The Spaceman Effects Orion Analog Spring Reverb is a pedal that puts true analog spring reverb on a pedalboard. Rather than modeling a spring tank digitally, it uses an analog path to produce what Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, described as "big, fat, cascading, lush reverb tones," calling it "a giant wall of sound." At the time of its review in January 2016 it was the builder's latest release, described as "another one-of-a-kind."1
If you are weighing it against digital options, see the site's wider guide to Reverb Pedals for how spring designs differ from algorithm-based ones.
Controls and how it works
The pedal keeps its control layout simple. The Volume knob adjusts the overall output volume of the pedal, letting you set the level of the wet signal against your dry tone.1
The reviewer's verdict on the controls was that "the range that each one boasts is truly impressive, and allows you to discover a ton of tones you might not have thought" possible, suggesting the knobs travel well beyond a single usable setting.1
Analog character and build
Two points set the Orion apart from many reverb pedals. First, the signal path is all analog: "The all-analog path gives off an uncommon warmth," according to the Pedal of the Day review, which is a large part of the pedal's vintage-type character. Second, it is a hand-built product: "Hand-built in Portland with the utmost attention to detail," the review notes, placing it among the small-batch builders rather than mass-produced lines.1
"Big, fat, cascading, lush reverb tones are emitted at every turn, providing a giant wall of sound."
The Orion was Spaceman Effects' newest release when reviewed in January 2016.
What reviewers said
The published review of the Orion is positive across the board. Mike B summed up the pedal as offering "true analog spring reverb in the form of a pedal," praised the warmth of the analog path, confirmed the true bypass switching, and highlighted the unusually wide range of the controls.1
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Questions
Is the Spaceman Orion true bypass?
Yes. Reviewing the pedal for Pedal of the Day in January 2016, Mike B confirmed that the Orion is true bypass, so when the effect is switched off, your guitar's signal passes through the pedal without any conversion or buffering in the way.
What power does the Spaceman Orion need?
The Orion runs on standard 9V power, according to Pedal of the Day's review. As with any pedal, use a supply that meets the pedal's requirements and follow the maker's guidance on polarity and current draw.
Is the Spaceman Orion analog or digital?
The Orion is an all-analog pedal. Pedal of the Day's reviewer noted that the all-analog path gives off an uncommon warmth, and described the pedal as offering true analog spring reverb in pedal form.
Where is the Spaceman Orion built?
Pedal of the Day reports that the Orion is hand-built in Portland with the utmost attention to detail, consistent with Spaceman Effects' reputation as a builder of hand-made pedals.
Sources (1)
- Spaceman Effects Orion Analog Spring Reverb, Pedal of the Day, 2016-01-05