As well as offering a range of Eurorack modules and software, Noise Engineering recently took a step into the world of guitar effects with the Dystorpia distortion — you can check out our review in the February 2025 issue here (print / web / app / replica / PDF editions). Now, they’ve announced the launch of a second pedal in the form of Batverb, a stereo reverb effect which they say can be considered an instrument in its own right.
The new pedal sticks to Noise Engineering’s innovative approach to reverb, and comes packed with controls that allow users to craft just about anything from slap-back delays to infinite reverb tails. Along with the sorts of parameters you’d expect to see on a reverb (Time and Blend, for instance), the pedal comes equipped with some more unusual controls that offer a range of unique features. A Doom knob introduces a chorus of sub-octaves, while Shimmer makes it possible to dial in a detuned octave-up effect. A trio of toggle switches follow: Focus, which changes the diffusion of the pedal’s delay lines, allowing users to switch between delay- and reverb-style effects; Grit, which introduces a zero-crossing, soft-clipping distortion; and Duck, a three-position switch which can either automatically lower the reverb level in response to the input signal, or set its level to match the dynamics of the input.
“The Batverb was inspired by our Desmodus Versio module, but when we tried to bring the Desmodus experience to guitar, we realised quickly that we would need to rethink the approach. The Batverb shares concepts with the Desmodus but shares zero code: the entire thing was redesigned from the ground up, with the dynamics and tonality of guitar at the forefront.” - Stephen McCaul, Chief Noisemaker, Noise Engineering
All of the pedal’s I/O is provided by quarter-inch TS sockets, and it’ll require 250mA of power from a 9V DC supply (centre-negative). There’s an expression pedal input that allows any of the Batverb’s parameters to be controlled remotely, and it’s possible to store up to 16 presets and recall them via MIDI Program Change messages.
Pricing & Availability
The Batverb is available to order now, priced at $499. Shipping is expected to commence on 13 March 2025. Noise Engineering are members of 1% for the Planet, and have been donating a percentage of all sales to environmental conservation. Proceeds from the Batverb will benefit the Bat Conservation International organisation.
