Eventide

Eventide Space | Reviews
97
of effects such as pitch shifting,
tremolo, compression and chorus.
The main algorithms show the unit’s
clear links to Eventide’s existing
products – the Blackhole and
ModEchoVerb settings are based on
H8000FW code and the overdriven and
detuned MangledVerb is based on the
excellent Eclipse V4.
Effect parameters are edited using
nine pots on the front panel (plus the
mix pot), with each knob performing a
slightly different function depending on
the selected algorithm. Small
adjustments of parameters can have a
dramatic effect, while the additional
modulation options make things even
more versatile but also complex.
As a result it’s wise to refer to the
literature in order to understand how
each patch – and each parameter –
works. You can get away with sticking
the Space straight into your effects
chain and immediately making wacky
noises, but to take control you’ll really
need to put in a bit of quality time with
the manual.
Sound of Space
It’s hard to ignore the fact that the
Space is priced firmly in the top tier of
stompboxes. We’re so used to seeing
dirt-cheap pedals with mediocre sound
that the Space’s price might seem
slightly excessive, but you shouldn’t be
fooled into thinking the sound has
anything in common with those
low-budget alternatives.
The pedal format makes the Space
convenient and portable, but the sound
quality is still on a par with Eventide’s
more expensive rackmount units – the
quality of the processing hasn’t been
compromised in moving to the
stompbox format.
The form factor also reinforces the
idea that the Space is designed for live
performance rather than simply setting
up a static reverb sound for a mix. A
big part of the fun comes from
adjusting parameters in real time and
playing with the expression options.
Manipulating reverb size, delay time
and feedback level allows you to create
everything from pitch-shifting tape
delay-style effects to clunky spring
reverbs, infinite sustain to pristine,
evolving ambient textures. Options
including tap tempo, simultaneous
expression pedal control of multiple
parameters, and support for up to three
auxiliary switches allow the Space to
become an integral part of a live
performance or a dynamic mix.
In addition to controlling
parameters, patch changes and
bypassing the effect, the Space’s MIDI
support also
means that an
external clock
signal can be used
to control delay
times for tempo
synced effects.
Conclusion
For many potential buyers, the price of
the Space may be a major stumbling
block. Despite the excellent sound
quality, there’s no doubt that the RRP
of £499 seems high for a pedal. It
certainly isn’t cheap, but you shouldn’t
judge the Space by the standards of
typical stompboxes.
The RRP translates to a street price
somewhere around £420, which is
reasonable for a pro quality reverb unit.
The Space impresses with the quality
of its algorithms, the range of its
parameters and its expressive ability as
a live performance tool.
specs
Input impedance: 500 KΩ
Output impedance: 470 Ω
Recommended load
impedance: 10 KΩ
or greater
Power: 9V DC adapter
(provided)
Dimensions:
122 x 190 x 54mm
Weight:
1kg
VeRDIcT
BUILD
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VALUE
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EASE OF USE
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VERSATILITY
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RESULTS
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Versatile top quality reverb with
experimental tendancies in a
convenient portable package.
The Space’s 35 factory
presets are supplemented
by 65 artist presets from
the likes of Richard
Devine, Justin Meldal-
Johnsen (Beck, M83),
Flood and Alan Moulder.
We often moan about
presets but with a unit as
complex as the Space
they’re a great way to get
yourself in the right
ballpark. The units’
presets are highly usable,
offering a range of effects
that bear the charac-
teristic sounds of
particular artists and
producers. The only real
complaint is that some
producers have contri-
buted a wide variety of
presets while others have
chipped in with just a few.
It’s a shame all the
contributors didn’t take
the opportunity to show
off the unit’s range and
contribute a nice variety
of patches. Could Jónsi
and Alex Somers really
only be bothered to come
up with a single patch?!
Preset Your Goals
ALTeRNATIVes
TC Electronic NR-1
Nova Reverb
£229
TC’s NR-1 appears broadly
similar to the Space, but
the smaller feature set only
goes to reinforce the
potential of Eventide’s more
expensive product.
tcelectronic.com
Electro Harmonix
Holy Grail
£85+
If you’re put off by the
Space’s complexity, the Holy
Grail is the exact opposite
end of the scale. With just
one switch and one knob,
the Holy Grail offers the
simplest approach to high
quality reverb.
ehx.com
Eventide Harmonizer
around £500
Hit the second-hand
listings and you might be
able to find a bargain on
one of Eventide’s rackmount
effects. A retro classic like
the H3000 will give you an
idea of why the company is
so revered.
ebay.co.uk
You shouldn’t be fooled into thinking
the sound has anything in common
with low-budget pedal alternatives
FMU244.rev_eventide.indd 97 8/16/11 1:17:45 PM