Fjord Fuzz upgrades and reboots its AI-Infused Reverb Pedal - now in MIME II Edition with extended range and new 3rd Spring Reverb Mode
So it’s a relatively short time ago since the MIME I was released - December of last year in fact. There’s a few immediately visible changes between the two models - apart from the core colourway change of course. The new MIME II drops the Expression Port, and Mini Binary Button within the Drop-shaped LED aperture. That feature proved to be way too fiddly to manufacture, and for quite a few users of the pedal too fiddly to operate also.
So for the MIME II - we now have a 3-way toggle switch on the top edge - next to the output jack. This covers the same 2 flavours as the previous model - featuring the Human designed Dynamic and Touch-Sensitive Reverb, and the AI-Infused Metallic and Clangy, sort of Plate-like Reverb. There has been a lot of confusion about the use of AI these days - where in the case of this pedal Chat GPT essentially just made some suggestions - which then still needed to be fully coded up by Fjord Fuzz’s DSP specialist.
And this time around we get a fantastic 3rd Mode addition - in the guise of a superbly twangy / drippy Spring Reverb Voicing. So 3 really useful and distinct flavours of Reverb.
In terms of controls besides the Mode selector - there are just 3 really - the top Feedback knob - which when cranked - typically leads to self-oscillation, and then the lower Dry > Wet Mix knob which kind of controls the intensity. The Feedback element is then further served by the left-hand momentary footswitch - which allows you to punch in and Max Out the Feedback. Note that in the previous model the feedback circuit was Analog, while in the MIME II it is Digital - which gives you more precise and extended range control of that parameter.
It’s a very simple but dynamic Reverb - with a lot of scope to be really impactful or as subtle as you like. And while the AI Infused voicing can be a little bit of an acquired taste for some - traditionalists will for sure love the Dynamic and Spring Reverb Modes.
Note - MIME I Model above!
Controls - Mode (3-way toggle on top edge) : 1 Metallic and Clangy Plate-like Reverb / 2 Dynamic, Touch-Senstive Reverb / 3 Spring Reverb, Feedback (>Oscillation), Dry > Wet Mix, Max Feedback Footswitch (Momentary), On / Bypass Footswitch.
For the MIME I - I mostly preferred the Human-made Dynamic Touch-Senstive side - while somehow this time around my favourite mode is the AI-Infused one - I get some really cool almost chirrupy reverb sounds which are amazing, the new Spring Reverb voicing is excellent too, and for tome reason - my previously flavoured voicing sounds a bit vanilla to me - and I prefer the stronger flavours. I guess it depends what kind of mood you're in at the time. Starting off tied Feedback and Mix both at Noon is a great gateway setting which you can then pivot from - I seem operately mostly with Feedback around Noon, and Mix at around 3 o'c.
I've decided to include Daniel's own descriptions of the 3 Modes as I feel he really encapsulates those voicings within his choice of words :
MODE A : AI-Infused Lush Metallic / Clangy Plate-like Reverb
"Mode A features the original AI generated reverb. Characterised by its lush, yet metallic, clingy feedback, this mode offers a beautiful mixture of old and new. Hints of plate and spring blended with shimmery, synthy harmonics leave you with a rich yet abrasive ambience when you need to really properly plummet into the abyss. Feedback function is destructive, meaning no sound-on-sound effects at high setting, but comes on quickly for dramatic faux feedback simulation."
MODE B : Human-designed Dynamic and Touch-Sensitive Room-like Reverb
"Mode B features the original human made reverb as found in the first iteration of MIME. This programme features a dynamics processing engine which sidechains the reverb against the input velocity of your instrument. This means you can stab through the feedback tail at will, making the reverb duck away as you play harder. The reverb itself is shorter, denser and warmer than the AI created algorithm and sounds more like a natural room reverb. Works amazingly well with fuzz engaged in front of it."
MODE C : Spring Reverb
"The all new Mode c features a fairly authentic sounding spring reverb, complete with quacky attacks and drip-like effects. The feedback path adds a bit of stretch and harmonics processing which in turn builds no this classic sound or a more modern and original texture whenever needed. We created this specific algorithm to work well in mostly any situation and as such it's a mild and gentler reverb for when you're looking for a more civilised time."
This is one of those amazing pedals that delivers a lot more than it looks to do. Each of the 3 Modes is so nuanced - that you get a full range of different output across the sweep of the 2 parameters. It also depends what you're butting into the device - higher gain can be a bit much for Mode A - so you would typically select B or C instead. But then again if you want to trigger one of the more quirky effects then you run through through whichever voicing gives you the desired output.
Last time around I was all over the Human Dynamic Mode - much preferred that at the time - where on this occasion the AI-Infused A Mode has somehow grabbed my attention - I just got really interesting sounds right from that start with that mode and then mostly stuck to that - while all 3 reverse have their uses - and the new Spring Reverb is a fantastic mix of Vintage and Modern. You can dial things down typically to be more subtle or go with a stronger flavour. Either way - the MIME II is a fantastic versatile reverb in its beautiful but expansive simplicity - it's all about your own playing technique!
Note that Daniel is currently on holiday - so those are Pre-orders until he's fully back in Mid August. The MIME II Reverb is available for preorders on the Fjord Fuzz Webstore, where it goes for $249. It should also be imminently at International Dealers! It's available in 2 colourways - the usual Black and Gold variant, and the White and Red variant as pictured in this article.
There is just one demo out for the new model to-date - where it's another atmospheric Daniel Thornhill masterpiece - in a similar vein to his one for the SOL Fuzz-Vibe.
