From Effects Database:
More than 23000 guitar effects pedals from 4000 brands:
http://www.effectsdatabase.com/model/chasebliss/thermae
Showing posts with label analog delay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label analog delay. Show all posts
Thursday, January 25, 2018
NAMM 2018: Chase Bliss Audio Thermea Analog Delay/Pitch Shift
At this point, I think that the guys over at Chase Bliss are messing with us. A lot of people love their nontraditional approach to guitar effect making. Yes, some of the most interesting products from recent history have come from them, but at some point they have to cross a line. Over that line lay pedals that are overpriced, complicated, and impractical. (I'm looking at you Rainbow Maker). The Thermea from Chase Bliss flirts with that line. However, the ability to convert to an analog delay saves this particular pedal from being cast in with those pedals. While a delay that can pitch shift its repeat isn't a new idea. The Thermea seems to take that idea and do what Chase Bliss does best, lets you manipulate absolutely everything. I dig the Thermea, but at the same time I am slightly confused by it.
From Effects Database:
Release: 5/31/18.
$499.
100% analog signal path with digital control / presets / midi.
Max delay time: at least 4 seconds (it likes to be under-clocked) via 4x MN3005 chipset.
Sequence mode, step mode, or normal mode for shifting through delay time intervals.
Three modulation types with three subtypes.
Glide knob for setting transition time between pitch intervals.
Slightly resonant low pass filter for repeats.
Full ramping and expression control.
Optional trails or true bypass via dip switch.
Momentary or latching bypass via dip switch.
More than 23000 guitar effects pedals from 4000 brands:
http://www.effectsdatabase.com/model/chasebliss/thermae
From Effects Database:
More than 23000 guitar effects pedals from 4000 brands:
http://www.effectsdatabase.com/model/chasebliss/thermae
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
5 Best Pedals Of 2017
Happy 2018 everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to look back at the previous year and recognize some of the best things to happen to guitar pedals in 2017. This isn't everything that was great, nor is in any particular order. These are just the five pedal of last year that stand out the most. Starting with:
BOSS RV-500
Boss expanded their line of 500 series effects. In a somewhat predictable manner, Boss added to the well-received DD-500 with an equally impressive Reverb unit. BOSS loyalist have been long-suffering devotees to a brand that took its time to catch up, but many feel like the 500 series is BOSS's answer to Eventide and Strymon. Not only do BOSS fans have an answer to the huge do-everything-delays, but so do those that can't bring themselves to throw down the big bucks. At $350 these delays look like a bargain.
TC ElectronicFlashback II
2017 seemed like the year everyone was stepping up their delay game. TC was no different. Many love the Flashback delay, and for good reason. TC Electronic's Tone Print features are massive. How do you improve upon a pedal that you can update endlessly via a cable plugged into your computer? More functionality. Somehow TC crammed, even more, features into their Flashback II. The Smash feature is, for the most part, unprecedented. Now you can have an expression pedal built into your compact pedal. The Flashback II is a solid win.
Wampler Deluxe Tumnus
Wampler stepped up their game with the Deluxe Tumnus. Despite its recent release, it has taken over pedalboard everywhere. I follow tons of guitarist and guitar pages and it seems like nearly all the boards posted on the internet in the last few months have a Deluxe Tumnus on them. The Klone Wars may be over. Many guitarists want more out of their light overdrives, and the Deluxe Tumnus delivers.
EHX Green Russian OD
For the last few years, EHX has been the go-to place when looking for inexpensive pedals that deliver (especially if those pedals have a striking resemblance to another, rather iconic, pedal). Stopping short of making a re-issue, EHX opted to release a clone of an EHX classic. The Green Russian Big Muff is a copy of the Russian made Big Muff Pi. This isn't an original idea, but it's cool to see EHX reaching back to their roots. It doesn't hurt that it is inexpensive and compact.
MXR Carbin Copy Deluxe
I'll be honest. I've never really seen what was so special about the carbon copy. Analog delays are nice, but I've always like the expanded capabilities of digital delays. Not until I owned a Carbon Copy did I understand that it has a sound all of its own. The worst thing you can say about that pedal is that it is limited. The Carbon Copy does away with that complaint. The Deluxe is an improvement on the original in every way. This is a textbook example of how you update a fantastic original.
