Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $194
Standard/Professional
$100
$276+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Catalinbread Talisman". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Catalinbread Talisman - a compact and road-ready reverb effects pedal, meticulously engineered to emulate the lush, natural-sounding magic of vintage studio plate reverbs. This pedal doesn't just mimic the sound, but also replicates the original controls of the legendary EMT140, a giant mechanical contraption that was a staple in 70's recording studios.
The Talisman is not just a reverb pedal; it's a time machine that will transport your sound back to the heyday of classic rock and beyond. With this pedal, you can add that rich, warm ambience to your music without the need for a king-sized bed of gear. The studio-style sidechain effects and controls such as HIGH PASS and PRE DELAY, work in harmony to keep the reverb from interfering with the dry signal, giving you the ability to fine-tune your sound to perfection.
Don't be fooled by its compact size; the Catalinbread Talisman is built to last with a rugged metal chassis and a quality footswitch. Whether you're playing in your bedroom or on a world tour, this pedal is ready to deliver stellar, studio-quality plate reverb on demand.
Key Features:
- Authentic emulation of vintage plate reverb
- Inspired by the legendary EMT 140 studio plate reverb
- Studio-style sidechain effects for true reverb effect
- Controls: High pass, time, pre delay, mix, and volume
- Powered by a 9V–18V DC power supply (not included)
- Compact, road-ready design with a rugged metal chassis
- Made in the USA
Product specs
| Available since | November 2015 |
| Analog | No |
| Battery Operation | No |
| PSU included | Yes |
| input/output configuration | Mono in / mono out |
FAQs
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What type of reverb does the Catalinbread Talisman simulate?
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The Catalinbread Talisman simulates a plate reverb, which is known for its smooth, dense sound that works well for vocals and lead instruments.
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Can the Catalinbread Talisman be powered by a battery?
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No, the Catalinbread Talisman does not support battery operation. It requires an external power supply, which is included with the pedal.
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Is the Catalinbread Talisman suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Catalinbread Talisman is suitable for live performances, offering a rich plate reverb effect that enhances the sound without overwhelming it.
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How does the Catalinbread Talisman handle mono input and output?
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The Catalinbread Talisman features a mono input and mono output configuration, making it ideal for use in traditional guitar pedal setups.
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Does the Catalinbread Talisman offer any modulation features?
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The Catalinbread Talisman focuses on delivering authentic plate reverb sounds and does not include modulation features.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Catalinbread Talisman Plate Reverb
Reviews
PROS
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Clean plate reverb emulation, minimal signal artifact
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Wide range of usable reverb settings with simple mix knob adjustment
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Works well both in front of an overdriven amp and in effects loops
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Versatile: functions as reverb, slapback delay, and booster preamp
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High pass filter and pre-delay controls offer sound shaping options
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Preserves signal character, adds warmth and texture
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Digital implementation with analog-like smoothness
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Compact, pedalboard-friendly design
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Solid build quality and good customer service
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Can be powered with multiple voltages for tonal variation
CONS
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Footswitch placement may lead to accidental knob adjustments
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Some signal leakage and feedback issues in soft bypass mode
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High pass fully counter-clockwise can lead to signal clipping
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Boost function before reverb may not prevent clipping as intended
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Catalinbread Talisman.
Setup and maintenance
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Running the Talisman at 18V can handle Les Pauls better by reducing distortion, though volume loss and high-end roll-off may still occur.
Source
Features and functionality
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The pedal includes a switch inside for buffered or true bypass, affecting signal path and pre-gain even when the pedal is off.
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The high pass filter can significantly alter the reverb tone; left for darker, bass tones and right for high-end chime, enhancing tonal versatility.
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It’s noted that the RV-7 is not true bypass, even though it may be advertised as having a hardwire bypass option.
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User experience
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Some owners report persistent volume attenuation even with the pedal's volume knob at maximum, affecting all guitar types.
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One user resolved signal coloring and volume issues by utilizing the pedal's internal bypass switch and adjusting external setup.
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Enthusiasts report that Catalinbread pedals closely emulate the vintage equipment they're based on, offering authentic reproduction in compact formats.
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Owners of the Hardwire RV-7 describe its Plate algorithm as one of the richest and cleanest available, even when used with synthesizers or in shoegaze setups.
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Comparisons
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Digitech RV-7 offers similar plate reverb sounds and additional modes, preferred by some users over the Talisman.
