The Buyer’s Gear Guide – Delay and echo

Delay, or echo, is perhaps the most important effect in David Gilmour’s arsenal. It’s the essence of both his and Pink Floyd’s unique and ethereal sound. In this guide we’ll look at a handful of delay and echo units, with David Gilmour’s tones in mind.

Updated March 2023

Echo has been employed by studio technicians and guitarists since the early 1950s. From experimenting with reverb and tape recorders, to the echo machines of the 60s and 70s and the digital era of the 80s and 90s, delay has always been an important ingredient in modern music.

David Gilmour and delay

David Gilmour joined Pink Floyd in early 1968 and he would use much of the same gear as Syd Barrett, even borrowing some of Syd’s, which created the foundation for his own sound later on.

The Binson Echorec machine was an important part of David’s guitar sound, Rick’s Farfisa and organs and Roger’s bass. In fact, by the early 1970s, Pink Floyd used echo on pretty much everything, including vocals and drums.

The Binson remained David’s main echo unit up until 1977 and Animals, when he replaced old technology with the more precise and reliable digital MXR rack unit.

Throughout the 80s and 90s and to present, David has used several digital units and pedals to create both pristine digital sounds and for replicating his old Binson echo sounds.

See the David Gilmour gear guide for a detailed setup for each album and tour.

Echo, digital delay or reverb?

What type of delay you should choose obviously depends on taste but for David Gilmour’s tones I recommend either analog delay or an echo unit for 1968-75 to replicate the Binson echo sounds and a digital delay from 1977 to present to be able to replicate the accurate delay patterns of songs like Another Brick in the Wall (part 1), Run Like Hell, Coming Back to Life etc.

Modern digital multi units will provide everything you need, including analog delay, tape simulation and pristine digital delay, while single specialised units will in many cases produce an even more accurate sound.

David Gilmour never use reverb on stage. He’s using delay and often several units to create different textures. Reverb is always used in one form or another on a studio recording to create room and space.

Delay on the pedalboard

Delay is typically placed last in the chain between modulation effects and the amp. A good tip is also to place delays after the volume pedal to allow the delay to sustain when you lower the volume.

A clean amp has enough headroom to handle any effect, including delay, into the front end. Delay into an overdriven amp often sounds muddy and overwhelming but it’s a cool effect in its own right. Alternatively, modulation and delays can be placed in the amp’s effect loop to retain the headroom.

I have played and tested each pedal in this guide, with guitars and amps that are typically associated with David Gilmour.

Digital delay

The term digital delay is often used to describe the modern sounding, pristine and accurate delay. However, digital multi delay processors are also capable of producing convincing analog and tape simulation.

Boss DD
The Boss DD series are hard to beat. Whether you want a single pedal or one of the multi processors capable of replicating just about any delay or echo tone possible.

The DD-2 is one of my all time favourite delay pedals. Now discontinued, this classic produce warm, almost analog sounding digital delay that blends nicely with all of your tones. The later DD range, offer a wider range of features and sounds but tend to sound a bit brighter and perhaps a bit sterile. Still, well worth checking out.

The DD-200 is one of the latest offerings from Boss that easily stands up to most multi processors out there. This pedalboard friendly unit provides pretty much every type of delay and echo you need, packed with features, tap, storing and a handy display. And, it sounds awesome!

TC Electronic Flashback
TC Electronic’s Flashback series offer a wide range of delay pedals, tailored for different use and needs. The basis is the legendary studio quality 2290 digital delay, with a wide range of different delay, echo and tape simulations.
All Flashback pedals also feature TonePrint. An app that allows you to design your own delay sounds and time signatures and beam them into the pedal using your mobile phone.

Echo and tape

Nothing sounds quite like an old tape machine but they’re both expensive and they require a lot of maintenance. Modern analog and digital units offer stunning accuracy towards tone and original features.

Dawner Prince Boonar
The Boonar is an impressive take on the Binson Echorec 2, packed with all the original features, including multiple head combinations, a beautiful modulation for wear and flutter and a powerful pre-amp boost. Like the Binson, with its unique drum operation, the Boonar is a fairly bright but it has that ethereal reverb-like sound. Especially when you experiment with different head combinations. Possibly the best Binson clone on the market! See my review of the Dawner Prince Boonar here.

Gilmour tones: ASoS – WYWH

Foxgear T7E Baby
Foxier and Gurus has done several different versions of their take on the Binson. This one is based on the lesser known Echorec Baby that Syd Barrett used. It has most of the same features as the bigger Echorec 2, allowing you to nail both the single head echo and the multiple head intro on Time. Soundwise, the T7E Baby is slightly on the darker side somewhere between the Boonar and Memory Man. See my review of the Foxgear T7E Baby here.

Gilmour tones: ASoS – WYWH

Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man
The Memory Man is timeless and the standard for all analog delays. It still is. Whether you want to track down the big box or check out some of the new reissues and different versions, the Memory Man produce warm and silky smooth analog delay that works perfectly as an alternative to David Gilmour’s Binson echo sounds of the late 60s and 70s. The latest Nano also offer true bypass.

Gilmour tones: ASoS – WYWH

Strymon El Capistan
Like all Strymon pedals, the El Capistan is loaded with features and impressive tones. This is the Rolls Royce of analog simulation and the pedal deliver everything from pristine studio quality to unique worn out tape warble, with all the noise, dark decay and flutter of the old machines. Although aimed towards old tape machines, the El Capistan is a great alternative to the ethereal sounds of the Binson Echorec and David Gilmour’s late 60s and 70s tones.

Gilmour tones: ASoS – WYWH

Did I miss something? Please use the comments field below and share your tips and recommendations!

720 thoughts on “The Buyer’s Gear Guide – Delay and echo”

  1. Hi Bjorn !
    Hope you are well :)
    I am hesitating between these different delay pedals :
    – Providence Chrono Delay
    – Boonar
    – or the delay in the keeley darkside
    Thanks for your help !
    Cheers !

    1. Apologies for my late reply, Marv. Depends on what sort of delay you’re looking for. The Boonar is unique and probably the best simulation of the old Binson but it doesn’t do modern stuff as well. The Providence is probably a more versatile unit covering more sounds.

    1. It captures the vibe of the Echorec. Great overall tones and you get the head combinations. Compared to the Boonar, I think it sounds a bit too dark and not as lush and the Boonar has more of the authentic features but it depends on how picky you are I guess.

      1. Hi Mr Bjorn!
        Can you tell me your opinion about Boss RE-202? What’s by your opinion, considering all Gilmour era, best delay pedal between Boss RE-202, Boonar, Boss DD 200, TC electronic Flashback, or some other pedals? Thank You, Greetings from Serbia

        1. The 202 captures that Space Echo tone and it certainly do classic Gilmour. The Boonar is closer to the Echorec David used but the 202m is probably more versatile. Depends on taste I guess.

          1. Thank you for the answer Mr Bjorn! Sorry, I think that I put two same question, by mistake. I don’t have any delay pedals wright now, and I want to catch all Gilmour era, so maybe I need to buy least 2 pedals? Maybe boonar or boss 202 and one more…? I saw recently new boss dm-101 analog pedal and I think that is fantastic, but I don’t how is that pedal for Gilmour sounds? I would be grateful if You write me your opinion about my thoughts… Thank You!

              1. It’s ok, thank you for help and advices! I have Squier upgraded with emg dg20 pickups and Laney cub super 12, Boss rt-20 and CS-3. I already ordered pastfx pedals-TdY, Patriarch, Power Booster and Elastic Mattress. I’m considering to buy Boss re-202 and TC Flashback 2 for delay and few more pedals-Mhr Phase 90-script, Boss ge-7, EH Freeze, Mooer ensemble king and one more compressor pedal-Mxr Dyna Comp or Jam Dyna Ssor… What do you think about this combination for Gilmour pedalboard and do I need some more or something different from this list? Thank you, Best regards

  2. jean-luc chouteau

    hi mr bjorn,
    please can you give me what the delay do you used on echoes ,tape delay or other?i have a strymon timeline what ms do you used and how many repeat,thank you so much

    1. David Gilmour used a Binson Echorec for Echoes (album and live at Pompeii 1971). A tape simulation would perhaps be the closest. Set for 300ms with aprox 7 repeats and quite loud volume/mix.

