Ventris Dual Reverb User Guide Welcome Thank you for purchasing the Ventris Dual Reverb. This powerful stereo reverb pedal features over 12 meticulously crafted reverb engines, dual signal processors, full MIDI functionality, stereo inputs and outputs, external expression capabilities, and advanced effects editing and signal routing options via the Neuro Desktop and Mobile App Editors.
Contents Welcome .................................................................................................................................................. 1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Connections ..................
Overview Over 20 Diverse Reverb Engines – Choose from vintage Spring, Plate, and Hall sounds, natural Room sounds, and unnatural Shimmer, Reverse, and Swell reverbs. 12 factory reverb engines are available out of the box with additional engines available via the Neuro Mobile App or Desktop Editor. Flexible Stereo Routing – Ventris is equally at home in a mono or stereo rig.
and additional reverb engines. Edit your presets and upload them directly to your pedal, save them in your private library of presets, or share them with the entire Neuro Community. The Neuro Desktop Editor - Connect your Ventris Reverb to the USB port on your Mac or Windows PC to create and save advanced presets with the Neuro Desktop’s sleek editing interface. The Neuro software is a free download for Mac or Windows based PCs.
Quick Start Power To power the unit, connect the included 9V DC power supply to the jack labeled DC 9V on the back panel. Warning: Using a non-Source Audio supply, especially an unregulated supply, could damage the unit. A power supply with insufficient current levels may also cause noise or other unpredictable behavior. Please be very cautious when using 3rd-party power supplies and refer to the power supply requirements printed on the bottom of the Ventris housing.
PRE-DELAY: Adjusts the amount of time between the dry signal and the beginning of the reverb. Turn the PRE-DELAY knob clockwise to create echo reflections similar to slapback or delay effects. MIX: Controls the relative level between the dry input signal and the wet. When set at 3 o'clock, the wet and dry signals will be at equal volume. Fully counter-clockwise is 100% dry, and fully clockwise is 100% wet. TREBLE: Controls the cut-off point of a low pass filter on the wet signal.
Connections Input Side Connections Input 1 INPUT 1 is the primary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments. It can also accept line-level inputs and will work in your amp’s effect loop. Connect it to your instrument or other audio source using a mono (TS) 1/4” cable. Details about the allowed signal levels are available in the Specifications section.
of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring contact. This allows audio and Neuro data to flow on the same cable. MIDI Input This is a standard 5-pin DIN connector that accepts MIDI control messages from external devices, including program change (PC) and continuous controller (CC) messages. Please email contact@sourceaudio.net regarding any questions about the Ventris Dual Reverb’s MIDI implementation. Output Side Connections Output 1 This is the primary audio output.
contact of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring contact. This allows audio and Neuro data to flow on the same cable. MIDI Thru This is a standard 5-pin DIN connector that echoes MIDI messages from the MIDI INPUT jack and sends them to other devices. The Ventris does not generate any of its own MIDI data, but it will copy and output any data it receives. Power and Control Connections DC 9V (Power) Connect to the included 9 Volt DC power supply.
section for details. Reverb Engines The Ventris includes twelve onboard reverb effect engines, with additional engines available via the Neuro Mobile App or the Neuro Desktop Editor. Because of the wide tonal possibilities of each reverb engine in the Ventris Dual Reverb, it was necessary to arm the pedal with two variable knobs labeled CONTROL 1 and CONTROL 2. When a new reverb engine is selected, two engine specific parameters are automatically assigned to the CONTROL knobs.
the switch a minimum of two times for the Ventris to change its modulation rate. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (PRESS & HOLD): Reverb Hold – Sustains the reverb trail until the OPTION footswitch is released. This is a great way to sustain a chord and create a “pad,” as it is called in certain circles. While engaging the HOLD function, it is still possible to play on top of the sustained reverb trail with the reverb from the second processor (A or B) applied to the dry signal.