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Owners transitioning from the Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 find the Talisman's plate setting superior, particularly in reverb richness and tonal quality.
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The Digitech Polara is noted as a clone of the RV-7, featuring true bypass and similar controls, offering an alternative for those seeking a supported model.
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Users highlight that the Digitech Supernatural offers a superior reverb experience compared to both the Talisman and RV-7, particularly favoring its versatility across different modes.
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Build quality
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Catalinbread has changed the knobs to a smoother texture and introduced hybrid soft-hard switches, differing from the older, tactile click switches.
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Use cases and applications
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Using the Talisman with pre-delay before a delay pedal creates a unique sound effect, offering creative possibilities for experimental setups.
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The Talisman reportedly excels when placed in front of an edge-of-breakup amp, delivering an impressive sound that owners find hard to part with.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 5 Ratings
984
Simple and versatile
I don't like digital pedals with lots of different algorithms/voices, lot's of options keep me from focusing on the actual playing. Rule of thump, the simpler the better. Plate reverb is really the reverb I use in 95% of my stuff, and this one is really exceptional. It just blends perfectly with your sound. The high pass and pre delay are god send, especially the high pass knob: CCW is a full bodied plate with lots of organic character, perfect for slow staccato's, CW the Talisman progressively filter's out that heavy mass of the plate leaving only the tail of the reverb and avoiding too much muddiness if you're playing faster/heavier. The only negative thing I can point out is that if you're signal is too hot you it will clip and sound nasty (especially with the high pass CCW). I recommend running it at higher voltages 12-18V to give it more headroom. The volume boost knob I don't really see a good use for it... I thought it would be handy if you're clipping, just roll down your drive's master/volume a bit until it stops clipping and compensate for the volume drop with the Talisman's boost and you were good to go. Except not, the boost comes before the reverb so it will clip anyway. This is the reason why I don't give it 5 stars. Besides that it is really an absolutely great sounding reverb.
42236
Plate Perfection
This is, without question, my favorite plate reverb pedal. Catalinbread modeled it after an EMT 140, and it sounds great to my ears. I run it on 18 volts, and it is usually at the end of my pedalboard right before the amplifier.
It works great for rock. The high pass filter and the pre-delay functionality really make sure the reverb doesn't muddy up the mix when playing distorted or bass-heavy tunes. It sounds very lush and rich, all while sitting nicely in the background. The build quality feels solid and there is a built-in discrete preamp capable of boost too, although I don't really use it in that capacity.
There are some great pedals in this price range, and many are better if you need a versatile reverb. But if you love plate reverb, consider the Catalinbread Talisman.
153
Beautiful subtle reverb.
I'm a recent convert to reverb and this one is perfect for me as it doesn't overcrowd the sound. The pre-delay is great too as it gives you a more subtle version of a slapback delay.
CATALINBREAD TALISMAN PLATE REVERB
"Based on EMT140 Plate Reverb in early 70's, used by Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Pink Floyd.The Catalinbread Talisman is the best reverb pedal. Pure analog reverb, perfect for studio and live performances. From clean reverb sparkles to infinite reverb madness."
40991
but you don't plug an EMT into your amp... tis a studio device you add during mix down
Artist usage
Add artist
Guitarist Will Swan confirmed the use of the Catalinbread Talisman pedal on Dance Gavin Dance's 2018 album, Artificial Selection, through an Instagram post where he detailed the pedals used during the recording process.
a photo from […] @aerosmith gig in #Kelowna BC. #bradwhitford @3monkeysamps pedalboard outfitted with a number of great pedals
According to Premier Guitar's article, Franklin uses the Catalinbread Talisman pedal.
In a video uploaded by L.S. Dunes, recorded in Studio 4 during the making of L.S. Dunes' sophomore album "Violet," Travis Stever can be seen using a pedal chain that includes the Catalinbread Talisman, positioned second from the right.
In this rig rundown from Premier Guitar we can see G.E. Smith's Talisman. At 19:57 he says:
This is a Catalinbread plate reverb pedal. I also have their spring reverb pedal, which is also great. That company, Catalinbread, makes great stuff. I truly love their pedals. I also have one of their 5F6, so it's like an old tweed Bassman.
Album Usage
The Catalinbread Talisman has been featured on the following albums:
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 Catalinbread Talisman, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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