The Sunlight Dynamic Freeze Reverb is a reverb pedal from Old Blood Noise Endeavors, launched in August 2021. MusicRadar described it as an "envelope triggered multi-mode reverb," and its defining trick is a freeze function: when you stop playing, the reverb trails freeze and hold, so a single note can sustain as a pad underneath whatever you play next1.
Gearnews called it "a dynamic reverb with an additive hold function, which allows you to freeze a note and hold it," adding that it "freezes the reverb trails when you stop playing, and creates some super interesting tones"23. It was designed as an early-chain pad reverb, meaning it is meant to sit near the front of your signal chain and generate ambient texture rather than simply add space at the end1.
Tape, Pass and Comb modes and the Rate knob
A three-way toggle switch selects between three sonic modes: Tape, Pass and Comb1. Each mode layers a different extra effect on top of the reverb, and the Rate and Depth knobs are mode-dependent, controlling the parameters of that non-reverb effect rather than one fixed behavior24.
| Mode | What it adds | What Rate does |
|---|---|---|
| Tape | Modulated warbles | Adjusts the modulated warbles of the Tape mode1 |
| Pass | Sample-hold effect | Sets the timing of the sample-hold and the range of cutoff frequencies1 |
| Comb | A quartet of delay lines placed after the reverb, stacking short delays to create comb filters that sound like a fixed flanger1 | Sets the time of the four delays1 |
Delicious Audio noted that the pedal features three reverb algorithms unique to the OBNE lineup, so these modes are not recycled from other pedals in the maker's range4.
The remaining knobs work the same in every mode:
- Input adjusts the overall dynamic sensitivity, which is what makes the pedal envelope-triggered: how hard you play shapes how the reverb responds2.
- Decay controls the reverb feedback, which can be pushed to create enveloping infinite reverbs2.
- Mix is a standard reverb mix control, balancing dry and wet signal2.
An Alt footswitch lets you quickly snap to a particular knob setting, so you can jump between two sounds without bending down mid-phrase2.
Expression pedal control
The Sunlight has an external Expression control that works with a standard external expression pedal. Connected this way, it can adjust the Input, Decay, Rate and Depth parameters on the fly, which Gearnews highlighted as a way to extend the pedal's functionality beyond its panel settings12.
Inspired by the Dark Star reverb
MusicRadar reported that the Sunlight was inspired by OBNE's Dark Star reverb, the maker's pad-oriented reverb pedal, and was designed as an early chain pad reverb in that same spirit1. Where the Dark Star family is about long, textured pads, the Sunlight adds the dynamic, envelope-triggered freeze behavior on top.
The pedal's enclosure art was designed by Jon Carling1.
Bypass, switching and power
The Sunlight uses soft-touch footswitching with true relay bypass, so Gearnews noted it "won't mess with your tone when not engaged"2. Power comes from a 9V DC center negative supply with a minimum draw of 80mA2. There is no battery option in the launch coverage, so plan on a powered pedalboard.
The Sunlight needs at least 80mA at 9V DC center negative. Check your power supply's polarity and current rating before plugging in, since an undersized supply will not run it.
Price and availability
At launch in August 2021, MusicRadar reported the Sunlight priced at $209 and available immediately1. Gearnews gave the European recommended retail price as EUR 2192. By December 2021, Gearnews listed it at $244.00, £220.00 and 247.00 EUR at Thomann, so street pricing can sit above the original US list price3.
What reviewers made of it
Gearnews named the Sunlight among their stand-out effects of 2021, calling it "another stand-out effect this year" and great for players looking for something new3. Coverage across MusicRadar, Gearnews and Delicious Audio consistently framed it as a reverb pedal for players who want texture and hold rather than a conventional room or hall sound124.
Videos
Old Blood Noise Endeavors
Old Blood Noise Endeavors
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News
Questions
Does the OBNE Sunlight have true bypass?
Yes. The Sunlight uses soft-touch footswitching with true relay bypass, so when the pedal is disengaged it does not color your tone. Both MusicRadar and Gearnews reported the true relay bypass when the pedal launched in August 2021.
What power supply does the OBNE Sunlight need?
It runs on a 9V DC center negative power supply drawing at least 80mA. There is no battery option mentioned in the launch coverage, so plan on a standard pedalboard power supply with the correct polarity.
Can you use an expression pedal with the OBNE Sunlight?
Yes. The Sunlight has an external Expression control that works with a standard external expression pedal, letting you adjust the Input, Decay, Rate and Depth parameters on the fly while you play.
What does the freeze function do on the Sunlight?
The freeze function freezes the reverb trails when you stop playing, holding the note so it sustains as a pad. Gearnews described it as an additive hold function that lets you freeze a note and hold it, creating what they called super interesting tones.
How much does the Old Blood Noise Sunlight cost?
At launch in August 2021 it was priced at $209 USD, with a European recommended retail price of EUR 219. By December 2021 Gearnews listed it at $244.00 at Thomann, so street prices can differ from the launch list price.
Sources (4)
- Create endlessly sustaining soundscapes with Old Blood Noise Endeavors' new Sunlight Dynamic Freeze Reverb, MusicRadar, 2021-08-24
- The new Old Blood Noise Endeavors Sunlight Dynamic Reverb is not your regular reverb, gearnews.com, 2021-08-24
- Best Effect Pedals 2021: Did your favourite make our Top 10?, Gearnews (www.gearnews.com), 2021-12-26
- Old Blood Noise Sunlight Dynamic Reverb, Delicious Audio, 2021-01-04