CONTROL 1: Bass – See the description in the ROOM engine section. CONTROL 2: Mod Depth – See the description in the ROOM engine section OPTION FOOTSWITCH (TAPPING): Modulation Rate – See the description in the ROOM engine section. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (PRESS & HOLD): Reverb Hold – See the description in the ROOM engine section. TRUE SPRING (3) Source Audio’s Chief Scientist, Bob Chidlaw, worked long and hard to perfectly capture the sweet idiosyncrasies of a vintage spring reverb tank.
PLATE (4) This authentic sounding reverb engine is a spot-on simulation of the highly diffuse effect synonymous with vintage plate reverb units of the 50s and 60s. Like the True Spring engine, Bob Chidlaw was relentless in crafting the perfect emulation of this beautiful and distinct sound. The critical component of a plate reverb is a large plate of suspended sheet metal. Blasting audio into the face of the sheet metal creates the beautifully lush and resonant tones found in countless classic recordings.
OPTION FOOTSWITCH (TAPPING): Modulation Rate – See the description in the ROOM engine section. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (PRESS & HOLD): Oscillate – Unlike the normal Hold function that creates a constant reverb loop that doesn’t change in volume or tone, the Oscillate function continuously routes the reverb signal back through the processor creating a sound that builds in intensity for a dramatic self-oscillation effect.
sync the tremolo to the music. Note: you must tap the switch a minimum of two times for the pedal to change the tremolo rate. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (PRESS & HOLD): Reverb Hold – See the description in the ROOM engine section. SHIMMER (7) This pitch shifting reverb engine mixes traditional room sounds with octave-up reflections for an angelic reverb effect. Connect the Shimmer engine to the Neuro Desktop Editor and swap the octave-up for variety of additional pitch intervals.
CONTROL 1: Delay Feedback – Controls the amount of delay signal that is fed back into the delay effect, thereby increasing the number of repeats. At the full counter-clockwise position the effect will generate a single delay repeat - as the knob is turned clockwise the repeats increase. CONTROL 2: Delay/Reverb Crossfade – Adjusts the mix ratio between the delay and reverb signals. Set this knob to the full counter-clockwise position to hear only the delay effect.
OPTION FOOTSWITCH (TAPPING): Modulation Rate – See the description in the ROOM engine section. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (PRESS & HOLD): Reverb Hold – See the description in the ROOM engine section. OFFSPRING (10) Nothing else sounds like the Offspring reverb. This unique and dramatic effect falls somewhere between the sound of an angel’s harp and a retro-futuristic sci-fi soundtrack.
counter-clockwise direction creates an interesting granular effect with distinct attack transients. CONTROL 2: Mod Depth – Find the description in the ROOM engine section. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (TAPPING): Rise Time & Modulation Rate – Functions like a traditional tap tempo switch applied to the length of time it takes for the reverse effect to reach its point of attack and the rate of the pitch modulation. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (PRESS & HOLD): Reverb Hold – See the description in the ROOM engine section.
OPTION FOOTSWITCH (TAPPING): Pre-Delay Time – Functions like a traditional tap tempo switch applied to the Pre-Delay Time, essentially creating a time synced echo effect. OPTION FOOTSWITCH (PRESS & HOLD): Reverb Hold – See the description in the ROOM engine section.
Controls Time Knob Sets the sustain time of the reverb trail. Turning the TIME knob to the fully clockwise position causes the reverb trail to sustain infinitely. However, unlike the HOLD function (which creates a steady reverb loop), setting the TIME knob set to infinite sustain will create a degenerating effect over time as the reverb continues to circulate and receive additional dry signal. The results can be a bit cacophonous, but it will create a very interesting effect.
Please note that when the A/B Reverb Toggle Switch is set to the A+B position, the function of MIX and CONTROL 1 & 2 change. In A+B mode the CONTROL 1 knob adjusts the wet level of reverb A, CONTROL 2 adjusts the wet level of reverb B, and the MIX knobs adjusts the level of the dry signal. Using the Mix Knob to Set Master Output Level The overall output volume level is adjustable on the pedal hardware without needing to use Neuro Editing Software or MIDI.
