Group Test: Delay Pedals
After distortion, delays are the most abundant stompbox effect, and considering the range of possibilities they afford, it’s no surprise. We’re putting three digital and one analogue design under the boot in search of recommendations
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Number 7 of the ubiquitous DD range touches all the bases for musical repetition. The original millisecond range options are still there, providing up to 6.4s of delay. In combination with tap tempo (internal/external) these four modes switch time divisions (1/4, dotted, 1/8, triplet). The other modes are Hold (40s looper with overdubbing), modulated delay, analogue and reverse. The stereo I/O can be configured for a number of routing options plus panning delay. Delay time, level and/or feedback can be controlled via an expression pedal.
The DD-7 may seem conservative in the wider boutique-stuffed market, but don’t be mistaken, this is a stone cold classic. The analogue and reverse options are excellent, the Hold function is ample for basic looping tasks, and the digital delays are perfect. www.boss.info VERDICT 9.0
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The Alter Ego focusses on vintage echo – overt models include the Space Echo, DM-2, Echorec, Echoplex, Deluxe Memory Man, Copicat, and Tel Ray Organ Tone (wobble-tastic). The nine ‘modelled’ modes offer just the right variety and are augmented with a simple loop function – 20s in mono, overdubbing, but no storage/undo – and the awesome USB-accessible TonePrint, a programmable slot with a vast array of parameters.
The sound quality is great; its feedback trails are the most pleasing of the (digital) bunch. The audio input tap tempo function is a great alternative to foot tapping. On the downside, there’s no expression pedal input, and the Reverse mode doesn’t kill the dry signal (possible with Kill-Dry mode in effects loop usage).
This is Tonehead friendly with True Bypass and Analog Dry-Through (DIP switchable). www.tcelectronic.com VERDICT 9.4
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Of the four, the Canyon possesses the most options: 3x digital, tape, BBD, reverse, 2x octaving, reverberant, Sample & Hold, and looping (62s!). The Loop function is the best of the bunch, with permanent storage and undo/redo. The analogue models are great and varied, feeding back with the right sort of crunch and fuzz, and the overtly digital octaving/shimmer delays provide bags of twinkle.
The drawbacks are the tiny Mode knob font, the tap input doesn’t take expression pedals, and the mono-only I/O. For the tonally conscious there is no True Bypass (like the DD-7), so power loss means signal loss too. www.ehx.com VERDICT 8.9
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This all-analogue bucket brigade ‘Time Repeater’ is altogether darker and more earthy. Though great in a guitar setup, the MF Delay reaches its tonal apex in a synth context, as its feedback circuits roll off high frequencies. If you want clean chiming repeats, this isn’t your pedal, but if you want thick, liquid atmosphere, it’s well worth a look. Used subtly, it adds weighty space, but closer to its extremes, other-worldly textures can be conjured in a way the digital-based delays can’t match. Using an expression pedal or CV for Feedback/Time control unlocks its full potential.
True Bypass means no tone-suck or power-loss, but of the four, this is the most expensive and least flexible. www.moogmusic.com VERDICT 8.5