MidlifeSynthesist Dives Into the Mirage: Reverb Heaven or Hype?

MidlifeSynthesist kicks off his exploration of the Crazy Tube Circuits Mirage, a pedal that doubles down on reverb fun with two engines in one compact package. Right from the get-go, he sets the tone with a casual welcome and a brief acknowledgment that the unit was provided for review without financial strings attached. His enthusiasm is palpable as he introduces the Mirage’s dual capabilities, allowing for stereo or series configuration. This pedal promises flexibility, whether you’re taming mono or stereo synths. The anticipation is set for a deep dive into its sonic possibilities.

Now, let’s pop the hood and look at the inner workings of this little audio beast MidlifeSynthesist is playing with. The Mirage boasts a layout that’s straightforward but packed with potential – it’s got dry/wet mix and volume knobs, plus an engine selector that’s the pièce de résistance here. You can crank that volume so hard it could revive a tired jam session. And those swell and excite knobs? They’re not just sitting pretty; they tweak the reverb tail and intensity with finesse. As MidlifeSynthesist digs into the nuances, it’s clear this pedal is more than meets the eye. From expressive control via pedals to footswitch options, there’s no lack of versatility here, and it’s all set up to get the most out of any sound. If you ever thought a reverb could be the main star of the show, the Mirage might just change your mind.

First, MidlifeSynthesist walks us through the outer ring of the Mirage. This is where the usual suspects of reverb reside, aka the ‘bread and butter’ types. Armed with a Novation Peak and an OxiMK2, he lets us hear the dry sequence before drenching it in reverb magic. The verdict? This thing can make a standard patch sound like you’ve wheeled a cathedral into your studio. Though he’s not usually big on plate or spring reverbs, the lushness of the cathedral setting wins him over. He’s found the Mirage’s warm and dreamy vibes to be top-notch, which says a lot, considering his usual skepticism towards certain reverb styles.

As the video edges towards its conclusion, MidlifeSynthesist brings us back to reality—what’s this all going to cost? Priced at around $350, the Mirage is poised as accessible and packed with value. In the world of reverb pedals, that’s like finding a gourmet food truck priced like street side eats, ready to serve audiophiles on a budget. The question he leaves viewers with is simple but impactful: is this the reverb you’ve been waiting for? Only the comments can tell. Here, discussion is encouraged, along with his usual invitation to support the channel if you enjoyed what you saw. MidlifeSynthesist’s light-hearted yet insightful approach keeps us engaged right until the end.