Analogue Delay

Analogue delay came about from the need for compact units that were more reliable than fault-prone tape delay machines. Employing a bucket-brigade chip, or BBD, these delays used a capacitor array that resulted in dark, warm repeats. As a result, even when more pristine digital delays became available, analogue delays remained popular. Modern, digitally-controlled BBD delays have resulted in sounds and options that would have been impossible in the heyday of analogue delay.

TG Recommends

BOSS DM-2W DELAY

The Boss DM-2 and DM-3 were, along with the EHX Deluxe Memory Man, the classic BBD delays. This Waza reissue expands on the original with an expression input to control the rate, and a new ‘custom’ mode. In ‘custom’, the delay times of the original are expanded to 800ms. Like the original, the Waza version can be pushed into runaway auto oscillation, for hours of noisy fun.

Bestfor It’s a premium reissue of a stone cold classic, of course!

MXR CARBON COPY

Beloved of shoegaze and dream-pop players, the darker sounds of the MXR Carbon Copy come into their own when used with its modulation function. Its rich, modulated delays are excellent for chord work or spectral leads. Though the Carbon Copy Bright and Memory Toy are similar, nothing quite captures the same magic as the Carbon Copy.

Bestfor Dream-pop to epic Gilmour-esque delays

Also Try

Chase Bliss Audio Tonal Recall

The most feature rich BBD delay ever, the TR also comes in a red knob version with even longer delay times.

T-rex Replicator D’luxe

Not strictly a BBD analogue delay, the Replicator uses tape cartridges to achieve a modern compact tape delay.

EHX Deluxe Memory Man

The first classic BBD delay, the modern DMM remains as potent and inspiring as the original unit.