During the '60s and '70s, most reverb used on famous recordings was generated from the EMT plate reverb. The sound quality of a plate is incredibly smooth and very dense.

Invented in 1957 by EMT of Germany, the plate reverb consist of a thin metal plate suspended in a 4'x8' sound proofed enclosure. A transducer similar to the voice-coil of a cone loudspeaker is mounted on the plate to cause it to vibrate. Multiple reflections from the edges of the plate are picked up by two (for stereo) microphone-like transducers. Reverb time is varied by a damping pad which can be pressed against the plate thus absorbing its energy more quickly.

The plate reverb we have at bova sound was originally installed at the Ottawa National Arts Centre in 1967.