Effect Engine Selector Encoder This is the reverb engine selector. It determines the overall engine and sets the function of the CONTROL knobs and OPTION footswitch. Effect Engine Selector LEDs The REVERB ENGINE LEDS that encircle the ENGINE SELECTOR indicate which engine is currently active. This works for the first 12 effect engines. If a user has activated one of the extended engines then none of these REVERB ENGINE LEDS will be lit.
The ON/OFF Footswitch also serves a second function. When the effect is engaged, pressing and holding the ON/OFF footswitch will scroll upward through the user presets. Releasing the switch will stop the scrolling and engage the preset saved to the illuminated PRESET SELECT LED. Trails Mode By default the Ventris is set to Hard Bypass Mode, which means that the reverb trails will stop immediately upon bypassing the pedal.
OPTION Footswitch Functions The default control assignments of OPTION footswitch are set to provide an intuitive and effective experience without making any modifications. The graphic below provides a brief overview of the default (“out-of-box”) control assignment per reverb engine. Default “out of the box” OPTION Footswitch Action Reverb Engine Tapping Press and Hold ROOM Mod. Rate Reverb Hold HALL L Set Pre-Delay Time Reverb Hold E-DOME Mod.
the Reverb not currently in use. For example, you can play through Reverb A, the press the OPTION switch to summon and hold the trail of Reverb B – all the while maintaining the undisturbed reflections of Reverb A (See the illustration below for additional clarity). “Hold Other Engine” Function (Holding Reverb B) Option LED The OPTION LED (located above the OPTION Footswitch) indicates the Pre-Delay time or LFO rate when using the OPTION Footswitch as a Tap Tempo control.
Note: when using a MIDI controller to select a preset outside of the normal bank (presets 1 to 4) or extended bank (presets 5 to 8), then all 4 PRESET LEDS will be lit, indicating that a preset in the range between 9 and 128 is active. For details on preset editing and saving, see the next section. Preset Storage and Recall User Presets store all user editable parameters.
Switch. Within each of the 128 Presets the adjustable settings include reverb engines, knob and Neuro parameters, routing options, and external control options. 1. Select the preset you would like to edit by clicking the SELECT/(HOLD) SAVE Button until the corresponding PRESET LED is lit. When using MIDI, select the preset with the corresponding MIDI program change (PC) message. 2. Move the A/B Reverb Toggle Switch to position A and use the knobs or Neuro App/MIDI to set up the sound to your liking.
CONTROL INPUT button then switch the Toggle Switch back to A+B (To switch back to Parallel Mode, repeat the process without holding down the CONTROL INPUT button). When combining the reverbs in Cascade Mode, CONTROL 1 sets the wet/dry mix of Reverb A, CONTROL 2 sets the wet/dry mix of Reverb B, and MIX sets the level of the dry signal. The figure below illustrates the Cascade/A+B signal path and altered knob functions.
Note: When recalling presets via MIDI PC messages, you may wish to queue up your preset with effect bypassed. To do this, simply engage the preset, bypass it with the ON/OFF footswitch, then resave the preset normally. When recalled, the pedal will load the saved user settings, but the effect will be bypassed. To engage the preset, simply press the ON/OFF Footswitch on the Ventris. Copying a Preset to a New Location Using the Select/(Hold) Save Button 1.
Universal Bypass Most effect pedals offer either true bypass or buffered bypass. The Ventris contains two separate circuits for bypass mode, allowing you to choose the method you prefer. The true bypass path uses signal relays, which are electromechanical switches. This provides an ultra-low resistance path from the input jacks to the output jacks, which is effectively the same as a wire.
Auto Routing and Default Modes By default, the Ventris detects what has been plugged into its inputs and outputs and sets the routing mode automatically. The table below summarizes each Auto Routing Mode and its corresponding cable connections.
Mono In, Mono Out (1) This is the most common use case. Plugging the incoming signal into Input 1 with Output 1 connected to an amp (or the next device in the signal chain) produces a standard mono signal. Dual processing reverbs are also mixed down a single output.
Stereo In, Mono Out (2) This mode receives two input signals and mixes them down to a single Output. It can be used for “sum to mono” applications. Note: there is NO INPUT 2 SIGNAL when the pedal is in bypass.
