The Behringer Spring Reverb 636/646 is a hardware analogue reverb unit inspired by the iconic Grampian Type 636 reverb, famously used by reggae dub legend Lee “Scratch” Perry. In this post, we dive into its features, performance, and why it stands out in the world of reverb units.
Watch Our In-Depth Review
Experience the Spring Reverb in action! Watch my video review where I put this reverb unit to the test in a home recording studio environment. You’ll hear its impact on various instruments including drums, vocals, guitar, synth, and melodica, especially in a dub reggae context.
636 or 646: What’s the Difference?
Originally branded as the 636, Behringer since rebranded this unit as the 646. The name change likely stems from the unit’s strong resemblance to the original Grampian reverb, with Behringer being transparent about its inspirations. However, the rebranding is speculated to avoid potential legal issues regarding naming rights.
The Legacy of Spring Reverbs
Spring reverbs have been a staple in music production since the 1930s, and are more commonly found in guitar amplifiers and speaker combos. However, the Behringer Spring Reverb sets itself apart with dedicated Aux and Mic channels, each providing a gain boost for added saturation or distortion. Subsequently, this versatility makes it ideal for various sound sources and recording setups.
Inspiration from Hozier’s Debut Album
My interest in spring reverbs began after hearing Hozier’s self-titled debut album in 2014. Producer Rob Kirwan utilised spring reverb in Hozier’s vocal recording chain, creating a unique sound that I wanted to replicate. Finally testing the 636 Spring Reverb in my own vocal recordings yielded a pleasingly distorted, bluesy sound, showcased in my review video. Though clearly I don’t have the vocal chops of Hozier, I hope you appreciate my efforts!
Why Choose Behringer Spring Reverb?
After thoroughly testing the Behringer Spring Reverb 636/646, I can confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a reverb unit with character. It’s perfect for blues, reggae, drum & bass, vocals, guitar, percussive sounds, synths, and much more. Overall, unlike digital reverb plugins, this hardware unit offers authentic analogue sound at an affordable price.
Ready to enhance your recordings with rich, analogue reverb? Don’t miss out on the Behringer Spring Reverb 636/646. Check it out now: Behringer Spring 636 Reverb.
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