3 Rack Reverbs compared Yamaha SPX90 / Yamaha SPX 900 / Alesis Quadraverb - Linn Drum + Yamaha RX5

[@ShallRemainUnknown]

Keyboard magazine May 1989 Cyberpunk issue had detailed comparison test of about 6 effects units, including Quadraverb & SPX900. SPX900 won 1st place because of great reverb (close to very expensive units), most effects algorithms , excellent MIDI implementation. Quadraverb came in 2nd place, with good overall performance , all same-sounding but acceptable reverb algorithms. Big consideration was MSRP price; Quadraverb $450 vs. SPX900 $1,000.

[@violao206]

Right? That's why I bought a QuadraVerb ($400) all those decades ago and it has served me well for live production. It lives in my brother's basement studio now.

[@The_Absurdistt]

I have the SPX90 and the Quadraverb+. The Quadraverb presets are conservative in how much reverb and other parameters are set to, hence, it sounds like it isn't as "lush" in its sound. However, If you mess with the settings a little, you will find it just as capable as the SPX90 for a much lower price. And the buttons on the Quadraverb feel better to me. Cheers.

[@anticomunistadoms]

agree to your cost benefit coment

[@Multipass05]

Great Vid! I've been listening to reverb demos all day and this one wins!

[@bradylasserre9320]

Can't beat the reverb of those old Alesis racks. Grainy and dark. Love it!

[@100DollarHeadache]

Agreed, I felt the Yamaha SPX reverbs were too heavy yet tinny compared to the Quadraverb.

[@timbit2006]

It sounds maybe like the mix isn't wet enough on the Alesis. Check the mix screen, I noticed that on mine a lot were not as wet as they should be if using on an Aux send.

[@alanhaynes418]

I see a BSS DPR402 at the bottom - I have 2 of these great units! Very underrated.

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Yeah mine broke sadly, first channel only compresses in auto mode.

[@anticomunistadoms]

GREAT REVERBS.......quadraverb also makes the same for half the price, just need tweek to its controls, your heard low reverb in quadra because preset is set low by factory

[@violao206]

I have been Yamaha SPX90 curious for decades, in fact Mike Stern still tours with his on his rig. You can get a Yammi for less than $200 so it is kind of a no-brainer in value. I don't hate my Alesis QuardaVerb either. It is still going strong all these decades in my brother's basement studio.

[@sinewave2099]

Great video! Would have been nice to hear the reverse reverbs compared, but still a helpful demo. Judging from this I like the sounds of the SPX90 the most.

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Cheers! Don't worry, I'm going to compare the two Yamaha's with another Yamaha reverb I just picked up, I'll reply with the link in a few days.

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Here are all the presets from the Yamaha SPX90, SPX900 and A3000 sampler, also a very good effects processor. I've done this one differently and just played the lot instead of A-B-C. But it's the same drum pattern throughout, so you should be able to track down the reverse verbs. Subscribe and you'll be notified when I do the Ensoniq DP4 effects with the Alesis Quadraverb A-B. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5fFg39roLCHeqM

[@anticomunistadoms]

quadraverb also makes the same for half the price, just need tweek to its controls, your heard low reverb in quadra because preset is set low by factory

[@medwaystudios]

Nice vid, good motivation to get my SPX90II fixed.

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Cheers Jesse :)

[@hayabusa1300100]

The SPX 900 is a killer piece

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Here's another video I did with a Yamaha SPX90, SPX900 and A3000 sampler (also a really good stand alone effects processor). It covers all the presets so you can compare the lot, although this video is probably a bit easier to A-B them specifically. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5fFg39roLCHeqM

[@matrix12x]

Great video. The SPX90 sounds a lot like my Yamaha REV7

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Cheers Matrix12x, your name makes me very jealous!

[@saintjames7387]

Nice demo man!

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Cheers! I tried adding embedded text but my mac is too old to render 5 mins of video without a major crash, time to replace and make better gear vids!

[@johnnybrit804]

good job!!! IMO, SPX 900 wins. In second, SPX 90

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Got to say I prefer the SPX900 too.

[@johnnybrit804]

@@SDVY-Stevie Nice! I have one SPX 900 and the rare RCX-1 that was restored for me. If you want to see it please verify my Instagram (mopho studio)

[@Valler2661]

SPX 90 sounds more dinamic and excited.

[@Bluesguitarlessons]

Great vidéo and demo

[@Kuzushikarma]

Nice test, what would you say, wich one has the lowest noise level?

[@SDVY-Stevie]

I honestly don’t know, the spx900 perhaps

[@Mansardian]

Is it possible that you didn't set the Alesis so that the dry/wet balance matches with the Yamahas?

[@SDVY-Stevie]

I seem to remember them being all the same. Don't expect the Alesis to sound as heavy or thick as the Yammys. I like them all for their own reasons. I actually keep the Yammys on the drum sub mix now and have the Alesis on the main mixer, where the synths all are.

[@Mansardian]

@@SDVY-Stevie I agree, I use the Alesis in a similar way. It sucks at small rooms but it is great for those lush, long tails. Synth definitely, I also like it on ballad vocals. Hall2, Dec:60, Diff:6...Lovely!

[@amonster8mymother]

Somebody told me "if you have 3 spx90 you can do a 480L". That's 6 channel reverb.

[@SDVY-Stevie]

That sounds hilarious, I can only ask you to divide 480 by 90, looks like 5.3333 to me :(

[@pdpkk]

Do you need Yamaha at all if you can buy 480?

[@amonster8mymother]

@@pdpkk no. If you cannot buy a Lexicon 480L you can substitute 3 Yamaha SPX90 for 6 channel reverb.

[@pdpkk]

@@amonster8mymother but sound..

[@martimdesouzajunior7585]

Not a real comparison if the parameters aren't exactly the same.

[@lu4enp]

Wet signal in Quadraverb is too low compared to the yamahas, unfair comparison to me, sorry

[@SDVY-Stevie]

Ok I've had to delete everything said before. I honestly don't know if it's fair or not, I have tried to make a useful video and it takes time, at least a day really. Just so you know, I did this video because there was nothing like it online, most are shot with phones and aren't as accurate as I would have liked. There is a difference between googling for a video in order to get a better understanding of something, and buying three rack reverbs then making one, I had to import all the units. KZbin is a free for all channel and all I can say is it's easier to type a criticism than it is to make a video. I hope (and am sure given the general response) that this video is of more than a little use to most people. The Quad to me is lighter by nature, the Yamahas are much more metallic. Simple fact is, if you want a better comparison, you need to spend a day with all three units, a soundcard / camera and a boring drum pattern! Enjoy yourself with that lot!

[@lu4enp]

@@SDVY-Stevie grow

[@rikardocarvalho]

@@SDVY-Stevie LOL. You didnt read what lu4enp said , did you ?

[@zombiemosher1139]

Yamaha wins, the Quadreverb fell short on all settings.