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Average Price: $5,672

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$501+

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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.

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

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

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Comparisons

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

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  • 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.

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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

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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 Robert Plant uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Robert Plant

Singer

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for the lead vocals on "Angel Dance", as stated by tracking and mixing engineer in this Mike Poole in this December 2010 Sound on Sound article.

Vocals: Urei 1178, API 550, LT Sound CLX, Roland SRV2000 & RE501, AMS RMX16, TC Electronic D•Two.

"I had the Urei 1178 compressor and the API 550 EQ on Robert's vocal, along with a parallel channel that was even more compressed. So any time he hit a low note that sounded a little muddy and needed some more clarity, I pushed up the parallel channel. There's also an effects send channel with the LT Sound CLX on it, which is a Dbx VCA compressor with a good de?esser in it, and that was used as the send to any effects devices. As a side note, all the little slices you see on the screenshot were not performance edits, but mostly me trying to get the sibilance right. I often take out little clicks and pops and also 'esses' or 'effs' out manually. A de?esser will hit everything in a technical?sounding way, and sometimes you may want to retain the emotive way a certain 'ess' or 'eff' is expressed, but only precisely change the gain, just to correct recording artifacts. 'Angel Dance' is one of the few tracks on which Robert's scratch [tracking] vocal didn't make up the largest component of the final vocal track. On this song, he re?sang the vocals later, and I think he did two passes and we used mostly one, with a few lines from the other pass thrown in. For reverb on his vocals, I used the SRV2000 long reverb and a little bit of RMX16; for delay, either the D•Two or an RE501. I used very little reverb on the tracks on the album in general, apart from on Robert's vocals and the backing vocals. The other ambience you hear may have been a long delay from the 501 or PCM42 or any of the room mics.”

See how Gary Numan uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Gary Numan

Singer, Guitarist

Tubeway Army

...
Verified via Muzines

"The new AMS units will still be there - the DMX 15-80S has a 1.6 second delay which is quite enough, and if we want to fly in longer samples like hook lines or multiple backing vocals, we do it from quarter-inch tape. Because the studio isn't being used commercially I don't feel we need 35 second digital delays and I have to be a bit frugal on the financial side. The AMS RMX16 reverb and the Lexicon will stay, although we don't really need all the compressors and noise gates we have. There's a Scamp rack, some Drawmers, Kepex gates, a Universal Audio Limiter and a few other things - I think the Drawmers are my favourites."

See how Mick Jagger uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Mick Jagger

Singer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Prosoundweb

On the website, a post by Keith Clark on 07/17 at 11:28 AM states that Mick Jagger used AMS RMX 16 Digital Reverb on a small studio called "Bamboo Room Studio".

See how Peter Gabriel uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Peter Gabriel

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 1982 documentary on the making of Gabriel's fourth album, we see a shot of several pieces of gear set up in his then-home studio. At the 10:57 mark, there's a clear shot of the RMX16 reverb unit.

See how Lady Gaga uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Lady Gaga

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Mixonline

Lady Gaga uses the AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System, as confirmed by her vocal producer/mixer, who stated: "I use around six outboard sends to physical plates and rooms that Henson has available, as well as an Eventide H3500 and an AMS RMX16 effects processor" (Mixonline, Lily Moayeri).

See how Mark Mothersbaugh uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Mark Mothersbaugh

Singer, Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via Google Books

AMS digital reverb is included in the list of Mark's studio gear.

See how Nigel Godrich uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Nigel Godrich

Music Producer

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Another section of Nigel’s rack setup in the “morning room” at Halswell Morning in Oct/Nov 2006, during the recording of Radiohead’s In Rainbows. The top rack includes his Roland RE201 Space Echo, Roland DC30 Analogue Chorus-Echo, and AMS RMX 16 reverb (note the distincitve AMS keypad). The bottom rack inlcude an MXR M-126 Flanger / Doubler Model and an MXR M-129 Pitch Transposer.

See how Étienne de Crécy uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Étienne de Crécy

Music Producer, DJ

Motorbass

...
Verified via YouTube

In Étienne de Crécy's studio – 2015 0:38 : "We got this voice with just a small EQ, and then weekend go through the AMS"

See how George Michael uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

George Michael

Singer

WHAM!

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for Michael's vocals on "Faith", as mentioned by sound engineer Chris Porter in this March 2013 Sound on Sound interview. The mix settings can be found here.

"I only used a few effects for George's vocals. The Lexicon 224 produced those extended high-frequency pings that you can hear on the reverb-y vocals, and there was also the AMS RMX16 reverb and DMX 1580 delay line. The real characteristic vocal sound right the way through 'Faith' and beyond was an AMS 30-millisecond delay panned slightly left of centre, a 45-millisecond delay slightly right of centre; sometimes with pitch variation on each side, but generally not.

See how Young Chop uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Young Chop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

We are shown this item at 0:15 of the video.

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Photo

In this June 10, 2021 Instagram post, Jeramy shows his AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System he repaired.

Repaired the Ams again ha #analoggear

See how Whitney Houston uses AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System

Whitney Houston

Singer

...
Verified via Mixonline

Whitney Houston used the AMS RMX16 Digital Reverberation System for her vocals on "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)." This is confirmed by her mixing engineer, who stated, "Other outboard gear Frazer says he leaned heavily on for the song included the AMS devices—the RMX 16 (reverb) and DMX 15 (delay)," as reported by Robyn Flans on Mixonline.

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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