Ambi Space features a nifty
little Pre-Delay knob that
allows the pedal to produce
reverb that’s not otherwise
possible. Take the Spring
reverb setting, for example;
the Pre-Delay actually adds
just a few milliseconds of
delay from the moment
the dry signal passes into
the reverb circuit until the
moment that the wet signal
is outputted. Wholly analog
reverberation units cannot
accomplish this feat, at least
not without some clever
jury-rigging with a delay
unit. But with the Ambi
Space, the impossible (or
impractical) has been made
possible (or more practical).
At least in the Spring mode,
the Pre-Delay gives a sort
of ricocheting effect to the
signal. More surreal effects
come about in the Cave and
Serene modes, in which the
ricochet is transformed into
a shimmering, undulating
wave of reverberation.
Free The Tone has wisely
added a few input and
output options that might
not have been so obvious to
readers. First, the company
placed a tiny selector
switch inside the unit for
the choice of line level or
instrument-level inputs.
Although the switch is
actually inside the pedal, a
hole in the right-hand side
of the housing is just large
enough for a paper clip or
small screwdriver to flip
the switch. Another switch
accessible via a small hole
on the bottom of the unit
allows the user to stop the
dry signal from passing
through the output. And, if
that’s not enough, the Ambi
Space also features a MIDI
port that allows for editing
of all parameters via a MIDI
controller.
WHAT WE LIKE
Stereo input and output,
parameter control via MIDI,
shimmering reverb and an
intuitive set of controls.
CONCERNS
I would have liked a way of
adjusting Presets without
needing to enter a special
Edit mode.
Free the Tone’s Ambi Space
is an eye-pleasing little unit,
but it’s also highly functional
and sounds good to the
ears. Despite my minor
quibble with the need to
depress the Edit button to
alter Preset parameters, I
believe that Free The Tone’s
design is rather sensible. For
that reason, I can’t dissuade
anyone who’s thinking of
breaking out the brandy
snifters for a relaxing,
audiophile-grade evening.
ToneReport.com
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