Eventide Blackhole reverb pedal review // a pedal truly made for synthesizers!

[@davidvochocjr1005]

After watching literally 3 hours of various reverb units and plug-ins reviews, this is the most pleasant

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

That's the best reverb unit I think I've ever heard. Love it.

[@izme4700]

Better than mercury 7 ?

[@X22GJP]

@@izme4700 When somebody says something like, "The tastiest fruit I've ever eaten is raspberry", you don't reply with, "Better than Jabuticaba?" The clue is in what they write - best reverb unit they think they have ever heard. If they have heard mercury 7, and thought that was better, they would have said so. Otherwise, you can assume they haven't heard it, and so it's not on their radar to even mention.

[@kingtrance307]

@@X22GJP- He doesn’t need a scolding! 😂

[@Raku777]

Thanks for sharing. I am happy that you reviewed this pedal from a synth standpoint. I went through a few KZbin videos that were coming from a guitar view. Yours stood out and helps me to visualize what is possible with a synth. I have had to guess from the guitar videos and they did not give me a full idea. I would love to hear you do a video where you make a sonic tapestry with this pedal some time.

[@josiahblanton8291]

Thanks Bo for demoing this pedal with a gritty synth like the Polybrute! Great overview of the pedal too! 👌🏻

[@ltnjones1714]

Oh nice ! Thanks Bo, nice reverb and nice presentation !

Just ordered one for my 5U rig. This video really helped me with the decision, thanks Bo! Du är bäst!

[@IceLocus]

I have the plugin version of this. I wonder how the pedal version compares to the Strymon Big Sky pedal...

[@XTINCTIONation]

I just bought a Big Sky, and I must say, it sounds terrible for synthesizers in my opinion, currently exchanging it for the Blackhole.

[@javiceres]

I love it as a diffused delay with gravity set to +100% and hi&lo cut hard

[@stonedapesociety5628]

I'm in love with my budget TC Electronics T2 totally stunning cheap reverb.. Of course Blackhole is another level..

[@richnewman]

Should also be mentioned that you can add/change different reverbs through the Eventide app/program to store in your five presets. It's pretty sweet that Eventide has made a small pedal with a lot of hands on control that can be loaded with classic reverbs from Space, etc. I'll leave my Space for synths now and just use this for my guitar board.

[@ageshero]

This needs its own video I think, I’d love to see what could be done there

[@MrJowan01]

so much thanks BObeats, it was a hell hahaha to get sound, had to push 2 buttons together.... and now i have a great working beautifull box.... gogo Bobeats like youre stuff!!!

[@mattderosier9771]

So. I just opened my tascam model 12. I was torn on this and earthquaker afterneath. I decided to rewatch your video of it. Personally while the afterneath is very amazing, I feel this demonstration especially, shows what I'd do with it. You sold another. Been subbed for couple years.

[@Honking_Goose]

The plugin also works great with synths

[@X22GJP]

The temperature is 16'C outside my home as I write this. "So what?" I hear you ask. Exactly.

[@Honking_Goose]

Err nice go off I guess@@X22GJP

[@Radar23]

Nice new studio.. looks spacious

[@BoBeats]

Want to pick up a Blackhole pedal? Use my affiliate link: EU: thmn.to/thoprod/503207?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/jExYb (affiliate links means that I earn a small commission if you buy something using it)

[@audreyazwell]

...I REALLY wish I would've seen this before I bought this pedals older brother yesterday from a different store, I would've used your affiliate link, DANG...ok so, if I buy anything from sweetwater with this link it'll get you some commission? Because I'll keep this in mind moving forward 🙌👊

[@turfoid7899]

Can I use this on digitakt and edit lfo to mess with cc?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

liking the look of the new set!

[@Raku777]

Thanks, again, for sharing. I did eventually get an Eventide Blackhole Pedal, so I hope you get a cut for showcasing it for us ambient synth users. I want to validate that the Blackhole does have very tweakable dials for hands on work with sound crafting. I have paired the unit with an Argon8, which I know you like and did a favorable review on. If you are looking for inspiration to do a video, I would recommend that you demo this pair, the Argon8 and the Blackhole. A few reviewers shared that the Argon8 is a little weak on the effects part of the synth and the Blackhole fills this in very well and takes a minor weakness and makes it into a strength. I found it worth mentioning, too, that the "arp" function with leads that are string like (like a guitar) seem to transform well by the Blackhole and extend the abilities of the Argon8 (and probably a lot of other synths with good stringlike lead sounds). Thanks Again.

