Team DelayDude at SUPERBOOTH 2024

DelayDude Superbooth Berlin 2024The SUPERBOOTH in Berlin is a highlight for the DelayDude team every year and so in 2024 we won’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the great days from May 16th to 18th at the FEZ in Wuhlheide.

We have already conducted some exciting interviews for AMAZONA and will also report on the SUPERBOOTH itself.

Continue reading “Team DelayDude at SUPERBOOTH 2024”

Arturia MicroFreak with delay effect pedals

In this video I want to show you how to combine a synthesizer like the Arturia MicroFreak with delay effect pedals for guitars as a little suggestion for sound experiments. This synthesis opens up completely new worlds of sound and can definitely expand the sonical horizon. Have fun trying.

 

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!

Which pedal should I get: Walrus Audio ARP 87 or DOD Rubberneck?

Recently, I received the following request:
I moved on from a DOD Rubberneck due to its size, and I am considering a Walrus Audio ARP 87. I would really like a full analog delay in small size, but the Chase Bliss Audio is way above my budget and I didn’t really like the JHS Panther Cub in relation to its price.
Is there any other delay you would recommend? I want something with tap tempo and a small footprint… Continue reading “Which pedal should I get: Walrus Audio ARP 87 or DOD Rubberneck?”

Akai Headrush vs. Line6 Echo Park

This is a comparison of the Akai Headrush with the Line6 Echo Park.
Besides the digital sound, you can also check out the tape echo sounds of these two classic digital budget delays.

0:14 digital setting Continue reading “Akai Headrush vs. Line6 Echo Park”

Line6 Echo Park vs. Ibanez DE7

This is a comparison of the Line6 Echo Park with the Ibanez DE7.
These two digital delays emulate in a marvelous way a tape echo. Besides, the echo mode of the DE7 is absolutely unique. Some might say, both look very unpleasant, but what really matters is the beauty within…

0:14 digital setting Continue reading “Line6 Echo Park vs. Ibanez DE7”

My favorite budget delays

Because of the numerous requests regarding my favorite bugdet delays, I tried to figure out my top delays within the categories tape emulation, digital delay and analog delay.
The order of the delays within the respective group or video is not a ranking, for I am unable to tell which of them I like best.

0:04 NUX Tape Core Deluxe Continue reading “My favorite budget delays”

Source Audio Nemesis vs. Line6 DL4

This is a comparison of the Source Audio Nemesis with the Line6 DL4.
The Line6 DL4 has been launched decades ago, but still doesn’t have to be shy about a comparison with the Source Audio Nemesis.

In this demo I compare different modes of these two workhorses.

0:09 DL4: tube tape / Nemesis: noise tape with slight modulation Continue reading “Source Audio Nemesis vs. Line6 DL4”

Line6 DL4

This is a demo about the Line6 DL4.
Most people love the DL4 because of its crazy looper. But don’t forget: it is also a delay…
So, check out some sounds of one of the first multi delays.

0:09 tube echo Continue reading “Line6 DL4”

My favorite budget delays

Because of the numerous requests regarding my favorite bugdet delays, I tried to figure out my top delays within the categories tape emulation, digital delay and analog delay.
The order of the delays within the respective group or video is not a ranking, for I am unable to tell which of them I like best.

0:04 NUX Tape Core Deluxe Continue reading “My favorite budget delays”

Strymon Iridium

NewsAlmost surprisingly, Strymon put the Iridium – an amp and IR cab simulator – on the market.
The Iridium emulates three classical amplifiers: The options called round, chime and punch are no less than the sounds of the Fender Deluxe Reverb, the Vox AC30 and a Marshall Plexi. Continue reading “Strymon Iridium”

Ask the Dude: Modulation effects – analog dry through yes or no?

Ask the DudeQuestion to the Dude:

“I decided to spend a bit more money for a pedalboard and to buy a Gigrig G2 and, beside others, a Strymon Timeline. I am almost sure, that the analog dry through function makes a decisive difference regarding the dry signal.
Here is my question: Is it true, that modulation effects can not really deal with analog dry through and phasing problems may occur? Continue reading “Ask the Dude: Modulation effects – analog dry through yes or no?”

Tips & Tricks: Wireless?

Tips & tricksEven on small stages it is pretty comfortable, not to get entangled in guitar cables and to avoid the knotting of the cables of all band members.
The alternative to the usual stereo cables is a wireless sound system.
But is this kind of signal transmission suitable for every guitarist?
And, are there any disadvantages? Continue reading “Tips & Tricks: Wireless?”

Videos on YouTube – Why my videos are how they are

Ask the DudeI love to watch YouTube videos about pedals, guitars and amps.
The boundless vastness of the Internet offers to some extend magnificent, inspiring and enlightening content created by great people. Continue reading “Videos on YouTube – Why my videos are how they are”