Delay stomp box

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Seriously. Why would you even want an analog delay? Can someone demonstrate how the analog is superior?

I replaced a Hardwire DL-8 with a Carbon Copy and am pretty pleased with the results. In one word, the Carbon Copy is 'warmer' sounding than the DL-8. Digital delays are 'usually' very crisp and exact in their reproduction as opposed to analog delays which 'usually' saturate at longer delay times or as the repeats get longer. Playing a tele into a PRRI (no effects loop), the Carbon Copy sounded smoother and fatter than the DL-8. Playing rhythmic patterns (U2 type stuff) with the analog delay just gelled much better and created a fuller soundscape that the digital delay did. The analog delay seems to blend better where as the digital delay has a little more bite to the repeats which makes them stand out more.

Anyways, there's nothing superior about analog nor is there anything superior about digital. They both have their strenghts and weaknesses. As always, it's all about choosing the right tool for the job that you're doing. :)
 
Or you could look for an old Ibanez AD202 rack unit. Great analog delay 9and a few other effects too). Some are now overpriced, but I've seen units out there for @$200.

A cool old rack digital delay is the Delta Labs Effectron III. These can often be had real cheap on e-bay.
 
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I don't mind digital delays if they use parallel processing and leave the dry signal pure analog. But the ones that convert your entire signal...I'll pass. :(
And if you use other all-digital stomps in your chain...that's a lot of multiple conversions back and forth from analog to digital to analog. :eek:

A nice little all-analog delay is the DOD FX96...they can be had for $60-$80 on eBay. I have one and like the overall sound...plus it has a "Tape" knob that lets you dial in some tape feel (high-cut)...but it just barley does about 800ms-1000ms, even with the internal pot pushed to the limit.

I'm currently using a Vox/Satriani Time Machine, which is digital delay but w/parallel processing, so the final output has your dry analog mixed with digital deal...plus there is a second dry output if you want to split and send it somewhere else. It has longer delays than the DOD FX96, plus a few other cool features like the modern/vintage and hi-fi/lo-fi options.

But I'm planning to get a Pigtronix Echolution soon, which is probably one of the coolest delay stomps I've ever seen...it can do all kinds of delays and loops, plus some real loooooong delays...though it's not cheap.
 
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