Dub delays

Let’s use a simple delay effect to create two very different outcomes…

> Step by step 3. Realtime delay manipulation using PSP cmDelay from our Plugin Suite

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Dub delay is one of the original effects that pushes the delay into distortion, transforming it to a centre stage feature. The smooth parameter response and onboard filters on PSP cmDelay are great. Load an instance on an auxiliary, setting the Dry level to minimum. 2

Set the delay to Sync mode, pick a delay time (we’ve gone for 3/16ths) and set the feedback (FB) to maximum. Now with the Feed control active, send a small snippet of audio to the delay using your DAW auxiliary send. We’re sending a snare sound. 3

As the feedback builds, ride the level using the feedback control, and control its tonality by adjusting the Filters. It’s easy to create awesome saturated effects, and swift changes to the filters can keep things changing. If the feedback gets out of control, or simply to kill the effect, quickly reduce the feedback right down. 4

Sticking with high levels of feedback, this time we’ll set the filters to their respective maximum and minimum, turn the Sync mode to off, delay mode to Ping Pong and then look at manipulating the delay time in real time. Starting with the time at about 250ms, feed some audio into the delay. 5

We’re using a smooth bass sound, and the feedback quickly builds so the sound continues on its own. Now move the delay slider to the right to increase delay time. We’ve moved ours to 1000ms. The sound should still be self-sustaining. Now reduce the delay time. 6

Moving right down to the minimum delay time (0.1ms) you’ll get a high-pitched sound. Then increase the delay to around 100ms and reduce feedback to stop the effect. That’s the basic concept, but try sudden changes to the delay time for more interesting effects.