  3. Hi I’m looking yo learn Run like hell, i don’t require all the equipment used just that main delay sound. Could someone let me know what would do the trick just fkr that echo delay sound thankyou

  4. Bjorn, first I wanted to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy, Safe and Musical New Year! It’s been a while since I posted on the newer site, Great Job!
    I had given you the Viking name “Bjorn the Bender!”
    As far as delay, what’s your opinion of the Catlinbread Echorec? I’ve had one for years and it’s got some interesting features and 9 different types of delay options. You can even adjust the internal pots to make it a crazy Fuzz too . I also have the tried and true MXR Carbon Copy and a Collider Reverb & Delay.
    The Collider is a bit almost To Much with the programmable options and such. Any opinion on those?
    I always enjoy your videos and reviews. Keep up the great work…Walter H.

    1. Hi Walter! The Catalinbread sounds great and it has, as you point out, most of the Binson features. Still though, I think the Catalinbread captures the feel of the Binson rather than the full experience. A bit too dark and it lack some of that reverb-like character. The Boonar is IMO the closest you’ll get to having a real Binson in a small pedal enclosure. All the features and the tone is huge.

      1. Hi Bjorn,

        I’m curious, what do you mean when you describe the Catalinbread as too dark? I’ve used the tone control on mine to make the delays brighter, but I realise that may not be the same thing. Keep up the good work, by the way!

        Thanks,
        Dan

        1. The Binson actually has very bright repeats due to its design. While most tape machines used tape, the Binson had a steel drum, which makes it sound consideribly brighter. Most Binson style pedals I’ve tried manages to capture the features and character of the Binson but not quite the authentic tone of the repeats and also that unique reverblike character. The Catalinbread is very close but I have to say that the Boonar is to my ears at least the closest you’ll get.

  5. Hello, have you considered doing a review of the Keely Halo? It’s based on Andy Timmon’s old setup where he would use two Memory Man pedals to do stereo delay.

  6. Dear Bjorn,
    I own the tc flashback and really love it for trying to get close to DG’s tone (which still would be impossible without your help here on this wondergul page!). Still I find it a bit tricky to set the exact delay time (being not a fan of the tap function, especially on stage). I remember you once marked three different delay times on your tc flashback (unfortunately I can’t find the photo of your pedal showing them, it was on your “old” homepage). Could you maybe send me this photo or describe where you set your marks (and the delay times tjry stand for? That would really great!
    Thanks so much for your work, it can’t be appreciated enough!!
    Kind regard
    Jan

    1. Hi Jan, thanks for you kind words! I tried to find my old Flashback but the ones I got now are without any markings. Sorry. My best tip is to use Garageband or somthing similar, there are lots of free studio/recording apps out there, and set up a delay plug-in with 300ms for Binson, 440ms for The Wall, 380ms for Run Like Hell, 550ms for Time intro and 750 for typical 80s and 90s long delays.

      1. Hey Bjorn,
        I was looking at some analog delays such as the DM-2w or the Carbon Copy, Memory boy etc. Does an analog delay need to have a mod or is the optional?

  7. Nothing on the Catalinbread Echorec or Belle Epoch?

    Echorec is their take on the Echorec, Belle Epoch is their Echoplex, which IMO is a nice substitute for the Cornish TES.

    1. Yes, I’ve been trying to get Catalinbread to send me a Echorec for review for years but they refuse to do so. I’d be happy to do a proper review and include it in the guide.

  8. Hey Bjorn, I guess you can’t wait to try out the new analog delay from Boss!
    The famous Boss DM-101 Delay Machine!

    I think from the demo I heard, we can get closer to the Binson Echorec!
    What do you think?

  9. I am surprised to find no reference to the original MXR Carbon Copy aside from a comment.
    -> I will not be using more than 9v or be in need of brighter or percussion.
    It can be transparent and natural compared to the hyped sound.
    …, and easy to use for general use.

  10. So, a bit of advice for anyone that reads this and is using a carbon copy. I pulled mine out for the first time in 10 years, and tried running it at 12 volts. Huge difference. The repeats were significantly brighter and more percussive. Much more usable and very pleasant. From what I’ve read they can safely be run up to about 15 volts.

      1. hello Bjorn! first i want to congratulate you for everything, you helped so many people. i love everything on gilmourish!
        i was wondering if you have any opinions on the Colombo Audio’s Echo On and CostaLab’s EchoLab.

        sorry i couldnt find where to add a comment so i had to reply

        wish you all the best!

        1. Thanks for you kind words! I haven’t tried them so I can’t really tell. Both seem to cover David’s 60s and 70s Binson tones. CostaLab makes some really good pedals so I’m sure the EchoLab holds up to that standard as well.

      2. Hi Bjorn
        Thanks for all of the amazing info on gear and tone.
        I was wondering if you’ve used the Boss Dd8 and what you opinions are of the analogue and tape settings. I pair it with a triangle big muff reissue and and was considering a dyna comp script…. I also have the behringer vintage delay pedal which is fantastic in its own right. cheers Luke

        1. I think all the Boss delays are great. They have studio quality sound and lots of different options. Check out the new DD200 as well. A bit more expensive but it has storing and lots of great sounds.

    1. I like them both and I think they serve different purposes. Obviously, the Volante is a take on the Binson with all its features.

  11. Hello Bjorn,

    Boss Space Echo RE-2 with the preamp always on, Boss Blues Driver BD-2 and MXR Phase 90 Script. It’s the best Gilmour budget rig i’ve ever owned. It sounds great from Pompeii to Division Bell.

    Thanks a lot for all the precious informations. I wish you the day you need.

    Martin from Montreal

    1. Hello, my friend.
      First of all, Thanks a lot for your astounding work with this website.
      About delay, I miss one pedal in particular, which has deservedly earned a place in the Olympus of modern delay pedals that emulate classic gear: the Catalinbread Echorec.
      I could talk about the superb emulations of all kinds of amps, cabs and pedals from Line 6’s Helix range or Axe FX, but the Echorec has been so highly praised for years that I honestly think it should be on your list.
      Best regards.

  12. What are your thoughts on the Gurus Echosex 3 vs the Pompeii pedal by the original engineer? I’m debating both pedals.

    1. I have not heard the echosex3 but own the echosex2ltd and Pompeii. I love them both and they are made in Italy. Have a similar vibe to them with very lush repeats

        1. Build quality is the same with both of them. I actually like them both and have each one on a different board. The Pompeii PE 603 is closer to the Binson in that it has multiple head combinations but I rarely mess with it, sticking with heads 3 and 4. Another (less expensive) option to consider is the Pompeii T1. It does away with the multiple head combinations and just has 3/4. I have not heard it but suspect the tone is cut from the same PE603 cloth. My delays are always “on”. : -). Can’t go wrong with any of them.

    2. Hello.
      I have a Boss DM-2W delay pedal and I’ve found I can get really good delay sounds based on all eras of David’s career. What’s your opinion on this pedal?

      Greetings from South Carolina, USA.

      -Nick

  13. Looking at a tape/drum echo type delay.
    Boonars at the top of my list right now, but the volante seems like a strong contender at a similar price. And the newer re-202 likewise.
    It seems to have been a year or two since someone’s asked, any thoughts on the Volante?
    How about the re-202?
    Upgraded re-20 after all.
    Thanks for all you do!

    1. I haven’t tried the new RE but it’s a bit darker sounding and you don’t have the same head combinations as the Binson. Great tone though. The Boonar and Volante are pretty similar. I’ve been using the Boonar for some time now and love it.

  14. Hi Bjorn, I don’t know if you know, but the Echosex 2 can be powered in 12 volts, and also in 9 volts!
    Have you ever tried 12 volts?
    If yes, what do you think?
    Can we hear a difference on an additional 3 volts?
    Thanks

  15. Hi Bjorn!!! IS it possible to play the intro of Time (slap back and longdelay) with only one delay like the TC Nova-1?? Tried it but didn´t quire naile it.

