Catalinbread CBX Gated Reverb

Catalinbread CBX Gated Reverb is a pedal based on a classic studio tric from the ’80s in which reverb is transported through a noise gate and cut off.

The pedal gives you full control over the gated reverb. Originally, this involved an SSL console’s talkback mic channel fed back through the console preamp and into a noise gate Like many now-legendary effects, gated reverb was invented by accident using a SSL SL4000 Talkback Mic and AMS RMX16 digital reverb units.

The premise is simple enough: the gate is a function of the signal strength; once the signal level drops below an adjustable threshold, the reverb tail snaps shut.

The pedal recreates this magical symbiosis with an overdrivable preamp, adjustable reverb lag time and a full wet-dry blend. The result is a lovely and expressive “always-on” reverb that stays in its lane and won’t interfere with the all-important mix.

The pedal draws current from a standard Boss-style power supply ( 9 volts and not included). For more headroom you can also use a 18 volts power supply.

Catalinbread CBX Gated Reverb demo video