Source Audio Encounter, a stereo ambient delay reverb pedal with unique algorithms

Source Audio Encounter is a new stereo ambient delay and reverb pedal with a unique set of algorithms to explore.

Ambient effect pedals have been in vogue for some time now. These pedals combine delay, reverb, or both, and are optimized to generate dreamy textures.

The latest ambient pedal comes from the US-based company Source Audio and is called Encounter. 

Source Audio Encounter

Encounter is a new stereo ambient delay and reverb pedal. According to Source Audio, Encounter is based on the best-known Collider delay + reverb pedal, uses a similar layout but features a wide range of new and otherworldly algorithms.

Packing a mix of brand-new sounds and reimagined favourites from Source Audio’s range of delay and reverb pedals, Encounter is sure to conjure up a wealth of ambient sounds.

Encounter features an analog dry-through path and packs six delay and six reverb algorithms in the pedal. On the delay side, you get  Noise Tape, Resonant, Drum Echo, Echoverb, Kaleidoscope, and Helix.

Then, on the reverb menu, you can find Hypersphere, Shimmers, TremVerb, Reverse, Lo-Fi, and Swell. 

Source Audio promises that the new engines, such as the Hypersphere reverb, Kaleidoscope delay, and Shimmers, are among the most beautiful and imaginative in the company’s history. Other algorithms, like the Reverse, Lo-Fi, and others, have been reimagined or enhanced.

Full Control

The algorithms can be used individually or in pairs (dual delay, dual reverb, or delay + reverb) and in various routing configurations: series, parallel, or split stereo.

They are fully controllable with six controls: delay, feedback, tone, control 1, control 2, and dry/wet mix with an additional global Kill-Dry mode.

Each footswitch engages or disengages its own effect, essentially providing the functionality of two separate pedals in one unit. Plus, the left also handles the delay tap duties.

Alongside the manual parameter control, Source Audio Encounter ships the pedal with support for its Neuro editor software for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

With it, you have access to all parameters from the computer, can manage presets, and also download presets of other music from the cloud. From the hardware, you can access up to eight presets from the controls and 128 presets via MIDI.

Connectivity 

The connections are located on the sides. Input and output on two mono 6.3 mm sockets each give you stereo connectivity, allowing you to connect not only guitars but also synths with stereo outputs. Alternatively, you can route mono signals in and stereo out of the pedal.

Further, you have 5-pin MIDI IN and Thru connections, a configurable expression pedal input, and a mini USB port for connecting to the Neuro 3.0 editing software. Plus, there is a DC 9V power supply input. 

Source Audio Encounter First Impression

Source Audio is a popular effects pedal manufacturer that offers very high-quality algorithms. They are particularly praised in the Synthesizer world. What I hear in the first demos of the Encounter sounds smooth and pristine.

Source Audio Encounter is available now for $399/£369/399€

More information here: Source Audio

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