Alesis Quadraverb

It was pretty easy to use. The manual is not easy to understand, but with a little work, you can figure out how to adjust the parameters of each patch fairly easily. The basic patches are very useable. I only needed to adjust the BPM of some of the delay presets, and the depth of some of the chorus/flanger effects. Other than those minimal things, it was a great sounding unit.

I use this unit in the effects loop of my 5150 head. I use it for light effects during solos and whatnot. I think it sounds great. The effects are very strong, and the sound is quality. I'm not sure what the bit depth is, but for live use, it sounds great... very crisp delays, and saturating chorus/flange/reverbs. Many of the presets have some "white noise" or "hissing" sounds (kind of like using an old cassette tape), but when you are using it live, it really doesn't matter. I've never used it in the studio, but I would imagine the noise I described might be a problem in a studio environment. It also has some very interesting stereo delay patches that I've never heard in any other unit. They are quite unique and cool to use in one or two songs.

I bought my unit in 1999. The sticker on the unit says "Inspected, October 1989". I've never had a problem with it. I've carried it to tons of gigs in a rack, and the guy I bought it from also used it for gigs pretty regularly. All the inputs, midi and other jacks work fine. Can you imagine that a 20 year old piece of electronic gear has never had a problem? It hasn't. Works great.

Never used it.

For a relatively cheap price, this unit offers great sounds, and solid reliability. I play hard rock, jazz, and country, and this unit is a great all-around effects unit. I use it ONLY in my effects loop, though. I've tried it plugging my guitar directly into the unit, and then to my amp, and it didn't sound good at all. If I lost it though, I probably wouldn't buy another one. I'm glad I bought it, but I probably wouldn't spend $100 on a 20 year old unit again. I might invest in a newer multi effects unit. But I'm glad I have it, and I would never sell it.

This unit just rocks for the money.It beats out the gt which a big disappointment,everything just sounds better.Editing patches can be a nightmare make sure youre direct level is up otherwise if you by pass it your amp mutes.

The sound is there.peiod. I love the choruses and delays and rebverbs are pretty cool.My amp is a 1976 fender super reverb w/a jcm 800 lead channel wired into it.I use JJ tesla's tube strictly.

built solidly 20yrs old not a scratch and made in USA.

never needed them.

Whate i hate the most about most modern processors is you have to use em as a preamp.this one lets you use your sounds and just enhance it.I would buy another in a sec if it got stolen or stopped working.

Sound is very good. crisp clear and its 20yrs old!Patch editing is a bit tricky considering it was one of the orginals.manual well that something else to discussed.

My setup starts as follows...a 1976 fender super reverb with a jcm800 moded in the 2 channell.All tubes are JJtesla's,speakers are original.I ve got several guitars but i got mostly duncan pickups.Chrous is rich and thick delay are killer and besides you can use your amps sound not like some of the modern processors.

Hell 20 yrs old and it still rocks.

nevere needed it.

Its one of the best bang for a buck around.Dont get the gt version you'll be sorry if you did.Unless its an upgrade in software or capability dont change it!!!!!Oh it made in USA!!

The menu structure is pretty solid, and does not take long to catch. Understanding the effects combos for maximum processor use helps. Editing patches is pretty easy once you're into the unit for a few minutes. Editing the effects real-time modulations is simply further down the same menus - the real-time mods make this unit unique.

The unit was the state of the art for it's time (maximum bang for buck). The delays, chorus, and reverbs are very adequate (especially when used alone or sparingly). Some multi-patches are bit grainy; it's better for live work that studio by today's standards; but live is where it shines (read further).

Solid as a rock. Years of live use and abuse. Some times the program sticks and will not change via MIDI when the power on site is really squirrelly (happened twice in ten years; just needed a re-boot).

Alesis was great on support during the design and rollout of the unit - I've had several pieces of their gear, all very stable.

This unit is the ultimate Swiss knife for live effects use - even as I write this (2008). The unit can be controlled via MIDI, and every effect patch can have (8) things modulated at the same time while you play - anything you can think of you can change in real time! We run the unit using a midi footboard with a continuous foot pedal and we can get some serious change during the tune (more echo, longer delay, bigger chorus, louder, more EQ bleed-in, etc). Most new units have (maybe) 2 controllers and a limited menu of things to control.