Mono In, Stereo Out (3) This is a very common use case that allows you to create some nice stereo imaging from a single mono instrument input.
Stereo In, Dependent Stereo Out (4) This mode should be your default selection for Stereo In, Stereo Out applications. Most effective stereo reverb processing is performed with information from both input channels, so the modes in this section should not be considered as completely independent audio channels. If you are sure you want channel independence, seek the configurations with “independent” stereo signal processing.
Neuro Accessible Routing Modes There are five addition Routing modes that are only accessible when the Ventris is connected to the Neuro Desktop Editor or the Neuro Mobile App. Each of these routing modes can be saved directly to any of the Ventris’s User Preset positions. See the descriptions and signal graphs below for details.
Mono In, Mono Out, Dry Out 2 (5) This mode takes a mono signal through Input 1, sends a wet/dry mix through Output 1, and routes an additional dry signal to Output 2. This is great in a stereo rig when you want to apply reverb to one amplifier and a dry signal to a second amplifier.
Stereo In, Wet Sum to Mono (6) Receives stereo input signals through Inputs 1 & 2, then sums the wet signal to mono through Output 1. The incoming dry signals maintain their stereo split with Output 1 receiving a wet/dry mix and Output 2 receiving only the dry signal. Note: the wet signal is affected by both dry signals from Inputs 1 & 2.
Dual Mono, (Independent Stereo) (7) Functions just like two independent mono reverb pedals running in parallel. Input 1 is routed through Reverb A and mixes the wet and dry signals to Output 1. Input 2 is routed through Reverb B and mixes together the wet and dry signals to Output 2. Selecting position A or position B on the toggle switch will engage the selected Reverb while disengaging the non-selected Reverb.
Mono In, Independent Stereo Out (8) Functions similar to Dual Mono, (Independent Stereo) mode, but responds only to the audio signal coming into Input 1 (Input 2 can still receive Neuro Mobile App information, but will not respond to incoming audio). Selecting position A or position B on the toggle switch will engage the selected Reverb while disengaging the non-selected Reverb (Note: the incoming dry mono signal will be split to both Outputs 1 & 2).
Pre Processing External Loop (9) Use this mode to insert an external effects pedal in series before the reverb engine. The external effect only becomes active when the Ventris is engaged. Connect the external effect pedal’s input to Output 2 of the Ventris, and connect the external effects pedal’s output to Input 2 of the Ventris. Selecting position A or position B on the toggle switch will engage the selected Reverb and disengage the non-selected Reverb.
Toggle = Reverb A+B, Dual Cascade External Loop Cable Connection Instructions SA262 Ventris Dual Reverb Owner’s Manual 42
External Control Plug an expression pedal, an external footswitch, the Source Audio Tap Tempo Switch, or the Source Audio Hot Hand 3 Universal Wireless Controller into the Ventris Dual Reverb’s CONTROL INPUT or PEDAL IN jack and access an array of external functionality and expression control. External Switches External switches can be used for several different control options. They provide an easy way to remotely step through presets, input a tap tempo signal, and more.
With the Neuro Desktop Editor, it is also possible to assign a number of different control functions to an external switch. Go to the Neuro Desktop Hardware Options section for instructions on assigning alternate control options to an external dual or single external switch. External Switches (1/8” TRRS Connection) The Source Audio Tap Tempo footswitch can also be connected to the CONTROL IN jack using a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) cable.
External Expression Controller (1/8”/3.5mm TRRS Connection – CONTROL INPUT jack) The Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal or Reflex Universal Expression Pedal can be directly connected to the CONTROL INPUT jack using a 3.5mm (1/8 inch), TRRS cable. In the case of an expression pedal with a TRRS plug, the tip connection is power, the first ring is the X-axis expression signal, the second ring is the Y-axis expression signal, and the sleeve connection is ground.
