Alesis MidiVerb II

extremely simple

Considering the price of the unit the quality is extrodinare. No, it's not as good as an old Yamaha SPX 90 but the price is way better and it's far easier to use. It's not versitile either as everything is pretty much preset but, that's what makes it so easy to use. I did notice that although it appears to be a stereo device it is not really a stereo effect. It has a right and left ins and outs but the added effect sounds are either hard right and hard left or in the middle. I hear that is how most effect proccessors are. Only the very expensive processors are truly stereo. In other words, the unit doesnt really know if the input signal is coming from the left or the right or anywhere inbetween. The dry signal that came in on the left leaves on the left but the added effect [the wet signal created and now leaving] does not take this into consideration. So in other words...if all you heard from the unit was the wet signal...you could not tell a difference if the original dry signal was coming in from the right or left or somewhere inbetween. The quadreverb is the same way.

for some reason the patch that allways goes on when first turning on is unusable due to a persistant clicking when higher volumes are introduced. Number 57, flange patch, but all the other patches work fine. Ive had this unit for 15 years by the way.

For the money this thing rocks. Sounds as good as any unit made back in the 60s for sure. I use if with my Tascam 688 home recording studio. I get amazing results with the inexpensive equipment I have. Maybe I just have a tin ear.

Well,a preset device is really easy to use.
It has its programms and that#s it.
You only can screw on the MiX/in/out knobs.

How simple you want it ?

Really easy to use.

At its time(1987) the MidiverbII had a good sound quality.

For reverb it is still in my Setup.
Delay is used and other stuff from time to time.

It is a preset effect device.Once you know that you could use a
specail sound,then it is easier as to edit a totaly new sound.

Still OK

Still a device to use.

It sounds acceptable.Not in direct mix,but as FX device for specail
material OK !

99 presets - not much to figure out here

Reverbs are just about usable, delays suck. Unit sounds very digital and is quite noisy

Its so simple I doubt anything will ever go wrong with it

never had to use it

If you can find one for under $50 it might be worth it - otherwise don't bother. I would not buy another

Exceptionally easy to use, wet/dry, input, output level knobs on the front panel. Loses a few points because presets are not named (except on the dreaded laminated card), setting up MIDI control is a little fiddly and limited to patch changes, and FX can't be edited.

Sound quality is not bad considering its age and price point. The delays are ok, flanges are whooshy but not deep, choruses serviceable, reverbs range from trashy/clangy/metallic to long and cavernous. In general not bad at all.

It is very old and has not blown up yet. However, don't blow the adapter, it's a silly 10V AC one (although the back panel states "9V AC" which is more common).

N/A

Good basic processor for synths, drum machines, etc. Too many single-shot delays, needs more regenerated ones. Regenerated reverse reverbs and "bloom" reverbs are excellent for floaty ambiences. Still use it all the time but I would replace it with something more modern if it blew up (a Midiverb 4, perhaps).

I got this unit used, without a manual. I had no trouble at all figuring it out. I don't use a MIDI signal to control it, so it's really simple. There isn't any way to edit patches. All you do is choose from the 63 presets using the "UP" and "DOWN" buttons. There's a button to bypass the effect. The mix knob is hidden on the back.

I've read that the MidiVerb II has the presets listed on a seperate card that everyone seems to lose. This version has the presets listed right on top, explaining each setting.

It's not exactly rack-mountable. It would fit in half a rack space, but it has no ears for mounting. The mix knob and preset list would be inaccessable if mounted.

I'm using the MidiVerb in the effects loop of a Peavey Encore 65 tube amp. My main guitars are a Fender Standard Strat and a heavily modified Vox Teardrop. I bought it because the reverb in my amp is too subtle for my tastes. Recently, I've started playing with a Surf band, and I need a wetter sound.

The presets range from .2 to 20 seconds. For most (not all) delay settings, it offers "BRIGHT", "WARM" and "DARK" versions. There are 9 gated settings and 4 reverse patches (more on those later).

The "BRIGHT" patches are very digital sounding, not as harsh as some digital delay pedals I've used, but not very pleasant. At higher volumes, you can hear a little digital noise in the background (sort of like snares rattling). The "WARM" and "DARK" settings have more of a spring reverb vibe. But if you listen carefully you'll notice that the release characteristics sound a little unnatural. Notes fade most of the way out, then cut off. In a live setting this wouldn't be noticeable. I'm not sure about recording. I add a little bit of spring reverb from the amp to smooth out the decay.

