Best Stereo Reverb??: Meris Mercury X or Chase Bliss CXM 1978 //
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2023
- Start at 1:10 if you want to skip the first bit of talking and get straight to it!
Can the new #Meris #MercuryX modular #stereo #reverb recreate the iconic sounds of the #ChaseBliss #CXM1978? With #Meris designing the algorithms in both pedals, how do they compare? The Mercury X offers more flexibility while the CXM1978 has those gorgeous classic Lexicon studio reverb sounds. #guitarpedals #ambient #shoegaze #modularsetup #pedalnerd #pedalboard #fx #guitarfx #guitareffects #delay #hallreverb #springreverb #platereverb #shimmer #reverbpedal #pedals #stompbox #gainstaging #tonecrafting #guitartone #ambientmusic #shoegazemusic
Algorithms:
1:10 - “Room” on the CXM1978 / “78 Room” on the Mercury X
2:53 - “Plate” on the CXM1978 / “78 Plate” on the Mercury X
5:20 - “Hall” on the CXM1979 / “78 Hall” on the Mercury X - เพลง
Thank you so much for making this! Been meaning to compare the two ever since I got my MX
Happy to do it! Gives a basic comparison. I’ll try and dive in deeper later for people who may not have both or either and are considering them 😎
Wow, CXM has a really stunning sound. It is lush, and present in a way ive never heard in a pedal. With the Meris, I can hear a little 'gummy' modulation and shorter impulses that arent as pleasing. Both are nice, to be fair, but the CXM is a stunner. Would like to hear it used in no-dry 'studio' fashion, on mix groups, and with much shorter times.
Interestingly I just released a deeper dive on these two in more of a “no dry” context. This with guitar, but it’s something to check out!
th-cam.com/video/5-YQH1A-8_Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=DmAsMRrUUmXcs3Eo
Thank you for making these videos.
Ive been watching your videos in the past and they have all been good. Keep them coming.
What I am hearing very clearly is there is more fidelity in the 1978 than the new Meris X.
The 1978 has a crispness or clarity that Im not hearing from the Meris X.
Also the Meris X also seems to have more modulation added to the programs than the 1978.
They both sound great.
Question? Do both of these products have the capability for trails or spill over?
Im hoping that they do.
Thanks,
Michael
Thank you so much for your kind words. Happy to keep these videos coming!
First, you may be absolutely right about the modulation. This is where the settings landed in my ears, but a more discerning listener could absolutely hear differences!
As for trails/spillover, both the 1978 and the X have that available so you can’t go wrong with either!
Great video! Thanks for doing it! Seems like they are very close to me. Am I correct to think if you menu-dived enough on the X that you could probably end up matching a given CXM sound?
Hey thanks for the kind words! Happy to do these types of videos for everyone’s benefit!
The only control you can’t find on the X that the CXM has is the clock. There’s no adjustment within the reverb. You could probably get there with the Dynamics or other lo-fi modules bit that’s a definite distinction between the two
I would love to see a deep dive showing the other clock modes compared to the Meris that doesn't have them. I wonder if they make the CXM sound warmer
Absolutely! It’s on my list of things to make!
Would love to see a deeper dive dude! Thanks for doing this! I’ve got the CXM currently and while I’m tempted by the Meris because it’s new and shiny I just love that there is absolutely no menu diving with the CXM. It just is what it is and all your controls are right there. Any comment on the different clock speeds on the CXM vs Meris (Hifi/Standard/Lofi). The Meris seems to have 3 of the core sounds from the CXM but not all 3 version of each sound, correct?
Cheers!
Happy to do a deep dive! I’ll add it to my list :)
You’re 100% correct about no menu diving on the CXM! I love that about it! So simple and elegant!
If you have the LVX then the Mercury X is the same in its menu function. There are menus but I don’t mind it. It’s pretty straightforward. I keep mine on the Text View and it’s makes sense to me. No sub-menus or folders.
