What is the Boss RV-200?

It is a digital reverb workstation from Boss's 200 series, offering twelve different reverb types in a mid-sized enclosure. It is designed for musicians who need more versatility than a standard compact pedal but want a smaller footprint than a full-sized multi-effect unit.

How many reverb modes are included in the RV-200?

The pedal features twelve distinct reverb modes. These include traditional styles like Room and Plate, as well as unique algorithms like the newly developed Arpverb.

Arpverb is a newly developed reverb algorithm exclusive to the RV-200. It focuses on creating rhythmic, arpeggiated textures within the reverb tail for unique ambient sounds.

Does the RV-200 support external control?

Yes, the pedal features extensive external control support. Users can connect expression pedals or external footswitches to manipulate parameters in real-time.

What are the common atmospheric effects found on this pedal?

The RV-200 includes atmospheric modes such as Shimmer, which adds pitch-shifted octaves to the decay, and Slowverb, which provides a swelling, modulated character. These are ideal for creating dreamy textures.

Is the RV-200 suitable for live performance?

Yes, its ergonomic design and flexible footswitches are specifically tailored for ease of use during live shows. The layout allows for quick adjustments to ambient tails without deep menu diving.

What is the typical price range for the RV-200 bundle?

The typical retail price for the Boss RV-200 bundle is approximately £284. This price may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and included accessories.

Can the RV-200 produce classic reverb sounds?

Yes, it includes high-quality versions of classic reverb types such as Hall, Plate, and Spring. These settings provide traditional spatial colouration for standard guitar tones.

How does the RV-200 compare to the Boss DD-3T?

While the DD-3T is a dedicated digital delay pedal for repeats, the RV-200 is a dedicated reverb pedal for spatial ambience. They are often used together to create a full time-based effect chain.

Does the RV-200 offer modulation effects?

Yes, several modes include modulated characteristics. Specifically, the Shimmer and Slowverb modes provide moody and sparkly modulations that go beyond basic reverberation.

Can the RV-200 be used with instruments other than guitar?

While primarily marketed for guitarists, its high-quality digital processing and flexible input/output options make it suitable for keyboards and other electronic instruments. Its range of textures works well with synthesizers.

What makes the 200 series design unique?

The 200 series design is known for being ergonomic and space-saving while maintaining high-fidelity audio. It provides more control and presets than the compact series but is more pedalboard-friendly than the 500 series.

Gear article

Boss RV-200 200 Series Reverb Pedal

The Boss RV-200 is a professional-grade digital reverb pedal featuring twelve distinct algorithms housed in a compact, ergonomic 200-series chassis. It provides a wide spectrum of ambient effects ranging from traditional spatial simulations to complex, modern textures, supported by extensive external control options.

See live prices

Overview

The Boss RV-200 200 Series Reverb Pedal is designed as a high-performance ambient processor for guitarists and keyboardists. It bridges the gap between the compact single-switch pedals and the larger 500-series workstations. The unit is built with an ergonomic layout that emphasizes tactile control and ease of use during live performance, allowing for rapid customisation of ambient auras.

Core Features and Algorithms

The RV-200 offers twelve distinct reverb modes. These include established classics such as Hall, Plate, and Spring, which provide essential spatial colouration. For more experimental applications, the pedal includes the newly developed Arpverb, alongside moody modulations such as Shimmer and Slowverb. The interface is designed for immediate access to parameters, enabling users to transition from subtle room echoes to expansive, dreamy textures.

Performance and Control

A key design element of the RV-200 is its flexible footswitch system, which allows for multifaceted control over effect bypassing and preset switching. The pedal is engineered to set a new standard in performance through its extensive external control support. This includes compatibility with expression pedals and MIDI integration, ensuring it can be incorporated into complex signal chains and pedalboard setups.

Comparative Context

Within the wider market of guitar effects, the RV-200 occupies a mid-tier professional position. It is often considered alongside other utilitarian pedals like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor. While specialized effects like the Digitech Whammy Ricochet or the Fender Hammertone Flanger offer specific tonal shifts, the RV-200 serves as a foundational spatial tool, comparable in build quality to high-end units like the EHX Big Muff with Tone Wicker, but focused entirely on time-based processing.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the Boss RV-200?: It is a digital reverb workstation from Boss's 200 series, offering twelve different reverb types in a mid-sized enclosure. It is designed for musicians who need more versatility than a standard compact pedal but want a smaller footprint than a full-sized multi-effect unit.
How many reverb modes are included in the RV-200?: The pedal features twelve distinct reverb modes. These include traditional styles like Room and Plate, as well as unique algorithms like the newly developed Arpverb.
What is Arpverb?: Arpverb is a newly developed reverb algorithm exclusive to the RV-200. It focuses on creating rhythmic, arpeggiated textures within the reverb tail for unique ambient sounds.
Does the RV-200 support external control?: Yes, the pedal features extensive external control support. Users can connect expression pedals or external footswitches to manipulate parameters in real-time.
What are the common atmospheric effects found on this pedal?: The RV-200 includes atmospheric modes such as Shimmer, which adds pitch-shifted octaves to the decay, and Slowverb, which provides a swelling, modulated character. These are ideal for creating dreamy textures.
Is the RV-200 suitable for live performance?: Yes, its ergonomic design and flexible footswitches are specifically tailored for ease of use during live shows. The layout allows for quick adjustments to ambient tails without deep menu diving.
What is the typical price range for the RV-200 bundle?: The typical retail price for the Boss RV-200 bundle is approximately £284. This price may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and included accessories.
Can the RV-200 produce classic reverb sounds?: Yes, it includes high-quality versions of classic reverb types such as Hall, Plate, and Spring. These settings provide traditional spatial colouration for standard guitar tones.
How does the RV-200 compare to the Boss DD-3T?: While the DD-3T is a dedicated digital delay pedal for repeats, the RV-200 is a dedicated reverb pedal for spatial ambience. They are often used together to create a full time-based effect chain.
Does the RV-200 offer modulation effects?: Yes, several modes include modulated characteristics. Specifically, the Shimmer and Slowverb modes provide moody and sparkly modulations that go beyond basic reverberation.
Can the RV-200 be used with instruments other than guitar?: While primarily marketed for guitarists, its high-quality digital processing and flexible input/output options make it suitable for keyboards and other electronic instruments. Its range of textures works well with synthesizers.
What makes the 200 series design unique?: The 200 series design is known for being ergonomic and space-saving while maintaining high-fidelity audio. It provides more control and presets than the compact series but is more pedalboard-friendly than the 500 series.