Alesis Quadraverb (1989)

The Alesis Quadraverb is a 16 bit programmable stereo effects box processor utilizing four digital effects, originally released in 1989. This rack mount unit is arguably better for electric instruments like guitar, being a product of the late 80’s and early 90’s.

This effects unit and many effects units like it can be heard all over rock, metal and alternative rock records from the 90’s. It really gives electric guitars that 90’s sound. For the people familiar with the sound, it will become recognizable almost instantly when you hear it.
This rack was used as reverb on lots of classic hip-hop and boom bap records from the early 90’s. It was a definite go-to for reverb for a lot of hip-hop producers using machines like the SP 1200 and the Akai S950. Ask anyone who knows and they will look at you funny if you mention the SP 1200 + S950 + Quadraverb when talking about drums. Part of one of the formulas for snares that knock.
Alesis reverb effects processors can also be heard a lot on 90’s trance and dancehall music as well. For the vintage factor alone, the uses to this day are fairly obvious for those who are after a certain sound. A vintage unit will never be out of play… As long as people value the sounds from the past these machines will always hold some value.
Many love the Alesis Quadraverb for the countless options and tweaks that you can play with due to the programming. Like many of its counterparts of the time, this rack mount box will take on full MIDI capabilities widening the range of use from studio to stage. As far as vocal effects go, there are a lot better options to go with for mixing plugins and applications.
The Quadraverb is an analog piece of music equipment and does not exist in digital VST form. I would recommend finding the real thing if you are trying to recreate that sound because it’s never been cheaper to do so. However, the ValhallaRoom is a very, very good VST to check out that can produce similar reverb without the metallic drawbacks of the Quadraverb.

This is the Quadraverb sounding. On the foto it is the 1st in the row. My Quadraverb is made in 1992. Could be one of the last units… You are hearing the Digitone by Elektron playing a few notes constantly and generatevely feeded into the QV. I have used the Taj Mahal preset at ca. 48% wet. I have been curious about this preset since Hainbach speaks a lot about it. For the record, I have bought this unit last year from a Balkan Beats producer here in Zürich and did not change anything on it except repairing the LED-screen (Thx Joel for that). So, I really do not have a clue until now what this unit is really capable of! Simply because it's not my «to go for» reverb device... But who knows... Alright, let's move on, reverb into the Oto Machines Boom in H5 (Line In). The only thing I did to this recording was adding a bit of EQ by Kush. Not too much. You need to hear the unit. Yes, the Quadraverb is a bit noisy but offers nice lofi and nostalgia mentioned above (Sorry for the clipped tones here and there. I just didn't notice it during the recording session 🤷‍♂️). If you can get your hands on this reverb unit, do so!

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