The Delay Thread

[spacelordmother]

An oldie, but goodie: ArcDev ET301, which is an emulation of the Boss DM300 bucket brigade rack.

Freeware, but not sure it ever got updated to 64bit so might not work for everyone.

[Ithacus]

Perhaps Time Party for Norns might do the trick for Thermae style sequenced delays?

TimeParty

TimeParty Grid based delay/FX sequencer/interstellar party starter https://llllllll.co/uploads/default/original/3X/b/0/b02877a5b72514401dbd77f87511fe280e5b95ad.mp3 TimeParty is 7 step sequencers that each modulate a different delay parameter: “rate”, “time”, “feedback” and “autopan”, “filter cutoff,” “reverb,” “buffer position” Each sequencer has independent lengths and clock divisions. Requirements: Norns Grid Live Input Crow Optional See more complete docs on github To Do: Midi sync …

[Starthief]

I loved that one… it was the number one reason why I resisted switching to a 64-bit VST host for so long.

[DoS]

@Laubmoos

I have an old ESX-1 somewhere, maybe I’ll pull that out again and give it a listen. I imagine it’s probably pretty similar to the ES-1 if not the same.

Not at all sure if the delays on the ESX and EMX are the same, but I like using both and the comb filters on weird noise box oscillators run through the external inputs of both and then sequenced into something rather Coilish.

[chailight]

It’s a good review. I have recently got the Zen Delay - took the plunge on pre-order. Still getting to really know it - didn’t immediately love it as much as I’d hoped but I knew it would take time and this review has given me a few ideas.

I have a Boss RE-20 and a El-Capistan - both have their good points but the RE-20 was a bit too harsh at times, and the El-Capistan a bit too tame perhaps and a bit awkward as performance tool (though I love the subtle tape age emulation feature). I’m yet to try out more of a side by side comparison to see how they compare as performance tools but this maybe something I’ll dig into in coming weeks.

One thing that Stimming doesn’t mention is that you can also feed it a clock - the CTRL input is a TRS plug and can take dual footswitch inputs, one for Bypass, as he mentions, and the other for Tap tempo. I used a TRS to 2xTS splitter cable and plugged the output of a Pamela’s New Workout into one of the TS inputs (feeding the Tip of the TRS CTRL input as far as I recall), and straightaway got control of the delay time. Best used with the digital delay modes.

I like the tube distortion on things like kick drums but not so much on other material. The filter is a lot of fun.

[kev]

Can anyone recommend me a delay, preferably hardware but open to software, that would mimic the manual momentary slowing down of the tape in a tape delay? I’m trying to go for something like Nils Frahm does by manipulating the tape in his re-501, which results in wobbles but returns the delay time back to the original setting. Tape delays are out of my budget and I suppose I could get by with wiggling the delay time knob but it’s very difficult to return it exactly to the original delay time setting.

[afr]

I mentioned above in this thread, but I’ve achieved something similar with a Boss DD7, by sending a constant clock pulse into the tap temp/expression input.

You can live tweak the delay time knob to get warbles (subtle or intense, depending on how drastic the tweak!), and it will sync right back up to the clock pulse after turning the knob, while leaving warbled delays in the feedback path. I’m sure you can get some similar results with any pedal with tap in + a clock source! Maybe not the exact sound you’re after, but still very fun.

[cubis]

The DOD Rubberneck? The rubberneck feature can be configured to either slow down or speed up the delay, with a lot of modulation. When you release it goes back to normal

[kev]

Totally forgot about the rubberneck, thanks for the reminder. I’ll look into it. Also, the tap tempo trick is a brilliant idea, I’ll have to look into that for sure! It might not be exactly what I’m looking for, as I’d prefer the warbles not to remain in the feedback, but who knows, maybe I do!
Thanks!

[xidnpnlss]

Oh id never heard of this pedal. Very interesting.

[wselman]

The character of the sound is completely different but Eventide PitchFactor does all of this and more.

[bradfromraleigh]

Thanks for that perspective. I’m curious to how it compares to something like a Strymon Dig or some other digital delay - I particularly like the looping aspect with the time stretching in digital mode which doesn’t overly degrade the signal.

[kev]

This tap tempo trick is really intriguing me. Can you point me to any audio or video examples of how this sounds and works? Unfortunately I don’t have any tap tempo pedals right now. Makes total sense though and seems like the functionality I’m looking for!

[ThurberMingus]

Would you mind sharing your technique for doing that with the PF? It’s been a long time since I’ve programmed a new patch on mine!

[DoS]

@kev

manipulating the tape in his re-501, which results in wobbles but returns the delay time back to the original setting

You might also be able to do this using the Robots on Bastl Thyme. I’ll try it out next time I’m using mine.

[wselman]

The harpeggiator and synthtonizer algorithms come very close to different aspects of the thermae. If you connect either an expression pedal or CV from a modulation source and apply it to the delay times of either (within a very attenuated modulation range), you can get the wobble also.

The pitchfactor is never going to have a wooly sound of a BBD, but my personal preference is for digital delays.

[bradfromraleigh]

Can anyone recommend a delay with:

• digital circuitry - reasonably clean repeats
• stereo or dual delay
• looping or infinite repeats
• send/return jacks for the delay line or at the very least a direct out
• midi or clock input - preferably clock
• will time/pitch stretch
• not software based, per se…
• can be pedal, rack mount, eurorack or desktop but needs to be physical

I think I’m describing a cross between a Morphagene and a DLD. Also, possibly the TC 2290 or Lexicon Super Prime Time. Haven’t really seen a pedal yet that covers this.

[jeanes]

Bastl Thyme may be an interesting (esoteric) take on these features!

[janglesoul]

I have the re501 and a few different delay pedals. While returning the delay to the “exactly” same setting might be difficult, I don’t find it to be any harder on a pedal. A factor to consider might be the range of the delay time knob. On an analog delay that goes from 0-300 ms it would be pretty easy, while on a digital delay that goes from 0 - 2000ms it will be harder. If you need your delay time synced to the grid that calls for greater precision of course, although a different strategy would be to allow for a looser feel.

A possible thing could be a “two-channel” delay, with the possibility to switch between two different settings. I can do that on my Diamond Memory Lane 2. The delay time will warble with sudden pitch effects, but it won’t ramp up or down when clicking the switch.

[Blit]

I dont think they are similar. This one is at the end of the output, it affects all audio. The effects on the ESX are assignable, as i remember (Which is better for music production)