Delay for live use - what features?

[ericw]

I'm looking to get a delay for live use with the originals band. I think I'll use it mostly on the softer/slower/spacey type songs. Just not sure what features I'll really want.

I figure tap tempo is a must. Assume modulation would be nice for the spacy side of things? What about presets? Are they really that handy? I assume you can apply the tap tempo to the preset after you're in it?

After lots of searching I'm looking at the SMMH, T.C. Electronics Nova Repeater or Nova Delay (don't know if I really need the presets), and perhaps the Tech 21 Boost DLA w/TT.

[Deluge Of Sound]

What about the Line 6 Echo Park?

[12bass]

For me, the tap tempo, modulation, and presets of my DD-20 are all useful features. I have a couple of modulated delays as well as a leslie and chorus sound in the presets. The TimeBender is another option. IMO, presets are a good idea if regularly playing certain songs and you want to be able to call up the delay sound on the fly.

[bigchiefbc]

It really does depend on what you're using the delay for. If you're using it for noisy freak-outs or for short slapback/reverby delays, then tap tempo and presets are not necessary. However, if you're using longer delay times for rhythmic purposes within a song structure, I couldn't imagine making due without either tap tempo or presets. I currently use a Boss DD-20, and LOVE having the 4 presets (and I use all 4 of the slots).

Tap tempo is important when you have to follow a drummer that may not always play at exactly the same tempo each time you play a song. However, if YOU're leading the song, and then the drummer comes in after you, then presets are all you need, and the drummer can fall in to the tempo you set.

[bongomania]

For me, I like to use delay in one of two modes: tape-echo dub, or short sample playback. So for the former, the most important features are modulation and "trails" (where the delay keeps echoing after you hit bypass). For the latter, start/stop record buttons, modulation, and tap tempo are useful.

[Pandafist]

I typically use one with TT for rhythmic stuff (SMMH) and one for more of a reverb type effect when playing certain leads or spacey sections (616)

At least that's my gig board. When recording I use a mooger or RE-201 in place of the 616.

Reverb on bass is bullsh-it

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by Pandafist

Reverb on bass is bullsh-it

Tell that to the Cocteau Twins and Angelo Badalamenti.

[GrowlerBox]

I really like the TCE Nova Delay -- very tweakable, and the continuous tape-to-digital adjustment provides nice variation. The 3 "mod style" effects are extremely subtle, at least for bass and/or my setup. A very usable feature, especially on bass, is the dynamic delay, which helps keep you from getting lost in your own mix, as it were. It also "trails" nicely, and in addition to the usual tap tempo feature, allows you to set the tempo by plucking a string while you hold down the button (also mutes output). Dead easy to use in real life. Not true bypass, but has a very good buffer and switches silently. I understand some of you state-siders have had problems with customer service, but no such problems in NZ through Trueman Pedals (no affiliation, just had some good service!).

[skulletwhip]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Tell that to the Cocteau Twins and Angelo Badalamenti.

+5. Or ISIS, or Mr. Bungle(California has a ton of spring reverb bass parts).

As far as the delay question, I use two live. I use a simple Boss for a set delay, and an Akai Headrush for etherything from looping to short slap backs to long ass echos. I plan on adding an analog delay soon for noise stuff.

[behndy]

have you thought about a Line6 DL4? they should be a bit cheaper now that the M9 has that jammed in it.

i have one laying around that i haven't used in forever, i just use it for a looper sometimes, but it's a good pedal. kinda gives you all those options. only thing i'm not a fan of is the size.

sigh. still looking for the perfect looper. durn it.

[Taylor Livingston]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Tell that to Angelo Badalamenti.

I can imagine his reaction now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWWO3_v9kz8#t=4m53s

[savinggrace]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Tell that to the Cocteau Twins and Angelo Badalamenti.

+6!!!

I have how many reverbs on my boards? Lets see..

1?

no, no

2?

No, thats not right either..

3! Yes that is correct. # on my board. Technically, with the "Favorite" switch on the Strymon, I have access to 4 reverbs. People LOVE my sound live. And my band will be recording soon...

I have 1 Delay pedal though. Its all sorts of backwards...

[champbassist]

Originally Posted by skulletwhip

+5. Or ISIS

I love Jeff Caxide's reverby goodness too, but, even so, don't you think getting reverb to come out live is a tricky job?

[savinggrace]

Originally Posted by champbassist

I love Jeff Caxide's reverby goodness too, but, even so, don't you think getting reverb to come out live is a tricky job?

It depends on the mix. My band has no guitarist and the synth playing is minimum. The violin and horn do not cover up any of the reverb (even when they are using reverb as well).

The drums do not get in the way. I keep the reverb in the lower registers at a less affected setting compared to the mids and the highs.

[Anarchyok]

I've used a Boss DD20, T-Rex Replica and a TC Nova Delay, all of which have tap tempo and other features you've mentioned. The T-Rex sounded amazing, but lack of presets meant I've got the TC Nova, which is for me the best of the 3. Its delay is more present than the Replica's, but perhaps not as analogue sounding. The Boss was great, but tap tempo was more difficult to access than the other 2, as the switch shared duties with changing patches. The TC and T-Rex have a dedicated tap tempo switch than can be used at any time. For me, it was TC > T-Rex > Boss...

[mccartneyman]

The TC Electronic Nova Repeater has possibilities for bass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi7zJxcqbZM

[champbassist]

Originally Posted by savinggrace

It depends on the mix. My band has no guitarist and the synth playing is minimum. The violin and horn do not cover up any of the reverb (even when they are using reverb as well).

The drums do not get in the way. I keep the reverb in the lower registers at a less affected setting compared to the mids and the highs.

True that. But in a usual setup (drums+guitars+vocals) I've found it terribly difficult to get reverb to cut through the mix when all other instruments are playing at usual volume

[bigchiefbc]

Originally Posted by champbassist

True that. But in a usual setup (drums+guitars+vocals) I've found it terribly difficult to get reverb to cut through the mix when all other instruments are playing at usual volume

Well, you're not gonna hear much of any effect on your bass if the guitarist has a really distorted tone going on. But in the clean sections, it sticks out fantastically in my experience.

[ericw]

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

The TC Electronic Nova Repeater has possibilities for bass.
]

Originally Posted by Anarchyok

...lack of presets meant I've got the TC Nova, which is for me the best of the 3...

Yeh I was considering the Repeater but I think I'm gonna go with the Nova Delay. Consensus seems to be that presets are pretty handy and I can see myself using them.

[champbassist]

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

Well, you're not gonna hear much of any effect on your bass if the guitarist has a really distorted tone going on. But in the clean sections, it sticks out fantastically in my experience.

Then again, you're a veteran and a genius (no sarcasm intended).