Always consider buying second hand. There are some discontinued models that are still cheap and considered real gems, like the Ibanez DE7 for example. I've run through a few delay pedals myself and find my current setup to be very satisfactory to my needs, a Strymon DIG in the loop and an Ibanez DE7 in front.
If you're on a tight budget, the NUX Time Force is an excellent buy. Stereo input and output with several different delay types, tap tempo, etc for around $100. Another option worth looking at is the Zoom MS 70CDR.
I've got so much more to explore on my Flashback delay that I don't "need" another delay. Watching reviews of pedals you already own is a good reminder of how much they are capable of.
I've had the Flashback Mini for years and it does have a tap tempo, you have to hold down the button for a few seconds and then strum the tempo you want on the guitar directly, best if you mute the strings with your non-picking hand.
if you want something that kind of does it all or you (like me) are totally new to the world of effects, I recommend the Zoom MS-70 CDR. It does chorus/filter modulation, reverb, and if you get the firmware 2.0 update or buy one new, it comes with compressors, noise gates, eqs, and octave effects, BUT where it really shines is the delay types. There are several to choose from which are all modeled after other effects pedals such as the MXR Carbon Copy, Echoplex, Strymon Ice, as well as different effect types, such as the aforementioned Ice, Slow Attack, Filtered Delay, Dual Delay, etc. You can chain up to 6 effects together in series and store your own patches to the memory. I currently have 2 original patches of 6 to 5 delays and a patch I made to mimic the sound of Andy Summers' work in the Police. It retails for about $120 and, after the update, is loaded with 137 effect types. It's a fun pedal and really opens up your playing.
Just a small correction. :) The TC Electronic Flashback 2 does have tap tempo functionality. You just need to use an external tap tempo pedal just like any Boss digital delay. They are really cheap to buy as well.
The EHX Canyon is a good option as a versatile 'multi-function' delay unit... several different delay types, tap tempo (via a dedicated input if you need it) & a 60 second looper. The best thing about it is the price - £130.
Boss DD-200 will be my next. After years of Analog Delay i found out i don't want huge ancient expensive pedals to be on my board, i want tap-tempo and i don't even want my sound degrade from BBDs. So now i go for Tape simulation and Digital Delay, DD-200 will do all of the popular ones in one box, not too expensive.
My biggest issue with some of these pedals is the amount of features/patches that are available. Why would I need 200 factory preset patches, half of which are really goofy and I would never use?
Its a good point. But the reason they put so many patches is I think so that it will apply to everyone no matter what kind of music people are doing. There are people out there playing goofy music. I think this is a good point about a great deal of the guitar effects industry in that most of the stuff out there, while it may sound fun in a goofy way, is not musical at all, and there is really no place you can fit in into an actual musical composition. So most of this stuff is like very very expensive toys rather than a serious necessary musical tool.
Geez Louise I love your channel. I could watch your vids all day long and never tire of them. Thanks for all the solid, reliable information, and thanks for delivering it in an entertaining way. You've genuinely helped me in my journey into ambient music.
Well, for a good, versatile, inexpensive delay pedal I'd suggest the Joyo D-seed/D-Seed 2. They can do 2 delays a time, tap tempo, and other varying feature depending on which one you get.
I love you, Chords of Orion! Such good content and so very helpful. I love the stereo feature (for recording) - 7 second (or more) capability, and tap tempo are important features. Price is not as important. If it's worth it, it's worth it!
So, Bill: not to answer your question but to ask one of my own, which I appreciate is impossible to answer, if you could only keep one delay pedal, which would it be? The Dig? (very helpful run-through of what to think about, by the way!)
Let me walk through the considerations in the video and see if that helps me decide: 1) budget doesn't matter since I own the delays to choose from, 2) max delay time - long is very important, 3) Stereo/mono - stereo is required, 4) Tap tempo? yes, 5) Delay types - need several such as tape, clean, etc., 6) MIDI - definitely preferred, 7) computer/device connectivity - nice but not critical, 8) built-in multiple delay lines? yes Given all these requirements, the TC Electronic Flashback Triple Delay would be my likely choice if I could keep only one delay of the ones I currently own.
I kinda like the Mooer ReEcho and Echolizer for their price point. They're really good addons for mono synths in particular. Eventide Black Hole, EHX Grand Canyon or a Roland MC-707 groovebox for stereo things and I'm fortunate enough to have a Roland Space Echo when I'm doing something that needs some of that flavour. I picked up a Mooer Ocean Machine recently and I've not had much time to mess with it, but that seems to have a huge range for creative uses.
After searching and thinking about my playing style and all that, I think what I really want is a JHS Lucky Cat. It’s a clean, pretty digital delay, but is has modulation and it has an EQ for when darker repeats are needed. I would love if it had a reverse delay, but unfortunately it doesn’t. My EXH canyons has a reverse, but that’s in storage….