BOSS RV-500
Boss expanded their line of 500 series effects. In a somewhat predictable manner, Boss added to the well-received DD-500 with an equally impressive Reverb unit. BOSS loyalist have been long-suffering devotees to a brand that took its time to catch up, but many feel like the 500 series is BOSS's answer to Eventide and Strymon. Not only do BOSS fans have an answer to the huge do-everything-delays, but so do those that can't bring themselves to throw down the big bucks. At $350 these delays look like a bargain.
TC ElectronicFlashback II
2017 seemed like the year everyone was stepping up their delay game. TC was no different. Many love the Flashback delay, and for good reason. TC Electronic's Tone Print features are massive. How do you improve upon a pedal that you can update endlessly via a cable plugged into your computer? More functionality. Somehow TC crammed, even more, features into their Flashback II. The Smash feature is, for the most part, unprecedented. Now you can have an expression pedal built into your compact pedal. The Flashback II is a solid win.
Wampler Deluxe Tumnus
Wampler stepped up their game with the Deluxe Tumnus. Despite its recent release, it has taken over pedalboard everywhere. I follow tons of guitarist and guitar pages and it seems like nearly all the boards posted on the internet in the last few months have a Deluxe Tumnus on them. The Klone Wars may be over. Many guitarists want more out of their light overdrives, and the Deluxe Tumnus delivers.
EHX Green Russian OD
For the last few years, EHX has been the go-to place when looking for inexpensive pedals that deliver (especially if those pedals have a striking resemblance to another, rather iconic, pedal). Stopping short of making a re-issue, EHX opted to release a clone of an EHX classic. The Green Russian Big Muff is a copy of the Russian made Big Muff Pi. This isn't an original idea, but it's cool to see EHX reaching back to their roots. It doesn't hurt that it is inexpensive and compact.
MXR Carbin Copy Deluxe
I'll be honest. I've never really seen what was so special about the carbon copy. Analog delays are nice, but I've always like the expanded capabilities of digital delays. Not until I owned a Carbon Copy did I understand that it has a sound all of its own. The worst thing you can say about that pedal is that it is limited. The Carbon Copy does away with that complaint. The Deluxe is an improvement on the original in every way. This is a textbook example of how you update a fantastic original.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Ugly Guitar Truth: MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe
Whether you love the Carbon Copy or you passed on it. Nearly everyone's ears perked up when MXR/Dunlop announced the Carbon Copy Deluxe. Nearly everyone agrees that's the original Carbon Copy sounds great (or it is too dark). Whatever you think about the original, the Deluxe fixes some problems about the original and gives us everything that you could want, right? Let's take a look.
There's More To Love
So those that love the Carbon Copy have a lot more to happy about. A larger format allows for additions like Tap Tempo and moves the Width and Speed of the Mod to the outside of the pedal this time. We also get the bright mod added to the Deluxe. I glad they added this, that way we avoid the predictable Carbon Copy Deluxe (Bright). All this in addition to the neat add-ons like expression and instrument/line level options make this a well thought out pedal. So is it all roses?
It's Not All Roses
Yeah, The Carbon Copy is loved by many players, but is it really live up to all the hype? It's not an all-around type delay. Coming from the point of do-it-all digital delay, analog delays have a big gap to make up in way of value. There are no fancy tricks (well, not many) or dizzying specs. One could argue that an analog delay with 1.2 seconds of delay is a pretty good trick. Others would say that a mono delay just doesn't cut it anymore. With the addition of sub-divides, tap-tempo, and expression, one would difficult not to admit that the Deluxe is a serious step up for the Carbon Copy
It All Adds Up
Given the popularity of the Carbon Copy and the current trend of analog delays, the Carbon Copy Deluxe gives players looking for that sound even more. The sound that many of us love is still there, but now there is so much more to love. It is even in a top-jack format, which is more-and-more becoming my favorite format. The price of the original, to me, seems a little steep. Then again, I'm a penny-pinching, old so-and-so. The Deluxe, on the other hand, seems to fit well in the market for modern analog delays.
