Delays, what's the difference?

Axis29 · March 9th, 2007, 09:29 AM

Having not been a gigantic effects kinda guy, I've owned one delay over the years. And a multiple effects box thingy too. I used it a little and it sat for a long time. Now I'm thinking of getting another, but only for some slap back stuff and some simple effects. The first one I bought because I wanted something I could lay down a rythm track and play on top of. It was a 2 second delay... very short songs! But, I don't really need that now.

What's the difference between the different types of delays. I mean what's the difference between digital and analog? Is there an easy answer to this one?

Thanks guys,

SixStringSlinger · March 9th, 2007, 10:49 AM

There really is n absolute answer, because you'll always find one that sounds like the other. so I'm just talking stereotypes here. Analogs tend to sound "warmer." I really don't know what else to say about that. I've also heard that as the repeats fade away they tend to lose some treble, and some people find this desirable. Digital delays, on the other hand, are usually called "colder" or more "mechanical." Kinda negative though. I have a BOSS DD-6 (digital) and it sounds great. I suppose it's because they create clearer reproductions than old-school tape delays, but I don't really kow. Maybe someone else can fill you in. Anyway, the point is, to each his own. Just go to your favorite store, find a little corner where no one will bother you and try out a few of each type.

FrankB · March 9th, 2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SixStringSlinger

There really is n absolute answer, because you'll always find one that sounds like the other. so I'm just talking stereotypes here. Analogs tend to sound "warmer." I really don't know what else to say about that. I've also heard that as the repeats fade away they tend to lose some treble, and some people find this desirable. Digital delays, on the other hand, are usually called "colder" or more "mechanical." Kinda negative though. I have a BOSS DD-6 (digital) and it sounds great. I suppose it's because they create clearer reproductions than old-school tape delays, but I don't really kow. Maybe someone else can fill you in. Anyway, the point is, to each his own. Just go to your favorite store, find a little corner where no one will bother you and try out a few of each type.

Great points 6stringerslinger,
to ad to your points, some people would rather have something more compact to carry, ie; weight, size portability for instance. I use a digitech that is 3 times the size of an ad9, it's heavy and clutters up my pedal board, I am currently looking for an ibanez ad80 which is the older simplified version of the ad9. nice ad small and it does the job for sure.
I'd have to suggest trying out as many as you have time for and obviously purchase the one that appeals to you

leewhit · March 9th, 2007, 06:12 PM

Digitek makes a great pedal that really does sound very much like an analog delay. It does exact repeats very well too. The price is right to boot. Check it out, I think you'll be happy with what you hear. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you decide on and why.

SixStringSlinger · March 9th, 2007, 06:30 PM

Thanks for the kind words Frank. Just wanted to add that most of what I said was pretty much "conventional wisdom," plus a tad of speculation. I don't know much about delays, I just tried out the DD-6, liked it and got it. But I do stand by my advice to try out various units of both types, 100%.

March 9th, 2007, 09:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
Axis29 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,065 1 Photos	Delays, what's the difference? Having not been a gigantic effects kinda guy, I've owned one delay over the years. And a multiple effects box thingy too. I used it a little and it sat for a long time. Now I'm thinking of getting another, but only for some slap back stuff and some simple effects. The first one I bought because I wanted something I could lay down a rythm track and play on top of. It was a 2 second delay... very short songs! But, I don't really need that now. What's the difference between the different types of delays. I mean what's the difference between digital and analog? Is there an easy answer to this one? Thanks guys, __________________ John F. TDPRI # 1764

March 9th, 2007, 06:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
leewhit Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: baltimore,md. Posts: 106	Digitek makes a great pedal that really does sound very much like an analog delay. It does exact repeats very well too. The price is right to boot. Check it out, I think you'll be happy with what you hear. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you decide on and why. __________________ leewhit

March 9th, 2007, 10:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
SixStringSlinger Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: Miami, FL Age: 21 Posts: 1,271	There really is n absolute answer, because you'll always find one that sounds like the other. so I'm just talking stereotypes here. Analogs tend to sound "warmer." I really don't know what else to say about that. I've also heard that as the repeats fade away they tend to lose some treble, and some people find this desirable. Digital delays, on the other hand, are usually called "colder" or more "mechanical." Kinda negative though. I have a BOSS DD-6 (digital) and it sounds great. I suppose it's because they create clearer reproductions than old-school tape delays, but I don't really kow. Maybe someone else can fill you in. Anyway, the point is, to each his own. Just go to your favorite store, find a little corner where no one will bother you and try out a few of each type.

March 9th, 2007, 06:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
SixStringSlinger Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: Miami, FL Age: 21 Posts: 1,271	Thanks for the kind words Frank. Just wanted to add that most of what I said was pretty much "conventional wisdom," plus a tad of speculation. I don't know much about delays, I just tried out the DD-6, liked it and got it. But I do stand by my advice to try out various units of both types, 100%.