The features, sound quality and variety of algorithms are very impressive. Stereo inputs and outputs were a top priority for my purchase. I have a Kemper Profiler, which contains probably the next best reverb engine out there, so I want to make some comparisons between the two approaches to digital reverb, and discuss the Strymon Big Sky, which is the only comparable reverb pedal. I consider myself very adept at using and assigning complex reverb programs and expression pedal with the Kemper. I bought the Eventide Space as a reverb for my live mixing board, and for recording (as a supplement to the Kemper). There is a depth and warmth in the Eventide that in my opinion is better than the Kemper, and definitely better than the Big Sky. However, even with the 11 parameter knobs and expression pedal, the Kemper has even more virtual knobs, and ALL of them can be connected to the expression pedal. Output level on the expression pedal is not an option on the Eventide, so if you find the swelling reverb gets louder than you want as you increase the expression pedal, you can't program the output to drop as mix increases. This was a minor weakness, given the amazing sound. My main issue with the device is that the H9 software is a bit buggy, and the way it saves and organizes the settings programs is still bewildering, so user friendliness is considerably behind the Kemper. The large display is really nice, and makes for a much better user experience than the Strymon. Expression pedal programming without the H9 software is also glitchy (even with latest firmware and H9 software).
So, after almost a month of using and programming it, here is my summary: would I buy it again, knowing what I know? Yes, and I am very glad I got it instead of the Strymon Big Sky. I can lose myself for hours in these sounds.
Who would like this over the Strymon? People not afraid to turn lots of knobs, and psychedelic music lovers. This is not a beginner's reverb unit. Also, if you want a range from traditional sounds to extreme ambient and noise textures, this is the pedal for you.
Is it better than the current (July 2020) reverb algorithms in the Kemper? That's debatable given the quality and sophistication of the Kemper algorithms now. But, I have to say that I think so, and find myself constantly adding it to my Kemper now. I really like the warm sounds. The expression pedal interface is inferior to the Kemper, but still a great tool.
Who won't like this pedal? Anyone who wants a simple, out-of-the-box, easy to use pedal. The Strymon is probably a better choice, but the Eventide Space just plain outperforms it.
The bigger question, in my opinion is: would you rather have the compact, more flexible and expensive H9 harmonizer without all the knobs, or this larger, knob monster for live tweaking? I chose the Space because I see this as an inexpensive alternative to a Lexicon rackmount studio reverb, and since I have and love the Kemper, I don't really see the virtually knobless H9 Harmonizer as a useful device for me.