Because I’ve checked out a few of baroque custom panels they are just copies of Roland boss MXR andEHX in which the other brands also you can find them in the US market or in pawnshops and save lots of money center paying so much money for the other pedals
Great point the Strymon Timeline is for me the cats meow but i just saw Steve Morse on tour twice with Dixie Dregs and he was using 2 Flashback V.1 pedals set to different settings. So yeah no matter what playing level your at you might be fine with a TC flashback V.1 if you dont want those crazy awesome presets in the Timeline or midi.
I’ll try out an analog or digital delay before I buy it. I need to be able to turn the knobs with my toes for it to be useful in my pedalboard. Having tap tempo and an expression pedal helps.
I don't know if I did it right. 1st I bought a Carbon Copy for about$50. Analog Then I lucked into a DD-5 with a tap tempo for about $65. All good enough for me. Also picked up a lot with a Danelectro Echo in it cheap. I don't use it regularly but it's there if I need it. Nothing real expensive but all worthy.
I use an EHX Canyon pedal which is great bang for buck, small pedal size, has tons of delay, reverb and cool effects plus looper. If I had the money to burn on a high end delay pedal, the Free the Tone Flight Time, Eventide Time Factor, or Stymon Timeline would be my top picks for a high end delay pedal.
I just bought a Fender space delay ($99). I wanted a Stymon brig but after thinking about it, I just noodle around and rarely play for others. So maybe don’t need the best one. And, Complcated is not good for me. I am quite happy with it. I have other pedals ( dispatch master, canyon) but i am often happy playing the Soace delay by itself with some amp reverb
Sell some of those fancy pedals off and buy one....they are on sale. I keep watching these pedal reviews and my mouth waters, but I don't buy any because I cannot see anything that surpasses what I own already. I usually have my delays midi synced to my Mobius looper and Ableton for maximun ambient indulgence. Love your videos!
Awesome and helpful video! just want to make a gentle correction: the Flashback Mini (and probably the flashback 2), has a sneaky tap tempo feature, where you hold the pedal, and strum the tempo into the guitar. Yes, it's more of a "strum" tempo, but effective all the same!
Interesting! I did not know about the "strum tempo" option on the mini. I looked at the Flashback 2 manual and don't see that option, so I think one is limited to running the 2 in mono and hooking up an external footswitch.
Have a couple of old Lexicon units run into the board on an old Roland work station. 2 effects boards on the Roland. All this is fed by an ADA ampulator, pushed by a marshall JCM 900's effects out. A Line 6 FM4 into a Phase 90 out to an Experience fuzz to a Swollen Pickle to amp. Need another delay? Sure do.
I guess I did not think about that because it is never been a selection criteria for me. But if that is important to you, then definitely add it to the list when selecting a pedal.
It's definitely my 1st consideration when considering a Delay. I tend to prefer cold digital sounds in general Analog Delays tends to have shorter delay times & less delay features but have a warmer sound.
@@iblamesummers my old pedalboard (which got boosted in Montana) had a Boss DD-20 & RE-20. The DD was great for presets (slapback, ambient, reverse & up to 2400ms looping) where the RE was great for on the fly tap tempo, old school delays. Right now I'm just using an RE for live gigs.
I like the vintage analog sound like an mxr carbon copy for cleans or smooth overdrive and a dryer digital straight up echo like a boss dd-7 for the heavier solos. The more watery stuff kinda gums up the works with a lot of gain and a lot of notes. Tape echos are kind of the best of both worlds if you can find one you can afford. New tape has the dryer sound. Pop a worn out tape in and you get some cool modulation with the echo effect.
I was originally looking at Earthquakes, Chase Bliss, Strymon, Matthew’s, and even the Keeley Cavers, but then I came across used Caline Ghost Rain at guitar center for $29 at it works perfectly for waht I’m trying to achieve. Money and name isn’t everything, as long it does waht you want.
The TC Flashback 2 seems to cover nearly everything most guitarists need except the tap tempo which can be applied at the expense of the stereo out and having to make or find the right cable type to hook up an extra tap switch (all adding to the cost). It seems the Canyon Delay has tap capability built in (correct me if I’m wrong Bill or anyone) giving it that advantage over the FB2. The FB2 seems to outsmart the Canyon in many other features though. Bill, one question re choosing delay that is interesting to many but almost impossible to discern without a massive budget, is sound quality. In that sense, many of us rely on the intelligent comparisons of people like yourself who get to try out 9,999,999 of those delays. Which digital and which analog delays do you reckon have the best sound excluding all other considerations? Cheers again for your excellent channel Bill. If anyone I’m subscribed to on YT deserves to make 100K subscribers it’s you.
Agreed - I think delay quality or tonality is important when considering a pedal. Should have added that to the list! As far as best sounds goes, I don't have an absolute favorite. Strymon, TCE, Source Audio, Boss, etc. - they all have their own sound/tonality that can work well. That being said, at this point, I use Strymon and TCE delays the most.
Great video. For me all of the above (and below) considerations are helpful + another important consideration for me is the positioning of the 9volt dc input for personal preference on the pedal board. I prefer a front mounted 9v dc input for daisy chaining. Side mounted 9v dc inputs are often a deal breaker for me in spite of their other positive attributes.
