The EarthQuaker Devices Ledges represents the Ohio company’s entry product in what could be referred to as the “streamlined, multi-algorithm bread-and-butter reverb pedal niche” – which is a pretty popular niche since most guitarists commonly use traditional reverbs like Room, Plate, and Hall.
By EQD’s standard, this looks like a very basic pedal, therefore it will be judged based on how it sound, and – from what we hear in the video demos – there’s plenty to like about it, although, rather surprisingly, it doesn’t feature a spring mode, which is by far the most popular among guitarists.
The three modes give you any size of room reverb you may wish for, from a small and boxy room to a humongous cathedral, via the Room and Hall modes, with the ability to tame the high-end for warmer reflections via the Damping knob.
The Plate mode delivers a different kind of reverb, inspired by the very first reverb technology and delivering a smooth and even ambiance that can reverberate forever at higher length settings.
The pedal allows to store 6 presets through a rotary knob, and features an Expression in that allows remote control (also via CV) of Length, Damping or Mix – different EXP assignments can be saved in each preset.
Check out how the Ledges sounds in the videos below!
EarthQuaker Devices Ledges, Builder’s Notes
Tri-Dimensional Reverberation Machine
Ledges is a compact, three-mode reverb with the ability to save and recall six presets and user-assignable expression control with loads of customizable options. If you’re looking for that classic, standard reverb tone from the players and songs you love, then this is your pedal. If you want to push the limits and take it further to sonic reaches that only you can uncover, then this is also your pedal. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted and needed out of a reverb.Mode R: Room Reverb
At the shortest Length setting, the Room mode achieves a small, boxy room sound that gradually gets bigger as you turn it up.Length
Sets the length of the reverb, from small to large room.Damping
Tames the treble in the reverb reflections.Mix
Adjusts the level of the reverb.Mode H: Hall Reverb
In Hall mode, as you increase the Length setting, it morphs into a Cathedral style reverb that becomes really big, boomy and echoey with distant reflections.Length
Sets the length of the reverb, from hall to cathedral style reverb.Damping
Tames the treble in the reverb reflections.Mix
Adjusts the level of the reverb.Mode P: Plate Reverb
Turn up Length in Plate mode to get bouncy reflections that recycle and reverberate forever.Length
Sets the length of the reverb, from large plate to mega plate with nearly infinite reflections.Damping
Tames the treble in the reverb reflections.Mix
Adjusts the level of the reverb.
Global Features
Operating Modes
Ledges has two operating modes which are indicated by the color of the Save/Recall switch. In Live Mode, the pedal will operate exactly where the controls are set and any changes will have no effect on the presets unless saved. In Preset Mode, stored presets are selected using the Preset switch, and the physical settings of the controls will be ignored.Presets
Ledges has six available preset slots for you to save and recall your favorite settings. The settings for each of the three controls, the mode switch and the expression jack assignment can be saved and recalled in any of the slots.Expression Control
Use any TRS expression pedal to take control over the Length, Damping or Mix. Different EXP assignments can be saved in each preset. You can also use Control Voltage with the EXP jack. The CV range is 0 to 3.3v.
