Death By Audio Space Ensemble SE-1 Reverb Limited Edition

A "Retro-Futuristic" Pedal by Death By Audio

With the Space Ensemble SE-1, Death By Audio applies its boutique and experimental philosophy to vocal processing: a straightforward approach, without menus, designed to play the voice like an instrument. The concept evokes studio aesthetics spanning several decades, combining 70s-inspired doubling, very 80s choruses, and large reverbs that enrich modern productions.

The SE-1 follows the line of compact vocal processors aimed at performance: you set it, sing, and immediately get a recognizable tone. Thanks to internal adjustments (input gain and chorus intensity), the pedal can be finely tuned to your microphone and vocal style.

Who Is the Space Ensemble SE-1 For?

The SE-1 targets singers, spoken word performers, and musicians seeking a simple-to-use vocal effects pedal capable of extensive textural exploration. On stage, it shines when transitioning from a "slightly wider" voice to a fully cinematic one, while maintaining control thanks to the Dry/Wet mix.

In studio and home studio settings, it becomes a quick production tool: a short reverb to add depth, a slow chorus to thicken a take, or conversely, a fully wet voice to create layers, unreal doubles, and pads ready for sampling.

And if you like to repurpose gear, its auxiliary input also allows processing an instrument-level source via 6.35mm Jack (drum machine, synth, output from an external preamp, etc.) to achieve more organic and evolving textures.

Controls, Effects Loop, and Adjustment Logic

The front panel goes straight to the point: Chorus Speed controls the modulation speed, from almost imperceptible widening to fast, prominent oscillations. Reverb Time adjusts the space from a short, clear ambiance to long, lush tails perfect for atmospheric moods.

The Mix knob is key for live comfort: you precisely dose the effect in the mix, with a full range from 100% dry to 100% wet. Convenient for maintaining intelligibility during a verse, then switching to a fully processed intro or bridge.

Two internal settings refine behavior: Gain (mic input level) and Chorus Intensity (depth and feedback of the chorus). The result: you tailor the pedal to your dynamic microphone and output level while keeping ultra-fast controls on stage.

Finally, the Send/Receive loop is positioned before the chorus and reverb. You can thus compress, EQ, saturate, or filter your voice upstream, then "glaze" everything with the width and space of the SE-1. The Send/Pre Out can also serve as a preamp output depending on your setup.

Sound Character

The Space Ensemble SE-1 is designed to remain musical when set in "sweetener" mode (slow chorus, moderate mix, short reverb), with a sense of width that enhances the voice without altering it. Pushing the settings shifts it toward a more immersive signature, with more unstable modulations and a reverb that can become very enveloping.

The chorus ranges from warm "fake doubling" to faster, almost detuned warbles, very effective for new wave, alternative, and experimental colors. The reverb can stay close and organic or stretch into large pads ideal for ambient, post-rock, and shoegaze textures.

Most importantly, the SE-1 responds very well to live playing: by remaining partially dry, you keep attack, diction, and presence. Going very wet transforms the voice into a material, perfect for backgrounds, harmonies, and cinematic transitions.

Technical specifications

Effects	Reverb, Chorus, Preamp, Effects	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black
Type	sector

Built-in effects	chorus and reverb	Send/Pre Out	effects loop output before effects, usable as preamp output
Chorus Speed	from subtle to fast	Receive/Aux Input	auxiliary input to connect a source via 6.35mm Jack
Mix	balance between direct and processed signal	Power Supply	9V DC input, center negative, 2.1 mm
Reverb Time	from short to very extended	Bypass	buffered
Internal settings	Chorus Intensity (depth and feedback), Gain (mic input)	Dimensions	9 x 15.4 x 7.5 cm
Microphone Input	for dynamic microphones, no phantom power	Weight	437 g
Output	output with boosted signal via internal mic preamp	Consumption	58 mA