I cannot really provide an accurate rating for this processor because I have almost no knowledge of operating effects systems. Even for me though, the presets provide a lot of entertainment and are very easy to mess around with, even if you're not sure what you're doing.

It sounds just great once you find the sound you want. I bought this going after the Jeff Buckley Grace album sound. I play an American Fender Telecaster into a Super Reverb amp with no other effetcs. I still haven't perfected it yet, but I am getting close to that Hallelujah tone. The reverb is something to behold; I even let it subsitute for the awesome reverb out of my Fender amp. It sounds excellent even when you really saturate the tone and it sounds like the guitar is on the other side of the grand canyon. The chorus is also above average. There are some great presets using chorus and delay too that I never thought I'd care for but not love. I especially like the delay on this unit.

The one defect? I can't get rid of that constant hiss in the background. My unit I purchased used, 20 years old. Perhaps a newer one is less noisy.

Made in 1989 and works flawlessly. This unit is an absolute work horse -- it shows no sign of slowing down.

I've never had to call Alesis.

If this thing finally bit the dust, I would start selling organs to get a new one, or perhaps keep my kidneys and hit up ebay instead. I spent 120 bucks on this just to see if I liked it, and it has become a major part of my sound that I'll never park with.

If you like a clean tone, this unit can add sperkle and depth to your sound that are amazing. Anyone looking to emulate the Buckley chime MUST buy this. The reverb and chorus were integral to his sound. I'll never turn on my amp again without this thing on. I went straight into my amp the other day just to hear the difference and the amp sounded so sterile and dead now without it.

A great, legendary processor. I only wish I knew more about its operation.

If you've ever used any programmable rack unit before, then you'll probably be able to get really good sounds out of this. If this is your introduction to the world of programming patches and editing via sub menus, you're gonna be along for the ride. The manual is imho vague, and very techhead in nature. But, since i have owned units like this before, I was able get around fairly easily.

I use the quadraverb directly into a m-audio fasttrack usb into my pc.

A must for any recording is good cables, this unit almost whines if you feed bad cables to it. Some of the program patches are by nature noisy.

But if you tweak it, yeah.. it's gonna get the sound you want. I mainly bought this unit for band practice to use for guitar or vox.
And yes, it's true, this machine will give you that sought after Jeff Buckley churchlike shimmer that everyone talks about and then some. IE: bands like lush, radiohead, the sundays, ride, etc...etc...

So far so good. I mean I bought it used yesterday and it works great.
Not bad for a unit that according to the startup display was produced in "1998". The unit is a bit banged up but all the functions work perfectly and there are no problems with the circuitry at all. IE: no weird pings, or scratchy patches that randomly go insane on you.

I think the above should give you an idea of dependability.

Alesis website says "product is discontinued". Oh well, no service for it anymore but geez it was only $66 bucks. You know how easily anyone can spend $60 in a week or a few days and have nothing to show as a result of it.

I do wish it had an effects volume pedal so you could control the overall reverb/delay volume in realtime like a volume pedal does.

Extremely easy to figure out...2-3 hours and your good to go!
Manual not needed.

The sound quality on these is ideal for vocals, especially live. It really cuts through any mix. The Reverbs are nice and the Delays..laysss...laysss .are KILLER. Unlike the newer ALESIS Quadraverb 2, which chokes your sound when adding additional effects to delay, it has softare clipping glitches and has an overall painful learning curve, routing effects is like complete circus, although it is a bit less noisy it runs super hot (touch the Q2 faceplate and you can almost cook eggs on it). On the more current Midiverb 4, it is a colder and more barren sounding unit(although not noisy)with minimal flexibilty and cannot do 4 effects at once. Boring. Overall, the original Quadraveb sounds more organic, can do 4 effects without sounding choked and really cuts through great, despite the bit of noise that otherwise gets buried under the music, so it can be dealt with!
ALESIS needs to step their game up on their processors and follow their original mantra of how to build things like they did in the late 80s.
If it was a little more silent, a little lighter in weight and had a smaller power supply, it would be a 10! 1989 processors were all like this.
Stick to the older Alesis gear and your good as gold for the dough!

Gig with it constantly. Use it for vocals. A TANK!
I would consider having a second one as an Emergency back up. But mine is amazing for a 1989 product!

Unknown/Never needed them.

Rock/Metal vocals works great.

If it was a little more silent, a little lighter in weight and had a smaller power supply, it would be a 10! 1989 processors were all like this.

