 2021 and available in late August of that year123. It packs 17 studio-quality stereo reverb algorithms, 100 presets, MIDI and an expression control engine into a small, top-jacked enclosure that sits easily on a pedalboard21. Neunaber itself confidently describes it as "the ultimate reverb machine"1.
The pedal continues a lineage Neunaber built on lush reverb pedals, including the Wet Reverb and the Immerse Reverberator. Three of the Illumine's 17 algorithms are based on Neunaber's popular Wet reverb pedal and plug-in4.
17 stereo reverbs in a compact pedal
The Illumine's core appeal is breadth: 17 reverb modes, which Neunaber's own product material says cover "all your reverb needs"3. The same 17 studio-quality stereo reverbs appear in the launch coverage1, and a 2021 roundup of stereo reverb workstation pedals listed the Illumine among its picks, noting "17 Algorithms"6.
Three of those algorithms come directly from Neunaber's Wet reverb pedal and plug-in, a sound the company built its reputation on4. Delicious Audio described the pedal as a mid-size, stereo, multi-mode device with remarkably few knobs, packing "17 studio-quality reverbs, 50 presets, MIDI and powerful expression control in a low-power, pedalboard-friendly package"2.
The enclosure is deliberately small, with top-mounted jacks so it fits tightly against neighbors on a board23.
The controls and footswitches
Despite 17 algorithms and 100 presets, the front panel keeps things minimal: two knobs and two footswitches62.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Menu/select knob | Scrolls through effects, parameters and presets1 |
| Change parameter/save preset knob | Edits the loaded preset and saves your changes1 |
| Both knobs (push function) | Allow in-depth editing of the loaded preset2 |
| Footswitches | Handle preset switching and on/off duties2 |
The A/B footswitch is the performance centerpiece. MusicRadar explains that you can use it to transition between A and B values on a parameter, cycle through presets, or engage Infinite Hold mode1. The transitions between A and B values have adjustable transition times, so a parameter can sweep gradually rather than jump2.
Expression control goes beyond the footswitch. The Illumine has what MusicRadar calls an onboard Expression Control Engine, with a 3.5 mm (1/8") TRS expression input for an external expression or volume pedal that can control up to five parameters on the fly21.
The Illumine also has a Controller mode that replaces a simple MIDI controller, so it can run other MIDI gear from your board2.
Mono and stereo connections
The Illumine has two pairs of top-mounted jacks for input and output, supporting both mono and stereo configurations754. Run it in mono like any ordinary reverb pedal, or feed it a stereo source and take stereo outputs to two amps or a stereo rig. The top-mounted jack placement keeps the sides of the enclosure clear for tight pedalboard spacing2.
MIDI and editing
MIDI is a major part of the Illumine's design. It offers stereo MIDI compatibility with a MIDI input and thru/out, using included 2.5 mm TRS-to-MIDI adaptor cables21. Deeper editing is done through the Illumine Preset Manager software with a USB-MIDI adaptor, sold separately1.
Power and dry signal
The Illumine takes a regular 9V DC power supply and draws a minimum of 100mA1. Delicious Audio specifies a standard 9V at 100mA pedal power supply, which is not included with the pedal2. There is no battery option, so it needs a spot on a power supply from day one.
One design point tone-conscious players will care about: the Illumine keeps your dry signal analog1. Your unprocessed guitar signal stays in the analog domain, and only the reverb effect is digital.
What reviewers said
At launch, Gearnews found the pricing fair for what the pedal offers:
"I think that's quite reasonable for a reverb that sounds great, and has all these control functions available5."
Jef, Gearnews, on the $379 introductory price5
Delicious Audio later described the design as one that takes the stereo multiverb format to a more compact and streamlined standard design2. Not every verdict was glowing on price, though: in MusicRadar's 2023 coverage of Andertons' blind reverb pedal shootout, Rob Laing noted the Illumine's cost, writing that "The pricier Source Audio Ventris and £535 (yes it's pricey!) Neuaber Illumine are both strong choices, but fail to win" the shootout8.
Where it came from
Neunaber is a Californian company that built its reputation on the sound of its lush reverb pedals2. The Illumine arrived in August 2021 as a step up from pedals like the Immerse Reverberator and the Slate, consolidating the company's reverb algorithms, presets, MIDI and expression control into one compact unit56. It was announced with availability in late August 2021 at an introductory price of $379 for a limited time, with an ultimate MSRP of $47937.
Videos
Pete Thorn
Neunaber Audio
Neunaber Audio
Questions
How many presets does the Neunaber Illumine hold?
The Illumine holds 100 presets in total: 50 factory presets and 50 user presets. You can edit any loaded preset in depth with the two push-function knobs and save your own sounds to the user slots. Presets can also be managed over MIDI and edited with the Illumine Preset Manager software.
Does the Neunaber Illumine have MIDI?
Yes. The Illumine has stereo MIDI compatibility with a MIDI input and a MIDI thru/out, connected through included 2.5 mm TRS-to-MIDI adaptor cables. Deeper editing can be done with the Illumine Preset Manager software and a USB-MIDI adaptor, which is sold separately. A Controller mode also lets the pedal stand in for a simple MIDI controller.
Is the dry signal on the Illumine analog?
No. The Illumine is a digital reverb pedal, but it keeps your dry signal analogue, according to MusicRadar. That means your unprocessed guitar signal is not converted to digital and back, only the reverb effect itself is, which many players prefer for preserving core tone.
What is Infinite Hold on the Illumine?
Infinite Hold is one of the Illumine's modes, engaged from the A/B footswitch. It sustains the reverb tail indefinitely, letting you hold a wash of ambience under your playing. The same A/B footswitch also transitions between A and B values on a parameter and cycles through presets.
How much did the Illumine cost at launch?
At launch in August 2021 the Illumine sold at an introductory price of $379 for a limited time, rising to a regular price of $479. MusicRadar also listed UK pricing of £273 introductory and £345 regular. By 2023 MusicRadar was citing the Illumine at £535.
Sources (8)
- Neunaber Audio launches all-singing, all-dancing Illumine reverb and calls it “the ultimate reverb machine“, MusicRadar, 2021-08-10
- Neunaber Illumine Stereo Multi-Reverb, Delicious Audio, 2024-04-05
- Neunaber Releases the ILLUMINE Reverb, Premier Guitar, 2021-08-09
- Neunaber’s new Illumine pedal offers an arsenal of reverb effects in a compact stompbox, Guitar.com, 2021-08-10
- Is the new Neunaber Audio Illumine really "the ultimate reverb machine"?, www.gearnews.com, 2021-08-06
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2021-08-16
- Neunaber Audio promises “the ultimate reverb machine” with its feature-packed Illumine pedal, Guitar World, 2021-08-06
- The winner of the new Andertons blind reverb pedal shootout is not surprising, MusicRadar, 2023-05-15
