SMS Reverb vs. Real Tube Reverb?

[GratefulMets]

Hey Folks,

My current rig includes an Alembic F-2B and TubeWorks RT-921 Real Tube Reverb. It's a great combination, and it's served me very well for many years. But alas, my GAS has kicked in, and I'm considering replacing with the SMS Preamp. Given all the feedback here, I have no doubt that the SMS would probably be an overall improvement in the preamp realm, but I'm concerned that the digital reverb might be a step down from the RT-921 in the reverb department. Thoughts?

Thanks to all for any feedback, and Happy New Year!

-Larry

[Tennessee Jedi]

Hi Larry Welcome !
I went from a Twin to the Sarno Rig - I was totally skeptical about the digital reverb and I just love my Twins Spring reverb ....
Anyway ...... It turned out to be unnecessary worrying ....it sounds like Heaven ... Cant live without the Sarno now !
You got a bunch of other gear - might as well get some more !

[tcsned]

I love the digi reverb in the SMS. I was also skeptical of moving away from a spring reverb after years of my Twin and Boogies but I don't miss 'em at all. Perfectly voiced for guitar, Brad did his homework

[strumminsix]

Think of it like this:
Twin = tube amp spring reverb
SMS = studio clear reverb

[mgbills]

And it doesn't sound like a blacksmith shop when you bump it!

[ccw3432]

Agreed. This was my biggest concern before deciding to purchase the SMS. I went for it based on comments I heard here. The reverb rocks! I like it better than the spring reverb on my Fender HRD.

[cripeowner]

I would not say it's better or worse just different. I love my SMS and I love my Deluxe reverb. Each has it's own characteristics. In long run run though you eliminate rack space and extra chords going to the SMS.

[TI4-1009]

And it doesn't sound like a blacksmith shop when you bump it!

That's a negative in my book- I love that sound!

[mgbills]

Yea. It reminds me of my Old Man's garage...but it also makes me think that beautiful jingly-jangly sound is about to acquire a short that'll need repair/replacement.

[GratefulMets]

Thanks for all the replies. I figured as much, am convinced, and have placed my order. I actually tried to snag the used SMS from Guitar Center, and got part way through checkout before I was distracted by a shiny object outside my window (squirrel!). When I returned to finish, I find that some other hippie Gearhead had beat me to it! Congrats on having a longer attention span than me!

Looking forward to the new centerpiece of my rack. Now all i need is a moderately priced pair of e-120s and i think my rig should be good to go. Oh, I probably need some good cabs for those speakers. Oh, and an MC250. Oh, and a Moriarty Tiger. "And this ash tray, and this paddle ball game, and this remote control, and that's all I need....!"

Hmmmm....unless....I just scrap it all and go with the AxeFX! When does it end?!

Thanks again!
-Larry

[Stella Bloo]

Larry,

It never ends, that's the fun of all of this and why we are on this crazy board. You won't be sorry, I ordered the SMS and never have looked back. Can't quite pull off the MC250 or any other MC due to cost and finding one that doesn't need work. (I am technically challenged) so running it through a Rocktron Velocity 300 and into a 2X10 with JBL K-110's. I know the MC is a key piece but the SMS and JBL's are probably as close as I am going to get. Getting it all together is a blast and everyone on this board has been so helpful, it really is in the spirit of the Dead that this exists online.

Good luck!

Mark

[redeyedjim]

HI Larry,

I may be a lone voice of dissent here, but as much as I love my SMS -- and it truly is an exceptionally voiced preamp that's well worth its cost -- I'm not crazy about its reverb section. I tried to bond with it but never did, so now I keep it turned down and use something else instead. Currently, that's a Neunaber WET Stereo Reverb; the stereo model has a tone knob and upgradeable firmware. It's great, even when used in a mono rig. That said, it's probably still a few steps behind your RT, IMO, but see what you think of it once you get it. Hell, you may love it.

[Jon S.]

Larry,

It never ends, that's the fun of all of this and why we are on this crazy board. You won't be sorry, I ordered the SMS and never have looked back. Can't quite pull off the MC250 or any other MC due to cost and finding one that doesn't need work. (I am technically challenged) so running it through a Rocktron Velocity 300 and into a 2X10 with JBL K-110's. I know the MC is a key piece but the SMS and JBL's are probably as close as I am going to get. Getting it all together is a blast and everyone on this board has been so helpful, it really is in the spirit of the Dead that this exists online.

Good luck!

Mark

FWIW I'm quite happy with my RV300. The key for me is turning the Reactance down and the Definition way up.

[claytushaywood]

does the SMS use the belton brick for reverb? those things are quite phenomenally realistic, I never tried one until recently when I built a reverb pedal using one, wow

[jeager]

I really like the SMS reverb!!! Very happy with it and I have tried lots of different units out there and many of them sound phony to my ears, the sms is lush and does everything i need it to do. Plus, its nice to have one less box to plug in.