I ?ve bought my Quadraverb plus in dec. 1994 in Kiel(Germany) because a guitarplayer (friend) talked about this unit.
I ?m a state certified engineer and so I think it?s easier for me to program a unit like this.

I liked this one from the first moment I get it. Connect some wires and then you can feel the great sound .
If you find a sound you like you store it easily on the last banks and then its easily to edit the effects with bottoms called like the effectsmodules are used and pressure controlled keys for up and down for better adjustment...

The manual is ok, very good are the signal-effect-way diagrammes if you are good in reading and understanding some like this...
I ever have my handbook in force to the QVplus...
So I can take a look every time I?m in need for some info...

The soundquality is some speciale...
The true signal bypass is very important for me...

I ?m using Marshall JCM 800 splitchannel heads( 2x 2205,1x 2210 )
a 1971 built Marshall 1959 MK II head and following cabinets:

1 JCM 800 lead 1960 A
1 JCM 800 lead 1960 B
1 Limited Edition 1995 "red hot limited" lead 1960 B

I play a 1986 build Gibson Explorer in white (now it?s some like cream) with black hardware and Kahler trem.-bar.
A 1990 build Gibson Explorer with stainless pickboard in cherry trans. Body made of one piece mahagony.

So you see I like tubesound and so the true bypassfunktion of the QVplus is needed.

I?m one of those people who make the most effects with the fingers and trem.bar, but I like the great sounds for clean guitars (pitch detune,delay,reverb etc.)
And for leadguitar there are good effects,too - so you can play songs like respect the wind by Eddie Van Halen... it?s great :)
Nothing else matters by Metallica - no problem...
And with the 11 band graphic eq is something like pantera or testament also no problem.

The unit has no distortion or compressor but I don?t need some ?cause distortion is made by the marshalls and I?m using a Boss SD1 overdrive for leadsound(if needed).

With the Boss FC 50 or Roland GFC 50 MIDI-footpedal its perfect for stage use or home (also recoprding).
I think if you are using a Beringer BFC 1010 MIDI-footcontroller with two expression,volumen pedals, there are many more functions like pitchbend,volumen... in realtime control

I still depend on it!
And I don?t need a backup.
I think I could make a good show cause the effects should only increase my guitarplay - if they are not working...ok
...I?m a musican and I can improvize :)

There wars a problem with the display of the QVplus...
In 1998 the display died.The display-ROM had lost the half ASCII-codes... so it was impossible to read any...
Fact is that was my mistake- LCD-display don?t like temperatures over 70?celsius... my homestack was standing beside the big livingroomwindow.
Southside! In direct sunlight the temperature of the display increases fast to over 100?celsius !!! 70?celsius is also the maximum storrage temperature - so the display would die - if the QV is on or off!
SO - DO NOT EXPOSE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT !!!
I had never contacted the company,I had heared that they never had responsed a call(letter/email)... :(

But I?m a profi for electronics and microcontroller...
I bought a new display in blue/white negative optic.
The display-connector isn?t a standard and the pin-chematics,too.
So, I ?ve worked some hours to get the right chematic with my Osciloscope.A litle contrast-adjustment-circuit and a resistor for the LED was needed...

Private I?m playing everything shadows...stones..metallica..testament..paganinni..joe satriani..to mozart and beethoven.
In a band hardrock and speedmetal(old school)
At the age of 4 stared playing guitar - stoped with 8 years.
As I was becomming 20 I started again but harder as anytime before...
Now I would like to say that I?m playing for 14 Years (I?m 34).
I love the multiple soundcharacters and the true bypass.
I like the MIDI-function and the signal-way-diagramms of the handbook.
They are very usefull.
I miss 1 or 2 slave-outputs for channelswitching of the Marshallamps.
I started 2 days ago a microcontroller project to build a MIDI-switchbox with 2 6,3mm outputs fully programmable to every MIDI-channel and MIDI-number(0-127)...
I think it?s so usefull that I have bought 4 days ago a 2 QVplus at ebay with defected display...(very low costs) and I can repair...
It?s better than many new effectprocessors and I like every thing of my equipment and still like it... my father still using his old equipment,too.

