Digital Delay Pedal Question + Suggestions

[excane]

I am looking for a few suggestions to check out for a delay pedal.

I am specifically looking for a digital delay with true bypass and (if possible) an expression pedal jack. The reason is a I need a crisp and bright delay as opposed to the warmer analog delays.

Any recommendations?


EDIT: The only one that comes to mind currently is the Eventide (way too much for what I need)

[bigchiefbc]

There are quite a few that are true bypass, such as the Hardwire DL-8, Subdecay Echobox, and more I'm sure. If you want to add in an expression jack, though, that thins it down a bit. The other ones I know of are just as "too much" as the Eventide, which are the Echolution and the SuperDelay

[excane]

Thanks. I was thinking about the hardwire delay, but I wasn't aware that the empress IS a digital? I always thought it was analog.

[whoatherechunk]

i thought the echobox was analog.

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

There are quite a few that are true bypass, such as the Hardwire DL-8, Subdecay Echobox, and more I'm sure. If you want to add in an expression jack, though, that thins it down a bit. The other ones I know of are just as "too much" as the Eventide, which are the Echolution and the SuperDelay

[bigchiefbc]

Originally Posted by excane

Thanks. I was thinking about the hardwire delay, but I wasn't aware that the empress IS a digital? I always thought it was analog.

The Superdelay is definitely digital. It has a bunch of modes that are impossible with analog delays (13 second looper, reverse mode, auto-sensing tempo, etc)

[bigchiefbc]

Originally Posted by whoatherechunk

i thought the echobox was analog.

Nope, its digital. From its manual:

"The Echo Box is a uniquely voiced modulated digital delay effect."

[Jared Lash]

BigChief beat me to it but yes both the Empress and Subdecay are digital.

I also can't think of any other TBP, digital delays with an expression pedal input outside of the Eventide, Pigtronix and Empress.

That said, the Empress is the clearest digital delay I've used. When I want warmth I run it on tape mode with the LP filter on, but in general it is very crisp.

[JanusZarate]

Any particular reason for wanting true bypass?

I wouldn't rule out your non-TBP options just yet. The Boss DD-6 and DD-7, for example, are excellent crisp, clear digital delays. I think the DD-7 has an expression jack for something... I can't recall at the moment.

The EHX Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai, is not true bypass (IIRC), but you wouldn't even know it. No expression jack, but it can do crisp and clean as well as other styles of delay, and it has plenty of cool features.

[newbold]

my 'money's no object' top 3 are the Echolution, Super Delay, and Time Factor.

Realistically, a used Boss DD-20 should do everything you would ever need, but i don't know if it's true bypass.

Avoid the Line6 DL4. You'll be disappointed if you've ever really played any decent delay units. It doesn't flatter your rig at all. It sounds like a toy/effect rather than a tool.

[excane]

I own a DD-3, and have used it for many years. I currently don't use delay that much to the point of needing something like a DD-20 or Empress, etc.

I am building a new board, with more guitar needs in mind (while I use my current board for both), this new board needs to have a little more flexibility.
The reason for true-bypass is some of the pedals (delay included) will not be placed in my true-bypass looper.
(I know all about the truths and myths of true-bypass, etc, etc...)

[afroman]

Originally Posted by excane

I am looking for a few suggestions to check out for a delay pedal.

I am specifically looking for a digital delay with true bypass and (if possible) an expression pedal jack. The reason is a I need a crisp and bright delay as opposed to the warmer analog delays.

Any recommendations?


EDIT: The only one that comes to mind currently is the Eventide (way too much for what I need)

Don't know how long ago this was posted but,

The Subdecay Echobox is really popular around here. With that said I can recommend the Hardwire DL8. It has a lot of sounds and features including tap tempo, looper and it is true bypass. It also has a Trails On/Off Switch.

I sold mine but I'm looking to get one again. Go figure.

[excane]

The hardwire is the one I'm leaning towards. It looks like everything I need for a delay pedal.

[Deluge Of Sound]

Space Echo?

[SteveMcB]

Space Echo?

Cool pedal no doubt, but not sure this is the best solution for the OP's needs...
True bypass? Nope
Crisp digital? Nope (digital but designed to emulate analog)
Does have an expression pedal jack though...

I don't have a lot to offer in alternatives though. My favoured delays (Ibanez AD99 and Akai Headrush E2) don't fulfil the OP's criteria at all.

I'd say a DD7 and a home-made TBP loop if you feel that's necessary at the lower-cost end.

Steve

[excane]

Originally Posted by SteveMcB

Cool pedal no doubt, but not sure this is the best solution for the OP's needs...
True bypass? Nope
Crisp digital? Nope (digital but designed to emulate analog)
Does have an expression pedal jack though...

I don't have a lot to offer in alternatives though. My favoured delays (Ibanez AD99 and Akai Headrush E2) don't fulfil the OP's criteria at all.

I'd say a DD7 and a home-made TBP loop if you feel that's necessary at the lower-cost end.

Steve

Thanks for the input. Money is not an issue, it's just finding the best pedal for my needs. I really like like my DD-3 and it has suited me well for years, but I would like to try something different since owning 2 of the same pedal is a little redundant (to me anyway)

There are only 2 of the same pedals going on my new board, the fulltone bassdrive (I have not found an overdrive as sweet sounding and versatile as the fulltone yet) and the depth charge.

I may very well end up going with one of the Boss models, even though it's not TB, but the hardwire looks like everything I loved from the DD3 but the addition of TB.