4. 5. 6. 7. you can create “dead zones,” if desired, by only moving the expression pedal over a limited region of its full range of motion. After setting the expression pedal range, click the ON/OFF FOOTSWITCH once. The calibration is now complete, and the CONTROL LED will blink faster (about 2 blinks per second). Now, it is time to map the expression pedal to the effect parameters.
Gr ound Power (Switch pul l -up) 1/ 4” Switch Out Follow these steps for configuration: 1. Press the CONTROL INPUT BUTTON to enable external control. The CONTROL LED should be lit red. 2. Press and hold the CONTROL INPUT BUTTON until the CONTROL LED begins to blink slowly (approximately one blink per second). 3. Tap the external switch once. 4. Click the ON/OFF FOOTSWITCH once. The CONTROL LED will blink faster (about 2 blinks per second).
2. Press and hold the CONTROL INPUT BUTTON until the CONTROL LED begins to blink slowly (approximately one blink per second). 3. Tap the external switch once. 4. Click the ON/OFF FOOTSWITCH once. The CONTROL LED will blink faster (about 2 blinks per second). Now, it is time to map the external switch to the effect parameters. 5.
5. Move the knobs and Neuro parameters (Neuro parameters are only accessible when connected to the Neuro Mobile App or Neuro Desktop Editor) you wish to control with the Hot Hand to their minimum desired position and then click the ON/OFF FOOTSWITCH. The CONTROL LED will now blink even faster (about 4 blinks per second). Note that you may control one or more knobs with the Hot Hand, up to four total knobs. 6.
Neuro Desktop and Mobile Editors Like all pedals in the Source Audio One Series line, the Ventris Dual Reverb features an extensive collection of additional effects engines, deep editing parameters, and added functionality via the Neuro Desktop Editor and Mobile App. The Neuro Desktop Editor is currently available as a free download for Apple and Windows on the Downloads page of the Source Audio website. The updated Neuro Mobile App with Ventris compatibility should be available in the spring of 2018.
Neuro Desktop Editor User Interface The Neuro Desktop’s user interface features three primary sections: Connections, Sound Editor, and Presets. Connections The Connections section is located on the left side of the Neuro Desktop Editor. This field displays all connected One Series pedals. Each connected pedal offers the three options listed below: • Firmware Updates: The arrow icon checks for any recent firmware updates to the connected pedal.
• Hardware Option: The gear icon opens the Hardware Options window. Each Source Audio pedal has its own set of global hardware settings. The attached pedal will retain all hardware option edits until either the option is de-selected or a Factory Reset is performed. • Open Editing Interface: The wrench icon opens the Ventris Dual Reverb’s Sound Editor, revealing a deep set of editing controls for creating custom presets.
whichever option has been selected within the Option Tap dropdown menu in the SOUND EDITOR. Note: Engine Tap Function is a global setting. However, you can change the Engine Tap Function’s assignment for each preset! To select the Tap assignment, you must go to the SOUND EDITOR in each preset and select from the list of option in the Option Tap dropdown menu. See below: • • • • • • • SA262 For a full explanation of each Option Tap function, go to the Option Footswitch Assign section of this manual.
• • Default I/O: Sets the default I/O signal routing mode. Descriptions of the available routing modes are available in the Stereo Operation & Signal Routing section of this manual. Pedal Input & Control Input Calibration (Accessible via the Show Expression Pedal Calibration dropdown controls): In the vast majority of cases, it is not necessary to change any of these values. However, in rare cases certain expression pedals require a custom range.
Dual/Single Mode This dropdown menu essentially selects the virtual position of the A/B Toggle switch on the Ventris Dual Reverb. Select whether you want to edit Reverb A, Reverb B, or Reverb A + B. In addition you can select between a Parallel or Cascade signal path for Reverb A + B. I/O Routing Option Select the routing configurations of Inputs and Outputs 1 & 2. See the Stereo Operation & Signal Routing section for a detailed explanation of each routing option.
Option Tap Dropdown Menu Choices All of the following functions are accessible by tapping the OPTION footswitch. • • • • • • • • • • Pre-Delay Tap Tempo – Use the Option footswitch as a tap tempo of set the time of the PreDelay. Similar to a delay pedal this allows you to create an echo effect by changing the time between the dry signal and the first reverb reflections. Note: you must tap the switch more than two times in succession to change the Pre-Delay time.
