The VanAmps Reverbamate, also called the ASR-1 (Analog Spring Reverb), is a compact spring reverb unit that uses analog solid-state circuitry and a real spring tank rather than a digital emulation1. VanAmps built it around what the company describes as patent pending circuitry, quality components and hardware, and says it produces "a reverb so lush and detailed that you can't distinguish it from the sound of a vintage tube reverb amp and in some cases far exceeds the standard"2. Premier Guitar reviewed it alongside its companion unit, the VanAmps Sole-Mate, and found it a first-rate spring tone1.
Both VanAmps units use the same model 8" Accutronics spring unit, hard-mounted to the aluminum chassis1. VanAmps also offers a long decay spring tank on special order, which Premier Guitar reported "will bring the performance solidly into the surf realm"1.
The controls and outputs
The Reverbamate has two controls. "Output" controls the level of the reverb signal fed to the amplifier, and "Dwell" varies the gain of the dry signal feeding the springs1. Analog Man's page sums up the pairing: "This coupled with the output level and dwell controls on the Reverbamate make for some mighty tasty reverb effects"2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Output | Sets the level of the reverb signal fed to the amplifier1 |
| Dwell | Varies the gain of the dry signal feeding the springs1 |
The unit has two outputs, a direct output and a reverb output2. On the ASR-1, the reverb signal is routed to a 1/4" output jack on the rear panel, where it sits next to another jack that outputs the dry signal1. Note that the reverb output carries only the effect:
The REVERB output is 100% wet signal. No dry signal comes out at all, just the reverb sound2.
There is also an auxiliary switch so you can switch your tremolo right there with your reverb2. And the two outputs open up a stereo trick: Premier Guitar's reviewer tried "using a separate amp for the reverb signal and putting some space between the two amps, which yielded reverbzilla in stereo"1.
Power and connections
The Reverbamate runs on two 9-volt batteries or with the included 12V AC adaptor, which is made for 120V AC USA power and also works fine in Japan at 100V AC2. UK or Euro spec 12V AC adaptors are available for $202.
The included adaptor is a 12V AC wall wart, not a 9V DC pedal supply, so it cannot be swapped for a standard center-negative pedal power output12.
One difference between the two units: the Sole-Mate has a reverb status light and a power light, while the ASR-1 does not1.
Build, price and history
The ASR-1 has been around for a few years and has gained a solid reputation, in Premier Guitar's assessment1. It is built with stainless steel hardware and covered in Tolex in vintage brown, black, cream and tweed, with custom coverings available by special order2. The price was $285 plus $15 shipping and handling in the USA, as listed in 20152.
For more on the effect type itself, see reverb pedals.
Videos
Mike Hughes
Questions
Is the VanAmps Reverbamate a real spring reverb?
Yes. The Reverbamate is a true spring tank reverb unit built around an 8-inch Accutronics spring unit hard-mounted to an aluminum chassis, with analog solid-state circuitry. VanAmps describes it as a reverb so lush and detailed you cannot distinguish it from a vintage tube reverb amp.
Does the Reverbamate have a dry signal on the reverb output?
No. The Reverbamate has two outputs, a direct output and a reverb output, and the reverb output is 100% wet signal. No dry signal comes out of it at all, just the reverb sound. The dry signal leaves through its own output jack.
What does the dwell control do on the Reverbamate?
Dwell varies the gain of the dry signal feeding the springs. Turning it up drives the spring tank harder, which lengthens and intensifies the spring decay, in the same way the dwell control on vintage outboard reverb units works.
Can the Reverbamate switch tremolo with reverb?
Yes. The unit has an auxiliary switch so you can switch your tremolo right there with your reverb, rather than reaching for a separate footswitch on the amp.
Does the Reverbamate run on batteries?
Yes. It runs on two internal 9-volt batteries, or on the included 12V AC adaptor, which is made for 120V AC USA power and also works fine in Japan at 100V AC. UK or Euro spec 12V AC adaptors are available for $20.
What colors does the Reverbamate come in?
It is covered in Tolex in vintage brown, black, cream and tweed, with custom coverings available by special order. The build uses stainless steel hardware.
Sources (2)
- Vanamps Reverbamate ASR-1 and Sole-Mate, Premier Guitar, 2009-10-21
- The Reverbamate and Sole-Mate by VanAmps, Analog Man (analogman.com), 2015