As for the clock. That’s the difference that I can find. There is no clock options on the Mercury X. I think I read someone say it’s all hi-fi but I can’t confirm. The other arcade buttons on the CXM (Diffusion, Mod) are covered but not the clock. At least not easily. You can probably get there with some of the other modules. There’s even a “lo-fi” module, but that does more of a tape wow/flutter thing so not the same as the clock. I just mean that there is a lot of tweakability on the Mercury X so you can probably get it where you want it.
Thanks for the question! Cheers!
Here to confirm that the 78 versions on the MX are the hifi only, it does not include the CXM standard or lofi variations.
Low diffusion on the hall is ‘sparse mode’ according to the manual but I don’t hear increased noise, my assumption is fewer taps in the reverb shell.
Hazy is a lofi module from the modulation block, and filter and dynamics blocks can also alter the reverb but there is no clock control like the CXM.
@Telorchid yes you are correct! 🙌
I have tried a few different reverb pedals, but nothing has done the 3D spatial presence like the CXM. Does the Mercury X have the same spatial feel? I always find it hard to tell through a TH-cam video.
@alistairshaw4845 the Mercury X and CXM have the same base algorithms in the hall/plate/room, which makes them quite similar. The differences are subtle, so I think the only way to tell for sure is to A/B them in person if even in stereo, my TH-cam videos are too compressed (thank you TH-cam 🤦🏻♂️)
Goood stuff. Only critique is that it would have been nice to let us know what algorithm each preset was using, e.g. room, hall, plate.
🤦🏻♂️ you know you’re absolutely right!!! I definitely should have.
Here’s the 3 algorithms
1: “Black 2” is the “Room” algorithm on the CXM1978 and “78 Room” on the Mercury X.
2: “Green 4” is the “Plate” / “78 Plate”
3: “Red 2” is the “Hall” / “78 Hall”
Thanks so much for calling it out!!!
Very soothing vid, definitely prefer the CXM on this specific shootout so I guess it’ll stay on my board for now. I think the hi-fi is the least pleasing of the three options on the CXM, so if that’s the only one that the X has incorporated it’s pretty much a dealbreaker.
Hey thanks! There are ways to get the other clock speeds on the X. I made another video going deeper into it. May still not be what you’re after but know that it’s there :)
th-cam.com/video/5-YQH1A-8_Y/w-d-xo.html
I've had both... Mercury X by a whole lot. The moving sliders were cool though!
Moving sliders are cool. I love that they’re automated but it’s more neat than anything else the way I’m using it.
Both are solid reverb pedals!
Fantastic demo! How do the noise levels compare between the two? I have a CXM that I've enjoyed using for a couple years, but I do find it a bit noisy in stereo mode. Is the Meris any quieter? I'm referring to background white noise / hiss. Thanks.
TBH I didn't notice a difference between them in that regard. To be fair though, I haven't noticed a lot of noise out of either individually either. I know that doesn't help :(
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve read that the CXM 1978 combines a stereo signal in into mono to process the reverb. This is what prevented me from wanting to buy it, since I often process something distinct on the Left from the Right. (Enjoying your reviews - thanks for making them.)
Hey thanks so much!
Honestly I’m not sure if the cxm sums to mono. I ended up keeping the MercuryX as it has the 3 algorithms in the CXM
what is the routing after your pedals? if you dont mind sharing. sounds great
Heyo! I don’t mind at all…but to get the full picture let me share what my typical routing is in general:
Guitar > channel 1 of Audient Sono > Benson Chimera VST by Mixwave > out channel 3 of Audient Sono > input of first pedal > rest of pedal chain > stereo L/R into digital inputs 3/4 of the Audient Sono via a Berhinger Ultra Gain 8-channel > ProTools. That it. That’s how I do it pretty much every time!
So from the end of the pedals it’s straight into Pro Tools!
If you have questions let me know. I’m happy to share!
I'm leaning towards the Meris considering it's $300 USD cheaper! That said - the form factor of the CXM is super compelling.
