The Nux Tape Core Deluxe is not even new, but nevertheless, it might worth it to mind this pedal if you are looking for a new tap echo. It is really robust; its editor makes it very versatile and the price of 69€ is unbeatable.
Outer appearance of the Nux Tape Core Deluxe
The pedal comes around in a robust matt black aluminum enclosure.
On both sides you will find a mono input and stereo (two mono) outputs as well as an input for an expression pedal.
The pedal runs on 9V via a power supply connection at the front or via battery. Unfortunately, the cable of the battery clip is quite short and the battery compartment cover is made of plastic (which seems to be quite robust).
Situated at the front is also a mini USB port which allows to connect the Tape Core Deluxe to your personal computer. By this, you can adjust numerous parameters via the free editor.
The screws of the enclosure are covered by attached rubber feet. A solution that I really appreciate.
Today, most pedals are delivered without feet. Maybe, the manufacturers consider that all pedals will be attached to a pedalboard.
For the rubber feet of the Nux Tape Core Deluxe get tucked, they can be removed and reused pretty easily.
The four pots (for time, mix, and repeats, mode) as well as on toggle switch seem to be quite solid although they are not screwed to the enclosure.
The matte green/black cover behind the pots reminds optically of the legendary Roland Space Echo to which this pedal is oriented regarding its functions as well as its sound.
The foot switch works, similar to many others today, with an internal spring. It activates the switching operations and tap tempo. A bright LED indicated the status and the tap tempo.
Inside of the Nux Tape Core Deluxe
Inside of the Nux Tape Core Deluxe you will find a neat assembled SMD- circuit board. Besides analog ICs (TL072 at the input and two JRC45580 at the output) it also uses a big DSP chip.
Sound
Plugged in, the pedal convinces with really nice tape echo sounds. The time pot allows a continuous adjustment of settings from a slap back up to extended delay times.
The tap function (activated by keeping the foot switch pressed for 2 seconds) makes longer delay times possible.
By choosing Mode I, which activates the first virtual tape head, you will get short but striking delays.
Mode 2 and 3 allow longer delay times by activating the following tape heads.
Personally, I like Mode 4,5 and 6 best. Here, you get a combination of head 1 and 3 or rather 2 and 3 or 1 and 2. Thus, you can create rhythmical repeats. A sonic quality, the original Roland Space Echo is famous for.
The SOS Only Mode is a looper that allows to record loops with overdubs.
By using the small toggle switch, you can choose between T.Lock and trails/ normal.
T.Lock deactivates the pots and avoids an unintended alteration of your favorite setting.
This is a really nice idea, especially live on stage and I think, more pedals ought to offer this feature.
The mix pot does not allow a full-wet setting, but this setting can be adjusted via the kill-dry option in the editor.
In the second part of this review, I will tell you all about the Editor of the Nux Tape Core Deluxe.
You must be logged in to post a comment.