[@BoBeats]

No cut from Eventide unfortunately 😅👍 glad to hear it lives up to expectations

[@GIPNOZER_SOUND]

This is a great reverb for the money! It has an incredibly spatial stereo sound, comfortable ergonomics without unnecessary menus and its own characteristic eventide accent in the nuances of sound. My friend bought it for himself and let me test it. I recorded a couple of cool wait videos with him in my style and really fell in love with wine! Indeed, it can be safely recommended to fans of synths. And I support the statement about the zoom ms70cdr. This is generally a super thing for their little money. There are many different algorithms with which you can experiment a lot with a synthesizer. I also recorded a lot of video performances with him and really love this inexpensive but very interesting device! I also recommend and join the speaker!

[@rayderrich]

I use the software version of Blackhole on about every track I make, love it!

[@errorkit]

pure ambient 🔥

[@JDVVV378]

Great Video Bo , nice to know what the possibilities are for Reverbe Pedals

[@tsgodman4409]

Thank Bo, great insight as always, was going to get an old lexicon rack mx200, but will now consider this, you're the best mate.....if i buy one I will use your link too

[@Yertaiofficial]

I use vst version, the best reverb ever

Might need this for my 5u rig!

[@zpinkLondonBelow]

Great overview, thanks! Been contemplating to get a H9 and some of the algorithms, this may be an alternative (the H9 would only be used for reverbs). Decisions to be made! hahaha

[@witherwillowsounds3935]

I have an H9 on my big board. I got one of these for my Iridium, and I'm glad I did. It's still my most used effect on the h9.

[@PJmusica]

There's a lot of weird stuff on the h9 I'd never use and this it at minimum $200- 300 less money. I just love the black hole 🕳 sure, I'd like an h9 as well but hey, this does a lot of beautiful spatial ambient reverbs. It's pretty awesome 👏 nicely built too.

[@GlitchComputer]

I swear they went after the Mercury 7 with this pedal!! I wonder how they compare.

[@witherwillowsounds3935]

I own both. Very different beasts, but both amazing and awesome. A bit easier to get conventional sounds out of the Merc, but you can with this, too.

[@davebellamy4867]

How does it compare with Strymon stuff?

[@jimbojones3880]

Thank you Bo. Another even handed review. Very much looking forward to seeing the progress on your new studio too.Will there be a ‘Super Synth Gift Ideas’ post any time soon?

[@BoBeats]

yes new synth gift video soon-ish

[@ManCalledMif]

love that they've refined the design for hands on control. I find the eventide space a bit too vast (for my skill level). this seems to have retained a lot of the sweet spots and made it easier to use

[@twiglet2214]

Nice,nice,nice thankankank you BoBoBo.

[@rgcmusic]

Very solid pedal and fantastic non-guitar demo. I'd like to know if there is any differences between the H9 and Space versions at all. The Rose supposedly has better analog circuits than the H9. I wonder if this does too. There is a lot of reverb choices but Eventide is a long established effects manufacture and has fantastic algorithms.

[@montxsuz]

I am an oldie with synths but a newby on pedals. I wish I saw this video 24 hours ago. Just ordered an EHX Superego Plus - which is big on Freeze, but only Mono. Would have preferred stereo. BUT. I just discovered the whole lot is available as Windows plug-ins. Hmmm. Plug-in bundle currently on sale, for cheaper than the pedal. Got to try out the demo right now.

[@blackburn1111]

Is there anything this has that the Eventide Space doesn't have other than the freeze button?

[@darrenw2939]

The Space has a bunch more algorithms think individual effects pedal). The Space has all the algorithms that can be classified as reverbs, in a form factor device that has more knobs. The H9 has the reverb, delay, modulation, etc that Eventide offers, but only one algorithm (effect category) at a time. The Space has all the classifiable reverb algorithms in the H9. I really like the Space, and definitely wouldn't trade it for this device unless pedalboard space was an issue, and that was the only algorithm you want. This device only offers the one algorithm.