    1. No. That multi head slapback can only be achieved by a multihead pedal or combining two pedals. You can however setup a delay to beat with the song. You’ll get a long delay but it sounds better than a fast siingle slapback.

  16. My pick for slapback echo: the Catalinbread Belle Epoch (I have the special edition Japanese character one – I made a translation behind it lol). It’s what I originally used for rockabilly, and it’s DYNO-MITE (and outta sight).

    1. I haven’t tried it but it seems to have the features you need to be able to cover the classic tones as well as the more accurate digital stuff.

  17. Hi Bjorn, I am currently building a budget pedal which cover both Gilmour and john Mayer tones. What would you suggest pedal wise which can achieve this? Especially Aqua puss mk3 delay will work?

      1. I have a laney cub 8 and squire bullet Stratocaster guitar…I live in India where the guitar stuff are extremely expensive and have markup as they needed to be imported…also, where is the gear gallery on website, i remember it use to have one, i even sent a picture if my guitar.

    1. The Aqua-Puss Mk3 is great for slapback, that’s what its designed for, and what I use it for (as does Mr Mayer).
      However, it doesnt do much more, so it wont do the long lush delays.

      For versitility, may I suggest a Memoryman nano or even a Flashback 2.

      Good luck Arshad!

      1. Hey Elmar, thanks for the help. I think I am gonna go with flashback mini. As I live in India, pedals are quite expensive. Memoryman nano is double the price of flashback mini.

    2. You should look at the dod rubberneck delay . 1.5 secs pure analogue , modulation, tone control so it’s brighter than the CC , effects loop in the repeats , and overdrive setting . Trails , dotted rights etc . Built like boss .
      No brainier

  18. Hey Bjorn,
    I looking to recreate the Echorec sound but between the Flashback and the Alter Ego v2 which was discontinued a few years ago, which one would be the better choice here?

    1. You can create the Alter Ego sounds with the tone print editor. None of these does the Binson but rather a Binson-ish tone when the Binson is set for a single head repeat. You might want to look at the EXH Memory Man for similar sounds or, the Dawner Prince Boonar if you want something as close to the real deal as possible.

      1. Hey Bjorn, Hey Eric, TC has added Alter EgoTonePrints to the TonePrint app recently. They are filed under Andy Martin. I believe that these are the Alter Ego 2 ones, he had tweaked for the V2.

        @ Bjorn: Thanks for the great work you are doing here!

        Best Heiko

  19. Bjorn, this site is amazing and I love all your insights and reviews. I can’t thank you enough for the advice you’ve given here.

    About 6 months ago I sold off 14 pedals and bought 3 pedals with the profits to get closer to DG’s sound. First I got a Dawner Prince Boonar based on your recommendation. This has been one of the best purchases of my pedal buying life! It is just a beautiful sounding analog delay. The second, also based on your recommendations was an Analogman Sunface BC-109. Man, that nailed the tone I had not found yet. The third was a JAM Pedals Wahco Wah with the “seagull” switch because “Echoes is my single favorite PF song. I’ve tried several Big Muff variants and I ended up with an original ARC Effects Big Muff Pi. I think I will look into a Soothsayer to compliment it.

    With those 4 pedals I feel like I can achieve an amazing Gilmourish tone, maybe not exactly DG but I love it. The Boonar and Sunface are just magical pedals and have truly brought joy to my playing of late. I have a dozen dirt pedals 3 digital delays a couple of Phaser, Tremolo, and Chorus pedals but none of these matter quite as much.

    Thank-you for the insight to make wise choices.

  20. Hi Bjorn !!!
    Congratulations for another one time for your excellent work!
    I would like to ask you how can i achieve at my home studio the delay sound of Time solo..
    I ve tried with MXR carbon copy analog delay with TC electronic Nova delay but unfortunately it doesn’t sound good to me…Do you have any advice?
    Thank you very much in advance!
    Have you ever tried the Ibanez Echo shifter ?

    1. Thank you! The Carbon is perhaps a bit too dark but the Nova should do the job, with the right preset. David used a Binson Echorec on Dark Side of the Moon and digital delays in more recent years. Check out the Boonar for Binson and the Boss DD200 for other stuff.

  21. Hi Bjorn, Have you gotten the opportunity to try out the Strymon Volante? Unless I overlooked it, I didn’t see any posts saying that you have yet. If so, how do you like it compared to the others you have tried?

  22. Hi Bjorn,
    Any plans to review the Cicognani Pompeii? I just love mine for that lush echo, ala Gurus Echosex but with all the Binson head options. Thanks again for your stellar reviews!

  23. The best BBD analog delay I ever tried is the MoogerFooger one.
    At the point I bought two MF-104Z… They’re OK for me since I have MIDI-to-CV stuff, thus, there is also a MF-104M that can be piloted by MIDI… Hopefully, bought mines before discontinuation: their prices have sky-rocketed on 2nd hand market.
    Production stopped when it became impossible to get NOS 2x15V BBD ships (15kHz bandwidth). Any BBD you can find nowadays runs on 9V so forget about such bandwidth.
    Don’t be surprised if all actual analog delays/chorus/flangers have darker sounds than vintage ones except if the builder still has vintage NOS BBDs.
    The circuits are from the Modular Moog’s delays, the grain is absolutely gorgeous.

    Fulltone builds tube and solid state brand new tape delays.
    T-Rex also does a transistor model…It’s cheaper, but rather than reel tape, it obviously uses audio-K7 tape. Better stockpile tape cartridges if you go for such devices.

  24. Hi Bjorn, I own the Catalinbread Echorec, and I’m wondering, if the Carbon Copy could do anything more for me?
    Regarding the sound Binson Echorec, earlier period of David!
    Thank you

    1. The Carbon Copy is an Analog echo/delay. Very dark, with a bit of dirt on the trails. I think the Catalinbread is much better for those early Floyd tones.

  25. Hi Bjorn,

    I was wondering if the Boss DD 500 would be a good option to play Comfortably Numb?
    What would be your settings ?

    Thx !

      1. Bjorn
        Have you tried the crazy tube circuits time pedal.
        It’s based on the mxr rack delay gilmour used .
        The YouTube vids sound superb on phones .

        1. I haven’t but I see that it gets a lot of attention. I’ll do a review if they agree to send me one.

  26. Hi Bjorn,

    I was wondering if the Boss DD 500 would be a good option?
    What settings would you prefer on this pedal?

    THX !

    1. I don’t own one myself but it pretty much has it all, with classic Boss tones. A good place to start is to go analog or tape sounds for the 70s stuff and digital for the 80s, 90s and present.

  27. Hi Bjorn,
    I find myself consistently visiting your site for information and much appreciate your continued maintenance and support to those of us who love David Gilmour’s tone!
    Wondering if you have ever experimented with a Boonar and an Echosex2 Ltd on your board together. I had abandoned my Echosex for quite a while after buying a Boonar but recently put her back on my board. I had forgotten how big and beautiful a tone I could get with that pedal! I am sure the tube and preamp have a lot to do with it but I am convinced this combination of the Boonar and Echosex can cover so much of David’s material. After adding the Pulse (based on your recommendation) at the end of my chain going into two amps you would not believe how great Sid’s Theme sounds using the Echosex, Pulse and 1980s MIJ CE-2 together! When I want to play the Time intro I just use my Boonar and engage the swell switch and I’m there. The digital processing of the Boonar and the brighter repeats seems to cover most of the “digital” bases for me and the organic, big sound of the Echosex2 Ltd just nails the early Binson years. I was debating looking into the newer Cicognani Pompeii but not sure now, given how well both these pedals satisfy my delay cravings. Would love your thoughts, as well as wondering if plan to review the new Cicognani pedals down the road! Thanks again. Rob

    1. Hi Rob, thanks for your kind words! I’ve never tried that combo but certainly use the Boonar and Echosex pedals a lot. For different purposes really.