Conclusion
The worse new in this entire post might be for the original Carbon Copy (including the Cabon Copy Bright). There just isn't enough reason to buy the original anymore. There is so much more in the Deluxe that it would just make sense to make the leap. Does it do everything? Of course not. What it does do, it does very well.
There's More To Love
So those that love the Carbon Copy have a lot more to happy about. A larger format allows for additions like Tap Tempo and moves the Width and Speed of the Mod to the outside of the pedal this time. We also get the bright mod added to the Deluxe. I glad they added this, that way we avoid the predictable Carbon Copy Deluxe (Bright). All this in addition to the neat add-ons like expression and instrument/line level options make this a well thought out pedal. So is it all roses?
It's Not All Roses
Yeah, The Carbon Copy is loved by many players, but is it really live up to all the hype? It's not an all-around type delay. Coming from the point of do-it-all digital delay, analog delays have a big gap to make up in way of value. There are no fancy tricks (well, not many) or dizzying specs. One could argue that an analog delay with 1.2 seconds of delay is a pretty good trick. Others would say that a mono delay just doesn't cut it anymore. With the addition of sub-divides, tap-tempo, and expression, one would difficult not to admit that the Deluxe is a serious step up for the Carbon Copy
It All Adds Up
Given the popularity of the Carbon Copy and the current trend of analog delays, the Carbon Copy Deluxe gives players looking for that sound even more. The sound that many of us love is still there, but now there is so much more to love. It is even in a top-jack format, which is more-and-more becoming my favorite format. The price of the original, to me, seems a little steep. Then again, I'm a penny-pinching, old so-and-so. The Deluxe, on the other hand, seems to fit well in the market for modern analog delays.
Conclusion
The worse new in this entire post might be for the original Carbon Copy (including the Cabon Copy Bright). There just isn't enough reason to buy the original anymore. There is so much more in the Deluxe that it would just make sense to make the leap. Does it do everything? Of course not. What it does do, it does very well.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Hands On Review On MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay
For a long time, the Carbon Copy analog delay has been the darling of many analog delay users. It wasn't until recently that I was able to sit down and fully review one of this pedal. I've been going through tons of delay pedals recently and I was looking forward to really get to know this pedal. So with that in mind, let's get into it.
Solid
This pedal is compact. Messing around with the new line of TC Electronic's economy line has gotten my used to a bit larger format. Even a BOSS pedal make this pedal seem slender. It also has a lot of heft. The enclosure is thick. In fact, I took the screws out of the bottom and fit of the bottom plate was so solid, I almost had to pry it off. When you hold this pedal next to something like the JOYO digital delay, the differences are huge. Quality is evident even before you plug it in. MXR did an awesome job at building a super solid pedal.
It Does What It Does
There isn't a lot of extras with this pedal. Mono in, mono out, but what is cool is that it includes a mod buttons, so that's fun. There are three controls, but you do have internal controls to control the mod. That is good, because when I first engaged the mod button it was too present. Other than Tap Tempo and longer delay times (both are almost always limited on analog delays. Also, the carbon copy has longer times than the Echobrain analog delay.) This isn't a feature pack pedal, but what it does it does quite well.
The Sounds
I did want to compare the Carbon Copy to the other delays that I had laying around. I was excited to compare the Carbon Copy to the Echobrain. The Carbon Copy blew the Echobrain away. Delay time (which is a big deal for me) was a lot of it. The Mod switch just made the Carbon Copy so much more of a pedal. I also put this up against the Behringer EM-600 Echo Machine. I set a good tone on the Carbon Copy and tried to copy it with Echo Machine. It got 90% there. The Carbon Copy just has a way of not coloring your dry signal. When making a big ambient swell, other pedals cover up higher frequencies, but the Carbon Copy is a champ. I could hear delicate note despite the huge amount of noise behind the playing. Impressive.
Conclusion
This pedal I lovely. There is a reason that this pedal is so popular. Yes, it was trendy, but there is something to be said for when I pedal is done well. There is very little to complain about with it as well. You might want stereo operation or tap tempo, but that is still rather uncommon is a small format, sub $200 pedal. The only thing that really detracts this pedal is the price tag. I'm not saying that this pedal isn't worth $150, but that price point puts it next to pedals like the EHX Canyon, BOSS DD-7 and TC Electronic Flashback II. Yes, they are all digital pedals, but I am Ok with running digital if it sounds good. So for the analog loyalist, this is awesome pedal, but those that play the field might want to check out their options.
