Archive for February, 2025

Noise Engineering Announces Batverb Pedal: Experimental Reverb, Delay, + Infinite-Tail Generator


Noise Engineering, best known as a maker of synthesizer effects and sound sources, today announced Batverb, a distinctive stereo reverb “with a twist.”

The Batverb pedal’s parameters allow the resulting effects to morph organically from slapback delays to infinite reverb tails.

“Batverb was inspired by our Desmodus Versio module, but when we tried to bring the Desmodus experience to guitar, we realized quickly that we would need to rethink the approach. Batverb shares concepts with Desmodus but shares zero code: the entire thing was redesigned from the ground up, with the dynamics and tonality of guitar at the forefront,” said Stephen McCaul, Chief Noisemaker at Noise Engineering.

“Working with guitar was key, but what sounds great on guitar also works really well for loads of other instruments,” adds NE’s Kris Kaiser.

Batverb’s stereo I/O and MIDI integration make it suitable for a wide range of instruments.

 

Along with predelay/delay Time and Regen controls, Batverb includes a number of parameters for shaping the tone of the reverb itself. The Grit switch adds a unique harmonic distortion to the tail or the whole mix, and the Doom and Shimmer controls add in subharmonics and overtones. Batverb also has onboard adjustable highpass and lowpass filters to shape the tone to taste.

Batverb’s configurable Bypass footswitch can cut the reverb tail immediately, or simply mute the input to the reverb processor, allowing the tail to ring out while you play. The Infinite footswitch mutes the input to the reverb tank while maximizing the feedback for an infinite atmosphere.

The innovative Duck switch uses the dynamics of your playing to shape the reverb tail. Use the right setting to duck the reverb out of the way of your guitar’s tone, or the left setting to make the reverb’s dynamics match your guitar’s.

Batverb also stores/recalls up to 16 presets with MIDI Program Change messages. Batverb features a convenient MIDI thru jack, so it’s easy to patch into your MIDI control chain. In addition, all parameters can also be controlled via MIDI for automation and remote control from a DAW or configurable controllers.

Features:

  • Separate Doom and Shimmer controls add in chaotic suboctaves and haunting overtones
  • Low-pass and high-pass filter settings for the reverb tank allow you to add filtering and harmonics to reverb tails
  • Built-in dynamic distortion can apply to only the wet signal or the whole output
  • Onboard dry/wet Blend control and input- and output-gain parameters
  • Unique Duck switch controls the reverb’s behavior: duck out of the way of an input signal, or match the dynamics of your playing, similar to a gated reverb
  • Create instant atmospheres with reverb-freezing Hold footswitch
  • Route the expression input to any parameter on the pedal
  • Configurable bypass
  • Store and recall 16 different presets and recall them with MIDI program-change messages.

Noise Engineering Batverb pedal is currently available for preorder for MSRP $499. The pedal will ship from Noise Engineering and retailers starting March 13th, 2025.

Korg DW-8000 Getting New Superpowers After 40 Years


tubesockor has announced a new project that promises to bring new superpowers to the Korg DW-8000, which was originally introduced 40 years ago, in 1985:

“I reverse engineered the OS (firmware) of the Korg DW-8000 from 1985, and have started to add some new features. Bringing some new life to a 40 year old synth!

First up, as a proof-of-concept, is an additional waveform for the LFO.”


There’s no word yet on what this will look like in terms of a commercial product. But, if you’ve got a Korg DW-8000, you can leave your wish list for new features on tubesockor’s Youtube post.

New Overlays For Korg Drumlogue


Oversynth.com let us know that they’ve released a set of overlays for the Korg Drumlogue drum machine.

Oversynth makes panel overlays that do two main things. First, they bring additional information to the front panel, so you don’t have to remember alt-key shortcuts and hidden controls. Second, they lets you customize the look of your gear by offering a variety of styles of overlays.

The new Drumlogue overlays feature enhanced shift function and global settings labels to enhance readability in low light. The Overlay designs range from classic black and white, to color-coded options in various shades. All designs use high-contrast graphics and large fonts whenever possible for easy viewing.

The new Korg Drumlogue overlays are available now, priced at $35 each.

Oversynth.com manufactures overlays for synthesizers and other electronic instruments in small batches based on customer demand and offers worldwide shipping from Portland Oregon, USA.