  28. Hi Bjorn!

    I just discovered this website and want to thank you for the great content. I also just discovered your music and I want to tell you that your EP A Storm Is Coming is absolutely fantastic and the best thing I have heard in years! Having recently started playing guitar again I purchased some new pedals to play with, an EHX Canyon and a FoxGear EchoSex Baby (which I discovered thanks to your YouTube video). Any thoughts on the Canyon or any recommended settings on either pedal? Keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing some new music in the future.

  29. Hi, Bjorn. I own TCE Flashback. Its very lovely pedal. But for my ear its too clean and probably a little soulless. You tried many digital (for the Gilmour’s tones after 1980) delays. What do you think is it possible to upgrade a rig with more singing delay? Or digital delays are quite similar to each other? Delays like Lucky cat (in digital mode) or smth else could it be a better alternative?

        1. Stephen, I agree with Bjorn regarding the EXC Canyon but of all mentioned, I bought the Catalinbread….even over the Boonar which I thought would be “the winner” for me. Catalinbread is pure quality and the multi-drum combinations were all equally phenomenally different. It captured the “Mojo” that I felt was missing from many others I have played including a few Strymon options, and the Carbon Copy. I feel that Catalin’s Echorec nailed the but also was spot on in many other “atmospheric tones”. Catlinbread’s Adineko is also great for a darker atmosphere and is a beast in its own personality but you won’t get Gilmour out of it. It is an oil can emulator vs. the drum.

  30. Hi Bjorn,

    Been following your site (and Airbag!) for years, thanks for everything you do!

    I have a TC Electronic Flashback V1, I’ve noticed there’s some ‘slight’ frequency loss when I turn it on with my Green russian big muff. It becomes a tad more mids/muddier which is a shame because I want to combine both pedals. However I don’t seem to hear much of this ‘loss’ with my other pedals.turned on with the delay. Know any solutions to this? Possibly to do with the flashback being true bypass instead of buffer?

    Cheers

    1. Thanks for the kind words Jo! Sorry for the late reply. The Flashback should be operated in buffered mode. That way it won’t change your signal.

  31. Hi Bjorn

    First thank for this awesome website it’s really great
    I’d like to change my actual delay (an Aqua Puss from Way Huge) for another one but I hesitate between
    The Echo Puss – Way Huge
    Carbon Copy
    and the skreddy echo
    Which is the best to get the Gilmour tone from the late 60’s and the early 70’s ?

    Thank

    1. I guess any of these will do the job. I haven’t tried the Skreddy so I can’t tell in detail. The Carbon is a bit too dark for my taste. A favourite of mine is the Lucky Cat from JHS. Awesome vintage character.

      1. Thanks Bjorn ! I finally bought the Echo Puss from Way Huge, I really wanted an analog pedal, I hope that one will be able to recreate the sound of the Echorec
        thanks again for your help

        1. FWIW Ron, I tried the Skreddy Echo for Gilmour tones as well as Bill Corgan tones and found it didn’t cover Gilmour well enough by itself. It was warm sounding but too one-dimensional.

  32. Hi Bjorn,
    I am in the market of buying my first delay pedal. I really want to catch those Binson Echorec tones on a budget, i am a retro freak.
    Is the flashback tape mode and toneprint presets enough to emulate a Binson or do you consider a NUX tape force (digital clone of Boss RE20, also they have a clone of El Capistan clone called NUX Atlantic)? Or even any other Chinese clones with tape mode on?

    Keep up the excellent work. Cheers

    1. I haven’t tried the Nux pedals so I can’t tell. As you know, the Binson had the ability to combine mulitple heads for different types of echo. You would need that for stuff like the intro on Time but David mainly used a single echo with about 6-7 repeats. In that sense you can pretty much use any delay pedal with a tape simulation for that vintage flavour.

  33. Hi Bjorn, thanks for this great site. Since the PULSE is my favorite sound, I try to have the same gear from that period. I just bought a Lexicon PCM 70. But it’s not clear to me if he is using the PCM 70 for the reverb or for the delays. Also not clear to me about the Boss CE-2. I noticed that nearly on every song the CE-2 is used on the left, and sometimes another CE-2 is also used, but when you see the pics you can only see one CE-2. Greetings from Malta

    1. To my knowledge the PCM70 was used for delays and certain effects only, like emulating the multiple heads on the Binson echo machine David used in the 70s. The left chorus is always on to create a wider stereo image. The mono is used for certain effects. Both are located in the custom Phil Taylor rack unit.

  34. I have a TC Nova and was wondering if I should add a echo or rotary pedal next. Thanks for all you do to keep us Gilmour fans up to date as to the needed gear.

  35. Hi Björn, have you checked out the new Boss DD200? Wondering how that might compare to the Flashback 2. They seem to have many of the same features.

      1. Do please! I happen to have one and would love to know how get the best Gilmour out of it. It has Tape (models RE-201) and Drum (EchoRec2) delays, Tap Tempo and all the settings you need, including a digital display for exact setting. See what you think of it and tell us! Thanks.

        1. Hey friend! Did you happen to figure out any DD200 settings? I just got mine and being a newer player, am a bit overwhelmed with it.

    1. The JHS is much more analog sounding. Warm and smooth and, it’s got that slightly percussive attack to the repeats similar to the Binson.

  36. Hi Bjorn,
    How does David use his 2x Providence Chrono delays in more recent tour setups?
    And would you recommend the DLY-4 as a digital delay as it is a fair amount cheaper than Free the Tone’s delay pedal? Realise it is not as tweakable as FTT but still looks quite good for straight forward delay.
    Thanks,
    Kent

      1. I ended up getting one second hand, really nice digital delay not to brittle and manages to keep most of your original tone intact. However, I have noticed it adds some top end into the signal which they will probably say is the buffer.
        Because I like my tone as is will likely need to run it through a true bypass switcher as it is very nice on clean guitar parts.
        Thinking the Providence for clean and my Dawner Prince Boonar for clean and dirty guitar parts.

        Thank Bjorn, love the site BTW it has been an invaluable resource for me over the years.

  37. Humberto Cavalcante

    Good morning Bjorn, I need your help again, I found T-rex Replica and T-rex repitile 2 for the same price, what is the difference between them? Thank you, a hug!

    1. Not much really. From the top of my head they have more or less the same features but the Replica sounds warmer and more vintage I guess. Closer to the Memory Man, while the Reptile, although well worth checking out, is sort of a budget version of the same, with a slightly more pristine tone.

      1. Humberto Cavalcante

        Thanks Bjorn, I just bought the T rex replica, I found its sound exactly as you described it, more vintage Memory man style, now just wait for the pedal to come and do the tests. Thanks for the guidance, hug

  38. Humberto Cavalcante

    Good morning, I would like some help from you, I bought “Alter Ego” a year ago and it is not working, I saw that David Gilmour use a “T-Rex replica” on the tour of “Rattle That Lock”. I play some solos from Gilmour that he uses distortion. I searched video of “Memory Man” with distortion and did not find. I really liked some videos of “T-Rex Reptile 2” on Youtube. What delay pedal would you indicate for distorted solos?

  39. Hi ! First, thank for your site, it’s kind of a reference for me now :)

    I’m from France and it’s getting hard to find a TC flashback now. So I’m looking for an alernative that will do the job well. The Boss DD-7 was interesting, but each time I read the word “sterile” on a description, I run Away haha. The second pick you would recommend is the Boonar. Haven’t tried i, but this one seems a little bit complicated to handle. And it’s not the same price so far. But … well, I don’t want a cheap pick that won’t do the job, I prefer spend a little bit more :)

    THank you for your help !

    1. The Boonar is an emulation of the Binson, which is great for the early stuff but not quite what you want for the 80s, 90s and present Gilmour tones. What about the EHX Canyon? Very similar to the Flashback.

