Lanzarote Verb
Not exactly a realistic room simulation [2026]
Lanzarote Verb is an exploration of classic allpass- and comb-filter delay configurations, a technique pioneered in the 1960s by digital reverb innovators like Andy Moorer and Manfred Schroeder. My version of it turned out quite interesting. Not at all realistic but certainly recognisable and musically useful. I especially like the rough, scattered reflections it produces when diffusion is low. Imagine crashing waves on black volcanic rocks in a cave. That's why I named it 'Lanzarote Verb'.
You can download the Max for Live device and a Demo Live Set here: [Download (Version 1.1, February 17th 2026)]. It has been tested with Ableton Live Suite 12, but might also work in earlier versions of Live. There might still be some bugs, or other things that will slightly change in the next days...
Basics
This reverb device features three allpass filters in series, followed by three comb filters in parallel for each stereo channel. The delay times for each filter are slightly different for the left and right channels, different reverb types can be recalled from 14 presets included.
Reverb Properties
Size scales all filter delays. Diffuse controls the feedack of the initial allpass filters. Low values produce promient irregular echoes. Decay controls the feedback of the comb filters, creating an almost infinite reverb tail at maximum settings.
Tone Control
Cutoff: A lowpass filter at the input. Color: A simple 6dB lowpass filter within each comb filter. Lower values cause high frequencies to decay faster in the reverb tail.
Modulation
A simple Modulation generator subtly varies the delay times of the first set of allpass filters. This is a classic trick to reduce “ringing” and add lushness to the reverb. (Legendary reverb algorithm designer Barry Blesser, known for his work with Lexicon and EMT, was a fan of this technique!)
Reverb Types
The reflection pattern is shaped by the unique delay times of each comb and allpass filter. Lanzarote Verb includes several variants, selectable via the Type control.
Hacking
This device is hacker-friendly. If you have some Max programming knowledge, you can easily replace or expand the 14 delay patterns.
I made the Lanzarote Verb device in February 2026 because I needed it for my music. It has been tested and should work, but if there are issues, get in touch. Photo location: 29°17'01.5"N 13°30'03.6"W