The CXM is straight forward with no menus. It does have a large footprint though. The Mercury X can cover most of the CXM sounds and a whole lot more. Both are amazing no doubt! I haven’t gotten into all the functions of the Mercury X yet on a video, but I can tell you one thing the Mercury X has that I was was on the CXM: Freeze. The Mercury has the ability to infinitely freeze what you’re playing and you can assign it to the far right foot switch, the Hold Modified, as either a momentary or latching foot switch. Plus, while I’m freeze, anything you continue to play still gets affected by the reverb! It’s incredible.
Sonically you can’t go wrong with either!
The ambient stuff is nice to have and all but 98% of the time I want more "usable" reverbs. The one major item missing from my 1978 is a spring reverb... curious to know how does the X compare with some of the leaders in that category like the UA golden? And also, do you find it to be transparent? I just tested a SA True Spring and couldnt believe how much it colored the tone. Thanks!
I’ve not tried the Golden or True Spring, so I can’t compare. Honestly Spring reverb isn’t much of a thing to me so I’m not the best person to ask.
But based on my quick listen to the X, Spring isn’t the most robust of the algorithms within
@@thepedalcollaborative appreciate the reply. Do you find it to be transparent?
@EJH-jn6mo to my ears it’s very transparent. Very hi-fi.
I bought the MercuryX as soon as it released just like the LVX. A session with his soft fem voice would be nice too-
I’m not sure what you’re wanting. Can you be a little more specific?
Either way I’m here for it! 😎
@@thepedalcollaborativespecific may be an understatement, doesn't have to be "straight" forward. Right?
@JohnnyADi I’m with ya! Happy to be of service
@@thepedalcollaborative maybe a collar jingle will sneak through a vocal cut.
@JohnnyADi collar jingle asmr!
CXM 1978 algorithms are made by Meris guys. so.. the tone should be very close
Yes they are! The Meris folks have done an amazing job with both!
Those trails, though...
For as long as you want it!
Does the Meris suck any tone out your signal? I know the Eventide H90 does a lot.
Not that I’ve noticed!
If anything it sounded like CXM dry tone is robbing highs.
Interesting!
@@thepedalcollaborative I might be crazy tho!!!! Any thoughts?
We could all be crazy! 😜
I’ve noticed differences in the EQs that various pedals out in things. “Warm” is just really a reduction in high frequencies.
OTO BAM anyone?
BAM is really really awesome! This was more aimed towards foot pedals as opposed to desktop units
Meris doesn’t sound as lush.
Mayhaps! Both are incredible, and it could very well just be the way I have them set here 🤷🏻. But yes, there’s something uniquely special about that CXM!
Why is he talking like that?
Like what?
It sounds like he’s trying to do an Asmr/gear video. I’ve never had a voice trigger misophonia this badly before.
@joeyjojojr.shabado5143 I think he’s just talking 🤷♂️
Bob ross
Here’s a tree
"uhhhhmmm... lesseee..... ummm...... okaaay.... like..... uhhhmmm ummm ummmmMMMmmmMmMmMmmmm 🙃"
Valid point. This one was definitely run and gun. I don’t script any of the ones I do but I do see your point. Thanks for the critique!
Nice one! Do you use the CXM to control the Mrc X via MIDI?
@silentguitarplayer6430 no I don’t. Currently don’t have MIDI connected on either. I’m pretty low-maintenance with my MIDI and only use it as a master clock. How would you suggest using it in this setup?
Ahaha, no, you don't:) You just make so clever two-finger switching, that I thought you were only pressing the CXM footswitch, and it in turn was switching the MercX preset in and out lol!
@silentguitarplayer6430 I blame years of piano and practicing octaves…that and my secret life as a sleight of hand magician.
But seriously though, Meris released a video when their LVX was released and used the LVX to send PC changes to the CXM and the Preamp Mkii, so there is some MIDI control trickery in the Mercury X I’m sure!