[@blackburn1111]

@@darrenw2939 yes... Personally i would get a Space. I had one for a while and i miss it. And actually i was thinking the other way around when asking the question. as in "does this Blackhole pedal offer anything at all that's not featured on the Space or H9 etc?"

[@svenrechburg4364]

I had the black hole and immerse mk2. I like the neunaber more for synths, vox & gtr.

[@Amistriotis]

Thanks! That was really informative for a newbie ^_^

[@samprock]

What? PolyBrute is designed to fit Eventide on top of it tidy? :) I always applied my guitar gear on synths, virtual of physical. It very nice of Eventide to support stereo/line level and ability to control thru midi from the DAW on more budget pedal. Was always missing that .... Interested. I realized they have AUv3 plug version for iPad, will start with that :)

[@PS-ys9yg]

do you think is better to buy regular h9 an then buy presets or better to buy h9max, because the price difference is huge. thanx

[@DaraM73]

One stereo input jack is confusing.

[@blackburn1111]

My Strymon Deco is the same way. It's a TRS input and so I use a TRS male to 2x TS female adapter (y adapter) to get both lines in.

[@DaraM73]

Blackburn11 but plenty of pedals, Volante etc, use stereo jacks, which is preferable. Adaptors suck ass in gig setups.

[@DaraM73]

@very droll yes, good call, but man, another non-standard cable to go missing

[@expandingknowledge8269]

Very comprehensive presentation. I believe this pedal would sound great with my Korg DSS-1. 🎹🎶😎

[@kentaccordionist]

I’m sticking to my zoom ms70 CDR in fact I might even purchase another. I have blackhole on my iPad purchased when they first released on iOS for only 10 pounds, so no way am I going to purchase the pedal when I could purchase yet another excellent behringer synth for my collection and still have change.

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

I have the app too but is it the same?

[@alexlifeson8946]

Zoom👈😂

[@WizardBallz]

I like the Hall of Fame with synth . Sounded amazing with my DX-7

[@boothbuster]

@@alexlifeson8946why you laughing at the Zoom tho... 😮

[@scottharris7222]

Also available as an Ipad app which is what I use.

[@Dobroz99]

Big yes! Thx

[@hellcatpictures571]

Can someone demo this pedal for vocals??? Also what if i want to connect my vocals and keys to this pedal?

[@laughingthrushmusic5269]

Can you demo the midi capabilities of the pedal? Perhaps with Digitakt?

[@themandownstairs4765]

I mostly make tonal, harmonic, melodic music, but I occasionally step into noise or ambient music using an overdriven guitar. Would this reverb work in such a setup?

[@BoBeats]

i do think so.. watch a few of the guitar reviews. I got the sense that ambient guitar is a good fit for this pedal

[@avrilcadabra]

Sounds amazing, wonder how it compares to "space hole" in the zoom. I think the midi is the killer feature here but knowing how difficult is to get the correct 3.5mm to midi adaptors for nts-1 etc I wouldn't know where to begin to get a 6.3mm to midi

[@singersynthwriter]

simple midi to trs 3,5mm and then a 50cent 3,5mm to 6,3mm adapter:-)

[@leftmono1016]

Treesines / Singer-Synthwriter - it sounds simple but there are two different standards for trs midi.

[@Nijnvenijn]

Easiest just to buy eventides midi DIN adapter cable for 10 bucks. And to add to this. Small 3.5mm TRS midi connections can be type A or type B. Some brands use A, some B and some let you configure yourself. Korg NTS-1 manual states use type A. Eventide themselves sell a 6.3mm type A to DIN adapter so that is type A as well. So if you simply connect the exp output of the black hole with a large to small stereo jack cable (or a small cable with a simple headphone adapter plug), as long as the other device also uses type A you are good to go.

[@edwillow2529]

Awesome!

[@alainszyller615]

what about the old BOSS GT3 ?

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

Is this the same as the app Blackhole for iOS ?