One other consideration is, do you need one that has a short looper built in? Not a feature that everybody will use, but it really limits options for those who do. Personally I like to have a separate looper.
Chords Of Orion what delay would you recommend for a mono dedicated delay with tap tempo like me I have a ditto x2 I’m using as a looper so if I can get a delay with tap and focused on mono it’ll be perfect your help would be much appreciated I love your content
Great advise. Gave me a lot to think about before buying a delay pedal and I think i'm going to look at some reviews on the tc electronic Flashback Triple Delay first. Thanks Bill!
I just like my delay subtle like over lead lines etc. Kinda like how Marty Schwartz demonstrates in his carbon copy indtructional video. Which one should I get? Clearly just something simple right?
looking for a clean and transparent delay to add to my acoustic rig. originally bought the LR BAGGS and i was very disappointed. it was very noisy, drastically increasing the little bit of normal white noise on my Acoustic array pro amp. the concept of splitting the signal and only adding 1/2 of the effect to my signal seemed perfect, however it's too noisy. trust and will await your response. if you have any articles i would appreciate it
Depends on what you are looking to do with a looper. If you want a lot of flexibility to create verse/chorus, multiple tracks, etc. then a dedicated loop pedal. If you are looking to do simple "Frippertronics" style loop layering, then something like an El Capistan works.
I’m very interested in the pink panther delay pedal. Any thoughts? Tempo switch is important for me but the flashback don’t have. I like the mini flashback and price expect I’m not into the print feature and not sure how many delays or which type it comes with.
I can highly recommended the TC electronic flashback delay (not the mini). From the 1st day I really love this pedal. Awesome flexible (many different sounds) and really affordable. I play rock till hard rock/metal and use it for solos or clean parts. Therefore I can not imagine another delay pedal as the flashback :-)
I know this is gonna be very informative and help me in my decision but I also know that the Walrus Audio ARP-87 looks absolutely beautiful and isn't that what pedals are all about? xD
Good considerations - thanks Bill. I'm guessing you like the TC Electronics offerings as you reference them often. I like them as well so I will likely get the Flashback 2 - nice for the money!
Hey Bill, You wont believe but you actually inspired me to get into delay pedals and ambient music. It's life changing. I need some advice, I'm confused between a TC Electronic Flashback, boss dd200, El Capistan Strymon or an EHX Grand Canyon (I like ehx because it has a looper as well or else I'll have to buy a looper separately plus it's DMM is to die for.) I somehow feel the latter two have a fuller sound. So as a first delay pedal, which one would you recommend? @chordsoforion Other people are welcome to pitch in as well :) Bedroom player looking to enhance creativity, budget $200-250.
They are all great pedals. I would suggest looking at the features of each, and picking the one that has the most number of features that are important to you. For example, if your requirement is a 16 second delay, then the El Capistan is probably the best choice. Second example: if you need a phrase looper that can be combined, then the Grand Canyon is the pedal for you.
@@chordsoforion Thanks for the great tip! As much as I love tape echo - going for the canyon right now - to explore. And whenever I'm done with it - the next is going to be an El Cap! 😅 Also, any word on the grand canyon looper? Could it replace, say a, Ditto or an RC1? 🤷🏽♂️ I know ditto and RC1 well, but no one has really reviewed the Grand Canyon looper.
Not sure what you mean. Are you saying that you have a delay where the left output level is different from the right? All of my stereo delays are even balanced between left and right.
@@chordsoforion Yes, in double track mode there's always an output that squeeze the sound. I've tried with Memory Man, DD-7, and stucked on Fender Delay (2010) which is the the least worst to me for double tracking. Seems like Deco or 30ms are a bit better in demos but it's hard to say without trying ourselves. And they are expensive.
Great video. My delay is broken... a violet delay from seven sisters (after one year) i don’t recommend it. I am looking for a dd7 now. And of course STEREO!
Thanks for the video. For me, I want to be able to have more than, one delay time in a single pedal, so I think the BOSS DD5 (?) & TC electronic flashback triple may be things I need to look at.
I hate it when things get complicated. TC Electronics Flashback 2 is an awesome pedal, but the toneprint software/editing function is a nightmare to figure out. Also adding a tap tempo switch to that pedal (which is possible) is way more complicated than it needs to be. I love that pedal for the looper and multiple functions, but I stay away from the digital "toneprint" side of things. Too confusing.
I run 5 delays on my full board. There is no one pedal that can replace them all.id say try to find a dual channel In the begining, or buy 2 cheap ones and learn how to dial in subdivisions....and reverse delay still sounds like crap.
Delay noob here- I see tons of articles taking about delay times in ms, I have 2 delay pedals and both just have a time knob, so I'm just setting it by ear. Do I need a pedal/multi effects unit with a digital display for the ms thing?
Well, if you really want to dial in a specific time in milliseconds, you will need some kind of display. That being said, if you are happy with the sounds of your current delays, just estimate. For example, 250 ms is going to be 4 repeats per second. In the end, its all about the result, not the numbers.