• • • • • Pitch-Drop – Shimmer Only – While using the Shimmer engine, holding down the Option switch sustains the reverb trail and engages the Pitch Drop function, creating a dive-bomb effect with the Shimmer’s pitch interval. Pitch-Rise – Shimmer Only – While using the Shimmer engine, holding down the Option switch sustains the reverb trail and engages Pitch-Rise function, creating gradual rise in the Shimmer engine’s pitch interval.
checked the Kill Reverb Send box. When you switch away from that E-Dome preset its reverb trail will start its decay and no longer respond to the incoming dry signal. On/Off Status (MIDI Recall) Use the dropdown menu to select whether a preset is engaged or disengaged upon receiving a MIDI program change (PC) message. Sometimes it is useful to queue-up a preset in a disengage state that is accessible by manually hitting the ON/OFF footswitch on the Ventris.
• • • • • SA262 Save Button: If you have made edits to a pre-existing preset, use the Save button to update the preset without changing its name or preset position. Export Button: Use the Export button to save a preset on your computer or share it with other musician. Presets are saved as .pre files and stored anywhere on your computer (we recommend creating a dedicated folder to store your presets).
The Neuro Mobile App Note: The Neuro Mobile App is not yet available for the Ventris Dual Reverb. The updated version will be available shortly. Please email contact@sourceaudio.net if you have any questions regarding the status of the Neuro Mobile App. This manual will be updated with full instructions after the update is complete.
between the Ventris’s CONTROL INPUT jack and any of the Neuro Hub’s multi-function outputs. For more information, refer to the Neuro Hub documentation on the Source Audio website. MIDI Using the MIDI IN jack (5-pin DIN) or a USB connection, the Ventris can be controlled by generic MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) and Program Change (PC) messages. Many of the Ventris’s parameters (even those that are not assigned to a control knob) are directly accessible via MIDI continuous controller messages.
• • The Ventris Reverb MIDI Map Editor window will open. Simply scroll to the MIDI CC value you wish to remap and click that CC’s dropdown menu. A list of parameter choices will unfold. Select the parameter you wish to re-assign to the chosen CC. The process is complete. USB The Ventris’s USB port is plug-and-play ready for Windows and Mac computers. The Ventris uses class-compliant drivers, so no special drivers are needed. Just power up the Ventris and connect it to the computer using a USB cable.
• • • 24-bit Audio Conversion 56-bit Digital Data Path Universal Bypass (relay-based true bypass and analog buffered bypass) Troubleshooting Restore Factory Settings In order to revert the Ventris to its factory settings, clearing all user data, presets, expression mappings and custom effect engines, use either the Neuro Mobile App or Neuro Desktop Editor and choose the Factory Reset option in the Hardware Options menus.
Frequently Asked Questions How can I access the extended reverb engines without the app? The extended reverb engines can be accessed via MIDI or USB-MIDI. Send a MIDI message CC #1 with a value between 0 and 23. Values 0 to 11 correspond to engines Room (0) through Reverse (11). Values 12 to 23 correspond to extended engines.
Can I use the Ventris in my amp’s effects loop? The Ventris’s audio inputs can handle up to 8.76 dBu or 6.0 Volts peak-to-peak, which allows it to work in most amp effects loops. Be sure to check your amp’s documentation to verify that the maximum send level is less than the Ventris’s maximum input level. How do I update the firmware? Firmware updates are available via the Neuro Desktop Editor using the USB port. Power the pedal and connect it to your computer using a mini USB cable.
upgraded pursuant to this Limited Warranty will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. This Limited Warranty is extended to the original retail purchaser.
Version History March 15, 2018: Added Neuro Desktop Editor Instructions / Outboard Spring and Metal Box reverb engine descriptions / Link to MIDI Implementation Guide / Link to External Control Options Guide October 12, 2017: Initial Release ©Source Audio LLC | 120 Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801 | www.sourceaudio.
