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3 verbs: [top to bottom] AKG BX20, AMS RMX16, Lexicon 480L

Reverb Therapy, Part 2

How three classic reverbs shaped the tones of pop, rock, and beyond.

By Bryan ClarkOct 25, 2025

Bryan Clark

A Texas native, Bryan began his professional career as the opening act for legendary jazz guitarist Larry Carlton. A graduate of University of Southern California (BM, DMA), and University of Texas (MM), he does session work in Los Angeles, Austin, and Nashville, collaborates with modern dance troupes and spoken word artists, and is in demand as a film composer, sound designer, producer, songwriter, and guitarist. Bryan is based at the world-famous Blackbird Studio in Nashville, and he’s a voting member of NARAS/Grammy, Leadership Music, Audio Engineering Society, and International Bluegrass Music Association. Connect with him at https://www.bryanclarkmusic.com.

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Hello, and welcome back to another Dojo. Previously I mentioned that there are hundreds of reverb plugins (convolution, algorithmic, plate, and spring) out there, but the vast majority of them are either direct emulations of 6 classic reverbs—or derive a huge amount of inspiration from them, to say the least. I highlighted the EMT 140, the Lexicon 224, and the EMT 250 last month, and I’ll finish up this month by paying homage to the remaining classic trio. I’ll also give you some strategic advice on how to take better advantage of these, and even the reverbs that you already have as well. Tighten your belts—the dojo is now open.

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Reverb Therapy, Part 2

How three classic reverbs shaped the tones of pop, rock, and beyond.

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How three classic reverbs shaped the tones of pop, rock, and beyond.

Up Next

Our columnist shares what he’s learned over a lifetime of amp ownership, mods, and more.

The tonewood teardown miniseries continues as our columnist sets to work on his T-style Harley Benton electric.

Next on this tonewood teardown miniseries, our columnist cleans out his Harley Benton electric’s neck pocket and preps the control cavities.

There are so many types of reverbs, so what distinguishes them?

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