Electro-Harmonix, often abbreviated as EHX, stands as an iconic name in the realm of musical innovation and effects pedals. Founded in 1968 by visionary engineer Mike Matthews, the company quickly gained recognition for pioneering groundbreaking guitar effects that would shape the sound of generations to come. Since its inception, Electro-Harmonix has consistently pushed the boundaries of sonic possibilities, offering a vast array of pedals that span distortion, modulation, delay, reverb, and beyond. This review covers the Oceans 11 reverb pedal by EHX — a powerful and easy-to-use stomp box with a host of features.
The Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 Reverb Pedal Has It All
Much of the fun and usability of a pedal effect lies in its comprehensiveness. There are a lot of specialized one-trick ponies out there, and they most certainly have their place, but a pedal that’s extremely versatile has a better chance of maintaining a permanent spot on your pedalboard.
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The Oceans 11 has versatility in spades, giving users every bit of ambience they could possibly imagine. Thankfully, it’s also very easy to use and dial in, sporting just Time, Tone, and wet/dry controls apart from the reverb type selector. If you want options, but also don’t want to be overwhelmed by chaotic user interfaces, then Oceans 11 is a fantastic reverb pedal.
What Makes the Oceans 11 Pedal Unique?
The Oceans 11’s uniqueness lies in its comprehensive range of reverb effects, user-friendly interface, Mode switch functionality, internal Tails switch, and EHX build quality. This combination makes it a stand-out choice among reverb pedals, appealing to musicians seeking versatile, inspiring, and high-quality reverb options.
Oceans 11 Reverb Pedal Review
11 Reverb Style Options
The Oceans 11 boasts 11 different reverb algorithms, allowing guitarists to experiment with a diverse selection of sounds. These algorithms cover a broad spectrum of reverbs, including classic types like Spring, Plate, and Hall, as well as more exotic effects like Shimmer, Reverse, and Polyphonic, which adds octave-up and octave-down harmonies to the reverb tail.
Powerful “Hidden” Settings
Hidden or not-so-hidden, each reverb setting can have up to three variations which you can toggle with the Mode button. The LED light will change color to indicate which variation of the reverb you’re using. Another cool feature is the ability to “crash” a spring reverb tail by double-tapping the footswitch. Finally, there’s an internal Tails switch that determines whether a reverb decay fades or stop abruptly in response to turning the pedal off.
It’s these thoughtful little additions that make the EHX Oceans 11 such a fun ambience pedal.
How Big Is the Pedal?
The pedal is the size of your average stompbox. Not a mini pedal, not a bulky brick — just standard. It’s nice because you get a ton of variety and settings from the Oceans 11, but in a normal form factor. Also, by design and necessity, the user interface is kept streamlined and accessible because of the pedal’s overall footprint.
Is the EHX Oceans 11 Reverb Pedal Worth the Price?
The worthiness of the pedal varies from person to person, and it’s best to assess your individual preferences, playing style, and budget to determine if the Oceans 11 aligns with your musical goals. Additionally, reading reviews and trying out the pedal in person, if possible, can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s worth the price for you.
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The Oceans 11 is generally priced as a mid-range reverb pedal, and it may be a considerable investment for some musicians. It’s essential to weigh its features and versatility against your budget and compare it with other reverb pedals within your price range.
Our Take: Why This Could Be the Last Reverb Pedal You Ever Need
The Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 Reverb Pedal has received widespread acclaim from guitarists for its excellent sound quality, versatility, and compact size. Whether you’re looking to add subtle ambience to your tone or create lush, atmospheric textures, the Oceans 11 offers a diverse array of reverb options to cater to a wide range of musical styles and preferences.