description EMT 140 Overview
The EMT 140 is an artificial reverberation device introduced in 1957 by the German company Elektromesstechnik (EMT). Classified as a plate reverb, it operates by vibrating a large, tensioned sheet of steel using an electromagnetic transducer. A pickup captures the vibrations from the plate to generate a dense, smooth reverb effect that mimics acoustic space. Measuring roughly one by two meters, the unit was favored by recording studios during the 1960s and 1970s as a more practical alternative to echo chambers.
help EMT 140 FAQ
How does the EMT 140 plate reverb work?
Introduced in 1957 by the German company EMT, the 140 utilizes a massive sheet of steel suspended in a heavy wooden frame. An audio signal is sent through a transducer to vibrate the metal plate, creating dense, realistic reverberation.
Why was the EMT 140 revolutionary for recording studios?
Prior to the EMT 140 in 1957, studios had to rely on large, expensive echo chambers to achieve natural reverb. The plate reverb provided a lush, high-quality artificial reverb in a much smaller, more controllable physical footprint.
How heavy is an original EMT 140 plate reverb?
The original EMT 140 is incredibly heavy, weighing around 270 pounds (122 kilograms). Moving one into a studio usually required specialized rigging and a heavily reinforced floor.
What kind of sound is the EMT 140 best known for?
The EMT 140 is beloved for its smooth, dense, and somewhat dark sonic character. It became the signature drum sound on countless classic rock records from the 1960s and 1970s.
explore Explore More
Similar to EMT 140
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