Well I took a screenshot and sent it to them. Hopefully they do. I play bass and I am wanting to get into some ambient playing, maybe eventually purchase a 6 string and get into it because it looks like a lot of fun. My 5 string will be where I start for now!
I enjoy your videos and demos and teaching so much! I’m really struggling to find the right delay to play nice with with my dd-3 and mxr reverb. I was looking at the grand canyon , dd-200, and FB 2X4 (my budget is $250) now I think I am going with flashback 2x4! It ticks all the boxes.
I use a rack mounted amp modeler - The Avid Eleven Rack. It has a stereo effects loop, so I run all delays and reverbs there. I then run the Eleven Rack stereo outputs direct into my recording interface.
hey mister "Orion", =) I was just wondering if I can do the same 7 second endless delay (without falling in self-oscillation) with the TC Mini delay as I can do it with the big TRIPLE Delay? I know you know the trick with the Triple delay and the "loop" function (love this) - now I am wondering if I can do the same with (at the the end for stereo) 2x TC MINI delay? or dies it behave different, if I toneprinted it to the 7 second mood? would be stunning if you could check this out :) thanx and lots of love from berlin
Hey there! I checked the manual for the Mini and it does not appear to support buffered bypass, which is what you would need on the "drone" Mini to use the same technique. You however, combine a mini and a Flashback 2 which does have buffered bypass.
Do you have tips or considerations for selecting a delay pedal? Post it here!!
Great point!
I run two different delay pedals; Strymon El Capistan and an EHX Canyon. They sound great individually and together.
Always consider buying second hand. There are some discontinued models that are still cheap and considered real gems, like the Ibanez DE7 for example. I've run through a few delay pedals myself and find my current setup to be very satisfactory to my needs, a Strymon DIG in the loop and an Ibanez DE7 in front.
If you're on a tight budget, the NUX Time Force is an excellent buy. Stereo input and output with several different delay types, tap tempo, etc for around $100. Another option worth looking at is the Zoom MS 70CDR.
Chords Of Orion no matter what delay type , for me there's tap tempo on it (for now)
You're essentially the Bob Ross of guitar. And I loved Bob Ross
Quasi seriously and it's awesome!
Quasi many people call him that, but actually he is the Michelangelo of pedals.
Oh my gosh, that is the most accurate thing ever
Tony A440 also Sir Davos on the Seas of Sound
Gotta give that note a happy delay note. Like I always say, everyone needs a friend.
0.34 'Figure out what your budget is'.
Then find an excuse for spending twice the amount.
Ain't that the truth!
I've got so much more to explore on my Flashback delay that I don't "need" another delay. Watching reviews of pedals you already own is a good reminder of how much they are capable of.
I've had the Flashback Mini for years and it does have a tap tempo, you have to hold down the button for a few seconds and then strum the tempo you want on the guitar directly, best if you mute the strings with your non-picking hand.
Nice tip!
if you want something that kind of does it all or you (like me) are totally new to the world of effects, I recommend the Zoom MS-70 CDR. It does chorus/filter modulation, reverb, and if you get the firmware 2.0 update or buy one new, it comes with compressors, noise gates, eqs, and octave effects, BUT where it really shines is the delay types. There are several to choose from which are all modeled after other effects pedals such as the MXR Carbon Copy, Echoplex, Strymon Ice, as well as different effect types, such as the aforementioned Ice, Slow Attack, Filtered Delay, Dual Delay, etc. You can chain up to 6 effects together in series and store your own patches to the memory. I currently have 2 original patches of 6 to 5 delays and a patch I made to mimic the sound of Andy Summers' work in the Police. It retails for about $120 and, after the update, is loaded with 137 effect types. It's a fun pedal and really opens up your playing.
SIR DAVOS of Game of Thrones! The resemblance is uncanny :)
:-)
LOL. I clicked on this video just to say the same.
Ah Yes! That would be Chords of Onion
Exactly what I thought
I just realized how calming this dude is. He has a calm tone of voice, a calm demeanor, and is just overall calm. Well, you've earned my subscription!
Just a small correction. :) The TC Electronic Flashback 2 does have tap tempo functionality. You just need to use an external tap tempo pedal just like any Boss digital delay. They are really cheap to buy as well.
Never settle on just one! I have three at the moment. MXR CC, Avalanche Run, Obscura.
The EHX Canyon is a good option as a versatile 'multi-function' delay unit... several different delay types, tap tempo (via a dedicated input if you need it) & a 60 second looper. The best thing about it is the price - £130.
Love the canyon, so ridiculous versatile and can get some pretty insane sounds from it if you want to
But the canyon is only mono. I like the sound and the functions but i really miss a stereo delay. For only this i prefer the Flashback 2 or dd-7.
Step 1: Be Rich
Step 2: Buy all 100 million pedals
I like the way you think!
Step 3: Invest in personal life extension
Step 4: Spend lots of time with all 100 million pedals
And chain then all
Or be poor and buy them all over time 😁
And since your name is Beautifully Depressed, I guess you are not rich :-)
For the Flashback 2 there is the possibility of connecting an external tap tempo in the Stereo Socket (if you run your Flashback 2 in mono).
