Planning a small pedalboard

A reader’s question:

I guess, you are well versed in planning pedalboards.
I have a big studio board, which I like a lot, but for it is not even easy to manage the transport.
Now, I want to assemble a smaller and more compact pedalboard.
For overdrive effects I use my amp and the Ibanez Tubescreamer TS 808 and the Vahlbruch Kaluna.
Due to the lack of space, delay and modulation ought to be (as far as possible) combined in one enclosure. I also think midi might be important…
The Boss GT 1000 Core could be one of those which offers all the sounds I know (DD, MD and RV of the 500 series).
But it also has uncountable overdrive effects that I do not need. Nevertheless, is the quality of the delay, modulation and reverb therefore worse?
Do you know an alternative to the GT 1000 Core, or do you think it is ok?
I really like Boss pedals, live on stage and also in the rehearsal room. And especially here, I need a compact pedalboard.
In the studio I use my big pedalboard – mostly analog.
By the way: I am not even a fan of editing, so a small display and a easy handling would be perfect.

DelayDude:

Its always a bit difficult to assemble a compact pedalboard that is also flexible.
The Boss GT 1000 Core might be a solution, but for you already have several overdrive pedals, it would be even better to choose a pedal that is specialized in creating delay- and reverb-effects. The more features a pedal offers, the less capacity can be used for every single effect.
But if you want a multi effect anyway, the Eventide H9 might be interesting for you. It offers midi, is compact and has a superb sound. Furthermore, you can select 4 parameters per preset directly and control them via a pot. After you have successfully completed the programming, it is pretty easy to handle. But it is not able to combine several effects. Thus, it would only act as a delay or a reverb.
As an alternative, you could also choose the Line6 M5. It offers midi as well, sounds pretty nice, is a real bargain, the programming is quite easy and it is compact.
I use the M5 on one of my pedalboards as a supplement. But, similar to the H9, it only offers one effect at the time.
The handling of the HX Stomp whereas seems somewhat confusing to me.

For most combined pedals have a certain focus, it makes sense to think about your preferences first. What is more important to you: a delay or a reverb?

The Boss devices (DD-500 and RV- 500) also offer a reverb and a delay setting. If you are looking for a flexible delay and only need a little reverb, the DD-500 might be the perfect match for you anyway.

And the Empress Echosystem offers reverb besides the numerous delay effects.
For the Boss pedal as well as the Empress pedal offer the possibility to combine two presets, you would be able to get both.

But the only “real” pedal that combines delay and reverb and that can be controlled via midi is the Source Audio Collider. It is a combination of the Nemesis and the Ventris. But for a really distinguished adjustment, you will have to use the app. Anyway, if you have adjusted the basic sound (or use the presets), the pots will be sufficient to customize the sound.

Sound vs. handling

Provided that you are also looking for modulation, things will get a bit more complicated.
Of course, you can use the delay part of the Collider to create effects like chorus/vibrato (modulation of the delay time) and tremolo (modulation of the level), but this is not as easy as with one of the common modulation- effect. In this case, the handling of a multi-effect would be easier. In the end, you have the choice between sound and handling.

If the pedal ought to be compact and extensively equipped at the same time, you won’t be able to avoid menus and a display to adjust your sounds. Or you chose two pedals instead of one. The Collider for superb delay/reverb and a separate modulation pedal. With midi control in addition, this might be a very good option.

It always depends on your individual preferences and needs. For there is always too little space on the pedalboard, I dispense with a modulation pedal and create the vibrato- or tremolo-effect with my delay pedals. And I can also forgo flanger and phaser.
Regarding a compact pedalboard, to me it is generally more important to pare my pedals down to those which are really necessary for my music.
And to be honest, I don’t like menu-diving or the use of apps as well, thus I use the space on my pedalboard for the most important effect pedals.

Mostly, it makes sense to start with a little number of pedals first and add further pedals later. Removing a (unused) pedal from the pedalboard is habitually harder.
For I love delay- and reverb-sounds, I use only little space on my pedalboard for drive pedals (either booster and overdrive in one enclosure or even a single overdrive pedal).
And less pedals on the board will in the end improve your basic sound.

Enjoy planning your new pedalboard!

Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 vs. MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe

This is a comparison of the Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 with the MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe.
For one part of the circuit of the ES3 is completely analog, I compare the Ibanez analog delay to the MXR analog delay. Both provide modulation and tap tempo as well.

0:08 ES3: analog/ CCDLX: dark mode Continue reading “Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 vs. MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe”

Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 vs. DOD Rubberneck

This is a comparison of the Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 with the DOD Rubberneck. Both are dark analog delays with tap tempo and a beautiful modulation.
Their features like the rubbernecking and the slider are inspiring for all those who like to experiment with their delay pedals.

