Delay biz - Questions about delay effect units, help apprecc

hermit · #1 04-16-2001, 11:45 AM

Hello. I'm trying to decide wether to sell/trade my Digitech XP100 Whammy/Wah pedal for a decent delay unit. The thing is, I don't know much about those. If somebody could assist an idiot here, it would be great.

So, what's the difference between analog and digital delays? I hate any kinda latency in sound processing ( well, the noticable latency anyway ) and I'm looking for a clear, warm sound. The delay time doesn't have to be like max 20 minutes, something like 1-2 secs would be just fine for me.

Also, what companies manufacture good delay units? I've heard great things about the Boss DD-3 and DD-5 ( um, if that is what they're called ) but not much else. *

I think that's about it, please help me, oh homies o mine.

J Todd Beachler · #2 04-16-2001, 01:49 PM

Go with a DD-3 or DD-5. *Both are decent stomp boxes for what you want.

Have fun!

Josh Blagg · #3 04-17-2001, 03:03 PM

If you want a *warm* sound, then you should try some analog units out. *The digital delays are more crisp, but they sound too sterile and cold for my taste most of the time. *I think they are better suited for rhythm.

As for which brands to try, there all kinds. *I owned a Boss DM-3 which is an analog stombox...out of production though. *It did have a very warm delay though, and I would definately suggest it. *Another one that is supposed to be really good is the Dan-Electro analog delay, althought I do not know what it is called. *SIB makes a great one, but it is quite expensive. *Also in this boat is Hughes and Kettner with their Replex tape simulator. *Very expensive. *Others include the Electro-Harmonix Memory Man and an old MXR Analog Delay. *I am sure there are more...for instance, the Chandler Digital Echo (not sure if it is digital even though the name implies so) is supposed to be a great Echoplex clone for a third of the cost and no maintenance hassles.

Of course, the Holy Grail is the Echoplex itself (i.e. Maestro Tube Echoplex). *This is an actual tube tape delay with an incredibly warm sound. *But these units are very expensivea and must be maintained. *Solid state versions are also available.

RSVampire · #4 04-17-2001, 05:22 PM

Try one of those Line 6 digital delay modeler's. I heard one and I thought it was great. Sounded pretty close to a analog tape delay.

carlos seo · #5 04-17-2001, 06:04 PM

BOSS DM-3 is the best stomp box you can get. If you can't find one, though, go for a DD-3. I'm getting one of these in the next weeks.

Rich · #6 04-17-2001, 06:06 PM

I disagree, the DM-2 is

Josh Blagg · #7 04-17-2001, 06:15 PM

Yeah, the DM-2 is supposed to be a bit better than the DM-3. *The DM-1, however, is a completely different unit.

carlos seo · #8 04-18-2001, 04:50 PM

Hey guys, I've just got a Danelectro DE-1 and it's a great unit. Anyone here has tried it?

Josh Blagg · #9 04-18-2001, 06:24 PM

If it is the same one I am talking about, the it is a great delay. *Kinda noisy, but great warm delay.

carlos seo · #10 04-18-2001, 08:25 PM

Noisy? I haven't reported any weird or annoying noises yet. It's a great warm delay, as you said!

Mr Orange · #11 04-19-2001, 04:01 AM

Go for a second-hand Line6 delay modeler.
It gives ya analog and digital delay sounds, true bypass, plus a cool 14-sec looper!

gkelm · #12 04-19-2001, 12:44 PM

As mentioned analogs are considered warmer...it's because the technology used could not reproduce delays as accurately as digital, and the repeats degrade and sound fuzzy and warm (more like a tape echo). *If you want a second or more, you'll have to rule out analog...most are 300ms, the EH is more (500-600?). *Also, the old Boss pedals are fetching big bucks...IMHO more than they're worth.

I have or have had:

Analog...
Boss DM-2
Boss DM-3
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man

Digital...
Boss DD-3
Boss DSD-2
Ibanez EM5 Echomachine
Ibanez DL10

Rack...
Ibanez DM1000
Replifex
Intellifex

For a cheap, warm, analogish tone, the EM5 is killer...more delay time than analog as well. *The Danecho is probably in this catagory as well. *The DL10 is a bit cleaner sounding...I prefer it to newer Boss digitals. *My current fav is the EH..warm, ambient, and had a bit more delay time.

For a super clean, reliable, flexible, digital tone, you can't go wrong with Boss. *Also as mentioned, the Line6 DL4 is great--mimmicks analog and digital well--if you want to spend $225 for a new one, maybe less for used.

Hope this helps!
Greg