TEST: Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb

 In addition to the parameters of sound and handling, the aspect of dimensions has also become increasingly important in the field of pedals in recent years. In view of the fact that the majority of musicians have to manage and transport their equipment themselves, a low weight with the smallest possible space requirement is an increasingly strong argument for the successful placement of a device in the personal workflow or transport flow. The American manufacturer Neunaber therefore has a comparatively small true stereo delay in its portfolio with its Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb, which in terms of functionality goes far beyond what a “normal” guitarist delay offers. Keyboard players should therefore read through this test if they are looking for a new hardware delay, especially since the gain structure of the pedal also enables line signals to be processed.

The concept of the Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb

As already mentioned, the Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb takes up very little space with dimensions of only (L x W x H) 121 mm x 99 mm x 62 mm and the metal housing also weighs just under 400 grams Scale. Nevertheless, the product has a large range of functions, but Neunaber had to make a few compromises when it came to the connection sockets.

Since the reverb pedal is a true stereo reverb, you get a corresponding peripheral of 2 pieces each. Input and output jack sockets cannot be avoided, which are conveniently located on the front of the pedal. If you don't want to use up the space gained on the pedalboard with the appropriate connections on the side panels, you will try to accommodate the remaining connections on the front side. However, since the 4 jack sockets already take up approx. 75% of the front surface with regard to the available space, Neunaber uses an adapter solution with regard to the MIDI and expression pedal connections.

The expression pedal input is set down to a 3.5 mm TRS socket, the two MIDI inputs / outputs even use the comparatively rare 2.5 mm TRS sockets, of which 2 adapter cables to 5-pin MIDI sockets included in the delivery are. Personally, I'm not a fan of mini-jack sockets / plugs in a professional environment, as the danger of kinking / bending over is simply too great, but with a well-fixed cable routing and appropriate strain relief on the pedalboard, this circumstance can also be managed reasonably well .

In terms of power supply, the Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb follows the currently popular specifications of pedals in general. The time of the fat power consumption of 500 mA and more for modulation and room effects seems to be over, the Neunaber pedal is content with a power consumption of only 85 mA with a connection of 100 mA otherwise only used for overdrive / distortion pedals and accepts one more Voltage between 9 and 12 volts. Unfortunately, no suitable power supply is included in the scope of delivery, but a free 100 mA socket should be easy to find in any multi-power supply for the floorboard. Battery operation is not intended for the pedal. As with most pedals, the mains adapter connection is a standard barrel connector 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm with a negative pole on the inside.

The pedal is controlled via 2 foot switches and 2 multifunction controllers. The two foot switches can be operated in 2 functions. They either act as up / down switches within the presets, or their function enables on / off and A / B operation. A / B operation enables expression control without additional pedals. The A/B footswitch is not a controller with a corresponding range, but instead activates a transition between a parameter set “A” and a set “B” for a selectable period of time. Basically, this feature doubles the number of presets.

By the way, the on / off operation is designed as either a true bypass or a buffered bypass. There is a small haptic problem with the two multifunction controllers. In order not to restrict the appearance of the pedal display, which is also easy to read from a lateral viewing angle, the two controls are located on the right side of the housing, with the lower control being very close to the right foot switch. Since the multifunction controller also has a pressure function, you run the risk of activating the lower multifunction controller at the same time if you do not consistently pay attention to the accurate use of the tip of your foot during the shifting process. A small metal bracket between the footswitch and controller, which blocks accidental activation of the controller, would be very helpful here.

Incidentally, the pedal comes with a very detailed and very well-written manual in German, which goes far beyond the usual, sometimes very inferior "press here, turn there" operating instructions from other manufacturers. As a further bonus, the manufacturer provides four stick-on rubber feet, a nine-button sticker and a pair of high-quality earplugs for stand-alone operation :-)

The sound concept

The Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb has a total of 17 selectable Stereo Reverb effect modes, with the pedal having 50 factory presets and 50 user presets each. The modes have labels with the names Wet Plugin, Wet v3, Wet v1, Plate, Hall, Vintage Digital, Spring, Shimmer, Rumble, Octaves, Wet+Echo, Wet+Detune, Bloom, Swell, Infinite Hold, Sustain and Gated Plate guess in which segments the Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb moves. All sounds can be extensively edited via mixing ratios, pre-delays, modulation parameters, highpass, lowpass and damping settings and saved in the user presets if required. The pedal has selectable trails, which are responsible for whether the effect fades away naturally or stops abruptly after the effect has been bypassed.

The Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb in action

Even with the first reverb tail you can see that the algorithms of the Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb are of very high quality, especially when it comes to the ambient area. The reverberation intensity is very intense, but never intrusive. Of course, you can also let the instrument drown in the reverberation, but it is precisely the subtle mixing of the FX component with the instrument's dry signal that produces a very high-quality reverberation, which, however, also needs its place to have an effect. Thus once again the arrangement of a title has a very special meaning, which in this case should be as "airy" and "tidy" as possible.

