Source Audio, a leader in next-generation guitar and bass effects pedals, proudly introduces the Encounter Ambient Delay+Reverb, a fully loaded, dual-engine effects pedal designed to unlock immersive, atmospheric soundscapes. Building upon the legacy of Source Audio’s award-winning Collider Delay+Reverb, the Encounter features dual signal processing, allowing users to combine any two of the pedal’s six delay and six reverb effects. Where the Collider focused on classic delay and reverb effects, Encounter ventures into uncharted tonal territory, delivering new, otherworldly effects for guitar, bass, synth, and adventurous sound designers of all kinds.
“You asked, so we delivered!” says Roger Smith, President of Source Audio. “Ever since the release of the Collider Delay+Reverb, players have asked us to push further — into more adventurous, exploratory delay and reverb textures. Encounter answers that call. It opens up an expansive new universe of sonic possibility, combining reimagined classics with brand-new algorithms that explore both the familiar and the beautifully unknown.”
At the heart of the Encounter are six delay and six reverb engines that can be used individually or combined in pairs — this includes dual delay and dual reverb setups. Users can route dual effect combinations in series, parallel, or split stereo, with independent footswitch control for each engine, effectively offering the power of two pedals in one easy-to-navigate enclosure. Stereo ins and outs, full MIDI implementation, 8 onboard preset slots (128 presets with MIDI), external expression control, and seamless integration with Source Audio’s free Neuro 3 editing software for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows further elevate the pedal’s flexibility and creative potential.
The Encounter’s effects collection features brand-new engines such as Hypersphere, a gravity-defying ambient reverb inspired by infinite spatial reflections, Kaleidoscope, a cascading, harp-like delay effect, and Shimmers, a rich, dual-pitched shimmer reverb designed for lush harmonic layering.
Modernized favorites from Source Audio’s acclaimed Ventris Dual Reverb and Nemesis Delay ADT also make a return — Reverse, Lo-Fi, Trem Verb, and Swell reverbs, along with Helix, Drum Echo, Noise Tape (based on the Roland Space Echo) and Resonant delays — all reimagined with expanded parameter control.
In addition, musicians can preview and explore the sounds and editing capabilities of the Encounter before purchasing the pedal, using the Neuro 3’s new SoundCheck™ feature. Neuro 3 is Source Audio's entirely free effects editing, preset sharing, and organizing software. SoundCheck features prerecorded, unaffected guitar, bass, keyboard, and drum loops that can be played through bit-perfect replications of Source Audio One Series pedals. Users can audition presets or use the effect editor and hear changes in real-time, using only a smartphone or computer.