IF YOU CAN GET A ALESIS QUADRAVERB plus DON?T WAIT AND TAKE IT TO YOUR SOUL ! :)

It is easy to use if you follow the instructions in the manual, and really take the time needed to program this unit correctly. I don't have a technically-challenged learning capacity, so for me, this unit is damned easy to use for getting great patches that are perfect for use with my guitar rig.

This is the best sounding delay and chorus that I've encountered in a rack unit. I've tried Lexicon stuff and TC Electronic stuff, and the Quadraverb is just plain better. Maybe an Eventide would be as good, but I can't afford that super high-end expensive stuff.

I also use boss pedal effects, but I actually prefer the sounds in the Quadraverb. Mine does not have the sampling feature, or the preamp feature...I couldn't care less because I love this thing just the way it is.

I have owned this American-made unit for 15 years. I bought it brand new at Guitar Center in Hollywood in 1990. I really baby my equipment, so for me, this unit works and has worked perfect since I've owned it.

I have never talked to Alesis once in my life...so I haven't a clue.

This is the best digital delay I have ever used...I wish that Alesis would start manufacturing their products in the U.S. again, and reissue this unit for everyone to use and appreciate. I am really glad I have this American version, and I will always use it and keep it forever.

Its now nearly six years since my last input on this subject....the thing finally died....started reading greek and outputting digital noise on the left out only? Haven't had the time or cash to get it fixed yet but I will say this...it will get repaired because I miss this unit...I have several Lexicon reverbs now and a bunch of other ones as well but I like my old vocal patches and I am always trying to reproduce them on several other machines.

it is what it is...its awesome for a headphone mix....

down!!

not yet

this machine needs to get fixed and back in the mix somehow....anyone wanna buy a zoom or other reverb that i have in my rack? (lexicon not included)

well.. like a roland unit.. you have to run for a master in sience to get rid with it..
it's not very guitarist-friendly, because you only have a small display and many submenues..

ok, we do HD-RECORDING with our PC Pentium IV + terratec 88. If you cant get a good sound, by placing only microphones in front of your amp, go into your favourite FX unit, and then EQ that bitch and at the end of the signalchain put in the alesis, and use it's speakersimulation/ampsim. and you get what you want. this thing rescued me a lot of times with bands, who did have poor quality amps, FX, guitars..

ITS JUST GREAT FOR RECORDING.

I like the reverb, and the chorus/delayfunction.

Never used it live.. so i dont know in livesituations..

For recording its perfect...

i hate these unchangeable signalchains, like the older FX units have and the Quadraverb has also. you can choose of 5 diffrent signalchains *reverb, 3 band EQ.. or chorus, phaser, 5 Band.. bla*
this is disappointing..

if you are interested in home or semi-prof. recording, and need an ampsim this is the best you can get for "NO"-money..

so come and get it!!!

As others have said, it is a bit complex and it would be nice to have knobs instead of buttons, but you have to balance that with the functionality and flexibility is awesome! The buttons are touch sensitive, so that helps as well. Once you've gotten over the learning curve of the menus, it's a breeze to modify the patches.

I have used this unit for guitar for the last 10 years or so. I typically run this through the stereo effects loop of my Ampeg 140C, with other foot pedals on the floor between my guitars, a 1972 Les Paul Custom and a strat copy, and the input jack of the Ampeg.

The QV can be somewhat noisy, but with some settings tweaking is acceptable. The sound that comes out and the way it softens and adds to the guitar sound is fantastic. I have been complemented numerous times on the sound, including several people who thought I was running through a tube amp. This unit is somehow so much more musical than other similar units, and the flexibility of the effects routing makes it more so. Experimenting with the settings opens up a wide array of potential sounds.

I have never had a problem with the unit from dingy, hot warehouse practices, to playing gigs, to leaving it in a box for a couple years (while I was trying out another guitar-oriented unit...that didn't sound nearly as good) and cranking it again. I have tried to take good care of it though.

I vaguely remember having to deal with Alesis on getting an upgrade chip to the QV+ for a second QV that I owned. No problems there. It was sent in a couple weeks for about $50.

I typically play alternative, usually ambient rock and have been playing for about 15 years or so. This would be a fantastic addition to your sound and a pleasure to hear and work with. I would never part with mine...Highly recommended!

First things first - it's not easy to use. Indeed, my Quadraverb had been presumed to be "broken" by the previous user, because they couldn't get it to work. By the time I got my hands on it, they'd gone over to PC based effects (Logic etc), so I got it for free. Having never seen the manual, I can't really comment on that either.

