The RV-500, BOSS’s most powerful and versatile reverb processor, takes you to new dimensions of time and space. This multifaceted creation machine offers pro-level studio reverb and more, as well as 32-bit AD/DA processing and floating point processing at 32 kHz/96 kHz.
From complementary ambience to deep, immersive sonic atmospheres, Twelve modes and 21 newly created reverb algorithms provide a broad variety of textures. You may now use a complete-featured digital delay with every reverb patch, and even two at the same time, thanks to the RV-500’s high-octane DSP! The RV-500 is without a doubt the most sophisticated reverb pedal available, with support for MIDI I/O, external footswitch/expression control, and USB connectivity for use with the free RV-500 Editor/Librarian software.
Features RV-500
- First-in-class 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate are all studio features.
- There are 21 reverb types in total, with 12 modes and deep editing settings.
- Roland classics such as the SRV-2000 Reverb and RE-201 Space Echo are among the reverb types included in this package.
- Two reverb patches may be applied at the same time in AB Simul mode.
- Reverb tails may carry over from patch change or effect bypass, thanks to an adjustable carryover function.
- Each reverb patch features powerful DSP for independent digital delay with modulation.
- High-resolution color and graphics, as well as real-time control
- Onboard patch memories and physical buttons are included.
- The RV-500 Editor/Librarian or a DAW might be connected using USB-MIDI.
- Four AA batteries or an AC adapter for the PSA series
There are a total of twelve modes and twenty-one different reverb types
You may produce any kind of space you want inside the RV-500, thanks to 21 top-quality reverb algorithms. From decay, density, and modulation to EQ, ducking, and more, each offers a broad variety of customizable parameters. Every algorithm has been specifically created for this pedal, drawing on BOSS’ decades of experience in sophisticated reverb design. From classics like room, hall, and plate to more complex reverbs like shimmer, non-linear, SFX, and others, there’s a lot to choose from on tap. Two legendary Roland classics from the 1970s and 1980s are also included: the RE-201 Space Echo and SRV-2000 Digital Reverb.
Simultaneous reverbs and a digital delay on their own
The RV-500 is much more than a one-effect unit, thanks to its powerful DSP engine. To begin with, you can feeds two independent reverbs to the pedal’s Dual mode; they may be fed with a full-range input or divided frequency ranges on each input to create complex, multi-range effects. You may choose between series or parallel connection order, and mixed or split A/B output when you utilize A/B Simul mode, which permits you to use any two RV-500 reverb settings at the same time. Moreover, each update includes a digital delay with full control over modulation and EQ settings, as well as the capacity to operate reverb and delay effects in series or parallel mode on a per-patch basis.
Boss RV-500 Reverb – Extraordinary Sound
The RV-500 has more than enough horsepower for pedal-based effects, with 32-bit/96 kHz AD/DA. All internal calculations use 32-bit floating-point math and operate at a 96 kHz sampling rate, resulting in the highest level of audio quality available in top professional studios. You may also send your analogue dry tone directly to the computer for digital processing if you want. You may also pick between true-bypass and buffered-bypass mode, depending on the requirements of your system.
The patch name, delay time, and other critical performance data are all clearly visible on the RV-500’s big LCD. Viewing and altering the unit’s deep editing settings, as well as its sophisticated control capabilities, are also simple. Top-level control over essential parameter adjustments like pre-delay, high and low EQ, and effect level is available with the grab-and-go panel knobs. For remote editing, patch backup, and more, you may connect using USB with the free RV-500 Editor/Librarian on your computer.
Boss RV-500 Reverb – Intensive Real-Time Control
The RV-500 gives unparalleled creative expression and performance flexibility, thanks to its freely assignable switches and extensive support for real-time control. Patch/bank choice, bypass, tap tempo, and real-time adjustment of different effect parameters are all available by default on the A, B, and TAP/CTL switches. The switches may be configured to switch between three different reverbs patches, A/B Simul mode, and other features if you prefer. MIDI I/O provides endless creative possibilities by giving complete control over intricate setups.
Benefits RV-500
The capability of this unit is really impressive- the main job – various reverb types including “exotic” ones, it does to a very high standard without much previous knowledge of high-end programmable Digital reverb units required thanks to the extensive menu of pre-sets. On top of this, there are added features that make it probably one of the best hardware units on the market: The downloadable software editor, which worked perfectly after instal and hookup- this makes it very easy to tweak and create custom reverb/FX at home and in Studio. The facility to add a tweakable delay alongside any reverb. The DUAL facility to create a stereo soundscape or treatment using two different reverbs. And the glorious sonic possibilities of the Space Echo emulator, which is practically worth the purchase price on its own π
- Spring setting has 3 useful spring types.
- You can set a delay with every reverb.
- There is a software editor so you can edit via computer, which is nice.
- The quality of the reverb is top notch.
- There are no hidden features, everything is inside an easy access.
- Yes, the presets suck, but have you ever really use a preset?
- The special effects are great, including low-fi and storm, both of which are highly useful for playing Pink Floyd songs.
- You can set the length of tail at any increment up to 9.9 seconds.
- All the inβs and outs you would need.
- Deep, deep parameter editing.
- Very natural-sounding reverb and works great at line level.
Conclusion
This pedal can do it all. Multiple routing possibilities. Multiple reverb types. I especially like that I can set each foot switch (A and B) for different reverb types and to different times. Tap Tempo included. Momentary and Latching. Buffered or True bypass. It’s fantastic. 99 Patches makes it simple to set and forget for specific songs. 9 V powered or 4 AA batteries with a convenient opening tray. The pedal is about the size of 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 boss pedals so it is large. The reverb’s sound fantastic! I especially like the space echo and shimmer setting but it does basic reverb sounds too. Compared to similar pedals on the market this is the best price, package of effects, routing available in my opinion.
The RV-500 is a top-notch reverb and delay box that is full stereo 96kHz in all modes. It has 21 reverb algorithms and each patch can have a flexible delay preceding it. There is a Dual algo that runs two reverbs of your choice in a single patch. There’s even a “Simul” mode than can run two patches simultaneously routed in series or parallel. So you can actually run up to 4 reverbs and 2 delays at the same time! Add to that assignable internal and external footswitch controls for special features like Freeze (Hold), Warp and Twist, and special effects like Storm mode and you have one very powerful reverb processor. For serious tweakers, there is a full 8 channel modulation matrix that allows synth-level programming of patches that really live and breath under the influence of virtual pedals, programmable LFO’s, and more. In a bit of what I would call, marketing silliness, the RV-500 uses 32-bit ADC’s and DAC’s.
Yes 32-bits! Now any good engineer will admit that getting an actual 24-bit dynamic range is virtually impossible. Most super-clean systems can get a good 20-bits of dynamic range after the noise floor has eaten away the lowest bits of resolution. A 32-bit audio system will likely just end up dedicating more bits to recording the noise floor. So… marketing. π The RV-500 is basically a studio-quality rack processor jammed into a compact pedal. It’s equally adept at creating very real sounding spaces and huge, ethereal dreamscapes. Consider that the price is practically half of the boutique boxes like Eventide and Strymon and the RV-500 looks like one of the best values in high-end reverb.