Boss DD-200 will be my next. After years of Analog Delay i found out i don't want huge ancient expensive pedals to be on my board, i want tap-tempo and i don't even want my sound degrade from BBDs. So now i go for Tape simulation and Digital Delay, DD-200 will do all of the popular ones in one box, not too expensive.
My biggest issue with some of these pedals is the amount of features/patches that are available. Why would I need 200 factory preset patches, half of which are really goofy and I would never use?
Agreed - too much can be too much.
Its a good point. But the reason they put so many patches is I think so that it will apply to everyone no matter what kind of music people are doing. There are people out there playing goofy music. I think this is a good point about a great deal of the guitar effects industry in that most of the stuff out there, while it may sound fun in a goofy way, is not musical at all, and there is really no place you can fit in into an actual musical composition. So most of this stuff is like very very expensive toys rather than a serious necessary musical tool.
True...The Montavillian by Catalinbread is a lovely sounding and easy to use delay. Nothing fancy, just an amazing sounding pedal.
Just like keyboards that have 800 sounds with 5 that are usable
Geez Louise I love your channel. I could watch your vids all day long and never tire of them. Thanks for all the solid, reliable information, and thanks for delivering it in an entertaining way. You've genuinely helped me in my journey into ambient music.
I have an Electro Harmonix, Canyon Delay&Looper, it works great and is super versatile, includes tap tempo. Worth checking out!
Well, for a good, versatile, inexpensive delay pedal I'd suggest the Joyo D-seed/D-Seed 2. They can do 2 delays a time, tap tempo, and other varying feature depending on which one you get.
I love you, Chords of Orion! Such good content and so very helpful.
I love the stereo feature (for recording) - 7 second (or more) capability, and tap tempo are important features. Price is not as important. If it's worth it, it's worth it!
The real answer is "you can't be sure any one delay is the best for you, so put six or seven of them on your board just in case"
Good advice, although I think work out what features you want first and then try to find those options or similar in what you can afford.
I can definitely see rearranging the considerations to suit. Thanks!!!
great info, but the wood on your carvin blows my mind. what a stunner.
Thank you very much!
Congrats. Best approach to know what is the delay I need. Many thanks
So, Bill: not to answer your question but to ask one of my own, which I appreciate is impossible to answer, if you could only keep one delay pedal, which would it be? The Dig? (very helpful run-through of what to think about, by the way!)
Let me walk through the considerations in the video and see if that helps me decide: 1) budget doesn't matter since I own the delays to choose from, 2) max delay time - long is very important, 3) Stereo/mono - stereo is required, 4) Tap tempo? yes, 5) Delay types - need several such as tape, clean, etc., 6) MIDI - definitely preferred, 7) computer/device connectivity - nice but not critical, 8) built-in multiple delay lines? yes
Given all these requirements, the TC Electronic Flashback Triple Delay would be my likely choice if I could keep only one delay of the ones I currently own.
I kinda like the Mooer ReEcho and Echolizer for their price point. They're really good addons for mono synths in particular.
Eventide Black Hole, EHX Grand Canyon or a Roland MC-707 groovebox for stereo things and I'm fortunate enough to have a Roland Space Echo when I'm doing something that needs some of that flavour.
I picked up a Mooer Ocean Machine recently and I've not had much time to mess with it, but that seems to have a huge range for creative uses.
After searching and thinking about my playing style and all that, I think what I really want is a JHS Lucky Cat. It’s a clean, pretty digital delay, but is has modulation and it has an EQ for when darker repeats are needed.
I would love if it had a reverse delay, but unfortunately it doesn’t. My EXH canyons has a reverse, but that’s in storage….
Because I’ve checked out a few of baroque custom panels they are just copies of Roland boss MXR andEHX in which the other brands also you can find them in the US market or in pawnshops and save lots of money center paying so much money for the other pedals
MS70-CDR
Triggered ?
Great point the Strymon Timeline is for me the cats meow but i just saw Steve Morse on tour twice with Dixie Dregs and he was using 2 Flashback V.1 pedals set to different settings. So yeah no matter what playing level your at you might be fine with a TC flashback V.1 if you dont want those crazy awesome presets in the Timeline or midi.
I’ll try out an analog or digital delay before I buy it. I need to be able to turn the knobs with my toes for it to be useful in my pedalboard. Having tap tempo and an expression pedal helps.
I don't know if I did it right. 1st I bought a Carbon Copy for about$50. Analog Then I lucked into a DD-5 with a tap tempo for about $65. All good enough for me. Also picked up a lot with a Danelectro Echo in it cheap. I don't use it regularly but it's there if I need it. Nothing real expensive but all worthy.
If you like the results, then you did the right thing!!
I use an EHX Canyon pedal which is great bang for buck, small pedal size, has tons of delay, reverb and cool effects plus looper. If I had the money to burn on a high end delay pedal, the Free the Tone Flight Time, Eventide Time Factor, or Stymon Timeline would be my top picks for a high end delay pedal.
