We Love Reverbs
Many of my readers love reverb effects. This pedal will not disappoint. The Ocean Machine has in total 9 different types ranging from classic to special reverb effects. With a simple knob, the individual area can be selected and changed quickly. Each individual type can be extended with a shimmer effect. The reverb section features the following types:
- room: small room reverb with a short decay
- hall: large spacious reverb with a long decay
- plate: based on a traditional mechanical plate reverb
- dist reverb: distorted reverb
- fl-verb: reverb with a modulated flanger
- filter: reverb with a modulated envelope follower
- reverse: backwards reverb
- spring: based on a vintage, large tank, spring reverb
- mod: reverb with a modulated chorus
In the following video, the individual reverb types from were tested more in depth to give you a good sound overview. For this demo, I used the preenFM2 FM Synthesizer, a recreation of the DX7 inside a compact box.
In summary, one can say that the reverbs all sound good and solid. Also here are the special reverb effects a nice addition and allows users quickly to create interesting atmospheric sounds. They are not only usable with guitars but also very well with electronic music instruments like an FM or Wavetable Synthesizer. Unfortunately, what is less solid is the included shimmer effect. It’s nice to see that the developers have built one in here but sonically he could not convince me completely. He sounds good but not very good and can not compete with the competition in the upper price range.
A Versatile Engine With A Intuitive Interface
So seen, there are many effects in this small pedal and the danger is high that they are difficult to play with it. With the Ocean Machine, the developers made it easier and limited the choice of the types to three simple knobs on the interface. These allows musicians to change the effects very quickly and without any hassle. Just turn the knob and the effect change. A bit more complicated becomes if you go deeper and want to change the engine.
The different effects are powered by a relatively versatile engine. The most exciting point of this engine is the changeability of the signal flow. So musicians can easily select when both delays and reverb occur. So you can put the reverb at number 1 and then both delays or a delay first, than a reverb, etc. To make it easy, the developers have already installed various presets covering all the possibilities. This almost modular way of working offers musicians many ways to experiment with effects. Just change the signal flow and quickly you have built a new effect. At first, editing is a bit trickier, but over time it seems very intuitive and simple.
Audio Looper
In addition to the wide range of delay / reverb effects, the Ocean Machine pedal also has a small audio looper that can record up to 44 seconds of audio. The operation is unfortunately a bit more complicated but if you have the trick, this can be very useful for small jams.
Eurorack
I bought the Ocean Machine at the beginning because I’ve looking for a pedal with reverb/delays for a long time that I can integrate in my small Eurorack setup. Even if you don’t have MIDI clock sync on delays, I like to use it with my modular Synthesizer. Here’s a little example how I use it.
Summary
The Ocean Machine has been in my setup for almost a year now. The pedal has been able to convince me so far. Sound as well as the processing are at a high level. For a price of + – 230€ the Ocean Machine offers a lot (17 delays, 9 reverbs, audio looper, stereo inputs/outputs). Although other pedals are higher in the sound quality, this pedal offers many features for a relatively small price.
Above all, the Ocean Machine is a pedal for the lovers of atmospheric sounds. That can do it very well. With the wide range of effects there are many sound possibilities to discover. Those looking for a delay /reverb pedal at a fair price should take a closer look at this blue pedal.
+ great sound quality
+ wide range of delays / reverbs
+ audio looper
+ solid built quality
+ intuitive interface
+ good for synths
+/- shimmer effect
+/- no MIDI clock sync on delays (feature for synth players)
– missing USB for updates
– more space for own presets
More information here: Mooer Audio
Available here: Mooer Audio Ocean Machine
How is this a ‘full review’ when it completely overlooked the (largely problematic) MIDI functionality?
Hi. Please read the positive and negative aspects, I clearly states: +/- no MIDI clock sync on delays (feature for synth players)
It’s a guitar pedal developer so the feature is less important I think. If they sell it as “synthesizer effect processor”, than I would say it’s a big issue. Cheers