Some of the presets sound surpisingly "splashy". I can't quite get the sound of Dick Dale's Fender outboard reverb, but for what I spent I wasn't expecting miracles. What I get is a decent reverb that makes my guitar sound big. I normally use the presets in the 1.8 second range. Some of the higher ones sound HUGE.

I also like playing with the reverse patches. They don't really reverse the input, they alter the envelope to make the effect sound backwards. I've found that if you turn the "MIX" knob all they way up, you can aproximate a Hendrix or Adrian Belew backwards guitar solo. Not something I'd use all the time, but cool.

It's plastic, and doesn't look too sturdy. But then again, it's survived for several years already, and still works perfectly. I intend to gig with it, using only my amp's reverb as a backup.

I don't know. I don't think Alesis supports this unit anymore.

For what I paid for it, the MidiVerb is great deal. It would be hard to find even a used stompbox for this price. I play a lot of different styles at home, and Surf/Garage stuff with my band. It works well for Surf, but I'm sure it would offend 60's purists (you know- the guys who are only playing Jazzmaster reissues until they can afford an original).

If it were lost or stolen, I'd look for another one. But I'd also try out other, newer gear.

My comparison to this unit is a Lexicon MPX-1, a Behringer DSP-1000, and a Digitech Studio Quad ( the only other three processors I ever used ).. This is a pretty simple unit. About as simple as it gets, although you need the laminated effects database card handy, if you do frequent changes, or unless you have a very good memory. Compared to my other experiences, I would rate it the easiest to use.

I used to run Midiverb II in my PA with a couple of old Yamaha's and (now additionally )a K-2 Crown. I primarily used it for mild reverbs. The "24" and "27" settings I was particularily fond of. Nothing major, mind you, just a little into the mix. It didn't muddy up the mix and is a quiet little unit. Seems that Alesis is getting a bad rap these days, but despite what everyone says about it, no one ever questioned my sound. Is that a good thing, I don't know! I would still rate this over the Digitech (even despite true stereo reverb), on par with the Behringer but (to understate it mildly ) below my Lexicon. The Lexicon reverbs sound so much more "plush and warmer" as well as being in stereo. But your also talking $1000. So the old Midiverb II is a great bang for the buck.

I used this thing for 11 years, on and off, without a backup. Never failed, never let me down. Rolled out of the back of a truck in an amp rack, came out flawless. Pots got bad about a year ago, and I replaced them myself, and got 'em cheap, thanks to Alesis. Extremely sturdy, hardy unit. Excellent workmanship. Looking at it from a craftsman standpoint, Alesis had pride. I can't say this about the Digitech (the knobs do not feel like they are going to break off in your hand and the buttons feel solid). I keep it now as a backup for my other machines.

My experience with Alesis was a one time thing, as I mentioned before when I had to replace the parts. The Alesis guy I spoke to was very courteous and helpful (and somewhat amazed that someone was still actually using this thing, which may not speak highly about Alesis, but then again a $200 processor that still works great after 11 years of road wear says a lot for its virtue ). I had the parts I needed sitting on my doorstep in a matter of days.

Rating it on reverb and workmanship, I'd say that for my uses 'ol Midiverb II is a pretty decent little unit, even by todays standards, considering that a year ago I sent a Digitech back because I though it was unacceptable in workmanship and reverb. For someone not looking for long delays, stereo reverb and multi patch effects, it's virtue is that it's well made, simple, quiet, and does have some pleasant reverbs, even with the presets that Alesis gives you. It's not a Lexicon. Compared to the Behringer, if I did it again, I would have bought and MPX-100 at that point (the Behringer has better and more useful presets but I didn't think I gained on reverb, which is what I really wanted it for). If you find one cheap and you plan on using it in a club PA, go for it.