I just bought a Fender space delay ($99). I wanted a Stymon brig but after thinking about it, I just noodle around and rarely play for others. So maybe don’t need the best one. And, Complcated is not good for me.
I am quite happy with it.
I have other pedals ( dispatch master, canyon) but i am often happy playing the Soace delay by itself with some amp reverb
I am blown away by the delays in my Axe. FX II XL
I'd love to try them out some day!
Sell some of those fancy pedals off and buy one....they are on sale. I keep watching these pedal reviews and my mouth waters, but I don't buy any because I cannot see anything that surpasses what I own already. I usually have my delays midi synced to my Mobius looper and Ableton for maximun ambient indulgence. Love your videos!
Awesome and helpful video! just want to make a gentle correction: the Flashback Mini (and probably the flashback 2), has a sneaky tap tempo feature, where you hold the pedal, and strum the tempo into the guitar. Yes, it's more of a "strum" tempo, but effective all the same!
Interesting! I did not know about the "strum tempo" option on the mini. I looked at the Flashback 2 manual and don't see that option, so I think one is limited to running the 2 in mono and hooking up an external footswitch.
Delay guitar effect is the best cure for the human spirit... So magnifique!
Have a couple of old Lexicon units run into the board on an old Roland work station. 2 effects boards on the Roland. All this is fed by an ADA ampulator, pushed by a marshall JCM 900's effects out. A Line 6 FM4 into a Phase 90 out to an Experience fuzz to a Swollen Pickle to amp. Need another delay? Sure do.
The Earthquaker Devices Dispatch Master was my favourite until I heard the Caverns by Keeley, both amazing if you're a simple guy like myself.
I was hoping you would discuss analog vs. digital
I guess I did not think about that because it is never been a selection criteria for me. But if that is important to you, then definitely add it to the list when selecting a pedal.
It's definitely my 1st consideration when considering a Delay. I tend to prefer cold digital sounds in general Analog Delays tends to have shorter delay times & less delay features but have a warmer sound.
@@iblamesummers my old pedalboard (which got boosted in Montana) had a Boss DD-20 & RE-20. The DD was great for presets (slapback, ambient, reverse & up to 2400ms looping) where the RE was great for on the fly tap tempo, old school delays. Right now I'm just using an RE for live gigs.
I like the vintage analog sound like an mxr carbon copy for cleans or smooth overdrive and a dryer digital straight up echo like a boss dd-7 for the heavier solos. The more watery stuff kinda gums up the works with a lot of gain and a lot of notes. Tape echos are kind of the best of both worlds if you can find one you can afford. New tape has the dryer sound. Pop a worn out tape in and you get some cool modulation with the echo effect.
I was originally looking at Earthquakes, Chase Bliss, Strymon, Matthew’s, and even the Keeley Cavers, but then I came across used Caline Ghost Rain at guitar center for $29 at it works perfectly for waht I’m trying to achieve. Money and name isn’t everything, as long it does waht you want.
Agreed!
Just started watching your videos. Very informative! Subscribed!
Thanks very much!
The TC Flashback 2 seems to cover nearly everything most guitarists need except the tap tempo which can be applied at the expense of the stereo out and having to make or find the right cable type to hook up an extra tap switch (all adding to the cost). It seems the Canyon Delay has tap capability built in (correct me if I’m wrong Bill or anyone) giving it that advantage over the FB2. The FB2 seems to outsmart the Canyon in many other features though.
Bill, one question re choosing delay that is interesting to many but almost impossible to discern without a massive budget, is sound quality. In that sense, many of us rely on the intelligent comparisons of people like yourself who get to try out 9,999,999 of those delays.
Which digital and which analog delays do you reckon have the best sound excluding all other considerations?
Cheers again for your excellent channel Bill. If anyone I’m subscribed to on YT deserves to make 100K subscribers it’s you.
Agreed - I think delay quality or tonality is important when considering a pedal. Should have added that to the list! As far as best sounds goes, I don't have an absolute favorite. Strymon, TCE, Source Audio, Boss, etc. - they all have their own sound/tonality that can work well. That being said, at this point, I use Strymon and TCE delays the most.
Ooh, forgot to thank you for your prompt and intelligent reply.
I went here just to confirm that you were Sir Davos. Nailed it.
Great video. For me all of the above (and below) considerations are helpful + another important consideration for me is the positioning of the 9volt dc input for personal preference on the pedal board. I prefer a front mounted 9v dc input for daisy chaining. Side mounted 9v dc inputs are often a deal breaker for me in spite of their other positive attributes.
Excellent tip. Thanks for sharing it!!
One other consideration is, do you need one that has a short looper built in? Not a feature that everybody will use, but it really limits options for those who do. Personally I like to have a separate looper.
Excellent consideration! There are a lot of delay/looper combinations out there.
Chords Of Orion what delay would you recommend for a mono dedicated delay with tap tempo like me I have a ditto x2 I’m using as a looper so if I can get a delay with tap and focused on mono it’ll be perfect your help would be much appreciated I love your content
Great advise. Gave me a lot to think about before buying a delay pedal and I think i'm going to look at some reviews on the tc electronic Flashback Triple Delay first. Thanks Bill!