[@BoBeats]

Yes same software behind it, but then ofc this has processing power/nice build quality

[@fjfrancois]

Black hole or Ventris dual verb 😳

[@errorkit]

Depends on your Genre & Needs. Ventris has 2 sep. Rev/Delay Channels, but soundwise the 2 should be in the same category. Nick has a Clip online with Minibrute 2 on the Ventris. I bought it some Months ago but didn't like it, for me the Sound was too full, too saturated, too fully packed. Will try the Blackhole on my Poly D for Bass & Swell Brass or on my Rocket for Dreamy Synthwave Arcade Leads 🔥

[@dietervoser4425]

@@errorkit i think the ventris has no Freeze function...?

[@errorkit]

@@dietervoser4425 it does - Hold Function?

[@dietervoser4425]

@@errorkit ..ok. thnxx

[@niteboatermusic]

as a former 3000 D/SE owner, Eventide has made it harder to impress. But I love the sounds out of this box/plugin, does not disappoint, just like the 3000. Superb tones, simply gorgeous audio.

[@SecondSunCph]

Anyone knows if it can do 100% wet signal?

[@sunnyschramm9650]

Nope - its not the same algorhythm as the plugin. You can NOT get the beautiful sound of the plugin with the pedal 😞 Eventide confirmed that after I got my pedal, was heavily disappointed and wrote them, Really bad marketing using the same name for this pedal.

[@Lennie_peled]

Hmmm, I literally have both and I just copied the default settings of the plugin (which i like best) to my pedal and it’s the EXACT same algorithm. you should’ve tried that…

[@jacketpaultato22]

I'm sold.

[@bauer6105]

I am looking for a more budget reverb solution for synths. Does anyone have a recomendation?

[@BoBeats]

Zoom cdr reverb

[@bauer6105]

@@BoBeats thanks! Is it the multi stomp thing you mean?

[@BenA718]

Excellent review, thanks. I think the direct competitor for this unit is probably the BOSS RV-500.

[@bubz75]

Just bought the Eventide Black hole pedal. £280 approx. Think the pedal’s overrated in my opinion in comparison to TC electronic M100 & £80 . It’s more than 3 x’s the cost but not 3x’s as better !

[@maccagrabme]

I heard the M100 was cheap sounding.

[@Lennie_peled]

How is it compared to the meris mercury 7 for the price?

[@ToyKeeper]

"I hope you brought your swimwear... because this mix is gonna get wet!"

[@grantharris8332]

I have the H9 and I generally like it, but the lack of knobs is just a killer. Adjusting the value on a screen just isn't the same as a solid pot.

[@audreyazwell]

Dude straight up that was such a huge turn off for me, I was truly stunned they didn't have more knobs on it. Especially when you look at the other ones like this or the space. Especially coming after the space like wth were they thinking? Lol Awesome unit though I'm not talkin trash at all, I think it's one of the best things for that on the market, just agreeing VERY hard with your sentiment lol it actually is a factor that stopped me from buying it. Do you essentially have to hook it up to your PC? The UI looks so minimal that's the only thing I could come up with, I would love to be wrong there.

[@DaraM73]

You’re gonna have difficulty with that red sofa and in camera colour balance?

[@BoBeats]

i just have to try harder 😅

[@DaraM73]

BoBeats poor you. You deserve a lie down

[@indyslide8641]

Sounds like this pedal would make even a fart sound wonderful haha :D But seriously, it sounds so magical, dreamy and huge, and yet still has an organic feel...at least to me, though. Thank you for being so quick on a demo with a synth

[@witherwillowsounds3935]

I can attest, my farts sound like cosmic space farts, now.

[@SebastianBeyer]

ordered.)

[@peamarte]

Cool review:) i've some doubts about how to connect in stereo from a modular synth. In my case there are two scenarios: 1) Do I leave the modular with mono minijack, enter the blackhole with stereo Jack? (what kind of cable should I get?) 2) I go out with two (2 mono minijacks) from Strymon Magneto and go towards the blackhole, I will need a stereo jack cable and on the other side two mono minijacks). Thanks in advance for any help

[@0VRLNDR]

Would love to see this pedal on a synth that doesn't have built-in reverb/delay/effects. I *think* you're using dry signals, but it's not clear in this vid, and the Polybrute already has a lot of gorgeous effects built-in.