Since I've gotten so many requests for it, here is the info from the MIDIVERB II Program Chart (that lamented, lamenated card).
MIDIVERB II quick setup: (i will assume you know how to use the audio controls and move between presets. it doesn't matter which input you use.) >set MIDI recieve channel: press CHAN followed by two numbered buttons 01-16. (makes sense.) >Assign Programs to MIDI Patch numbers: press PATCH followed by two numbered buttons 01-32. press PRGM followed by two numbered buttons 00-99. hold STORE and press PATCH. >the MIDIVERB II always reverts to program mode (PRGM LED on).
MIDIVERB II Program Listing (can come in handy!) 00 DEFEAT BANKS 0-2: REVERB 01 SMALL BRIGHT .1 SEC 02 SMALL BRIGHT .2 SEC 03 SMALL BRIGHT .3 SEC 04 MEDIUM WARM 1.1 SEC 05 MEDIUM BRIGHT .6 SEC 06 LARGE BRIGHT 1.2 SEC 07 LARGE DARK 1.0 SEC 08 MEDIUM DARK .6 SEC 09 MEDIUM DARK .5 SEC 10 MEDIUM BRIGHT .6 SEC 11 MEDIUM BRIGHT .8 SEC 12 LARGE WARM 1.0 SEC 13 LARGE WARM 1.1 SEC 14 MEDIUM DARK 1.0 SEC 15 MEDIUM BRIGHT 1.1 SEC 16 MEDIUM BRIGHT 1.15 SEC 17 LARGE BRIGHT 1.6 SEC 18 LARGE DARK 1.7 SEC 19 MEDUM BRIGHT 1.65 SEC 20 MEDIUM BRIGHT 1.9 SEC 21 LARGE WARM 2.2 SEC 22 LARGE WARM 1.75 SEC 23 LARGE BRIGHT 1.45 SEC 24 LARGE DARK 2.2 SEC 25 LARGE WARM 2.3 SEC 26 LARGE BRIGHT 2.4 SEC 27 LARGE BRIGHT 2.5 SEC 28 XLARGE WARM 5.0 SEC 29 XLARGE WARM 15.0 SEC BANK 3: GATED REVERB 30 SLOW GATE 100 MSEC 31 SLOW GATE 200 MSEC 32 SLOW GATE 250 MSEC 33 SLOW GATE 400 MSEC 34 SLOW GATE 450 MSEC 35 FAST GATE 150 MSEC 36 FAST GATE 75 MSEC 37 FAST GATE 200 MSEC 38 FAST GATE 100 MSEC 39 FAST GATE 175 MSEC BANK 4: REVERSE REVERB 40 REVERSE 400 MSEC 41 REVERSE 450 MSEC 42 REVERSE 250 MSEC 43 REVERSE 200 MSEC 44 REVERSE 150 MSEC 45 BLOOM 1 8 SEC 46 REVERSE 500 MSEC 47 REVERSE REGEN. 2 SEC 48 REVERSE REGEN. 8 SEC 49 BLOOM 2 7 SEC BANK 5: FLANGE 50 TRIGGERED FLANGE 51 FLANGE PAN 1 52 FLANGE PAN 2 53 TRIGGERED FLANGE 2 54 FLANGE PAN 3 55 FLANGE PAN 4 56 FLANGE PAN 5 57 TRIGGERED FLANGE 3 58 FLANGE PAN 6 59 FLANGE PAN 7 BANK 6: CHORUS 60 LIGHT CHORUS 1 61 LIGHT CHORUS 2 62 MEDIUM CHORUS 1 63 MEDIUM CHORUS 2 64 MEDIUM CHORUS 3 65 DEEP CHORUS 1 66 DEEP CHORUS 2 67 DEEP CHORUS 3 68 FAST CHORUS 1 69 FAST CHORUS 2 BANKS 7 & 8: DELAY 70 35 MSEC 71 55 MSEC 72 75 MSEC 73 115 MSEC 74 140 MSEC 75 155 MSEC 76 160 MSEC 77 170 MSEC 78 175 MSEC 79 180 MSEC 80 185 MSEC 81 195 MSEC 82 205 MSEC 83 210 MSEC 84 220 MSEC 85 240 MSEC 86 250 MSEC 87 275 MSEC 88 375 MSEC 89 460 MSEC BANK 9: EFX 90 2 TAP AMBIENT 91 3 TAP PAN 92 MULTITAP 93 MULTITAP REVERSE PAN 94 THICKENER/FROZEN FLANGE 95 STEREO GENERATION 96 STEREO GENERATION WIDE 97 REGENERATED DELAY 2 SEC 98 REGENERATED DELAY 3 SEC 99 REGENERATED DELAY 4 SEC

This unit is basically (cringe) plug 'n play. Decent to good presets. Use the ones that sound good to you. DO NOT LOSE THE LAMINATED CARD! Sooner or later you'll need it.

Overall,the sound quality is clean and punchy. The reverbs aren't top flight but still,IMCO, better than many. Chorus is quite good, especially the slower ones. If you're looking for long delays go elsewhere, nothing here goes over 380ms.

I've used the same MIDIVERB IIs for six years and never had a failure.

The MIDIVERB II is a good,fast/no brainer fix for time domain effects needs. I used to use a pair of them with ptm/ptb footswitches in my guitar rig for echo (#99) and chorus (#60)I wished it had variable regeneration and longer delays but it was quite good even without them.

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