The quality of his voice...
Wonder how he sounds like when he's pissed.
Looking for a delay like the DOD rubberneck, but that’s true stereo. If you guys an suggestions I’d appreciate it.
Amazing video. Great explanation. Thanks!
So glad you found it useful!
I just like my delay subtle like over lead lines etc. Kinda like how Marty Schwartz demonstrates in his carbon copy indtructional video. Which one should I get? Clearly just something simple right?
Sounds like simple to me. And it sounds like you might prefer the tone of an analog style delay, like the CC.
"Okay so there's not really 100'000'000 options, but there are a tonne of options". Does each option weigh 10mg?
So I like to exaggerate sometimes. :-)
@@chordsoforion
So there definitely aren't 100,000,000 options or do they just weigh more or less than 10mg?
Does it hurt ?
To be so stupid?
Great tips Bill!! TC Flashback 2 and TC Echobrain Analog delay stacked are my preferred delay setup!!
Nice!!
looking for a clean and transparent delay to add to my acoustic rig. originally bought the LR BAGGS and i was very disappointed. it was very noisy, drastically increasing the little bit of normal white noise on my Acoustic array pro amp. the concept of splitting the signal and only adding 1/2 of the effect to my signal seemed perfect, however it's too noisy. trust and will await your response. if you have any articles i would appreciate it
Thanks for the tips
Thats a really beautiful guitar!!! congrats!!!
Thanks!!
I'm looking for a simpler type delay pedal with tap tempo, along with a 9-volt battery. (Not too pricey) Your suggestions are appreciated. Steve
What did you end up getting? And do you like it? I'm looking for the same thing 😁
Also look on EBay, used is fine too.
Hi. In your opinion what is the best delay pedal with ping pong and reverse and long delays?
I don't know if it is the absolute best, but the TC Electronic Flashback Triple Delay does all 3 of those really well at the same time.
Chords Of Orion yeh that would sound cool. Cheers
If you want a looper as well would it best to buy the looper sperately or buy one of those delay looper pedals
Depends on what you are looking to do with a looper. If you want a lot of flexibility to create verse/chorus, multiple tracks, etc. then a dedicated loop pedal. If you are looking to do simple "Frippertronics" style loop layering, then something like an El Capistan works.
I’m very interested in the pink panther delay pedal. Any thoughts? Tempo switch is important for me but the flashback don’t have. I like the mini flashback and price expect I’m not into the print feature and not sure how many delays or which type it comes with.
I can highly recommended the TC electronic flashback delay (not the mini). From the 1st day I really love this pedal. Awesome flexible (many different sounds) and really affordable. I play rock till hard rock/metal and use it for solos or clean parts. Therefore I can not imagine another delay pedal as the flashback :-)
very well explained, than you
am looking for cheap delays to play Time and Numb solos which I guess look for delay times from 350 to 600 ms. Any recommos..?Thanks
Really good vid, cheers mate
Well maybe a old green line 6 or Roland boss a dd 3 or dd 5 you can always find them at the used or sale at Guitar center or sam ash music
Great suggestion!
Bill, what´s your favorite?. Thanks in advance.
As always great content, but my question or request is can you ambient on a Zoom G1on? Maybe a demo? Please....
I know this is gonna be very informative and help me in my decision but I also know that the Walrus Audio ARP-87 looks absolutely beautiful and isn't that what pedals are all about? xD
Flashback 2 has now tap tempo with the lastest software update ;)
Thanks for the advice Robert.
Good considerations - thanks Bill. I'm guessing you like the TC Electronics offerings as you reference them often. I like them as well so I will likely get the Flashback 2 - nice for the money!
I do like TCE pedals, especially the Flashback Triple Delay and the Ditto X4!
@@chordsoforion Cool - thanks. Playing with the Flashback 2 now.
Terrific advice! Wish i saw this video 4 delay pedals ago
Hey Bill,
You wont believe but you actually inspired me to get into delay pedals and ambient music. It's life changing.
I need some advice, I'm confused between a TC Electronic Flashback, boss dd200, El Capistan Strymon or an EHX Grand Canyon (I like ehx because it has a looper as well or else I'll have to buy a looper separately plus it's DMM is to die for.) I somehow feel the latter two have a fuller sound.
So as a first delay pedal, which one would you recommend? @chordsoforion
Other people are welcome to pitch in as well :)
Bedroom player looking to enhance creativity, budget $200-250.
They are all great pedals. I would suggest looking at the features of each, and picking the one that has the most number of features that are important to you. For example, if your requirement is a 16 second delay, then the El Capistan is probably the best choice. Second example: if you need a phrase looper that can be combined, then the Grand Canyon is the pedal for you.
@@chordsoforion Thanks for the great tip! As much as I love tape echo - going for the canyon right now - to explore. And whenever I'm done with it - the next is going to be an El Cap! 😅
Also, any word on the grand canyon looper? Could it replace, say a, Ditto or an RC1? 🤷🏽♂️ I know ditto and RC1 well, but no one has really reviewed the Grand Canyon looper.
