The VanAmps Sole-Mate is a compact spring reverb unit that uses analog solid-state circuitry and a real reverb pan for true spring reverb sounds. Released in 2006, it was created for people with one-channel amps, or players who do not wish to run two cables to their amp: it mixes the reverb signal with the dry signal at the same output jack, an arrangement Premier Guitar notes is more commonly used and is found in Fender reverb tanks.1
A spring reverb for single-input amps
The Sole-Mate is the newcomer added to the VanAmps line to address the specific needs of players using amplifiers with only one input. Where the original VanAmps Reverbamate sends the reverb signal back to a second amp input, the Sole-Mate blends wet and dry at a single output jack, so one cable covers the whole signal.2
Both VanAmp units use the same model 8-inch Accutronics spring unit, hard-mounted to the aluminum chassis. VanAmps also told Premier Guitar that a long decay spring tank is available on special order that will bring the performance solidly into the surf realm.2
The line has since grown smaller: the Van Amps Sole-Mate Jr. reduces the footprint even further by removing the tank from the switching unit. Premier Guitar's reviewer called the Jr. "An easy way to add real, high-quality spring reverb to your amp. Fantastic tones, especially for clean sounds."1
The controls
The Sole-Mate keeps things simple, with two knobs:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Dwell | Sets the length of the reverb sounds; varies the gain of the dry signal feeding the springs23 |
| Output | Controls the level of the reverb signal fed to the amplifier2 |
On the Sole-Mate Jr., Premier Guitar's reviewer described the same arrangement: "Output level mixes wet and dry, and the dwell knob adjusts decay."1
Power and bypass
The Sole-Mate runs off a 12V AC wall wart and includes a 12V AC adapter made for 120V AC USA power. Van Amps notes that a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus AC output will also work. There is no battery option.23
Because the Sole-Mate runs on 12V AC rather than the DC output most pedal power supplies deliver, a standard daisy-chain output will not run it. Use the included adapter, which is made for 120V AC USA power, or a supply with an AC output such as the Voodoo Labs PP2/AC.3
Bypass is true bypass, handled by an ON/OFF switch for true bypass of the reverb sound.3
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer found the Sole-Mate's overall tone strong: "Nonetheless, the Sole-Mate is definitely a first-rate spring tone for everything else." The same review reported a street price of $285.2
On the related Sole-Mate Jr., the reviewer heard a lush and full reverb with a little shimmer and a trail that sounds very natural when both controls are wide open, without strong "boing-boing" spring tones, better suited to spatial, ambient reverb than surf tones, at a street price of $250.1
For more on where the Sole-Mate sits among reverb options, see the Reverb Pedals page.
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Questions
Is the VanAmps Sole-Mate true bypass?
Yes. The Sole-Mate has an ON/OFF switch that gives true bypass of the reverb sound, so when it is switched off the unit is out of your signal path. Van Amps' smaller Sole-Mate Jr. is also true bypass; Premier Guitar's reviewer found that when switched off it disappears completely from the chain.
Does the VanAmps Sole-Mate take a battery?
No. Van Amps states there is no battery option on the Sole-Mate. It runs on 12V AC power and includes a 12V AC adapter made for 120V AC USA power. A Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus AC output will also work.
Does the Sole-Mate use a real spring reverb pan?
Yes. It is a true spring reverb unit using a real reverb pan. Premier Guitar reported that both VanAmp units use the same model 8-inch Accutronics spring unit, hard-mounted to the aluminum chassis.
Why was the Sole-Mate made for amps with one input?
The Sole-Mate was created for people with one-channel amps, or players who do not wish to run two cables to their amp. It mixes the reverb signal with the dry signal at the same output jack, a more commonly used arrangement found in Fender reverb tanks, so only one cable to the amplifier is needed.
Is the Sole-Mate priced the same as the original Reverbamate?
Yes. Van Amps lists the Sole-Mate at the same price as the original Reverbamate. Premier Guitar reported a street price of $285 for the Sole-Mate.
Sources (3)
- VanAmps Sole-Mate Jr. Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2013-02-04
- Vanamps Reverbamate ASR-1 and Sole-Mate, Premier Guitar, 2009-10-21
- The Reverbamate and Sole-Mate by VanAmps, Analog Man (analogman.com), 2015
