The Tsakalis Audioworks Ocean is a compact reverb pedal from Athens-based effects maker Tsakalis AudioWorks, first unveiled in April 20161. It was designed to produce studio-quality classic and ambient reverb in a small, pedalboard-friendly enclosure, so you get three distinct reverb algorithms without giving up much board space2.
The pedal offers three reverb modes, Hall, Shimmer and Spring, each adjustable through the same core set of controls2. Premier Guitar's reviewer summed up the pedal's character in one line:
"Tsakalis AudioWorks' Ocean feels like reverb with real musical purpose"3
The three reverb modes
Each mode is a separate algorithm with its own flavor2:
- Hall (HL): Ranges from an echo similar to a small room all the way to a long "haunted" hall2.
- Shimmer (SH): Runs from classic hall reverb to a symphonic, almost infinite reverb with pads and overtones2.
- Spring (SP): A classic vintage spring reverb similar to an actual spring reverb tank2.
Premier Guitar's reviewer found that each of the three modes offered "inspiring, floaty takes on their respective flavors"3. In hall mode, the reviewer heard something between ambient and a retro room sound, noting that subtle mix levels were great for '80s-style arpeggios worthy of Lifeson and Summers3. In spring mode, the tone was "enveloping and rich with tails that trailed off beautifully" when simulating a larger spring through the Diffuse and Size knobs3.
The controls
The Ocean has four controls: Mix, Size, Diffuse and Storm12. The Mix control adjusts the level of the reverb volume in respect to the dry signal2. The other three, Size, Storm and Diffuse, change function depending on which mode is selected3. Storm adjusts specific parameters for each mode1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mix | Sets the reverb volume relative to the dry signal2 |
| Size | Shapes the reverb's spatial character; function depends on mode3 |
| Diffuse | Changes the character of the reflections; function depends on mode3 |
| Storm | Adjusts specific parameters for each mode1 |
The Diffuse control is the one the maker has explained in the most detail. According to Tsakalis, in shimmer mode the control changes the "material" the imaginary walls are made of3. In practical terms, turning it clockwise gives the sound an airy tone, while turning it counterclockwise tightens up the reflections3.
One thing to know before dialing it in: Premier Guitar's reviewer found the mix control "tended to get too deep too quickly," so small turns go a long way when blending reverb against your dry signal3.
What a reviewer said
Premier Guitar reviewed the Ocean in September 2026 and came away largely positive. The reviewer's verdict, in the magazine's own pros-and-cons format3:
"Pros: Wide range of tones. Engaging ambient sounds. Well-designed setup. Cons: The mix control could use some fine tuning."3
The reviewer also noted that expression functionality would be a bonus on a pedal like this3. On the sound itself, the reviewer compared the Ocean's reverb to the spring reverb built into their own Fender amp:
"Compared to the reverb in my Fender ML Deville, the Ocean had an earthy feel with more detail"3
On the shimmer setting, the reviewer wrote:
The reviewer found the shimmer setting inspiring in an introspective way, great for Bill Frisell textures.3
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Questions
Is the Tsakalis Audioworks Ocean true bypass?
Yes. MusicRadar reported when the pedal launched that the Ocean uses true bypass switching, so your dry signal passes through untouched when the pedal is off. It runs on a 9V power supply.
What power does the Tsakalis Audioworks Ocean need?
The Ocean runs on a 9V power supply, as reported by MusicRadar at the pedal's launch in 2016. No battery or current draw figures have been published, so plan on a standard 9V center-negative pedal supply.
What do the Size, Diffuse and Storm knobs do?
Size, Storm and Diffuse change function depending on which of the three modes, hall, shimmer or spring, you have selected. Storm adjusts specific parameters for each mode, while Diffuse shapes the character of the reflections, airy clockwise, tighter counterclockwise.
Does the Ocean have a shimmer reverb?
Yes. Shimmer is one of the Ocean's three reverb algorithms, alongside hall and spring. Premier Guitar's reviewer found the shimmer setting inspiring in an introspective way, good for Bill Frisell-style textures.
How much does the Tsakalis Audioworks Ocean cost?
Premier Guitar listed the Ocean's street price as $250 in its September 2026 review. That is a street price rather than a maker's list price, so actual retail pricing may vary.
Sources (3)
- Tsakalis AudioWorks creates the "ultimate reverb machine" with Ocean guitar effects pedal, MusicRadar, 2016-04-25
- Tsakalis Ocean Reverb Review: Summer Gear Slam 2020, Premier Guitar, 2020-07-14
- Quick Hit: Tsakalis AudioWorks Ocean Reverb Review, Premier Guitar, 2016-12-11