  40. Hi Bjorn,
    I have a mexican strat and a blackstar ht-5r. I bought the big muff green russian and it sounds very cool. I want to add a delay to my setup but I don’t want to add a digital pedal which will make the whole sound digital. What is your recommendation? I’m going to buy only one pedal for delay. What would you do? :)

  41. Hi Bjorn! I love watching your demos of these pedals. Sometimes I forget that the best thing we can do as guitarists is learn to PLAY OUR INSTRUMENTS! (Ha ha ha.) But I’ve been thinking about putting a second delay on my board. Right now I’ve got a carbon copy that is always on (and pretty subtle — mostly I like the tape-warble on this pedal). But I was thinking of putting a second pedal on for longer and cleaner delays. I really like the Strymon (and the Nu-X Atlantic, which is basically a cheaper version of the Strymon). How to you think the two might combine? I know you don’t use reverb much, so do you have a delay “always on”? Thank you — you have no idea how much you’ve helped me with my tone!

    1. Hi David! Depends on what delay tones you’re looking for. The Carbon is great for those classic echo and analog tones but for the more pristine repeats and longer delay settings you might want to consider a digital unit. I haven’t tried the Nux but the Strymon pretty much cover everything. Do also check out the TC Flashback.

  42. Hello Bjorn, which reverb pedal do you recommend me, Hall of fame 2 (Tc electronics) or Oceans 11 (Ehx)?
    Regards.

    1. They’re very similar. The HoF is probably a bit more spristine sounding, while Oceans got a bit more warmth and character.

  43. Hello Bjorn, what a splendid site you have, much thanks for that!
    I have a question, what brand is the Repeater pedal, you said its a smaller buget version of the Nova delay.
    Is it a Mooer?

      1. Actually you’re correct both times, Bjorn! The TC Nova Repeater was a stripped down version of their Nova Delay. They no longer make them but they are fantastic delays! Extremely intuitive and useful controls.

  44. Hey Bjorn,

    I was just wondering if you’ve given thought to using any rack units for delay and similar effects.
    I just got a Lexicon MPX 100 for $60 USD and it has a pretty good digital delay, tap tempo, and dedicated reverb. It might be worth checking out.

    1. The MPX-G2 will drive you insane : it’s close to be PULSE in a box!!!
      Real Whammy, real IPS-33, real JamMan Looper, dBx, real analog Tube Screamer, you just miss the Muff, the Rat, the HM-2 and you’d probably prefer analogue compressors, chorus and flanger but even tho, the digital ones onboard are freaking good…

  45. Vincent Howland

    Bjorn,

    Great stuff here, man! What are your thoughts on the new Strymon Volante? I LOVE the demos and it really seems to nail the Binson tone and feel. I’m considering saving up for one, but I’m fighting the urge to get a Catalinbread Echorec instead.

    Thoughts and advice on this matter?

    1. I havnen’t tried the Volante, sp I can’t really tell other than the demos sound very promising. I would suspect though that the Catalinbread and Boonar can du much of the same.

  46. Heitor Carneiro

    Hello Bjorn! Thank you very much for your hard work on this website.

    Between the TC Flashback 2 or x4 and the EHX Canyon Delay and Grand Canyon Delay, which would be better for recreating the sounds from the ASoS – Animals era?

    1. Oh… I think they’re all overlapping to some extent. You get all of these to do pretty much the same kind of tones. I’m very fond of the Flashback and you can get some really nice vintage tones by using the Tone Print editor. Depending on how authentic you want to be, you might want to check out the Dawner Prince Boonar.

      1. Flashback 2 has tap tempo facility via an external footswitch (n/o, non latching). It is missing the strum tempo from ver 1, I believe. You have to enable the tap feature using the PC Toneprint editor (not the app) and connect the footswitch into the R stereo input using a TRS plug, with the switch between ring and sleeve. Tip remains R audio input. You can fit a TRS plug to a standard TS switch or buy a (somewhat expensive) MXR M199 tap switch and a TRS cable, and adjust the DIP switch in the M199 for ring operation. Hope that helps! (I got this from YouTube. TC tech support was useless.)

        1. There is a beta feature on the way for the flashback II that uses the MASH button to enable a tap tempo feature. If you have one you can try it

          “If you own a Flashback 2 and you’d like to help us beta test firmware V1.2.00, please contact us at toneprintbeta@tcelectronic.com

          This is a couple weeks old now, but it might still work if you email them.

  47. Hi Bjorn, have you created your own tone prints that users can download and use for TC Flashback or Alter Ego? Also do you know of any TC Flashback or Alter Ego preset or tone print that can give a long and smooth reverb like tails? I don’t have a reverb pedal but I thought I check see if there is any particular setting that create that sort of reverb-like fullness and smooth tail (you don’t hear the repeats rather they fuse together like a reverb tail). I know DG doesn’t use reverb but I wanted that kind of tone for another setup.
    Thanks man for all your efforts to keep the guitar community nourished. :)

    1. I don’t have the Alter Ego anymore so no I don’t have any presets and no I don’t know if you can create such a tone. That being said, I would imagine that if you can set up the TPE for a multiple heads kind of delay, similar to the Binson, then you’d get a more reverb type of echo.

  48. Hi Bjorn,

    I use google translation !

    I would like to know what delay you advise me to make music styles grouping:
    1 ° U2
    2 ° Pink Floyd
    3 ° The Police

     Regardless of the price.
    Still not too complex to set.
    With tap tempo.
    No use of lunch.
    Some recordable and recallable presets by footswich.

    What are your advices ?
    One big delay?
    Or two delay pedals?

    Which pedals precisely? Knowing that I already have a TC FLASHBACK triple delay. Can I get better at the sound level?
    With more presets and if possible smaller in size?

    Thank you very much for your advice.

    space

    1. I think it’s hard to beat the TC. It should cover all you need. If you want to expand, then I guess Strymon or Eventide is the next step.

      1. Thank you for your reply Bjorn !
        Compared to my criteria already stated, if I opt for Strymon or eventide, you advise me which models precisely and in order of preference?
        Thank you so much !

        Space.

  49. Hi, Bjorn. Just wanted to clear up for readers that the T-Rex Replica is a digital delay and is the same circuit as the old TC Electronic Vintage Delay pedal. It’s tone, IMO of course, is akin to pristine 2290esque digital or like a new tape machine with brand new tape, depending on what mode the filter switch is on. It is in fact an awesome delay and a solid and versatile choice for every style. Thank you so much for your site and the time and effort you’ve put into it. I have found alot of your information extremely useful in improving my tone for everything I play, not just Floyd. Thank you again!

    1. Luis Oliveira de Sousa

      Hi Bjorn! I am very curious about the same thing. I am in the market for buy a new delay pedal with a good interface. I am in doubt between Nemesis, H9, Valente and TimeLine to get the Pink Floyd tones with more versatility. Have you tried those pedals before? Looking forward to hearing from you about the Valente pedal too! I

      1. I think all of those pedals will do the job. My experience with these multi delay pedals is that they all sound very good so it’s more about tracking down the one that has the tones and features you need.

        1. Hi Bjorn! Thank you so much for your quickly reply! I am a huge fan of your website and I built my pedalboard based in your reviews and comments. Now, I need to buy a new delay and again you help me. Keep moving and congrats again for your AMAZING website
          !

  50. Hello Bjørn,
    I use the Nova System effect processor which basically have same deley build in as the Nova Delay pedal. My problem is when I want to make the delay for R. L. H. WITH 380 AND 507 ms delay, it doesnt sound right at all. I can adjust the the feedback individually, I can pan the to delay in each side (left and right) but the mix level cant be adjusted individually. Have you succeded to set up the Run like hell double delay for run like hell and another brick in the wall with the t.c. Electronic Nova Delay pedal?
    Thanks for a fantastic homepage ??

    1. It’s been a while since I used to the Nova so I can’t really remember how I used to set the patches. For it to work with two patches you really need to be able to adjust the volume individually. If not, I’d stick to using only one delay, which would be the 380ms.

  51. Just wondering if you have ever used the catalinbread echorec. I got one recently, really liked the delay and its warmth. I’ve tried using its preamp to push the my hiwatt gain type drive pedal, didn’t really liked cause it thickened the lows too much, So i’m placing it after the gain pedals which I really like.

  52. Hello : )
    Thank you for sharing all this good knowledge.
    I am in the marked for a delay pedal that can be set up for some “triplets” ( …really enjoyed the run like hell video you made…)
    Would the TC flashback 2 work?

