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Average Price: $5,677

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

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High-end

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Description

Step into the world of high-fidelity audio processing with the AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System. A staple in the realm of studio recording gear, this effects processor is engineered to bring unrivaled depth and dimension to your soundscapes. First introduced in the 1980s, the RMX16 has become a legendary tool for musicians and producers alike, recognized for its iconic non-linear reverb algorithms that have graced countless hit records.

The RMX16 is celebrated for its ability to recreate authentic acoustic environments, from intimate rooms to expansive concert halls, all while maintaining a user-friendly interface. It features a total of 18 reverb programs, each meticulously crafted to deliver a wide range of atmospheric effects. Whether you're looking to add subtle ambience or dramatic lushness, the RMX16 provides the flexibility to shape your sound with precision.

Its digital architecture ensures consistent performance and reliability in any studio setup. The intuitive controls make it accessible for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, while the robust build guarantees longevity. With the AMS RMX16, you can infuse your recordings with the same legendary reverberation that has stood the test of time.

Key Features:

  • Iconic non-linear reverb algorithms
  • 18 high-quality reverb programs
  • Digital architecture for consistent performance
  • User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
  • Suitable for both professional studios and home setups
  • Renowned for use in hit records and soundtracks

Product specs

Brand AMS
Model RMX16 Digital Reverberation System
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Reverb

FAQs

What type of reverb algorithms does the AMS RMX16 offer?

The AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System is renowned for its classic reverb algorithms, including Ambience, Nonlinear, and Hall, among others, which are highly sought after for their unique and high-quality sound.

Is the AMS RMX16 suitable for modern studio recording?

Yes, the AMS RMX16 remains a popular choice in modern studios for its vintage reverb sounds that add depth and character to recordings, making it a valuable tool for both classic and contemporary music production.

Can the AMS RMX16 be integrated into a digital audio workstation (DAW)?

The AMS RMX16 can be integrated into a DAW setup using appropriate audio interfaces, allowing users to utilize its classic reverb effects within a digital recording environment.

What makes the AMS RMX16 reverb sound unique?

The AMS RMX16 is celebrated for its distinctive digital reverb sounds, particularly its Nonlinear and Ambience settings, which offer a unique texture and depth that have been used on countless hit records.

Is the AMS RMX16 easy to use for beginners?

While the AMS RMX16 offers a range of powerful reverb effects, its interface may require some learning for beginners, but its iconic sound makes it worth the effort for those looking to enhance their recordings.

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Making Music With Iconic AMS Reverbs & Delays!

Video thumbnail for Making Music With Iconic AMS Reverbs & Delays! by Alex Ball

Making Music With Iconic AMS Reverbs & Delays!

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for AMS RMX16 | The classic reverb in a 500-series rack by Espen Kraft

AMS RMX16 | The classic reverb in a 500-series rack

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for AMS RMX16 Expanded Digital Reverb | Universal Audio (UAD)  🎚️ by Alberto Martinez Del Rio Guitar

AMS RMX16 Expanded Digital Reverb | Universal Audio (UAD) 🎚️

Alberto Martinez Del Rio Guitar

Alberto Martinez Del Rio Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System.

Features and functionality

  • The AMS RMX16 is available as a plugin, rack unit, and 500 series unit, with the plugin requiring the UAD DSP system for operation.

    Source
  • The original AMS RMX16 hardware includes a classic reverse program, but lacks modern features like ducking, smoothing, and flux algorithms found in newer processors.

    Source
  • It has been noted that the RMX16's chorus effect might have influenced modern modulation algorithms, such as the "flux" stereo-izer.

    Source
  • The RMX16's converters offer a unique sound with subtle distortion, a characteristic favored by enthusiasts of 80s digital gear.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Eventide 2016 Room offers multiple plugin options, whereas the AMS RMX16's plugin is exclusive to the UAD platform.

    Source
  • Nonlinear reverb settings on the RMX16 are compared favorably to modern alternatives, with users nostalgic for its distinctive sound.

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Use cases and applications

  • The AMS RMX16 plugin is favored for recreating natural-sounding room acoustics and is a go-to reverb for many users.

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  • The room programs on the RMX16 are highlighted for their subtlety in enhancing drum tracks, notably opening up the snare sound.

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  • The ambience preset excels with long decay times on high-pitched synths, while the nonlin2 preset enhances drums, particularly roto toms and LinnDrum/DMX.

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Value and pricing

  • Impulse responses of AMS RMX16 are available online, providing a cost-effective way to access its reverb sounds.

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Software and compatibility

  • Eventide plugins are noted for their quality and offer free trials, aiding in evaluating their effectiveness before purchase.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The RMX16's processor board uses a Ni-Mh battery for memory backup, which can leak and corrode the PCB, requiring attention during repairs.

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  • Old ribbon cables in AMS products can be unreliable, often needing replacement to ensure proper audio passage and functionality.

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  • Cleaning edge card connectors with a fiber pen can improve contact and reliability in RMX16 units.

