Compact/Cheap Delay/Looper

Surprise Panda! · #1 08-27-2009, 07:45 PM

Hey guys!

I'm getting a delay/looper soon but I'm still undecided on which one to get. I'm thinking of either the Hardwire DL-8 or the DD-7. I've searched for threads and cannot find that many things on what good compact cheap delay and looper to get. I like going crazy with delays and such, and I'm wondering which one would be better. I've heard the DL-8 better emulates the things like analog and its other settings.

I'm mostly getting it for the looper, but I would REALLY like a delay, and I don't want to but two separate pedals.

Which one would be a better sounding looper, too?

Thanks,

-PANDA

Surprise Panda! · #2 08-28-2009, 08:37 AM

Bump...

Din Of Win · #3 08-28-2009, 11:53 AM

I was using a Line6 DL-4 for a long while, but i was never really happy with it. A few months ago i picked up an Akai Headrush E2 and love it. Super easy to use.

However, neither are really compact...

I have used a DD-7, but it wasn't my thing i guess at the time i tried it. If you want more of a looper, why not a Boss RC-2?

I have no experience with the Hardwire DL-8... so no input on that one.

afroman · #4 08-28-2009, 11:59 AM

I own an MXR Carbon Copy and used to have a Hardwire DL8.
I still regret selling it and plan to get another one soon enough.

I kept the Carbon Copy because it had awesome oscillations and was simple and compact. The Hardwire sounded just as good, was more versatile and has the tap tempo and loop functions. It is a little bigger than a regular Boss pedal but I felt it sounded great and it had a switch for On/Off trails which was a big plus.
It doesn't do crazy oscillation and weird sounds though, a real shame.

Why I sold it???
I wanted to have it in Tap Tempo mode, but going in and out of TT mode requires you step for 2seconds on the pedal. This made it impossible to just turn on/off for really fast transitions in songs.

I now figured I would put the Hardwire in a simple true-bypass loop and use that to turn in ON/OFF the signal chain while always having the pedal in TT mode.

Well, you live and u learn. I highly recommend it anyways.

PS. If you dont need the TapTempo mode, get a Carbon Copy. Really.

SG-Jazz · #5 08-28-2009, 12:25 PM

FYI, The dd-7 can loop up to 45 seconds where as the dl-8 can only do 20 seconds.

Surprise Panda! · #6 08-28-2009, 03:48 PM

I'm now looking at the Stereo Memory Man, how's that?

I'd be going eBay by the way. Compact isn't really a problem really, but I don't want the Akai Headrush, I haven't read the best of reviews.

afroman · #7 08-28-2009, 04:09 PM

The SMM is highly regarded as a good all around delay plus is does have tap tempo and looping function while being in the EHX XO chassis. Not as compact as a Boos/Digitech but not as big as the Line6 or Akai.

I think it would be a good alternative and affordable too.

RickenBoogie · #8 08-28-2009, 04:33 PM

+1 the SMMw/H also gives you a full 30 seconds of loop time, but no stacking. The delay's are awesome, and the modulation mode sounds alot like a stereo electric mistress.

Surprise Panda! · #9 08-28-2009, 06:25 PM

Does it oscillate?

jumbo_steelie · #10 08-28-2009, 07:16 PM

I've had a used headrush E1 for awhile now with no problems. The delay sounds great, nice tape emulation. but I mainly use it as a looper and it couldn't be easier to program. It's a must for when me and buds get together for some space jams.....

singlemalt · #11 12-10-2009, 03:32 PM

Akai headrush E2, the delays are very cool and the looper is pretty nice too.