However, if you know a bit about audio tech in general you should at least be able to get this machine up and running on presets - it took me a few hours to get to know it, and start playing around.

Audio quality is pretty good, although I only really use it's sample function (more on that later) and reverb for theatre work.
I've never had noise issues, and the presets seem OK - but I only really use the plates.
Although some people think the SampleQV patch is a joke, I've found it pretty useful - sure, you only get 2 seconds of sample time, but it's been a great tool to use in the theatre - looping phrases, etc. I'm guessing if you're using it for music it's pretty useless though.

Either way, it's as good, if not better, than most of the units on the market at the same price as this one used.

It's been in a school theatre and music department for ten years - with teenagers banging the hell out of it in their bands, and generally abusining all of our equipment in general.
And it still works.

I'd certainly rely on it to tour (and have done so).

I've never dealt with Alesis, because I've never had any problems, although the previous did upgrade the OS to a Quadraverb Plus (the upgrade is still available on the net somewhere).

It's as good , if not better, than the units available new for the same price...that said, I'd probably replace it with something else if it was stolen - although I'd certainly consider Alesis.

i do voice over work. As a VOP. I can tell you. the Original Alesis QuadraVerb is a studio Standard. Yes there are many others around under differant names. But, there is something about the sound that is a clasic. i't's like compairing a Newman with a GrooveTube studio microphone. need i say more? Never had a single problem with it. other then going a bit tweek crazy with makeing that just right sound to give my voice that edge! :) i spent $500.00 bucks for it back in the 80's at a music store in San Fransisco. It's never failed me. as a matter of fact? It's holding up better then i am! I don't think i could ever bring myself to parting with this old friend. It truly is like a pair of cumfy slippers on my feet.

Like most rack units with a lot of patches the adjusting of the patches is slow and cumbersome. I love knobs to twist so much better. Why can't they just put knobs on this things?

I really liked the sound of this unit compared to the Midiverb 2 which was dark compared to the Quadraverb.

The eq could have been better but still improved my vocals during recording on my home studio.

I used mine only for home recording projects on a 8 track Tascam 688 home recording studio.

I think it sounded better when used between the Tascam and the 2 track recorder during mix downs then when I had it in the effects loop of the Tascam. Having everything going through it to get to the 2 track recorder gave my originals a better blended sound. It made everything [instrument, vocals, effects like reverb] sound more like a live performance in one room than a series of mixes manipulated into sounding like a one take performance.

During vocal recordings I would run the vocals right thru it [as opposed to running it thru the effects loop of the Tascam}. I used the 15 band eq patch to make the vocals sound furthur away from the mike.

This unit would have been a lot cooler if the 15 band eq could have been used with the all the other effects instead of with only the reverb.

One day it died completely. It doesn't work at all now. i could get it fixed but i'm sure buying a new rackmount would be a more practical use of my money. Maybe a dedicated stereo eq and a lexicon for reverb, phase, delay and all that. Maybe expensive multieffects are not the way to go considering if one goes they all go.

Like an company I'm sure they are a ripoff when it comes to support. We live in a disposable world. Why bother fix last years technology? Unless of course it's an old guitar or tube amp.

I play grunge and metal. I've been playing for well over 20 years. I own a Yamaha SPX90, Alesis Midiverb2, Rocktron 300A Compressor and a Alesis HR-16 drum machine.
Well, it broke and I'm not fixing it. I don't need a ton of patches that are midi controlable. I would rather have numerous rack effects with easy and fast knobs [not slow and difficult buttons] to quickly adjust my sound with.
I suppose I got my moneys worth with 500 hours of use on it before it died. 50 cents an hour. cool .....rock on!

The Quadraverb is very easy to handle.I bought mine second hand.
I don't have a manual but as I mentioned before it is easy to handle.

My setup is: Fender Strat HM USA with EMG pickups.I run this trough a
Mesa Boogie Studio Pre Amp, Mesa Boogie 50/50 stereo Power Amp, a Rocktron Prorax CE1(compressor) and Prorax EXH(hush),The Quadraverb and Roland FC50 Midi footswitch.The Quadraverb is a bit noisy but with the EXH you can handle that.Yes I can get the sound that I want.
But I like Steve lukather,Scott Henderson,Larry Carlton,Arnold van Dongen, Leendert Haaksma and Lee Ritenour.The Effects are good.

