The SolidGoldFX Ether Modulated Reverberator is a compact reverb pedal with modulation effects built in. Its core effect is a huge reverb, described by MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley as "a cavernous ambient reverb", and it pairs that long ambient reverb with tap-tempo modulation and an infinite hold function1.
What it does to your sound
The Ether is built for ambient playing. MusicRadar described it as "a compact powerhouse that allows you to create epic ambient soundscapes", pairing a long ambient reverb with modulation and hold1. Its shimmer is a distinctive take on the usual octave-up shimmer reverb: MusicRadar called it "a warped off-menu take on the octave-up shimmer reverb effect, in which the shimmer effect devolves as it decays into" a dissonant haze1.
Modulation modes and controls
The modulation section applies to the reverb trails rather than the dry signal. Three modes are on offer1:
- Vibrato
- Tremolo
- Harmonic tremolo
All three can be set with tap tempo for increased control over the modulation1. There is also a Color control for adjusting the tone of the effect1.
Footswitches
The Ether has two footswitches, each with more than one job1:
- Tap/modulation switch: tap tempo, and toggling reverb modulation on and off.
- Engage/hold switch: engaging or bypassing the effect, or engaging a hold function that suspends reverb trails in perpetuity.
The hold function is what makes the pedal useful for ambient washes: with trails suspended indefinitely, a player can layer parts over a sustained bed of reverb1.
Price and availability
MusicRadar reported the Ether as available now at its announcement, priced $2091.
Where it sits in SolidGoldFX's range
SolidGoldFX also makes the Surf Rider IV, a spring reverb pedal with flutter modulation, and the Counter Current, a dirty reverb. The Ether is the company's take on a large ambient reverb with modulation, and sits among other reverb pedals that combine reverb with a second effect1.
Videos
Reverb
The Pedal Zone
Pedalboard of the Day
News
Questions
What does the SolidGoldFX Ether sound like?
MusicRadar described the Ether's core effect as a huge, cavernous ambient reverb. On top of that sits a warped take on the octave-up shimmer effect, in which the shimmer devolves as it decays into a dissonant haze. The pedal is aimed at creating epic ambient soundscapes, and the modulation section can add vibrato, tremolo or harmonic tremolo to the reverb trails.
What do the two footswitches on the Ether do?
One footswitch handles tap tempo and toggles the reverb modulation on and off. The other engages or bypasses the effect, or engages a hold function that suspends the reverb trails in perpetuity, letting a player sustain an ambient wash indefinitely.
Does the Ether have tap tempo?
Yes. The Ether has tap tempo for increased control over the modulation applied to the reverb trails, and one of its two footswitches is dedicated to tap tempo and to switching the reverb modulation on and off.
Can the Ether do vibrato on the reverb trails?
Yes. The Ether can apply vibrato, tremolo and harmonic tremolo to the reverb trails, using tap tempo for increased control over the modulation.
How much does the SolidGoldFX Ether cost?
At its November 2021 announcement, MusicRadar reported the SolidGoldFX Ether Modulated Reverberator as available now, priced $209.
Sources (1)
- Create “vast ambient and shimmering soundscapes” with SoldGoldFX's Ether Modulated Reverberator, MusicRadar, 2021-11-09