    To something completely different- Have you, or anyone around tried a Cornell plexi amp?
    Have a 7w head with a 1×12 cab “in sight”. Maybe not the obvious choice for DG tones, but i like the vintage sounds alot.

    Regards.

  53. Trying to decide between the Flashback and the Hall of Fame 2. The HF2 seems to have some features I want but don’t want to lose Gilmourish sound either.

  54. Anyone have any experience with the Prophet Delay from TC? It is a one trick pony compared to their other stuff but I’m just looking for that CN liquidy solo tone. Anyone have a better option? The other TC stuff overwhelms me because of the quantity of functions and how a single knob can range from a slap to like like 8 seconds of delay. I would be nuts trying to make sure I didn’t bump it…

    Forgive the typos; iDevice…

      1. I did try the Prophet, I ultimately don’t use it much, and heres why.

        Perhaps it’s just a problem with my setup, or not.

        It has a ton of options, really it’s a great little device for the price.

        My one complaint is when you do 1 to 1-1/2 step bends, it gives this not very desirable distorted sound. Time is a great example with the 17th fret B string bends. As well as the ending with the long drawn out 4th fret G string bends.

        It’s hard to explain, but if you bend slowly, it doesn’t do it, a fast harsh bend will produce it every time.

        I have tried every combination between the pedal, amp, and guitar. No real fix. The only thing that dulls it down a bit is turning it to a clean sound, which is no fun.

        My setup is a Squire vintage modified 70s with the duncan designed pickups, fender strings I believe they are 10s, the prophet, TC forcefield compressor ( which works great ), and a marshall MG15CFX.

  55. Hi Bjorn,

    Great site! Between strymon el capistain and boonar dawner in you’re opinion what’s more versatile?

    Thanks a lot

    Frank

    1. Oh… hard to tell really. The Strymon would probably be more versatile but they’re overlapping to some extent. I think the Boonar does an excellent Binson emulation.

  56. Hi Bjorn! thanks for you’re great Job on this site and you’re beautiful music! I love airbag!
    can I ask You, in you’re opinion, is better tc flashback o boss dd2 for gilmour sound?(I prefer the wall era)

    thanks a lot

    Simon

    1. Thanks Simon! I love them both but the Flashback has more presets and options so that’s probably a better and more versatile choice.

  57. Bjorn, Have you tried the Electro Harmonix Canyon? I have and I think it’s awesome. From what I’ve read here the go-to delay (cheap) is the flashback, I’ve also read amazing reviews but haven’t quite tried it myself. Is the flashback really better? I’m really torn between the two

    1. Briefly. There are some really nice tones but I do prefer the Flashback. They’re very similar but to my ears the Flashback sound more pristine and blend better with the guitar. A matter of taste.

  58. With so many versions of the flashback how does one choose, what version is the best or most recommend one for the Gilmour style tones wheather it be the mini or flashback or flashback 2 or even the X4

    1. All of them can produce the same tones and tone prints so it comes down to what sort of features you need easy access to. I have the mini on a mini board but otherwise I use the standard version. Again, same tones…

      1. I learned the hard way that this isn’t true: the Flashback 2 does *not* have the same tones as the original, or control over the same parameters. For example with the tape mode, on the original you could get the full 7 seconds of delay time and if using it as the basis of a tone print could manipulate certain parameters. But with version 2 the tape mode time tops out at 800ms, and the entire algorithm was changed to be more authentic. What’s more, the Toneprint parameters have changed for all the modes, so for example you can’t take the 2290 mode and make it sound like tape by increasing modulation and saturation. As well there’s a new version of the Toneprint editor and it doesn’t work with both pedals. TC has dropped the ball on making all this clear on their website: the support videos for the Toneprint editor are from a few versions ago and aren’t applicable at all. I can’t speak to the other versions, but the 2 that ostensibly should be closest, since they have the same form factor, are quite different.

        1. Felipe Miranda

          The new TonePrint Editor has become difficult and complicated to use because of numerous parameters and there are no manual or tutorial videos to explain. I got frustrated to the Flashback 2 because there is no more tap tempo function on pedal, you need a external tap tempo. I’m honestly considering take a programable delay for the same price like Flashback as for example the Nova Delay.

  59. Nice piece. Have you ever tried the IBanez UE405? It was from the early 90’s amd has a nice analog delay that is somewhat limited to setting for one sound and leaving it. I think I’ll try to find that 300ms setting and play with the repeats to get a full sounding tone. I bought it new back the. For less than I see it selling now. It also has a parametric EQ, compressor limiter and stereo chorus. All analog.
    Mike from Milwaukee Wisconsin USA

  60. Finally I got for BOONAR !!! Great great good sound a little bit rich of high in repeats, but working on tape are and toner settimo the sound result very colse to Binson.
    So I’m very curious to listen the new BOONAR version thai Will come out with valve circuit and toner option.
    No news in this ?

  61. very informative. my latest squeeze however is the mooer ocean machine because its a modern take on reverb and delay plus looper a very creative gilmour machine all in one unit. a machine thats still to be exploited. i wonder wbst davd would think about it?

  62. hello Bjorn, I bought a nova but it generates breath when I branch in series. this breath is more important when I plug it into the effects loop.

    Do you have any idea of ​​what can cause this? The amp or a pedal ?

    My amp is a fender bassbreaker 15.

    1. And by breath you mean noise? Have you tried to unplug it from the rest of the pedals and just run it alone between the guitar and amp? Are you using the right powering – both volt and ampere? Are you sure that it’s not amplifying noise generated by other pedals? Does it only occur with the Nova?

      1. Yes, it’s a continuous noise, like the wind blowing. When I run the nova alone between the guitar and the amp, I have this continuous noise but I notice if i use the guitar with amp (with no pedals) I have also this continuous noise.

        I use a palmer wt 08 and i think use the good volt and ampere.

        if i use the effects loop with mooer elady, I can strongly hear the flanger’s rotations.

        1. Ok, so if the noise is present even with all the pedals unplugged then the problem lies elsewhere and the Nova might be amplifying that. Continue with just the guitar into the amp and check all cables, power and any source nearby that might cause noise, like computers, lights etc. Change guitars, if possible, to see if the problem is the guitar or the amp. If it’s the amp, then you might want to take it to a certified tech and have them look at it.

  63. Just going to throw my two cents in and say that the Boonar is one of the finest pedals out there, certainly my favourite I’ve ever used. I was planning on getting a Providence Chrono to run alongside it to make sure I have all the bases covered, but I honestly don’t think I will anymore. Sure, I sacrifice being able to do precise, rhythmic dotted eighth stuff, but the sound of the Boonar and the joy of playing it is so much more than I’d expected. The Echosex and the Catalinbread, as great as they are, still just feel like delay pedals; the Boonar really does feel like that magical, giant unit that took Gilmour’s playing to such great heights. Even outside of just chasing Gilmour’s tones, it’s so inspiring; I’ve already rewritten a few of the tracks on the project I’m working on around the sounds I’ve gotten out of it. I can’t recommend it highly enough, unless you’ve had the pleasure of using the actual unit, you’ve never experienced anything like it.

  64. Hi Bjõrn ! Had the warm Reptile 2 , which i sadly sold ( did not play much delay at this time !) , now i play many U2 and David Gilmour songs, classic rocks covers and want a dotted 8th warm delay, not too hi-fi studio sounding too….I play P90 guitars and Starplayer tv ( 😉), so is the T-Rexreplay box warm enough, not too straight and crispy delay ? Love all options but only the warmness would make it hard to choose…what do you think against JHS PINK PANTHER, WALRUS DELAY ? Are digital delays not Too thin ….? Thanks a lot, Gaëtan, France

    1. I haven’t tried those so I can’t really tell. The TRex Replica is perhaps one of the finest warm sounding classic delays I’ve played. A current favourite of mine is the FX Amplification Heartbeat, which is very similar to the Memory Man and Replica. See my review here.