I admire the intuitivity of the Quad... I bought it 2nd hand, and it lacked a manual. I spent a few hours fiddling with it and found what i needed to edit the patches.

My setup is a Boss VF-1 through the Quad to a Valvestate 8240. I experience buzzing from time to time... especially when using distortion, other than that i have no noise problems. The colorisation could be better at some points, but considering the multitude of the Quad im satisfied.

havent had it long enough, havent had the need to contact them. Mine looks pretty beat up, but works fine.

I play different styles of music, everything from Van Halen, right down to Marillion, Yes and the alikes. I would probably replace it if it was stolen.

I love this unit and have owned it some 13 years. I used to have a manual, but not anymore. Bought it in 1990 for $299.00 USD. I love its warm feel for vocals, used it for guitars and even bass. Had it through 4 track to 8 track reel to reel, now use it on an input mixer recording into computer...still sounds great.

Warm soft feel, kinda noisey, but does what it supposed to do. Use it now with computer digital tracks. I always liked to vocals using reverb and chorus, has such a warm lush feel in the sound. Kinda like a rock ballad deep reverb vocal sound without the fake sounds as found in cheaper units.

never broke...use it more now than in the past 3-5 years.

Called once for upgrade, could not help me at all! Basically told me to fly a kite in so many words...lol

I play and record rock and rock ballads,not good for country....use microverb II for country vocals.

I bought mine 3 years ago, boxed and with manuals for #80. The following is my opinion.

Colours the sound quite distinctly. I would say that it sounds grainy and harsh. It makes anolgue gear sound a little digital....but this is NOT neccesariy a bad thing I've had superb results from this unit. The Quadraverb proccessor can create colours that no other effects processors can produce. Try using a DX7 through this....you'll see what I mean. For analogue synths, use an analog effects processor. If you want harsh, metallic cold balls from outer space, then this is it. Overall its a little noisy and unrefined sounding but make no mistake this IS a quality unit found in most studios world wide.

Never gone wrong.

Never had use them! Hopefully never will. Long live my Quadraverb.

If the sound is to your taste (Personally I use this unit for harsh Underground electronic music) then its bloody cool/useful! Personally I believe it excels in this area.

If you are easy listening/pop/classical music producers then buy a Lexicon or something in that order. Vocal processing is not a strong point of the Quadraverb.

Overall an absolute bargin for the current 2nd hand price. An original Quadraverb is an asset to any studio, enough said.

It took a bit of getting onto, still fighting with it somewhat, especially for lead tone, trying to figure out if putting the effects pre or post eq, which is better?
Manual came with it.
I found editing to be really easy, again with a bit of time.

I find the Quadraverb does sound really good, again, it just takes time to get the sound you want, all the effects eq, chorus, delay, reverb etc... sound very good.

I haven't had a problem with mine yet, but again, I haven't had it that long, still awaiting the trials of the road.

Haven't had a problem yet, so I can't say.

I think the Quad is pretty versatile.
One negative thing I will say is that in the graphic eq config, you can only use delay with it, no reverbs or anything else, for the life of me I can't figure that one out.

Once you get the hang of it, it is really easy to get the sounds you're after. I worked with the manual for a couple of days and never had to open it again

I'm using it in the effects loop of my carvin nomad. I highly recommend a midi foot controller (I use the art unit with 5 patches per bank) for stage use. Sounds clean with some coloration, but this can be fixed with the eq section. Factory programs generally suck. All my programs are highly edited and designed for specific sounds I'm after. I write programs in banks of five for natural one button progression through tunes(ie rhythm-slight reverb, chorus, lead reverb, lead reverb/delay, delay with chorus input for full blown over the top stuff).

The input module get scratchy after a few years, with only a couple of sweet spots where it would work, then died. I called alesis and got a replacement module(very easy to install) quickly and for pretty cheap. I've had it my stage rig for years without other failures or problems.

My experience was good as detailed above.

I play guitar in a 10 piece rock/blues/motown/swing band and I always get compliments on my guitar tone. Easy access to great sounding reverbs and delays, and all the spaced out flange/leslie wierdness you could want. When I step up to play a lead I want the whole room to take notice. With the eq/pitch/reverb/delay configuration you have to be tone deaf to be unable to write an awesome lead guitar patch. Don't waste your time with the factory patches for guitar effects-they all suck wind bigtime. The key is in the mix section- you must balance the effects level with the dry signal level and use the eq to minimize any tone robbing coloration. I'd be lost without mine and would definately try to replace it if lost or stolen. I'm so used to it now I could write patches in my sleep. Mine is always on. Write a bypass program if you want no effects. Just make sure the eq and level match the bypass tone.

