Chase Bliss Audio CXM 1978 opens for pre-orders: The reverb pedal of the decade?
Dare we say it - is this the reverb pedal of the decade?
The Chase Bliss Audio CXM 1978 stole the show at Winter NAMM and the news that it’s finally available for pre-order has us a bit excited. This could be one of the biggest hits of the year for many musicians. A collaboration between Chase Bliss and Meris, this unique-looking pedal is an adaptation of the famous 1978 studio reverb. It looks beautiful and judging by the demos available, it sounds, well, magical.
CXM 1978
Let’s go through the feature list first. The new Chase Bliss Audio CXM 1978 has moving faders with presets, MIDI control, 32 Bit AD/DA, three classic reverb algorithms with adjustable decay crossover and a fully shape-able reverb tail. It also has expression pedal control, plus an optional fully balanced I/O, stereo input and output and it features an internally boosted +/-15V rails for line level input. So far so thrilling.
Chase Bliss Audio Automatone CXM 1978 · Source: Instagram/Chase Bliss Audio
Next level
As impressive as the features are, this pedal has other qualities that set it apart. So let’s admit one thing to ourselves: This pedal looks amazing! And perhaps even more importantly, it looks like it could be a lot of fun to use. I suspect that that’s where the magic is here, and the reason it will sell well. Yes, it is based on a classic 1978 studio reverb unit and we all like a bit of vintage loveliness. But factor in the features and its stunning aesthetics. It’s safe to say that this automated pedal entranced many of us before we have even heard it.
Chase Bliss Audio CXM 1978, a thing of beauty · Source: Chase Bliss Audio
1978 was good year for reverb
The CXM 1978 is based on the classic Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb and combined with modern technology, MIDI and automated control and you get a package that is very compelling.
1978 Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb. The inspiration for the CXM 1978 · Source: Performer
Pre-Order
As you can imagine, all that desirability does not come cheap. The CXM 1978 is available to pre-order for USD 899. Shipping is slated for 30 November, which is not too long to wait. I’m hoping I can get my hands on one to try out. Even though I’m not a big reverb user, I am enthralled by this pedal. All in all, I think the price is about right for this product – and it’s not very often I say that about premium products like this. It’s certainly a gorgeous addition to your sonic arsenal and could be an amazing studio tool, too.
RRP – USD 899
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3 responses to “Chase Bliss Audio CXM 1978 opens for pre-orders: The reverb pedal of the decade?”
How much for one reverb? You can buy the Lexicon PCM reverb plug-in bundle for £259 from Thomann, with 7 different ‘verbs. You could then buy yourself an Eventide Space, or Strymon Big Sky, and you would have spent less money. Plus you’d have way more ‘verb to play with.
I agree and you can also go and buy studio rack mount vintage reverbs or modern day equivalents. Just, I think this pedal format, offers something tangible and organic which is far more appealing to me for creating. Sure, it isn’t cheap, but I’d suspect it will last forever if you look after it. I always like the big old Roland Space Echo units, sure they aren’t practical and you can emulate them as plugins, but they just inspire me to create music when I use one. Which is what this new pedal is saying to my creative brain. Practical brain says “Whoah, not cheap!”, but my creative side loves the idea of using it.
900!?!
…never