Thanx for the tips. I can't find a delay with the same level out left and right. Do you know any you could tell me ?
Not sure what you mean. Are you saying that you have a delay where the left output level is different from the right? All of my stereo delays are even balanced between left and right.
@@chordsoforion Yes, in double track mode there's always an output that squeeze the sound. I've tried with Memory Man, DD-7, and stucked on Fender Delay (2010) which is the the least worst to me for double tracking. Seems like Deco or 30ms are a bit better in demos but it's hard to say without trying ourselves. And they are expensive.
You are magnificent, Sir Davos!
Great video. My delay is broken... a violet delay from seven sisters (after one year) i don’t recommend it. I am looking for a dd7 now. And of course STEREO!
i have a question, do you think how is if I play bass with mirror image delay form fender?
If you like the kind of delay from the pedal, then a bass will work very well.
Thanks for the video. For me, I want to be able to have more than, one delay time in a single pedal, so I think the BOSS DD5 (?) & TC electronic flashback triple may be things I need to look at.
I hate it when things get complicated. TC Electronics Flashback 2 is an awesome pedal, but the toneprint software/editing function is a nightmare to figure out. Also adding a tap tempo switch to that pedal (which is possible) is way more complicated than it needs to be. I love that pedal for the looper and multiple functions, but I stay away from the digital "toneprint" side of things. Too confusing.
perfect video!! i don't want to be shown "THE BEST PEDAL" I want to be shown all my options! thanks
well said. that's what i'm looking for as well. and this guy delivers. thank you!
What is your opinion of the Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai?
I don't currently have an opinion, but I will soon. EHX is sending me one! Stay tuned for a demo!
Thanks man. Great video .. video .. video .. video ...
Just the two pedals I’m thinking of...tc electronic and boss dd500....still undecided....great video by the way
I run 5 delays on my full board. There is no one pedal that can replace them all.id say try to find a dual channel In the begining, or buy 2 cheap ones and learn how to dial in subdivisions....and reverse delay still sounds like crap.
yes i agree.all brands should replace that reverse with something else.its totally useless
Lol! .... you had me glued with the "100,000,000 options" line :oD
my first delay Boss DD-3, second Boss DD-7)))
Nice!
Love that Carvin! Gorgeous.
Delay noob here- I see tons of articles taking about delay times in ms, I have 2 delay pedals and both just have a time knob, so I'm just setting it by ear. Do I need a pedal/multi effects unit with a digital display for the ms thing?
Well, if you really want to dial in a specific time in milliseconds, you will need some kind of display. That being said, if you are happy with the sounds of your current delays, just estimate. For example, 250 ms is going to be 4 repeats per second. In the end, its all about the result, not the numbers.
Many thanks for the reply. I agree- if it sounds good, ergo it is.
Do you have an analog vs digital video?
In regards to delay pedals? No I don't.
Just buy them all! Lol!
But I am delay crazy... So have I three H9's/ Timefactor, TC Electronic Triple Delay and the Empress Echosystem.
Great video!
Yes! :-)
How about testing the GFI Specular Tempus? I have seen a few demos which are quite good and I am sure you would bring out the best in it, or worst!
I am happy to try it out if I can get a demo unit.
Well I took a screenshot and sent it to them. Hopefully they do. I play bass and I am wanting to get into some ambient playing, maybe eventually purchase a 6 string and get into it because it looks like a lot of fun. My 5 string will be where I start for now!
I prefer to get an effect rack and put it on top of my amp, set it and forget it. I don't like anything to be in the signal path from guitar to amp.
I enjoy your videos and demos and teaching so much! I’m really struggling to find the right delay to play nice with with my dd-3 and mxr reverb. I was looking at the grand canyon , dd-200, and FB 2X4 (my budget is $250) now I think I am going with flashback 2x4! It ticks all the boxes.
Sounds like a plan!
Hi Bill....What are you running for your stereo set up or are you using 2 guitar amplifiers or are you using a PA and studio monitors type of set up
I use a rack mounted amp modeler - The Avid Eleven Rack. It has a stereo effects loop, so I run all delays and reverbs there. I then run the Eleven Rack stereo outputs direct into my recording interface.
so great
Thanks for the advice. I love that guitar.
great video. thank you very much
You are welcome!
0:18 what pedal is that
The distortion? Strymon Riverside.
hey mister "Orion", =)
I was just wondering if I can do the same 7 second endless delay (without falling in self-oscillation) with the TC Mini delay as I can do it with the big TRIPLE Delay? I know you know the trick with the Triple delay and the "loop" function (love this) - now I am wondering if I can do the same with (at the the end for stereo) 2x TC MINI delay?
or dies it behave different, if I toneprinted it to the 7 second mood?
would be stunning if you could check this out :)
thanx and lots of love from berlin
Hey there! I checked the manual for the Mini and it does not appear to support buffered bypass, which is what you would need on the "drone" Mini to use the same technique. You however, combine a mini and a Flashback 2 which does have buffered bypass.