Turning the unit right on will get you going. The up & down value buttons are convenient when switching between programs; and the seperate effect buttons on the front panel are better than having to deal with things usually buried deep in menus. I haven't really edited the patches much, so I can't comment on that. I also don't have the manual since I bought it used, but I'm a little dissapointed that Alesis doesn't have one for download on their site when it seems like they've covered all their other products.

I use my Quadraverb as part of an effects loop mostly on keyboards and synths where I find it excels. I've also used it on vocals, another place where it really comes through for me. There is absolutely no noise that I can detect, however my studio has a Mackie console which has very low noise to begin with, so this may vary according to setup. Just about all the effects are great, in particular the choruses, flangers, and phasers. I happen to really like the Kings Chamber. I can certainly see this unit for studio applications as well as live performances and guitar players.

I haven't had a problem since I got mine.

I'm a producer of mostly electronic music (dance, techno, house) and also rap and some rock. Most of the effects I use in my songs come either from the actual tone generators I'm using or from the effects plug-ins in Digital Performer and Pro Tools. However as far outboard gear goes, this is one of my best pieces. The Quadraverb was the first effects processor I ever used, and when I built my studio I knew I really wanted to have one. Fortunately I can say I haven't been disappointed. Although the thing is about 12 years old now it still is a very useful piece of equipment that would compliment most any setup. Basically if you're looking for a more modern expensive processor, then try something like the Midiverbs. But if you're looking for quality effects in an intuitive package, then I don't think you can go wrong with a Quadraverb.

Easy to control, nice feature is pressure sensitive +/- knobs.

Very good for any guitar except distortion. Somehow, you can overdrive the inputs in order to distort ;-) All kinds of combination of hall, chorus and delays are available.

It crashes sometimes (1:100 times) producing VERY LOUD noise. All other times, it works fine.

Multi-purpose, never sell it, always handy, not-so-high-quality gear.

Once you get the hang of it it is very easy to program. Still, with all the variables, going through the list to change things takes time. It would be easier if there were some sort of analog remote.

I am quite surprised at the comments about this box being noisy. When I first purchased it I was A-Bing it against all of the other boxes that were available. Every other one altered the original sound. Only this one sounded identical with the addition of smooth reverb, delay, etc. If you use the effect cancel you will see how the original tone stays the same and only the effect is added. I love it.

Never had a problem.

Had it upgraded to a + with no problem.

Because it does not have idiot-easy programming I can't give it a ten, but the sound...sweet!

The Quad, by its nature, is quite sophisticated - it takes ALOT of tweaking to get the sound you want. But, its complexity also makes it very versatile.

I own two Quads and currently use them in my PA effects rack for vocals (and occasionaly use one to gate drums). The Quad works great for this application (where I use some reverb and a very slight delay), but may be a bit of overkill (using a unit with 100 patches for a single favorite vocal patch). I also play a Les Paul Standard through a Vox AC-15, but I was disappointed to find that the Quad killed the great natural tones of the Vox, i.e., the Quad adversely colors the sound of the amp even when bypassed. (I have found NO effect which improves the sound of my VOX . . . am I doing something wrong here?) Grade for vocal PA applications is an 8 - because it sounds decent - and it's nice to have one "no muss, no fuss" patch; grade for instrumental applications is a 3 - if you have a great guitar tone, the Quad may wreck it, but if you have a lousy tone, the Quad may provide some improvement.

My Quads have never really seriously broken down, but one of my display screens is now failing, although I haven't done anything about it.

My last experience with Alesis customer support was about six years ago, when I shipped them my 16 channel mixer. For a very modest price, they took it apart, cleaned and refurbished it, and returned to me very promptly. I was very pleased, grateful and impressed. Having no other experience with the customer support, I must give them a 10.

I play original music, as well as everthing from Hank Williams to the Sex Pistols, Elvis and the Beatles to Megadeath and Stone Temple Pilots. I have gigged and recorded with Quads for years now. If my Quad was stolen, I sure would miss my vocal patch, but I might be inclined to try something else. I love the versatility of the unit, but I hate the sound coloration. I have not compared it to other products of its kind. It is a very cool unit, however, and has a multitude of uses.

