Alesis Microverb (1986)
Budget digital reverb processor introduced in 1986 with 16 non-editable presets and stereo I/O in a compact one-third rack case.
Overview
The Alesis Microverb, introduced in 1986, was a digital reverb/effects processor designed for budget-conscious musicians and home recordists. It offered 16 factory presets with no user editing, making it a simple plug-and-play solution. The unit lacked MIDI control and was created by removing MIDI functionality from the MIDIverb design, offering core reverb effects at a lower cost. It was the first in a series that included the Microverb II, III, and 4.
Specifications
| Production Years | Introduced in 1986 |
| Original Price | £249 including VAT |
| Presets | 16 non-editable presets |
| Effect Type | Reverb only, no delay |
| Controls | Input, Output, wet/dry (mix), three pots, LED, rotary selector switch |
| Inputs | Stereo inputs (left doubles as mono input) |
| Outputs | Stereo outputs |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 90dB |
| Bandwidth | 10kHz |
| Input Impedance | High |
| Level Controls | Input and output level controls |
| Signal Indicator | Tri-coloured LED (orange/off, green/drive, red/peak) |
| Power | 9V AC adaptor; no discrete power switch |
| Rack Size | 1/3rd rack width × 1U high |
| Case | Small, black, aluminium-cased |
Design
The Microverb uses a proprietary RISC architecture and custom circuitry, with the reverb input derived from a mix of the left and right input channels. When used with a mono source plugged into the left input, the signal is routed equally to both outputs. The case is compact—about the size of a car radio—and features side fins allowing three units to be mounted together in a 19" rack. The power section uses a Villard voltage doubler circuit with six 330µF/25V capacitors and 1N400x diodes, requiring a 9V AC (not DC) adapter.
Context
Positioned as an entry-level unit, the Microverb was marketed as the cheapest digital reverb in production at the time, costing about a third of competing models. It targeted bedroom studio producers and mobile musicians, offering significantly better sound than previous budget options. It did not supersede the MIDIverb but made its core reverb accessible to a wider audience. The original Microverb was succeeded by the Microverb II, III, and 4, with the line ending around 1996.
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