Do the Helix Spring Reverbs Suck? REAL SPRING REVERB Comparison

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Whilst I'm a huge advocate of the Helix reverbs (particularly the Dynamic algorithms) - I wanted to compare the spring reverbs to this Surfy Bear spring reverb unit and see if they hold up against a real spring.
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[@darwinsaye]

I have a real spring reverb in a Fender amp, and a amp spring reverb model and also a ‘63 Spring reverb model in my Zoom MS stomp pedals. In my experience, the regular spring model in the Zoom is close to the sound of my real reverb in the amp, and the Zoom ‘63 is the most different. I think it’s important to note that compared to real outboard spring units, even real onboard spring reverbs in amps don’t sound anywhere as lush. Samuraiguitarist does a good video comparison of the differences between real onboard and outboard reverbs. Side note; the ‘63 Spring Reverb model in the Zoom is surprisingly good. I know nobody gives the Zoom MS pedals much credit, but they do a surprisingly good emulation of certain difficult effects that higher end pedal brands seem to struggle with, specifically, the ‘63 Spring Reverb, Rotary Speaker, and Univibe. I’ve listened to lots of comparisons, and I found the Zoom Rotary and Univibe effects beat out a lot of high priced dedicated Rotary and Univibe effects on the market.

[@BushidoPhoto]

My favorite spring reverb is the Surfy Bear metal with surfy pan.

[@ThatWhatIsNot]

As a surf music aficionado, I don’t find the Line 6 verbs to be drippy enough for Dick Dale type stuff. I used to have a Fender tank for that (sold it to buy a guitar Ive since sold, but I digress) but now get by with a Source Audio True Spring reverb pedal, which does the surfy spring sound very well. But I find the Hot Springs and 63 Reverb on my HX Effects to be pretty good for most other surf music. Spring modeling has come a long way since when I first purchased my tank.

[@bradsims7089]

I like the helix 63 spring reverb. I've never done an a/b with a real one, but it sounds good to me.

[@spindal_1]

Would be great if line 6 could fix us a lush drippy spring. We have enough studio verbs. The spring is amp heritage so it’s missed and the legacy is the best bet and could be better. The dwell is good but the drip doesn’t respond to dynamics.

[@mattofthemountain]

I always place my spring reverb block between amp & cab so it’s like it’s in the amp. I know technically that’s after the power section so it’s not exact but close enough. Alternatively it can go before the amp altogether which is like running an old tube spring outboard unit.

[@kyran4238]

I used to gig a VanAmps Sole-mate spring reverb. That and my V1 Kingsley Jester made for one very heavy and expensive pedalboard.

[@NedJeffery]

I've never been able to use the hot springs. But I keep forgetting that the legacy stuff exists! I've just been going without spring reverb all this time. You convinced with the dynamic plate, and I use that all the time now. But Searchlights is still my favourite.

[@tappistrt]

This was one of the few times on your reverb comparison videos where there was a noticeable, audible difference between the Helix and some other external pedal. I’ve seen some boards posted online with a Stomp and a Surfybear, and I see why if you’re using spring reverb frequently. That said, Helix is no slouch at all. I’m surprised that the legacy spring reverb seems have more drip than the new Hot Springs one.

[@lyricbread]

We guitar players are so fickle. We make so much effort to replicate sounds in real life, such as the reverb of a particular live room in a famous recording studio, only to complain that a digital spring reverb doesn’t sound like a real spring reverb, which in itself is made to emulate the sound of a room reverb. 😂

[@Herfinnur]

Oh dear. Hearing it compared with a real spring tank, the Helix spring reverb sounds absolutely terrible. The Legacy one doesn't sound real either, but at least it's pleasant. I wonder whether the fact that Surfy Bear is mono makes it sound better? Some day - maybe this winter - I want to build a pedal board with some things integrated, including a real spring tank and that new Harley Benton integrated power supply. Some other ideas would include a balanced input for vocal mics. Anyone here have additional ideas?

[@TheDilligan]

The hot springs is so close. I hate the way it dies out so quickly. At max decay, it is still so short. It also feels like it has an unrealistic curve. Like it’s fading out naturally at first, then suddenly fades out quickly.

