Tap Delay

doomdude · #1 03-27-2012, 12:44 PM

So I'm looking to get a delay pedal! I'm just wondering how important it is for bassists to have a tap tempo function with their delay. I can imagine things getting a bit...crazy if the time on the delay is not synced with the tempo of the song.

Also, just in case you were interested, I'm looking at both the TC flashback and Nova repeater. I think I've seen some boards with both on, and with regards to the flashback, it must be manageable to have a non-tap delay, right? (I know it has the audio tapping thing, but it's not the easiest thing to access in the middle of the song)

So guys...to tap or not to tap?

mmbongo · #2 03-27-2012, 01:53 PM

I don't tap, just wanted to say I LOVE my Flashback. Such a killer pedal!

sillyfabe · #3 03-27-2012, 02:08 PM

I find it easier to have tap-tempo and both of my delays (Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. and Roland RE-20 Space Echo). The D.L.A. has a soft switch and the RE-20 is a twin-switch like the DD-20. Both AMAZING DELAYS!

marijn van gils · #4 03-28-2012, 06:58 AM

If you're using delay in a rythmic way, I feel you really need tap-tempo, unless of course your band is able to keep tempo 100% (I haven't been in a band like that yet).

I sold my previous delay because it didn't have it and I felt the need for it strongly. I bought the Nova Repeater and have been very happy with it.

Grrface · #5 03-28-2012, 07:19 AM

I have a flashback on my board, and I either tap while the drummer is clicking in or before the song, it's not too bad. I would like a dedicated tap, but with all the other crazy features they've stuffed into that tiny thing, I feel pretty set for the moment.

marijn van gils · #6 03-28-2012, 09:01 AM

I agree the flasback is a lot of pedal for the money and especially the size.
I'm glad though to have a dedicated tap switch, which I have used many times when the band speeds up or slows down during a song live.
This is in my opinion the main extra feature you get from a Nova Repeater, for not too much extra $. But of course it is a bit larger (not too large though, certainly compared to most other tap-tempo delays) and less cool looking.

doomdude · #7 03-28-2012, 03:25 PM

The nova repeater requires a 12v adapter, which is a bit annoying, just come across the DD-20 thanks to sillyfabe...how is that delay?

sillyfabe · #8 03-28-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomdude

The nova repeater requires a 12v adapter, which is a bit annoying, just come across the DD-20 thanks to sillyfabe...how is that delay?

DD-20? from me? nope! BUT I have played with one before and it's a mighty fine pedal but I would rather have a REALLY dirty delay like the RE-20. But to each their own

jmattbassplaya · #9 03-28-2012, 08:29 PM

I highly recommend getting a tap. To me, it's invaluable with bass. Guitars can somewhat get away with their tempo being slightly off, but for bass you need to retain that strong rhythmic presence. I use a Boss DD-7 with tap extension and love it.

EskimoBassist · #10 03-29-2012, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomdude

The nova repeater requires a 12v adapter, which is a bit annoying

It runs at 9v as well, it's just if you are driving the input stage quite heavily they recommend to use the supplied 12v adapter to get a little more headroom. So as long as you're not boosting the crap out of it, it'll be fine @ 9v.

SoonerMatt · #11 03-29-2012, 07:54 AM

I never saw what the big deal was until I tried it. Now it's a requirement.

doomdude · #12 03-29-2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sillyfabe

I find it easier to have tap-tempo and both of my delays (Tech 21 Boost D.L.A. and Roland RE-20 Space Echo). The D.L.A. has a soft switch and the RE-20 is a twin-switch like the DD-20. Both AMAZING DELAYS!

I'd never heard of any of those before and so looked them up! Do quite like the look of the the DD-20 actually!

Also, I think that I do run quite a hot signal. I'm running an active Sterling Stingray into a Sansamp Deluxe BDDI, Whatever delay I get should be running in its FX loop. So I -think- I would probably need the extra headroom. Any other decent tap delays out there that people will recommend?

RPSully · #13 03-29-2012, 11:53 AM

Nova Delay, not Nova Repeater. Way better than the DD-20, IMO. You will not regret it.

marijn van gils · #14 04-02-2012, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EskimoBassist

It runs at 9v as well, it's just if you are driving the input stage quite heavily they recommend to use the supplied 12v adapter to get a little more headroom. So as long as you're not boosting the crap out of it, it'll be fine @ 9v.

That's correct!
The Nova Reapeater draws a lot of mA though, too much for my Voodoolab Pedal Power II, so I have to use the wallwart anyway. Not really a problem for me since I have a powerstrip attached to my pedalboard, and the great features/quality/size/cost-ratio of the pedal far outweighs it anyway in my opinion, but YMMV.

Nova Delay has even more features and is absolutely great, but is more expensive. I don't need the extra features and therefore opted for the Repeater, but again YMMV.

G3Mitch · #15 04-02-2012, 02:30 AM

I use the line-6 DL4, and its tap tempo is extremely useful. Depending on what your doing of course, I would say tap tempo's are more necessary for bass than guitar.