Matchless RV-1 Reverb

To call this piece a "reverb unit" a la the classic Fender outboard reverbs misses a big part of the equation: the RV-1 is also an old fashioned EF-86 based preamp- you can dial out the reverb entirely and use the head as a primary tube gain stage into the front of an amp or a mixing board. Learning to balance the levels between the preamp stage and the reverb stage is the trick, but it's not overly complicated- just takes a bit of practice.
Note that the RV-1 also accepts a line-level 1/4" input from an effects loop (amp or mixing board), but your gain and volume levels will need to be readjusted to accommodate the hotter signal.

The preamp: relatively low gain- you can't get the C30 lead channel from the RV-1- but also high fidelity with interesting toneshaping possibilities.
The reverb: not as loose in terms of regeneration fidelity as the classic Fender or Premier outboard units, but still produces a beautifully deep shimmer, reminds me alot of the great "tiled room" sounds from Atlantic Studios in NYC.
Noise levels: if you gain out the preamp (either to drive another amp or redline your recording signal), you're going to wear down the tubes, and having hot bottles installed is the key to optimal sound. You'll know when they start to go microphonic. The trouble is, these not only take the EF-86, they also need the semi-precious 5726 which can run up in the $15 range and aren't easy to find.

Not bad at all, given that we're essentially talking about 40 year old technology- I've had mine since '94, I haven't had to replace the pan and I've only had to swap all the tubes twice. I do know of two other RV-1s which needed pots and pan replaced, but mine has held up nicely.

Matchless no longer exists, but I understand that some of the principals from the old company still address service issues.

I've used the RV-1 both for recording and gigs, but try to avoid hauling it around too much. I love the sound, and I don't imagine I'll ever find one at a reasonable price again. If you use reverb and need an outboard unit which will allow for a variety of gain:dwell ratios (esp. if you're changing guitars regularly, switching from DeArmonds or Tele pickups to humbuckers and need a consistent preamp level), this is a great box. I don't know whether I'd lay out the kind of money they're asking for them now, and I surely wouldn't buy sight-unseen, but it's hard to argue with the sound of one when it's properly tuned up.

Like all Matchless equipment, the RV-1 reverb unit is very easy to set up and use. It has the follwoing controls: dry signal level, dry signal tone, reverb level, reverb dimension, and output level. The manual is straight forward and brief. Other than Reverb Dimension, all the controls make very noticeable difference when changed. Reverb Dimension is described as simulating the change of the distance of the reflecting wall. But to my ears it seems to be more like a presense control for the reverb signal. The unit comes with a three spring tank driven by tubes. It's handmade with point-to-point wiring. It can be used as a preamp, and it has quite a bit of output gain.

I found some hum when I cranked the reverb level beyond the 12 O'clock position. Otherwise the reverb unit is quiet. This is not a unit for Dick Dale or surfer types. The beauty of the RV-1 is how flexible you can mix the dry and wet levels. Also this unit's separate tone control for the dry level is a powerful tool for shaping your tone. I have never seen this in other reverb units; they have tone control for the wet signal and not the dry. The reverb sound is very dark and warm; not splish, splashy. You can also use the output level to give your amp more gain for a very large overdrive sound.

The RV-1 is built like the rock of Gibralter. When ordered with its case it weighs about 15 to 20 pounds.

I've owned Matchless gear for about 3 years with no trouble. It all comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. Tech support has been very friendly and helpful.

My only complaint is the price of the RV-1. But I am very picky about tone. I've owned the Valveverb, and I like it. But the Valverb's reverb seems too bright. The tone controls only work with the reverb signal, and they don't seem to make a great difference. The Valveverb doesn't allow for mush sublty in the dry/wet mix. But you can't beat it for the price (plus it has great tremolo). The RV-1 is pretty stiff in price. Had it offered tremolo, it would be a great deal. The RV-1 does not get in the way of making music. It's no hassle to set up, and you can get just the right tones and reverb to enhance your playing. It's beautifully made, but I will mark it down for price.