[@BoBeats]

i would never fake it buddy. Its a mono signal from polybrute, all dry sounds. Made sure to turn down FX or bypass completely

[@0VRLNDR]

@@BoBeats Thanks for the confirmation!

[@Funkbutterfly]

Seems like kind of a lot of $ when you can buy the same algorithm on sale for $29 fairly often.

[@JUNO-69]

*if you already own the h9 or are limited to using it within a daw...

[@ladosmutny1216]

Thx Bo👋

[@GlitchComputer]

This is the review I was waiting for!! Synths and drum machines?!

[@X22GJP]

Anything that processes audio input and adds an effect can be used with synths - no need to wait for something like this. It's just a matter of what you are looking for in terms of sound and interface.

[@ThreeBeingOne]

Arturia and eventide. Creme de la creme.

[@obiwankenobi6271]

Nightsky seems to be more complete for me with my crumar mojo

[@afi6061]

I have a hall of fame 2 and like it. It was £99. You can program your own sounds with the editor, so not quite so hands on. Although you might be able to program live? Not used that bit yet. Great sound but too much for my budget.

[@BoBeats]

I had the hof 1 and it was nice!

[@tybowesformerlygoat-x7760]

HOF with Huge Room With A View TonePrint is huge! Blends beautifully, too. (Cheap to buy, too.) It's my go-to for ambient and 'big' verbs.

[@Voiceless1SC]

Mono input? 🤔

[@BoBeats]

nope.

[@Gainn]

@@BoBeats The stereo/mono switch on the back allows mono input. Eventide mention it in their specs. "Mono/Stereo Switch: Sets Input to Mono (Tip) or Stereo (Tip + Ring)" Then if you plug into output 1 you get a summed mono, or if you plug into 1+2 it outputs stereo. If you put a stereo signal in, you get either a summed mono in 1 or stereo if 1+2.

[@nesslakefolk6345]

Is there any reason for Eventide for not releasing pedals like this Blackhole or the Space or the H9 or the Pitchfactor, etc... in Eurorack form? They cannot say they don't have a market for them! Maybe they are being cautious because of their first module in Eurorack, the Euro DDL, not making big sales, but hey, Why do You release a Delay Module in a market where there is a lot of competence (= Intellijel Rainmaker, Strymon Magneto, MakeNoise, 4MS, etc.). Just stick to what no other do better than you: Reverb, Pitcshifting, Combined FX and start making money RIGHT NOW!

[@BoBeats]

Yes!!! I want Blackhole as eurorack. But then they have to rename it :-(

[@TRUEiMPROrecords]

Good reverb sadly does cost :( Can't stand the Zoom for example, it really sounds like an "effect", thin and separate from the source , as the Eventides sound present and real even when pushed to extremes. The Zoom is comically bad when it tries to emulate the pitch/freeze/space stuff.

[@vocalpro]

Hey bo.. firstly.. hair. Secondly, you know of a plugin that sounds like strymon bigsky? Hope youre doin well man

[@BoBeats]

the hair! Yes! Its gone! :-) look at valhalla stuff

[@vocalpro]

@@BoBeats thanks buddy. I've been locked down in Melbourne for weeks so all barbers sjit for 6 weeks now with another 6 to go... we're swapping. Haha

[@peterengdahl4087]

Vocalpro International The Valhalla Shimmer is great if you’re looking for that specific huge reverb for example.

[@vocalpro]

@@peterengdahl4087 hey Peter. Yea I like how it generates those gorgeous high harmonic resonances

[@clivebudden2112]

No stereo input? I thought this was 'made for' keyboards.

[@BoBeats]

The input is stereo.

[@clivebudden2112]

@@BoBeats no only the output.

[@BoBeats]

No. Its a stereo input. Its switchable and you use a stereo trs cable.

[@clivebudden2112]

@@BoBeats watch the video at 8.10 he explains that he would have preferred 2 inputs instead of 1. NOT A STEREO INPUT PEDAL. The switching is for guitar/keyboard impedance.