Solid
This pedal is compact. Messing around with the new line of TC Electronic's economy line has gotten my used to a bit larger format. Even a BOSS pedal make this pedal seem slender. It also has a lot of heft. The enclosure is thick. In fact, I took the screws out of the bottom and fit of the bottom plate was so solid, I almost had to pry it off. When you hold this pedal next to something like the JOYO digital delay, the differences are huge. Quality is evident even before you plug it in. MXR did an awesome job at building a super solid pedal.
It Does What It Does
There isn't a lot of extras with this pedal. Mono in, mono out, but what is cool is that it includes a mod buttons, so that's fun. There are three controls, but you do have internal controls to control the mod. That is good, because when I first engaged the mod button it was too present. Other than Tap Tempo and longer delay times (both are almost always limited on analog delays. Also, the carbon copy has longer times than the Echobrain analog delay.) This isn't a feature pack pedal, but what it does it does quite well.
The Sounds
I did want to compare the Carbon Copy to the other delays that I had laying around. I was excited to compare the Carbon Copy to the Echobrain. The Carbon Copy blew the Echobrain away. Delay time (which is a big deal for me) was a lot of it. The Mod switch just made the Carbon Copy so much more of a pedal. I also put this up against the Behringer EM-600 Echo Machine. I set a good tone on the Carbon Copy and tried to copy it with Echo Machine. It got 90% there. The Carbon Copy just has a way of not coloring your dry signal. When making a big ambient swell, other pedals cover up higher frequencies, but the Carbon Copy is a champ. I could hear delicate note despite the huge amount of noise behind the playing. Impressive.
Conclusion
This pedal I lovely. There is a reason that this pedal is so popular. Yes, it was trendy, but there is something to be said for when I pedal is done well. There is very little to complain about with it as well. You might want stereo operation or tap tempo, but that is still rather uncommon is a small format, sub $200 pedal. The only thing that really detracts this pedal is the price tag. I'm not saying that this pedal isn't worth $150, but that price point puts it next to pedals like the EHX Canyon, BOSS DD-7 and TC Electronic Flashback II. Yes, they are all digital pedals, but I am Ok with running digital if it sounds good. So for the analog loyalist, this is awesome pedal, but those that play the field might want to check out their options.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Hands On Review Of TC Electronic's Echobrain Analog Delay
I have neglected a realm of effects. So I apologize to fans of analog delays, I haven't really delved too far into analog delays. People die on the hill of which analog delay is the best. EHX is known for their Memory Man series, MXR has the Carbon Copy, BOSS has DM-2, Ibanez has their Analog Delay. These are all beloved for their own reasons. I've used many of these pedals at one time or another, but I've never really connected with any of them. That probably explains why I settled on the DD-20. Then there is the Echobrain.
It's Chewy
The first thing I noticed about this delay is that the filter on these repeats is dark and gritty. This is an analog delay that stands up against the classic delays that we all know. The benefits of the Echobrain is that it is housed in a box that is more geared toward the trends of today. Top Jacks, True Bypass, Clickless Footswitch, Unique and attractive design. All these things make it a solid option for today's guitarists.
Money Grab?
If you love TC Electronic, you may know that they were recently acquired by Music Group (the parent company of Behringer and others). This happened only a few months before the unveiling of the Smorgasbord of affordable, simple effects. The two may be unrelated, or it could have been Behringer trying to legitimise their second phase of effects. It was smart to imitate BOSS and other industry-leading pedals of fifteen years ago, but now people are focused on form as well as function.
Season To Taste
So analog delay is a little bit of a strange subject. There are many different options for an analog delay, but they are basically the same. I don't really understand the basic differences between most of the basic analog delays. Obviously, there are some pedals that have interesting and novel features, but the basic features are the same. Their max delay time is typically very limited compared to digital delays, but there is a special character that analog delays have. Analog delays degrade with each repeat, and they all do it differently. It depends on a person's taste, but you won't know till you try.