Always easy to call up the right algorithm & tweak it to sonic madness. Kudos to Alesis for making a consistent, easy to use interface.

The patented Alesis grainy-ness is evident in the reverb & delay settings, but the chorus, flange & often over looked phaser are warm & FAT! I run my guitar rig through this box & have since '88, &I'd feel naked without this box onstage with me. I've run it through Marshalls, Fenders & Mesas & it always sounds great!

Two breakdowns in eleven years. Not bad.

Each time my unit broke, Alesis went out of their way to get me up & running as soon as possible. The first time, the unit had come completely apart, gut & all, & they fixed the whole thing & upgraded it to a Plus for $30. If I ever DO need to buy a new multieffects unit, it'll be an Alesis.

I play funk guitar in an eight piece band. I'm the only guy that can play chords, so my sound has to be versatile, to say the least! I get every sound from a B3 to clean scratching with this box. I love this box & would be lost without it!

I've had it a good ten years now. I still use it. i've recorded a whole pile of albums with it. I have killer vocal patches set up and i use it at home with my midi/audio computer rig as an insertable. I still use a midiverb ii even!! i have had them powered up in my rack for about seven years continously and have only had to re-flash the QV once.

It ain't a Lexicon. But it is decent and fully represents audio spectrum if you tweak the sucker.

As I said ....one flash upgrade that was it. My road effects rack was sorry to see it go.

Only once and it were easy.

Audio Engineer, I would have four of these used rather than a 4 in one "studio" processor anyday. You have to like the Rev5 though....

Simple to get a good sound and to edit patches. I have a manual, and like all manuals it may be easy for the person who can retain what they read, but for me, I needed to fool around with it to understand it. This is the original Quadraverb.

This rack is great for recording with keyboards and is okay for vocals. For playing live I use it for vocals. So the effects are great. For guitars, nah, unless you like the digital guitar sound, its not good unless you have a crappy guitar.

I never had a problem with it.

Never had to call

Okay, I use it strictly for vocals. Again it is great for recording and live play. I've used it for 10 years and if I had to buy another one, I would. I haven't had many rack processors, but this one I know is great sounding, thats all I care about.

This unit is much easier to use than some of the Very button laden competition (particularly digitech). It has a pretty simple architecture so it is pretty easy to set up. I found myself coming up with my own patches within an hour.

I have seldom heard a more musical guitar processor. It has a beautiful chorus (Dave Gauverin from the Sundays uses one) and it makes no attempt to do what most multi-effects processors can't do... distortion. It has really warm reverbs that can be used very textuarally (Bill Frisell uses Alesis reverb). It is fairly quiet though that depends on the algorhythm used.
There are certain things this processor can't do very well at all. Tremelo: This circuit is noisy as hell and sounds thin and cheesy. Auto-panning: Uses the same bad path as the tremelo. It also tends to muck up clean vintange tones when you run your guitar into it and stariht into an amp. Meaning, if you hit bypass and listen to your sound through your amp, it will pale by comparison to being plugged striaght in. In that sense, it's a vintage tone killer. But on the whole, it is very wamr and musical, not very digital and cold like some others.

Traditionally they are very very reliable though they are a little sensitive to power surges. You can fry the memory that way.

Alesis has always been helpful to me on the phone. I recommend buying the 2 ear warrantee for $39 if you buy a new product from them. Effects and DAT machines... they'll always break because they get so pounded on.

I would definately buy this product again; it's the basic multi-effector I recommend to most people. It doesn't do distortion (get a tube screamer and a Boss ditortion pedal) or compression but it does do all your basic guitar effects and it also works well as a basic home studio reverb too.

Easy enough, although I've never really been certain what was the equivalent of "unity" gain in all of the digital mixing. Touch sensitive up/down buttons are nice.

Ok for guitar. Reverbs can't hang with a higher-bit reverb of course. Fairly quiet. Leslie sim is prety decent. The midi sys-ex mod stuff is great. Getting a bit dated these days I think.

Never had any problems with it. No dropouts or glitchs.

Never had a problem

Great overall; it was the ebst deal going when I bought it. As it stands, probably the best deal you can get for a multi effects under $300 used.