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Critic Reviews

AMS RMX16

soundonsound.com

The AMS RMX16 500-series reverb module is a masterful reimagining of the classic '80s unit, preserving its iconic sound and style with modern hardware. It stands out with byte-accurate algorithms and precise signal path modeling, offering all 18 original algorithms plus useful modern features like a wet/dry mix. Its superb sound quality and tactile appeal are undeniable, making it a top choice for 500-series users. However, its high price and installation challenges might deter some potential buyers. Overall, it’s a beautifully engineered, worthy addition to any rack, albeit with a premium cost.

positive

High on Technology: REVIEW WHAT IS AMS RMX16 REVERB

highontechnology.tech

The AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System delivers classic 80's reverb with a modern twist. Its standout features include low noise levels, classic reverb tones, and streamlined controls that make it easy to dial in the perfect mix. Built with precision in England, its robust stainless steel chassis adds to its allure. However, potential buyers should note its hefty price and the space it occupies in a 500 series rack. Despite these downsides, the RMX16 offers a gritty, textured sound that rivals even the pricier Bricasti units, making it a compelling choice for those seeking rich, thick reverbs.

positive

AMS RMX-16 Digital Reverb (HSR Mar 84)

muzines.co.uk

The AMS RMX-16 Digital Reverberation System impresses with its top-tier engineering and sound quality, offering a dynamic range of 90dB and 18kHz bandwidth that stands above many alternatives. Its nine built-in programs, including room, hall, and special effects like reverse reverb, provide ample versatility for studio professionals. However, its high price tag of over £4500 may deter those not working in professional environments. While the cost is justified given its capabilities, the RMX-16 remains a luxury for many, yet a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it.

positive

AMS Model RMX 16 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System is a faithful revival of a 40-year-old classic, offering all 18 original algorithms with none of the vintage upkeep costs. Musicians will appreciate the simple controls and the ability to produce both bold and subtle reverb effects. However, it occupies three 500 series slots, and preset storage can be cumbersome. Despite its price and space demands, it's a unique reverb unit with qualities hard to match, making it a top recommendation for those seeking authentic and versatile reverb effects.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
video_violence

Essential reverb for drum processing

My drums always go through this machine, kick, snare, well maybe not high hat. But everything else. Wonderful device.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Johnfrusciante

"I also did this same thing with my AMS digital reverb, the only other source of reverb I used on the record. A good example of this is the tune Techniques And Shockwaves, where midway into the song, the only drums are just a series of tom hits which are all preceded by a long backwards reverb, as if each sound was coming from thin air; a natural, forwards reverb then follows."

See how Paul McCartney uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

Paul McCartney's use of the AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System is documented in the Hog Hill Mill Blog's "Outboard" section.

See how Steve Vai uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via YouTube

"These are great AMS reverbs and harmonizers. These are very old. They have a sound that you just can't get anywhere else. They have a snare, a kind of nonlinear snare sound that so many people like to use. Everyone tries to mimic it, but this is the device for it," says Steve Vai about the AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System which he uses in his studio rig.

See how Aphex Twin uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

The Tuss

...
Verified via Photo

In the album artwork for Syro, Aphex twin lists the "AMS RM16" in the extensive/completist list of gear included. The "AMS RM16" isn't a product AMS ever produced, but the RMX16 is a famous early digital reverb from AMS that is 100% in line with the classic digital and boutique analog gear in the list, and with the sound of the album itself. It's a 1-letter typo.

See how Prince uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via YouTube

Again, you can see the rack at Prince's Paisly Park at the 4:22min mark. The video is a time stamped link. You can see the AMS gear as they pan and is closest to the camera.

See how Neil Young uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Neil Young

Singer, Guitarist

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

...
Verified via Julienslive

Lots #20 in the second group (#3198) of Julien's Auctions' December 17, 2017 "Neil Young Online Auction".

An AMS RMX 16 digital reverb.

19 by 4 by 10 inches

See how Justin Vernon uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Justin Vernon

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this article it says Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) used an AMS RMX 16 reverb while recording his last album 22, A Million

See how The Chemical Brothers uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

in this image, you can see the AMS RMX16 on the rack

See how Alessandro Cortini uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from July 26, 2019

See how Phil Collins uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Phil Collins

Singer, Drummer

Genesis

...
Verified via Photo

Phil Collins discusses using AMS units (including the RMX-16 reverb) in this interview with AMS featured in Recording Engineer/Producer magazine August 1984. A photograph of him at the Town House with a set of AMS units is also included.

See how David Byrne uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

David Byrne

Singer, Guitarist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via Spinterview

It is stated in this article that David used an AMS reverb unit live

See how Vince Clarke uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Muzines

"We've got a Lexicon 224, a Lexicon 224X, a Quantec Room Simulator and an AMS system. So really that's four very good quality reverbs. We also use quite a bit of natural echo, because there's a long corridor that still has the original church stonework intact, and above Blackwing Studio there is a natural echo chamber which lies under the main roof of the church. When I originally designed Blackwing, I left the area under the roof as a natural echo room, really because it seemed too good to waste. I think nowadays the selection and application of reverb has become the most difficult - and at the same time, the most productive - area of the recording process, because that is where a lot of the new production work is going on, particularly with things like drum sounds. I spend a lot of time adding reverb to the LinnDrum and the Fairlight, because it is very difficult to get it absolutely right, though when you do of course, the results can be very impressive."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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artbarsnstripes

artbarsnstripes

Gear IQ 655

2 alternative and related items for AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System, curated by the Equipboard community.

Klark Teknik DN780 Digital Reverb

 

similar sound

Although no one can verify if its true that AMS designed the algorithms for Klark in the 80s, the popular myth is based on the fact that these 2 reverbs have a lot in common, both in sound and features although each has a character all its own. Both are worth seeking out.

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