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Chase Bliss Audio x Meris Automatone CXM 1978

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Chase Bliss Audio x Meris Automatone CXM 1978

2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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Description

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The next Automatone.

What happens when Chase Bliss partners with the geniuses at Meris to create a pedal adaptation of the beloved and famous 1978 studio reverb? The CXM 1978. Known around here as the next Automatone.

1978 was a big year for reverb. The dawn of sprawl, massive trails, and infinite decay. The CXM 1978 reaches back to that moment, allowing you to explore the charm of those late 70s imperfections. Using the Automatone’s robust industrial housing and Meris’s pro-audio level sound design, the CXM 1978 offers a modern take on its inspiration.

Features include moving faders with presets and MIDI control, 32 Bit AD/DA, three classic algorithms, adjustable decay crossover for fully shapeable reverb tail, expression pedal control, optional fully balanced I/O, stereo input and output, and internally boosted +/-15V rails for line level input.

Dimensions: 5.75" x 6.5" x 2.5"

Power req: 9V Center Negative ~500 mA

Product specs

Brand	Chase Bliss Audio
Model	Automatone CXM 1978
Finish	Silver
Year	2020 - 2025
Made In	United States
Categories	Preamps, Reverb Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What kind of reverb sounds can I expect from the Chase Bliss Audio Automatone CXM 1978?: The Automatone CXM 1978 offers a range of lush, studio-quality reverb sounds inspired by classic studio reverbs of the late '70s, including hall, plate, and room reverbs, allowing for versatile soundscapes.
How does the motorized fader feature of the CXM 1978 enhance its usability?: The motorized faders on the CXM 1978 provide precise control and visual feedback, allowing you to easily recall presets and adjust parameters on the fly, enhancing live performance and studio workflow.
Does the Chase Bliss Audio Automatone CXM 1978 integrate well with other pedals?: Yes, the CXM 1978 is designed to integrate seamlessly with other pedals, offering stereo input and output for versatile routing options, ensuring it fits smoothly into any pedalboard setup.
What power supply requirements does the CXM 1978 have?: The Chase Bliss Audio Automatone CXM 1978 requires a standard 9V DC center-negative power supply, drawing 500mA of current, which is essential for its motorized fader operation.
Can the CXM 1978 be used with both guitar and synthesizers?: Yes, the CXM 1978 is versatile enough to be used with both guitars and synthesizers, providing rich reverb textures suitable for a wide range of instruments and musical styles.

Videos

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Knobs

Chase Bliss & Meris - CXM 1978

Knobs

Is the CXM 1978 Reverb Worth It? // A Lexicon 224 on Steroids

Ricky Tinez

Introducing CXM 1978™ - a collaboration between Meris & Chase Bliss

chase bliss

Working With Chase Bliss Audio's CXM 1978 Automatone Reverb Pedal In The Studio

Vintage King

IS THIS THE KING OF REVERB PEDALS? Chase Bliss CXM 1978

Pete Thorn

Are they for realz? Chase Bliss / Meris CXM 1978 Review

EytschPi42

Chase Bliss CXM 1978 - The Most EXPENSIVE Reverb Pedal Ever?

John Nathan Cordy

CXM 1978 Automatone™ | Chase Bliss Audio

Brett Kingman

Chase Bliss Audio CXM 1978 Automatone Reverb

Pedal of the Day

Working with Meris on the CXM 1978™

chase bliss

Chase Bliss/Meris CXM 1978 - Studio Reverb that REALLY MOVES!

60 Cycle Hum

Is this the BEST reverb pedal ever? Chase Bliss CXM 1978

Nick Rees

Reviews

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PROS

Superior sound quality with unique character, outshines competitors like Strymon or Eventide
Automated sliders adjust to saved presets automatically, enhancing user experience
Versatile with room, plate, and hall reverb options, meeting a wide range of needs
Lo-fi settings and pre-delay slider offer additional effects like delay
High fidelity sound, provides a wide spectrum of tonal colors
Sturdy build, described as "built like a tank"
Offers Midi I/O, Stereo I/O, Aux, and Expression inputs for extensive connectivity

CONS

Price point considered high for its features
Larger size compared to other pedals, may be a con for some setups
Diffusion quality criticized when compared to real Lexicon sounds
Some default presets may have mix set too high for certain tastes
Learning curve for those accustomed to basic dwell/mix/tone controls

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Chase Bliss Audio x Meris Automatone CXM 1978.

Features and functionality

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The motorized sliders are a unique feature that adds to the CXM 1978's appeal, providing tactile control not commonly found in other reverb pedals.
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CXM 1978 lacks a dedicated infinite/freeze button, though an expression pedal can mimic this effect.
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Comparisons

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The CXM 1978 is noted to not drown out sound as much as the Mercury 7, requiring less precision in knob adjustments for balanced reverb effects.
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Users find the M7 better suited for modulated reverb and massive hall sounds, while the CXM 1978 offers more refined plate and hall reverbs.
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CXM 1978 can replace Mercury 7 but not BigSky; CXM offers more controls and I/O, mirroring M7's core algorithms with added flexibility.
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BigSky remains preferred for versatility and ease of use, especially in live settings, despite CXM's superior sound quality for specific reverb types.
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Eventide Space is suggested as a viable alternative for users interested in a mix of experimental and traditional reverbs, potentially offering better value when purchased used.
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Use cases and applications

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The pedal excels in plate/hall style reverbs, making it ideal for users who frequently utilize these reverb types.
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CXM excels at room sounds, making it particularly suitable for recording environments where these effects are prioritized over flexibility.
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Running the CXM 1978 in stereo may enhance its performance, particularly for those seeking atmospheric reverb sounds.
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User experience

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Owners report that the CXM 1978 provides a slight increase in sound quality over other high-end reverb pedals but not enough to justify its higher price solely on sound quality.
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Some users find the CXM 1978 bulkier and heavier than the BigSky, though it often occupies similar pedalboard space.
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The CXM 1978 may struggle to produce darker reverbs when downtuned to B-standard, potentially leading to muddiness or brightness issues.
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Critic Reviews

Chase Bliss Audio CXM 1978

soundonsound.com

Chase Bliss Audio's CXM 1978 is a stunning homage to the legendary Lexicon 224, blending vintage charm with modern functionality. The pedal excels in sound quality, offering beautiful reverb algorithms and intuitive controls that make tweaking a breeze. However, its high price tag may deter some, and the audible drop-out when switching modes can be frustrating for live performances. Still, for those willing to invest, the versatility and exceptional audio make it a worthwhile addition to any rig.

positive

Full Review

Review: Chase Bliss Audio Automatone CXM 1978

guitar.com

Chase Bliss Audio's CXM 1978 is a standout in the realm of reverb pedals, offering a modern twist on classic studio sounds with its innovative flying faders and intuitive design. Sound quality is top-notch, enabling everything from lush ambient textures to gritty slapbacks. However, its hefty price tag may deter some, and concerns about the durability of the moving parts linger. While the pedal excels in both studio and live settings, the learning curve may challenge less experienced users. Ultimately, it’s a brilliant investment for serious soundscapers, but potential buyers should weigh the cost against their needs.

positive

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