Even in the mono version, the pedal convinces with a very tasteful basic sound that knows how to convince in many styles. Even in percussive passages, for example, the plate reverb can provide very good service, but you shouldn't set the decay rate too long, otherwise the reverberation will interfere too much with the respective attacks. The Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb attaches less importance to the most detailed reproduction of a real existing room than to an atmospheric introduction of the listener to a depth effect, as known from film music. Especially with a subtle background use, the pedal convinces with an unobtrusive, but still present resolution of the FX signal.

In conjunction with the appropriate MIDI management, you can also make complex and longer-lasting show arrangements interesting over the entire period without having to rush through the presets with the corresponding tap dance, especially if you want to change a preset while a song is running. A word about the corresponding stereo management. In principle, everyone will know, but it is still important to pay attention to the respective mono compatibility of the signal when using stereo in the final mix. Nobody has grandma's kitchen radio on their screens anymore, but most boomboxes or construction site radios work almost all with mono summation. You should definitely pay attention to this if you want to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises.


Conclusion

With the Neunaber Illumine Stereo Reverb, the American manufacturer has a very good reverb pedal in its portfolio. The very compact device impresses especially in the ambient area with very warm and round algorithms, which convince in sound even without major editing. Opinions can be divided about the MIDI management using a 2.5 mm adapter, but in return you get complete signal routing and management via the front of the pedal, which saves a lot of space on a small floorboard.

A very successful reverb pedal!


Additional Informations:

Neunaber Audio: Innovating Reverberation and Modulation Effects
Introduction: Neunaber Audio is a renowned company that has made a significant impact on the world of guitar effects pedals, particularly in the realm of reverberation and modulation. Founded by Brian Neunaber in the early 2000s, the company has garnered a reputation for its exceptional sound quality, innovative designs, and dedication to craftsmanship. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration, Neunaber Audio has become a go-to brand for musicians seeking to enhance their soundscapes.

Vision and Philosophy: Neunaber Audio was founded with the vision of creating effects pedals that deliver pristine, studio-quality sound in a compact and user-friendly format. Brian Neunaber's philosophy revolves around the belief that superior sound quality should not be compromised for the sake of convenience or size. This dedication to audio excellence is reflected in every product that Neunaber Audio offers.

Reverberation Effects: Neunaber Audio has gained significant recognition for its groundbreaking reverberation effects pedals. Their reverbs are renowned for their natural, ambient soundscapes, providing musicians with a range of versatile options to shape their guitar tones. From subtle room ambience to lush, expansive reverbs, Neunaber Audio offers a diverse selection of reverberation effects to suit a variety of musical styles and preferences.

The company's flagship pedal, the Neunaber Immerse, stands out as a versatile and feature-rich reverb pedal that has garnered widespread acclaim. With its intuitive controls, extensive parameter options, and exceptional sound quality, the Immerse has become a staple on pedalboards of professional guitarists worldwide.

Modulation Effects: In addition to their reverberation pedals, Neunaber Audio has also made significant contributions to the field of modulation effects. Their modulation pedals offer a wide range of creative options, allowing musicians to add depth, movement, and character to their sound. From classic chorus and vibrato to more experimental modulation effects, Neunaber Audio's pedals provide musicians with a powerful sonic palette.

The Neunaber Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus and Neunaber Seraphim Shimmer are among the notable modulation pedals offered by the company. The Tri-Chorus Plus delivers lush and immersive chorus tones, while the Seraphim Shimmer provides ethereal and celestial shimmer effects. Both pedals have gained popularity for their exceptional sound quality and user-friendly interfaces.
Advanced Technology and Customization: Neunaber Audio integrates advanced digital technology into their pedals while maintaining a focus on ease of use and intuitive control. The company's proprietary algorithms and signal processing techniques ensure high-fidelity sound reproduction and minimal noise interference. Neunaber Audio also offers software and firmware updates, allowing users to customize and fine-tune their pedal's settings to suit their specific needs.

Stereo Capabilities and Expansion: Many of Neunaber Audio's pedals feature stereo inputs and outputs, enabling musicians to fully utilize the spatial possibilities of their soundscapes. This stereo functionality allows for enhanced depth, width, and immersion in the audio experience. Additionally, Neunaber Audio offers expansion options for some of their pedals, allowing users to further expand their sonic horizons and delve into more complex effects.

Artist Collaborations: Neunaber Audio has collaborated with renowned musicians to create signature pedals that capture their unique tones and artistic visions. Collaborations include artists such as David Wallimann, Andy Wood, and others. These collaborations have allowed Neunaber Audio to refine their designs and develop pedals that cater specifically to the needs and preferences of these influential musicians.

Craftsmanship and Build Quality: Neunaber Audio takes great pride in the craftsmanship and build quality of their pedals. Each unit is meticulously constructed using high-quality components and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure reliability and longevity. The company's commitment to excellence extends beyond sound quality, encompassing durability and performance consistency, making their pedals suitable for both stage and studio applications.

Conclusion: Neunaber Audio has emerged as a leader in the field of reverberation and modulation effects, offering musicians innovative and high-quality pedals that inspire sonic exploration. With their dedication to sound excellence, user-friendly interfaces, and advanced technology, Neunaber Audio continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in guitar effects. Whether it's creating immersive reverberation or sculpting captivating modulations, Neunaber Audio's pedals provide musicians with the tools they need to enhance their creative expression and unlock new sonic landscapes.