Fairfield Circuitry Placeholder Reverb

A type of reverb that sits between the mechanical and algorithmic devices of yesteryears. Creating uncanny liminal spaces, reminiscent of a time that never was. A time that is now. This is not a delay that sounds like reverb, but a reverb that sometimes sounds like a delay. Yes, the signal path is all analogue. Expect noise and that magic we all love.

Placeholder is an analogue implementation of a digital reverb algorithm using BBDs, mixers, VCAs and simple yet tasty filters. The topology in question is called Householder, allowing quick echo density even with only three delay-lines.

There's no denying the power of algorithmic representation of our daily activities. But let's not forget that the complex-system underlying our lived experience, the background noise and uncertainty, is intrinsic.

The tension between a perfect algorithm and the limits of analogue implementation has given much depth to the experience of designing this product. Hopefully, this will transpose to the user’s experience as intuitiveness and inspiration.