0:11 ES3:digital mode with modulation / DOD: brightest setting with modulation

Continue reading “Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 vs. DOD Rubberneck”

Ibanez Echo Shifter Battle – ES3 vs. ES2

This is a comparison of the Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 with the ES2.
Check out if there are any sonic differences between these two wonderful Ibanez delay pedals. The ES3 got rid of the little ES2, contains a additional digital delay and you can oscillation can be used freehand.

0:09 with modulation Continue reading “Ibanez Echo Shifter Battle – ES3 vs. ES2”

Ibanez Delay Battle – Echo Shifter ES3 vs. DE7

This is a comparison of the Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 with the DE7.
I compared the digital and the analog/echo setting of both pedals, as well as settings like slapback and long feedbacks. Check out if there are any sonic differences between these two wonderful Ibanez delay pedals.

0:08 digital setting Continue reading “Ibanez Delay Battle – Echo Shifter ES3 vs. DE7”

Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 – digital setting

This is a demo of the digital setting of the Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3.
Get inspired by some of the numerous digital sound options of this wonderful delay pedal.

0:10 digital delay Continue reading “Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 – digital setting”

Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 – analog setting

This is a demo of the analog setting of the Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3.
Check out the sounds while I am playing around with different setting options and start a journey through the beautiful world of analog delay sounds with modulation, chorus, vibrato and oscillation.

0:09 long delay time with modulation Continue reading “Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 – analog setting”

Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 review part 2

While the first part of this review was dedicated to the design of the Ibanez ES3 Echo Shifter, now it comes to the crunch: the sound of this brilliant delay pedal. Continue reading “Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 review part 2”

Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 review part 1

Ibanez ES3Certainly, the Ibanez ES2 has been a resounding success: the slider inspires experimenting and the beautiful analog delay does not only sound very pleasing, it also provides a brilliant oscillation.
The device was made and still is perfect für dark delays and sonic escapades.

With the ES3 Echo Shifter, Ibanez now remastered the great predecessor and added some sought-after features.

This first part is dedicated to the design of the Ibanez ES3 Echo Shifter, while in the second part you will learn all about the sound of this great delay pedal. Continue reading “Ibanez Echo Shifter ES3 review part 1”

Mr. Black Vintage Chorus or TC Electronic Corona Mini?

A reader’s question to the Dude:

I use a Mr. Black Vintage Chorus Mini and it sounds superb.
I just notice a little latency, which might be just in my mind. But I asked Mr.
Black himself and he said it’s ‘fully 24-bit DSP’. So, it has no analog dry through.
Now I wonder if for example the TC Electronic Corona Mini, which has analog dry through, would be even better.
But on the other hand, the TC Electronic Corona Mini is unable to reach the sonic quality of the Vintage Chorus.
I’m just curious about what you think about this issue. Continue reading “Mr. Black Vintage Chorus or TC Electronic Corona Mini?”

Strymon Brigadier vs. Ibanez AD9 and Boss DM-2

This is a comparison of the Ibanez AD9 and the Boss DM-2 with the Strymon Brigadier.
The Ibanez AD9 and the Boss DM-2 are two of the first analog delays. They provide a maximum delay time of about 300ms and a unique kind of oscillation.
For this comparison, choose the short setting for the Brigadier, because, it emulates an analog delay with one IC. Thereby, the Brigadier gets close to the sound of the AD9 and the DM-2.

0:11 Ibanez AD9 max delay time Continue reading “Strymon Brigadier vs. Ibanez AD9 and Boss DM-2”

Is there a more robust pedal that sounds like the Ibanez EM5 Echomachine?

Ask the DudeThere are so many great delays, that have been discontinued. The Ibanez EM5 is one of them.
It is not yet known, why the production has been stopped. Continue reading “Is there a more robust pedal that sounds like the Ibanez EM5 Echomachine?”

Maxon/ Ibanez AD 999

Maxon AD 999Similar to the other Maxon AD-pedals, the AD 999 as well is a less pedalboard-friendly analog delay.
The MC4107D bucket brigade ICs make the AD 999 sound a bit dirtier, less defined and a bit rougher than the AD 900. Continue reading “Maxon/ Ibanez AD 999”

Ibanez DDL Series

ibanez-ddl-digital-delayAll three versions of the Ibanez DDL Series are pedalboard-friendly digital delays.
Some guitarists swear by the DDL which have been produced only for about one year (1985). Continue reading “Ibanez DDL Series”