Thoughts on delay for bass

[Laklandfan]

I've been using a chorus for awhile to try to "widen" my sound for awhile, especially in trios, but I'd prefer to not have that detuned signal making it warbly. I've been thinking about using a tight delay since it wouldn't be detuned at all, but I don't want the normal echo/slapback. I think Alex Lifeson did the same thing on Limelight, I was wondering if anyone has used delay like this and what pedals seemed to work well.

 

[Real Soon]

There's options for sure. What might serve you well is a delay with a tone control or tilt EQ where you can roll off the bottom end a bit, but beyond that, just about any decent one can get the "double-track" kind of short delay. Any analog one will, and any digital one that doesn't step its delay times.

Honestly, it might be easier to find some candidates in your budget, with features you think you might like, and fire 'em off here for thoughts.

 

[Killing Floor]

I use delay. Not always-on like I'd do with slap back on guitar. But an accent. I prefer a little warble in my delay. Go experiment and find what you like.

 

[Laklandfan]

There's options for sure. What might serve you well is a delay with a tone control or tilt EQ where you can roll off the bottom end a bit, but beyond that, just about any decent one can get the "double-track" kind of short delay. Any analog one will, and any digital one that doesn't step its delay times.

Honestly, it might be easier to find some candidates in your budget, with features you think you might like, and fire 'em off here for thoughts.

Looks like carbon copy, boss dd3, and aqua puss are all about the same price. I like the way huge aqua because of the top jacks.

 

[Real Soon]

Looks like carbon copy, boss dd3, and aqua puss are all about the same price. I like the way huge aqua because of the top jacks.

Of those, the Aqua Puss and Carbon Copy start at 20ms, which I personally think would nail a tightly doubled sound, but the DD-3 dials down to 12.5ms, insanely short. At this point, it's personal taste about the clean, full-range digital sound vs the very slightly dirtier analog bucket-brigade delay, but I'm thinking the analog, which starts rolling down highs/lows a bit, is damn good on bass for this kind of thing. Don't pull the trigger on my word though! Should be a ton of Aqua Puss demos out there for you.

 

[bassbrad]

I prefer to use reverb to add ambience or air while using delay as a specific effect.

 

[RamblinRambutan]

patrick o' hearn with zappa - he used a digital delay with fretless p

 

[Auspuff]

I've been using a chorus for awhile to try to "widen" my sound for awhile, especially in trios, but I'd prefer to not have that detuned signal making it warbly. I've been thinking about using a tight delay since it wouldn't be detuned at all, but I don't want the normal echo/slapback. I think Alex Lifeson did the same thing on Limelight, I was wondering if anyone has used delay like this and what pedals seemed to work well.

Lots of versatility, here.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I've been using a chorus for awhile to try to "widen" my sound for awhile, especially in trios, but I'd prefer to not have that detuned signal making it warbly. I've been thinking about using a tight delay since it wouldn't be detuned at all, but I don't want the normal echo/slapback. I think Alex Lifeson did the same thing on Limelight, I was wondering if anyone has used delay like this and what pedals seemed to work well.

I've been playing with this on a multi FX. I'm getting close w/ delays < 300 ms and 17-20% feedback (delay response level). This makes sense as it's a great approach to adding depth to vocals / FOH. If you wanna be really clever, add a reverb to the backside to soften the response.

Riis

 

[ahbradot]

Strymon Bigsky Reverb Effect Pedal is my favorite (to "widen" soundscape).

 

[burgerdj]

I've used delay (carbon copy bright) sparingly in recording environments but it did not translate well in a live situation at all - just turned everything to indiscernible mud. It was okay as an effect, but to broaden the sound I found eq and cone area to be the answer I was seeking.
I also use the MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe, which has a great crossover function that helps to limit the warble.

 

[JimmyM]

I've tried it but it always throws me off. I hear that delay and I'm thinking how it sounds like a drunk bass player screwing up.

 

[Nev375]

A reverb that rolls the low end off is what it sounds like you are wanting.

Iron Ether Nimbus is a popular reverb here.
I think the Caline Snake Bite might also be a budget option.

 

[ItsmeSantiago]

I use an MXR Reverb and the Mod setting has the perfect ambient sound without all the warble. I don't think I'll ever go back to a modulation pedal after getting this.

 

[gln1955]

I've tried it but it always throws me off. I hear that delay and I'm thinking how it sounds like a drunk bass player screwing up.

I get that effect going straight from my bass to amp.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Specifically for the "doubling" effect, I've wondered about the Mimiq, but I have yet to try one.

 

[lucas303]

I absolutely love the Empress Echosystem but it might be a bit of overkill for you. If you want to go hog wild with delay, though, it's worth considering.

 

[mobeme23]

Earthquaker devices makes a cool pedal called dispatch master which does simple reverb and delay. That might scratch your itch for more depth.

I have their larger Avalanche run reverb/delay unit, but was thinking of picking up a dispatch master at some point to compare.

 

[eliascalles]

DOD rubberneck. Great sounding analog delay w modulation and tone/drive on the repeats, tap tempo, a couple of quirky but fun features ( pitch up or down the repeats, sell oscillation/ auto feedback) and an fx loop onboard for the repeats.

 

[Killing Floor]

I've been goofing around with this a lot lately. May stick it on my board. I like a little sway and warble sometimes.