The Universal Audio Del-Verb Ambience Companion is a digital stereo delay and reverb pedal from Universal Audio, available now at a list price of $3491. Rather than introducing new algorithms, it gathers what Universal Audio calls the streamlined highlights of two earlier UAFX pedals: the delay effects of the Starlight Echo Station and the reverb algorithms of the Golden Reverberator, three classic reverbs among them, in a single unit21.
For a player, that means one box covering both ambience effects. Universal Audio describes it as packing ready-to-wear emulations of classic reverb and delay effects, with three classic reverbs: a '60s tube amp spring, a studio plate, and a vintage digital hall2. MusicRadar called it a greatest hits collection of the two earlier pedals3.
What the Del-Verb does
The pedal runs two effects at once: a delay side and a reverb side, which one buyer review on Universal Audio's site summed up as "you get two great sounding pedals in one"4. The delay algorithms come from the Starlight Echo Station and the reverbs from the Golden Reverberator, three of each23.
The three delay algorithms each use the Modulation control differently, as MusicRadar explained at launch1:
| Algorithm | Modulation control behavior |
|---|---|
| EP-III | 'New' tape dialled left, worn tape right1 |
| DMM | Vibrato left, chorus right1 |
| Precision | Flanger left, chorus right1 |
The reverb side offers the '60s tube amp spring, studio plate, and vintage digital hall emulations, with a Reverb wet level control for what MusicRadar called ultra-streamlined control21.
Controls on the pedal itself are Reverb level, Delay time, Feedback, Mix, Color and Modulation, plus three-way delay and reverb type selector mini toggle switches, and two footswitches: one for Delay and the second for Reverb or Tap (tempo)3. The right footswitch can be assigned to tap tempo and other functions via the UAFX Control mobile app1.
On the original firmware, having reverb engaged and tap tempo for the delay was an either/or choice; the right footswitch's assignment through the app is what resolves how you use it31.
Power
The Del-Verb requires an isolated 9V DC center-negative supply with a 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel connector, the same connector size as standard Boss pedals, and draws a minimum of 400mA23. The power supply is not included3.
This current draw rules out a battery and makes a shared daisy chain risky. One buyer review on Universal Audio's site warns: "Make sure you use a power supply with 500 mA current or it won't work"4.
Connections, stereo and the UAFX Control app
The pedal runs in stereo or dual mono, with two 1/4" unbalanced TS inputs and two 1/4" unbalanced TS outputs; input 2 and output 2 are used for stereo connections2. MusicRadar's review also lists mono and stereo inputs and outputs plus a USB-C input for firmware updates via the UAFX Control desktop app3.
A USB Type-C port handles registration and firmware updates via computer2. With firmware 2.0, Universal Audio improved connectivity with its app via Bluetooth and added a hardwired USB-to-Mobile connection option3. The product page states the pedal supports MIDI-over-USB, along with the improved Bluetooth and hardwired connections, via the updated UAFX Control app2. Firmware can be updated out of the box, as one buyer review noted: "Right out the box connected and updated firmware"4. Presets can be set and used at gigs, according to another buyer review4.
Other specifications from Universal Audio:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB2 |
| Maximum input level | 12.2 dBu2 |
| Maximum output level | 12.1 dBu2 |
| Input impedance | 500 kilohms (mono in), 1 megohm (stereo in)2 |
| Output impedance | 500 ohms2 |
| Bluetooth | v5, 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz, +4.35 dBm maximum output power2 |
| Dimensions | 2.56" H x 3.62" W x 5.55" D (with knobs and protrusions)2 |
| Weight | 1.314 lbs, 0.596 kg unboxed2 |
How it differs from the Starlight and Golden Reverberator
The Del-Verb is a condensed version of the two full-size UAFX pedals. It takes three delay algorithms from the Starlight Echo Station and three reverb algorithms from the Golden Reverberator, where those pedals carry more3. The trade-off is depth of control: MusicRadar noted that "The Golden Reverberator is waiting with its Predelay, Mix, Bass, Treble and Modulation parameters for you deeper divers", while the Del-Verb keeps things simpler3. Players who want the full parameter sets stay with the originals; the Del-Verb is the one-unit solution5.
What reviewers and buyers said
MusicRadar's Rob Laing reviewed the pedal in November 2023 and was emphatic about the sounds:
"For the range and standard of delay and reverb sounds the Del-Verb is the best delay / reverb combination pedal we've played to date; a high-end set it-and-submerge ticket into gorgeous tones."3
He framed the question around value: "can its performance reassure you and your $350 investment?"3.
On Universal Audio's own product page, the pedal is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews, with 90 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it24. The rating breakdown is 7 five-star, 2 four-star, and 1 three-star, with no two-star or one-star ratings4.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Sweetwater
Premier Guitar
Questions
What power supply does the UAFX Del-Verb need?
It needs an isolated 9V DC center-negative supply with a 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel connector, the same size as standard Boss connectors, delivering at least 400mA. The power supply is not included, and a buyer review on Universal Audio's site warns that a supply without enough current, under 500mA, will not run the pedal.
Is the Del-Verb stereo?
Yes. It runs in stereo or dual mono, with two 1/4 inch unbalanced TS inputs and two 1/4 inch unbalanced TS outputs. Input 2 and output 2 are used for stereo connections, and MusicRadar lists mono and stereo inputs and outputs among its features.
Does the Del-Verb have tap tempo?
Yes. The right footswitch can be assigned to tap tempo and other functions through the UAFX Control mobile app. On the original firmware, having reverb on and tap tempo for the delay was an either/or choice, but the footswitch is assignable via the app.
Does the UA Del-Verb support MIDI?
Yes, via USB. Universal Audio's product page states the pedal supports MIDI-over-USB, along with improved Bluetooth and hardwired connections, through the updated UAFX Control app.
Is the Del-Verb the same as the Starlight and Golden Reverberator?
It draws on both. The Del-Verb uses the same reverb algorithms as the Golden Reverberator and the delay effects from the Starlight Echo Station, taking three algorithms from each. It is a streamlined one-pedal version, with fewer controls than those two full-size pedals.
Sources (5)
- NAMM 2023: Universal Audio reveals 3 new UAFX pedals: meet the Del-Verb Ambience Companion, Galaxy '74 Tape Echo and Reverb and Max Preamp & Dual Compressor, MusicRadar, 2023-04-11
- Del-Verb Ambience Companion Pedal, Universal Audio (www.uaudio.com)
- Universal Audio UAFX Del-Verb Ambience Companion delay and reverb pedal review, MusicRadar, 2023-05-07
- Del-Verb Ambience Companion Reviews, Universal Audio
- The must-have new guitar effects pedals of 2023, MusicRadar, 2023-05-04