Conclusion
I dig it. Playing this pedal is just fun. Playing with the repeats and time controls is rewarding. This pedal is done correctly. True analog delay with noiseless operation at this price point is crazy. If you are a fan of analog delay, then this is worth a try. However, it suffers in the same way that all classic analogs do. It's limited. This whole line is an update of simple effects into a format that many players are looking for. However, analog delays are now being expanded into much more sophisticated effects with tap and other controls. Even though it fits within its own line of effects, it is a little underwhelming compared to most other analog delays released lately. Lastly, you get what you pay for, but you may be left wanting more.
It's Chewy
The first thing I noticed about this delay is that the filter on these repeats is dark and gritty. This is an analog delay that stands up against the classic delays that we all know. The benefits of the Echobrain is that it is housed in a box that is more geared toward the trends of today. Top Jacks, True Bypass, Clickless Footswitch, Unique and attractive design. All these things make it a solid option for today's guitarists.
Money Grab?
If you love TC Electronic, you may know that they were recently acquired by Music Group (the parent company of Behringer and others). This happened only a few months before the unveiling of the Smorgasbord of affordable, simple effects. The two may be unrelated, or it could have been Behringer trying to legitimise their second phase of effects. It was smart to imitate BOSS and other industry-leading pedals of fifteen years ago, but now people are focused on form as well as function.
Season To Taste
So analog delay is a little bit of a strange subject. There are many different options for an analog delay, but they are basically the same. I don't really understand the basic differences between most of the basic analog delays. Obviously, there are some pedals that have interesting and novel features, but the basic features are the same. Their max delay time is typically very limited compared to digital delays, but there is a special character that analog delays have. Analog delays degrade with each repeat, and they all do it differently. It depends on a person's taste, but you won't know till you try.
Conclusion
I dig it. Playing this pedal is just fun. Playing with the repeats and time controls is rewarding. This pedal is done correctly. True analog delay with noiseless operation at this price point is crazy. If you are a fan of analog delay, then this is worth a try. However, it suffers in the same way that all classic analogs do. It's limited. This whole line is an update of simple effects into a format that many players are looking for. However, analog delays are now being expanded into much more sophisticated effects with tap and other controls. Even though it fits within its own line of effects, it is a little underwhelming compared to most other analog delays released lately. Lastly, you get what you pay for, but you may be left wanting more.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Ugly Guitar Truth: DOD Rubberneck Analog Delay
DOD just released the information on their newest analog delay. there is a lot more than meets the eye with pedal. It has 1.5 seconds of delay time, adjustable rate and depth of modulation, bypassable buffer (tails/no tail), quarter/eighth/dotted eighth note subdivides. There is a rubbernecking feature that allows "rubber band" stretched sound, whatever that really means. You can hold the tempo footswitch and engage a regen effect with an adjustable parameter. An actual effects loop will let you insert effects that only affect your trails. Lastly, there is a remote input, so there you go. That all seems fine. Is there any ugly truth. Well...
It's Actually A Strong Offering
So, you look at the features and you can get a little overwhelmed. It seems like you have way more than you could make use of. The features are really all related. For delay users that really capitalize on the analog part of this pedal, the feature list make a lot of sense. You might be tempted to call this a 'shoegazer' pedal. But really, the interface is simple enough to quickly set or tweak. But it is $250. Is that good or bad? Well, take a look at similar pedals: EHX Deluxe Memory Man, Empress Tape Delay.. It's spot on really. It actually packs a lot of features in a pretty package for a reasonable amount of money. Not to mention that it sorta has a feature that is somewhat unique.
Conclusion
I like it. I want to use it and experience the rubbernecking feature for myself. I don't think it would get a spot on my pedalboard though. I really dig these analog delays. They make really cool noises. But digital delay do it well enough. And that might be the ugliest truth. I would put a Boss DD-500 on my board because it could probably do 95% of what this pedal does and then a lot more. Not to mention it is in the small ball park cost wise. I can't tell you that you should pay 250 dollar for a pedal that does so much less, but if you are in the market for an analog delay that does neat things, this one is a great option.
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