MXR Carbon Copy died - repair, replace...

[MatchlessMan]

I have been happily using my MXR Carbon Copy analog delay since May 2009, until this evening when it died while I was practising. The mod LED still lights but there is no sound, and by the feel of the footswitch I think it has failed. It seems to be a DPDT switch, and it is soldered directly to the main board. Although it could be an easy fix, I would have to find a replacement with the exact size body and same pin orientation. Also the board is crammed with surface-mount components and fine traces, so it would be easy to mess it up whilst extracting the old switch. I think the best that I can hope for is to re-house the guts in a slightly wider enclosure and fit a bigger footswitch next to the board.

So... time for a new analog delay. My requirements are:

• True analog pedal - I pretty much know which ones are not!
• Small footprint - no more than 30% bigger than a Boss single pedal in width or length
• Delay time up to about 600ms - I have a DM3 solely for slap-back duties
• Delay time control capable of toe adjustment - even if this means changing the knob!

Modulation is not a deal-breaker, but I did like it on the CC.

The options I am looking at are -
Another Carbon Copy
Malekko Ekko 616 - can be had for less than a CC
Vox Double Deca - retail price has just dropped 40%!
Way Huge Echo Puss - although I had an Aqua Puss once and found it just too wet
Seymour Duncan Vapor Trails

Has anyone owned 2 or more of the above? I am looking for comparison, not just how much you like the pedal you have.

Off y'all go...

 

[xmugmugmugx]

The Seymour Duncan vapor trails is supposed to be the carbon copy killer. Plus it has that sweet effects loop that you can use to put an effect on the repeats, something the other options don't have. Plus at the same price as as new carbon copy it's a win win. Also has adjustable modulation accessible without opening the portal.

 

[Jimmy Dean]

I had the Carbon Copy on my board for about 24 hrs & hated it. Took it back & got the Malekko 616. I was much happier with the 616 & used it for about a year. Traded it for the Belle Epoch ($200) & 2 weeks later bought the Echorec ($230) & have been using both for 2 years now with no plans to replace either. I also use the Mojo Hand Mirror Ball ($199) with my bass & a Subdecay Anamnesis Echo ($179) with my vocal setup & am very happy with both. If you are willing to spend a little extra cash you can get something that sounds way better than the CC.

 

[h2ocreeker]

Call the company and send it back. Mine died a few years ago. I sent it back, they fixed it fast and it has worked great since.

 

[h2ocreeker]

I see you are in the UK. The distributor should help you out.

 

[Hollandcaster]

a DM-2W to add on your list?

 

[simonsp]

I havn't had two of the above but I had the Malekko Ekko 616 for a while. The repeats were very nice, quite dark, but I found that it tipped over into oscillation too early for my taste. Also, the modulation, while a nice sound, got crazy real early on the pot and that, tied to the pot being so small, made it hard to hit the sweet spot.

 

[bennyfreedom]

That's so weird. Mine did the exact same thing at practice last night. Used it on Saturday and it was fine. Last night the mod light came on but no light for when the switch is engaged and almost total loss of signal. I was about to post the same thing, asking if is worth repairing? I'm going to check with my local tech and see what he says. Hopefully I won't have to send it back to the manufacturer or replace it completely. Weird coincidence tho.

 

[MatchlessMan]

The Seymour Duncan vapor trails is supposed to be the carbon copy killer.

...but the location of the output socket does not suit my pedalboard layout!

Call the company and send it back. Mine died a few years ago. I sent it back, they fixed it fast and it has worked great since.

I see you are in the UK. The distributor should help you out.

Hmm, I might see what MXR's UK distributor can do. My consumer rights are long expired, but even a new footswitch at cost would be worthwhile!

a DM-2W to add on your list?

Good call, I'd forgotten about that, however I'm not sure whether I want a clearer long delay - I rather like murky.

I had the Carbon Copy on my board for about 24 hrs & hated it. Took it back & got the Malekko 616. I was much happier with the 616 & used it for about a year.

I havn't had two of the above but I had the Malekko Ekko 616 for a while. The repeats were very nice, quite dark, but I found that it tipped over into oscillation too early for my taste. Also, the modulation, while a nice sound, got crazy real early on the pot and that, tied to the pot being so small, made it hard to hit the sweet spot.

Most likely going to go for the Malekko 616. The current version has been tweaked to make the modulation range more usable.

That's so weird. Mine did the exact same thing at practice last night.

Yup, weird. Then again there must be a lot of CCs in the world...

Thanks for all your responses guys!

 

[Pepi]

That's so weird. Mine did the exact same thing at practice last night. Used it on Saturday and it was fine. Last night the mod light came on but no light for when the switch is engaged and almost total loss of signal. I was about to post the same thing, asking if is worth repairing? I'm going to check with my local tech and see what he says. Hopefully I won't have to send it back to the manufacturer or replace it completely. Weird coincidence tho.

North Korea

 

[MatchlessMan]

Well, just pulled the trigger on a Malekko 616. It is the MkII with toned-down modulation and internal gain trim. If I can fix the Carbon Copy too, so much the better!

 

[CAAD8N8]

I love my 616. Great sounding analog delay with or without modulation. Yea, it has a small sweet spot, but it's pretty sweet!

 

[BillNeaves]

I recently sent my CC back to MXR for repair. They were GREAT to work with and had it fixed and shipped back to me in about 10 days. I was very pleased and impressed with their customer service!

 

[MatchlessMan]

UK distributor is Westside. I'll drop them a line, but I'll do a few checks on the pedal first to ensure it is a switch failure.

 

[bennyfreedom]

After talking to my local tech, I'm sending my back to MXR. From what I've read on-line, it sounds like they'll make it right.

 

[losrogers]

If you can live without modulation, consider looking at Maxon AD10. Great sounding, warm analog delay. Blends beautifully with OD or clean signal. I use mine in front of a DRRI or Blues Junior. Excellent build quality, of course. I sold my CC and prefer Maxon any day.

Edit: sorry I missed the post about pulling the trigger.
OP enjoy your new delay!

 

[k tone]

I love my 616. Great sounding analog delay with or without modulation. Yea, it has a small sweet spot, but it's pretty sweet!

I preferred the CC and dumped my 616. I found that the 616 repeats degraded in a less pleasing way than the warm repeats of the CC.

 

[MatchlessMan]

If you can live without modulation, consider looking at Maxon AD10. Great sounding, warm analog delay. Blends beautifully with OD or clean signal. I use mine in front of a DRRI or Blues Junior. Excellent build quality, of course. I sold my CC and prefer Maxon any day.

Edit: sorry I missed the post about pulling the trigger.
OP enjoy your new delay!

Yes I looked at that but it's a but pricey over here. I have an AD999 on my other board, and that is lovely.

I preferred the CC and dumped my 616. I found that the 616 repeats degraded in a less pleasing way than the warm repeats of the CC.

In what way less pleasing? Staying brighter/clearer for longer?

 

[dog fart]

North Korea

Then it's time for a little pay back! My dad always said an eye for an eye!

I'm really happy with my Catalinbread Echorec. This coming from a guy whose been glued to his DM-2 for 30+ years now.

 

[k tone]

In what way less pleasing? Staying brighter/clearer for longer?

I found that the repeats degraded into mush quicker than the CC. I know that analog delay is supposed to degrade but the 616 was to much for me. I have a Mem Toy that I prefer more than the 616 as well (and my big box Deluxe Memory Man goes without saying).