  65. Hello Bjorn! Love your website I’ve recently just discovered it and it’s full of knowledge about David’s tone. I’ve been saving some money for quite sometime now and have been looking into the Boss DD-500 that has about 12 different delay effects and would like to hear your opinion about it to see if I could try to get that classic Run Like Hell tone from it.

    Cheers!

    1. Thanks for the kind words! I haven’t tried the 500 but based on Boss delays in general and the DD20 I would assume that you can cover just about any Gilmour delay and much more.

  66. Hi Bjorn, congratulations on such a fabulous site! I regularly visit your website to make pruchasing decisions on everything Gilmour-related. With that said, I was wondering what your thoughts are regarding the Boss DM-2W Delay. I understand that it is a phenomenal delay for the preice. I already own the heavy hitting delays on the market: Gurus Echosex 2 Ltd., Strymon Timeline, Strymon El Capistan, Strymon DIG, Line6 DL4, Skreddy Echo, Pigtronix Echolution, JAM Pedals Delay Llama Supreme, Catalinbread Echorec, Source Audio Nemesis, Eventide TimeFactor, MXR Carbon Copy, Empress EchoSystem, and so forth.

    My goal is to find a small MXR-size pedal that produces incredible analog delays. As noted, I already own a bevy of delays. I was just wondering if you have had any experience with the Boss DM-2W Wazacraft Delay. It appears to be a serious contender for the small-enclosure analog delay. Any information you can provide would be fantastic!

    Thank you so much, Bjorn!

    1. Hi James! Thans for the kind words! Wow, quite a collection you got there! I guess you got the analog delay tones covered so in that sense, you probably don’t need the DM :) As you know, the DM2 was the first analog delay in a small pedal and the tone has been cloned by almost everyone. It’s fairly dark but there’s something very musical about how it all blends perfectly with the guitar. In comparison with say the Carbon Copy, I find that the DM is slightly brighter and almost tape-like, whereas the Carbon often sound too dark to my ears and a bit too dirty. It’s a matter of taste. The Waza also has 800ms, the original had only 300ms.

  67. Hi Bjorn,
    I’ve already bought a TC Flashback and is really nice.
    For modulations I would buy a chorus and a phaser but not a flanger, and that’s why I would like to add it with the Flashback.
    Have you ever tried adding a flanger effect through the toneprint editor of the Flashback?

    If yes, do you think it would be good enough compared to a true flanger stompbox?
    Do you have any suggestion about editing a toneprint with a flanging effect? I mean…is it better using Tape or 2290? And how much Speed and Depth for the flanger…?

    Thank you very much.
    Fabio.

    1. The DM-2 is hard to beat when it comes to analog delay. The Waza also allow higher time settings so definitely worth checking out.

    1. I like the Reeco. It’s based on the Boss DD2. But really, I think your best value would be to get a TC Flashback. Either the standard version or the mini.

      1. I,m not crazy about the reecho ,,i own one and it seems to change the tone of my guitar so i got another one ,,for those short on cash ,,i would try the NUX Time force ,,$50 for 11 delays ,,tap tempo ,,tailing ,,note splits ,,looper and then some and it does,nt affect my tone !

  68. Bjorn have you seen the fender mirror image delay? It has a digital analog and tape mod on it and it comes 2/3 of the price of the flashback. I think about buying one. Any thoughts?

    1. I haven’t tried it. Sounds nice on the clips but I guess it doesn’t have anything that others can’t do. Good price point.

      1. Actually think of getting a nux time force, mosrly because of the multi head tape echo mode will order it and will wrtie a review in the comments. Cheers

  69. Hey Bjorn! I’m thinking about getting a good Binson pedal, I am torn between the Boonar and the new Echosex 2 T7E model… You have reviewed both of them. Which one did you like best? Price wouldn’t be a concern even though the boonar is almost half the price of the Echosex. Thanks!

    1. I guess the Boonar is more faithful to the old Binson both in terms of features and tone. The Echosex is my favourite though. More like a Memory Man with Binson features :)

  70. Hi Bjorn!!
    I’m considering to buy the Way Huge Aqua Puss, it has a tonal influence that I really love, I think it will bring me in the vintage territory I’m searchin’.
    I wanna ask you: are 300 ms too few for playing Pink Floyd songs??
    I know the Binson Echorec 2 was about 310 ms, so it’d be able to cover from ASoS to WYWH, but I’m thinkin’ about Animals and The Wall, what do you think??

    1. You wouldn’t be able to dial in those Wall delay times that you would need for Another Brick, Run Like Hell etc. Lost of the 80s and 90s stuff are aprox 750ms.

  71. hi Bjorn & friends
    Thanks for your amazing encyclopedia of sound – its a real Bible for me.
    Just got me the El Capistan and I wanderd if you can share your favorit settings for that one.
    Again – can say thank you another 1000 times…
    Nadav

  72. Hi Bjorn,
    what do you think about the ELECTRO HARMONIX mod. DELUXE MEMORY MAN XO pedal ?
    Is it REALLY a GOOD Instrument ?

  73. Thank you for your thorough analyses – I have found all of them very informative…I have a question: what are your thoughts on the Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay? I own one in conjunction with a Catalinbread Echorec and I have quite a lot of fun with it. Thoughts?

    1. I’ve only tried it briefly and not enough to really comment on it. I remember it had some lovely vintage sounds… and a lot of controls :)

  74. Hey just wanted to ask why there seems to be such a strong bias towards the boonar vs the caitlenbread? I was in the studio and felt they both were good and really had a hard time deciding which was better. The caitlenbread nails the dark elements of Pompeii tones really well. I did not feel there was a clear cut winner unless your splitting hairs? I also got some amazing sounds running looped Lo Fi guitar sounds through it and turning knobs. Some unworldly modulation.
    Cheers
    Jon

    1. I owned both and ultimately chose the Belle Epoch Deluxe so I can give an honest evaluation. People say how bright the Boonar is but I found that while the initial repeats were quite bright, even in newest drum age there was a progressive roll off of high end. As drum age is increased this is drastically accentuated. With the Echorec the tone knob is a true low or high pass filter, so the range of bright to dark is much more extreme. Personally I liked it best at about 1230 as the repeats seemed the most rich and dynamic, much more so than the Boonar at any setting. I didn’t like how modulation on the Boonar was tied in with the loss of high end in the drum age control; whereas the Echorec has a dedicated modulation control but inside the pedal which was a hassle as I found the desire to tweak it a lot. The Echorec had a much wider threshold of infinite repeats especially at slower speeds whereas the Boonar tended to get a whiny oscillation happening.
      Where the Boonar excelled was with the swell switch and especially with the multihead selection interface: while the multiheads sounded as good with the Echorec, having a knob with no detents that doesn’t immediately indicate which heads are activated was a bit frustrating. Plus the Boonar allows for 16 head combinations as opposed to the Echorec’s 12. I personally found Catalinbread’s customer service to be significantly better: while they answered any email questions very quickly and helpfully and even spent 20 minutes with me on the phone resolving an issue, I found Dawner Prince to be cagey and elusive and even at times totally unresponsive. In fairness this may be due to their being a far smaller operation than Catalinbread.
      I agree they’re both excellent delays (not too surprising as they use the exact same chip with excellent analog preamps and tone shaping) but if I had to choose one, the Echorec would have the slightest of advantages for me.

      Finally if you read through the comments you will see a fair bit of hostility expressed towards Catalinbread because they refused to send Bjorn a unit to demo, which may contribute to this sense that the Boonar is the favourite here.

  75. Hey Bjorn… I recently purchased a Providence chrono delay and if you haven’t had the opportunity to play through one you definitely need to. This pedal almost immediately brought my sound “much” into Davids realm. I don’t know if it’s the vitalizer circuit. You’ll understand when you try it. I really can’t put the tone change into words. It does color the sound… but to the color I love🎸😎🎸

  76. Hi Bjørn
    I had some questions on a rig revise. I want to reset up my complete rig again and look to your advise. I had hoped to emulate Gilmour but gave up. Instead I want a hybrid gilmouresque ( more Doyle Bramhalll II Live tone) and some real U2 delay with maybe a touch Andy Summers from the police. For some reason I see these mixing well? I want to go small pedals, not necessarily boutique pedal board. I have 2 fender strats and one tele with humbucker in neck. I will be using a Blackface Fender Princeton with 12” speaker.
    As for pedals, suggestions on UniVibe, muff, delay, wah pedal, chorus, good germanium fuzz, and a good overdrive? Sorry a lot, but you’ve always steered me good.