[@warmitag]

Stereo with a TRS cable

[@gydur]

Great

[@goldenmantis]

Skit bra!

[@ashenpall]

Second input would be nice instead of mono/stereo switch. How many synths have a single stereo TRS output...cable adapters are annoying

[@BoBeats]

You dont need an adapter tho, you simply get a stereo to two x mono cable! Never wrong to have one :-) (I agree tho that two inputs would have been preferable)

[@ashenpall]

@@BoBeats ya, I’m just having a hard time finding out that goes to two 3.5mm TS connectors. If I go with the black hole it would be for my small modular. 1/4 inch trs to two 1/4 inch TS connectors is pretty common, same with 3.5mm trs to two 1/4 TS but not the other way around.

[@BoBeats]

ah, yes thats annoying when it comes to modular. Is there 3.5 TS connectors that go to one 3.5 TRS and then use a headphones adapter to make it 1/4.. (sorry if I get the measurements wrong, I’m not used to the english way... What I mean is: 2x small mono jacks that combines into a stereo minijack, add a headphones plug... that should be a 1/4 TRS no?)

[@ashenpall]

@@BoBeats ya that’s probably a good idea. Probably more common to find a splitter that goes to the same size and I have half a dozen 1/4 inch adapters in drawer haha. No, you’re measurements are right lol

[@leonardodiaztrejo2324]

get the iOS app, so much cheaper and a LOT of hardware nowadays is iOS compatible; plus you can get many other Eventide effects

[@christofferainek]

Eventides products always sounds hands down amazing, but the price tag associated with their brand is just too high for my budget. It’s a shame really. These kind of digital pedals aught to be pretty darn cheap to mass produce once the algorithm and control software is developed. And seeing that I can get pretty much the exact same results from a midi-cc controlled iOS-app that only cost a few bucks.. this thing just seems a bit over the top.

[@-greenpiece-5295]

I really don't understand why they made a stereo out but only mono in signal. It juste doesn't make sens to any synth lover who clearly wants there outputs in stereo lol. its shame because it sounds really good

[@BoBeats]

its not a mono in signal, you can use a stereo cable TRS that splits to two TS.

[@-greenpiece-5295]

@@BoBeats yeah mybad, i asked just when I heard you say it on the video..! Thanks

[@ShaighJosephson]

Not worth it... Better off getting Space with all the reverbs...

[@jeremyjohnson7676]

@BoBeats The old Alesis QuadraVerb is still one of the best sounding reverbs for synthesizers. That's why Aphex Twin for example used it on so many of his tracks. It even sounds better then the Big Sky >> kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIuYmoCbdpxniaM The Blackhole sounds cold, artificial and has no huge dimension (stereo spread) at all. It's just a SFX musher.

[@SydneyValette]

But mono input?!!

[@BoBeats]

No its a stereo input on trs jack. So switchable from mono to stereo

[@sadboohoo7286]

Hmmm.. I am a robot...

[@ionianechoes]

Too expensive. There are lots of pedals with many more algorithms in that price range.

[@BoBeats]

good to hear your thoughts on it. Anyone in particular you recommend for others??

[@cronenbergj]

@@BoBeats check Meris and Strymon pedals...they are c Very synth friendly and goid for ambient.

[@avrilcadabra]

@@cronenbergj I have the strymon bluesky, I would say its comparable in price and form factor, the black hole has way more functionality. The eventide space would be more comparable to the strymon bigsky

[@cronenbergj]

@@avrilcadabra i have the big sky...wirjs fine with synths... Meris Polymoon too...although is miore ofca Delay, but Meris akao has a Reverb.

[@ionianechoes]

@@BoBeats I've got an eventide space and I'm happy with it but I if I had to get a "big-verb" now I'd reseach for newer options like the above mentioned. I heard the Tempus is amazing and is also very compact and includes delays too. Just a little bit more expensive.

[@eddiesinfin3583]

I came for more Polybrute

[@BoBeats]

More poly on saturday!

[@iamyourfuture808]

single inputs a bit shit

[@ThreeBeingOne]

Just get space.

[@montazownianr1]

Bad synth for demo :\

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Y