[@Francis23777]

Hi John, where’s the bestverb preset located on the HX Stomp folders? Thanks a lot

[@picksalot1]

The Surfy Bear sounds like it has a bit of Compression on it, as the attack sounds smoother. It is generally warmer sounding compared to the Helix Springs you compared it to, and also has more "drip." If I remember correctly, Helix recently added a Spring Reverb that has a Drip parameter, but don't remember it's name. There were some differences in volume and brightness that made the comparisons a little difficult. There are some excellent Helix Legacy effects, including Reverbs. I generally prefer Plate Reverbs. Both units sounded good, usable. Unless someone needs a lush, complex, ambient Reverb, the differences between Reverbs doesn't make a lot of difference.

[@jadeone]

hot springs.

[@plankspankersparadise3113]

.. maybe position Spring between amp and speaker in the HELIX? ...to collapse to mono

[@thomaschilds8781]

Topanga is the best spring reverb emulation I've come across. Oceans 11 has a very good model too.

[@glyman1212]

Hi John you say that tweeters are the enemy of good guitar tone yet you monitor your modeler through your JBLs. how do you make that sound good? I tried monitoring my FM 3 through my monitors and clean sounds great but anything with distortion has spiky treble through the monitors. Thanks for your good work.

[@NedJeffery]

LPF in the cab block

[@johnnathancordy]

The difference is that a studio monitor is a nearfield speaker, whereas the things in FRFR speakers/PA speakers are quite a different design. But as Ned says below, try high cuts in the Cab section - for high gain stuff as low as 4khz is plenty useful

[@stevesanders6738]

Don't ask me, I live in Dynamic Hall.

[@thepedalreview]

Spring reverb is definitely a difficult reverb to recreate in a modeler or pedal.

[@cunjoz]

I wouldn't say Helix spring reverbs suck as reverbs, but they're obviously not the real deal. I'm not a sucker for how my reverbs and delays sound, rather, I'm more concerned about how they make my tone sound and whether they give me an appropriate amount of ambiance while not drowning the stuff I'm actually playing. On top of that, I've never really cared about spring reverbs but I'm sure there are people who do care a lot and I'm sure they'll find anything but the real deal absolutely terrible.

[@Kalson225]

tell me pls , NuX MG30 or Hotone ampero mg100 ?

[@dreadnotpop]

Will you post a review of the powered pedal board soon? The manual lists 51 minutes of power which isn't enough for one set let alone a whole show.

[@RobCowie]

...and absolutely nobody but guitarists even care. Both sound fine, and are perfectly useable in any context.

[@rumy6871]

For a large gig or recording, I would support going the extra mile. However, for small gigs, jams, and demos, the Helix is more than adequate.

[@craiger2399]

There is nothing wrong at all with the Springs in the Stomp. But I have a Surfy Bear Classic, and it really does something special.

[@Herfinnur]

First thing sounds like a real spring reverb. It does that upwards pitch bend that Ryan from 60ChickenHum talks about

[@chrismillett]

Chicken hum? 😂 @60cyclehumcast

[@Herfinnur]

@@chrismillettOh, uhm, I was talking about the famous A Capella group "60 Chicken Hum"!

[@lyricbread]

I hear exactly what you’re referring to. It’s a bit of modulation.

[@r0bophonic]

The big difference I hear is that the Surfybear is mono instead of stereo, and always has more dry signal.

[@ToneDeth.]

Real spring reverb in intro?

[@johnnathancordy]

YEP

[@MrKbeaumont]

Built in amp spring reverbs don't have near the amount of controls and in my opinion many sound like ass.

[@davidmackie2901]

Not a big fan of spring reverb, myself. Only use it when that's the only option, or the other options are even worse, which is rare.

[@coretonecaptures]

Surfy bear wins this round.

[@kingfisher7960]

Boss didnt make these...thats whats wrong

[@lawrenrich6419]

I never use spring. It sounds like an ‘effect’ anyway not a true reverb in a space. I’m quite happy with the hx plate or room and rarely go above 25%. It’s just for a sense of natural space. At that level really anything works.