    Pedals I have: ad999 (too dark), cs505 (bulky not that good with my set up), a vintage Wilson Wah (it’s just tooo crazy!?), a modded TS9 (keeper?), and a muff I built that I never liked.

    I was interested in your suggestions for the Electro Harmonix small green muff, and maybe a Jetter vibe? I’m thinking of an overhaul. Thanks again for any direction!!

    1. Hi Joseph, sorry for my late reply. The Princeton can handle most pedals but I would go for something versatile since you want to cover a lot of ground and, the amp would need something with a bit of compression and mid range. I always recommend pedals like the OCD because you can do so much with these. I recommend that you read this feature for some tips on how to choose the right pedals for your amp and the buyer’s gear guides for some tips on different pedals.

  77. Dam I love this website. One trouble I’m having getting lead delays near Dave’s is pick attack. Any ideas on smoothing out the transients on the repeats? So they sound more soaring and fluid

    1. Not sure I understand the question. Are you looking for more attack or less? Are you talking about the attack in the delay repeats?

  78. Hey Bjorn,

    I use a Fender Rampart, I don’t have reverb in my amp but I got some really nice tube sounding.

    When I play in my small bedroom I really feel a lack of ambience. I like mxr m300 for exemple but I don’t want to spend a lot of money. can you tell me any cheaper reliable options? I like mostly Spring / hall / Plate and Modulate for fun.

    Keep up the good work ; )

  79. Hi Bjorn,
    Have you tried the Xvive Memory Delay at all. They get mixed reviews. I read comments from Howard Davis, who designed or at least had a fair amount of input into the Xvive Delay, saying it was better than the original EHX memory man series. As he was the designer of the Memory Man as well, he should know. There are other reviews/comments against this, so I would value your opinion. The pedals are dirt cheap at the moment, around the $100 mark.

  80. Hi Bjorn, i have the Boonar for a delay which is great. Normally i’ll just use delay and no reverb, but for songs like shine on i find adding reverb gives me a better tone . At the moment i’m just using the reverb on my amp a laney l5 so its a digital reverb the signal path for shine on would be guitar-cali 76-modded bd2- boonar-amp. i was wondering because i saw the hall of fame on your pedal board if this would give me a better reverb effect than the lanay l5 . Thanks

    1. I’m using the HOF for creating pads with a long hall reverb combined with lots of other effects. I’ve written a feature about reverb that I recommend checking out, The HOF is great and with the toneprint feature you can pretty much create any tone you need.

      1. Thanks for reply. i just read your reverb article very interesting. i think i will try out the hof. i’m a little weary of digital pedals because sometimes you can spend more time fiddling with the effect than playing guitar but i have heard a lot of good things about this pedal. thanks again for the help

  81. How does the T-rex Reptile 2 compare to the Replica and how is it overall? I have a line on one for pretty cheap.

    1. They sound very similar. The Replica is perhaps a bit warmer and more dynamic but the Reptile is definitely worth checking out.

      1. Thanks man. This is without a doubt the best place to go, for not just Gilmour questions, but gear, especially pedal, questions in general. Thank you

  82. Hi Bjorn I wanted to say thank you for all the work you put into this site it’s amazing. I wanted to ask if you had any experience with the boss DD500 delay, if this would be a good option for Gilmour tones.

    1. Thanks for the kind words! I’ve tried it only briefly and you got pretty much what you need in a single pedal. It can easily cover most of David’s delay tones.

  83. Hello,bjorn
    Is there a difference in tone between tape mode on strymon timeline and El capistan? What do you prefer?

    Thanks,
    Bank

      1. Gianluca Quartulli

        In timeline the first repeat in tape mode is clearer than the one on El Cap. You can’t get that “dark” on the timeline. So if you identify warm=dark, than the sound of the El Cap is warmer.

  84. Hey, it’s been a couple of years since I got a Catalinbread Belle Epoch and I’d like to say it sounds really great for gilmour’s echo tones but recently I aquired the EHX Green Russian Muff and the preamp of the belle epoch just kinda saturates a lot and sounds like a fart with it. Has anybody solved this issue with the belle epoch? I really like the tone of the belle epoch alone so I’d prefer to keep ir. What would you recommend Bjorn? Cheers and Thanks for the time and all the help all along these years

    1. I don’t own the Belle myself but the preamp will add a bit of mid range and compression, which can make Muffs choke up a bit.

    2. You could try running the Belle at 18v to increase its headroom, and/or opening it up and turning down the gain a bit. Or else just get the Belle Epoch Deluxe which has its preamp running at 22v and is an even more wonderful delay overall.

      1. Thanks, I’ll try the 18v mode!! Actually I had the gain to the minimum but I turned it up a little bit and I think now it sounds better. Still, I’ll try to run it in 18v as it tends to distort too fast with humbuckers, thanks bro!

  85. Hey Bjørn

    I know it’s asking a lot, but would you be prepared to make some sort of tutorial showing how to set up various delay timings? Or even just pictures of the necessary settings for these timings on the popular pedals?

    As I say, I know it’s a lot to ask so I totally understand if you don’t want to do it!

    1. Good idea. I don’t own all the pedals listed here but time settings applies to all pedals. I’ll put it on the to-do list :)

  86. Hey Bjorn, on 5AM, live, (both on Pompeii and boots) David was able to create a nice smooth delay without any feedback. It’s just a simple fade out of the note played. I have tried to reproduce that without success. The best I’ve been able to achieve is 1 repeat. Do you know how he accomplished this? As always thanks for your input!
    Jeff

    1. It’s a combination of using the right effects and volume. If you listen closely, you’ll hear that he’s using a lot of compression on that track, which will add to the sustain and, he’s playing very loud. There’s definitely feedback on the live version but he’s using that feedback to sustain the tones not to actually have the feedback ring between the tones.

      1. Thanks Bjorn. I do have exactly that type of setup in my signal chain. I actually use compression in almost everything I do. In this case I’ve tried a tube compressor but settled on a compressor/sustainer with a small amount of overdrive with a tube driver. I also typically use 2 types of delay. Analog with a lower time set and feedback and digital with a higher time set and feedback. I’ve really tried a lot of various settings including volume controls from various sources but couldn’t get rid of the ring. I finally just lowered the mix of both delays to have a slightly drier signal which has seemed to help with the ring but hasn’t hurt my sustain. Does that sound like the right tweak to you? Is there anything else you would try? Thanks
        Jeff

        1. I think what David master so perfectly is to use delay and feedback to create sustain. Some of his delays are obviously more effects but he’s also using longer delays with low mix to sustain the notes so yes, that would make sense. And, as I said, loud volume does the trick :)

  87. Hi Bjorn,
    I see it has almost been two years since someone has asked you if you tried the strymon Dig. Just wondering if you had a chance to play it yet and your thoughts if you have? I have the dawner prince boonar so I don’t need any other types of delay except digital delay. I have had the nova delay for years and looking for something new. Personally don’t care for all in one packages just looking for info on the strymon dig and another other digital delay pedal only you might recommend. Thanks

  88. Hey Bjorn like everyone else I’m eternally grateful for your time and dedication to this site. So I have the dawned prince boonar (probably the best pedal I have bought .. ever) so I just want to get a digital delay pedal. I don’t need an all in one pedal just a digital delay. I have had the tc electronics nova for years but ready for something new. I was wondering if you have tried the strymon dig? It seems like it should be good I just know strymon is always known for making ambient type pedals and just wanted to see if this pedal would work for that gilmourish type sound. It doesn’t have to nail his tone as I have been cultivating my own sound but I like to know that I can still get somewhat close. Thanks buddy

    1. I haven’t had the chance to try the DIG so I can’t really comment on that. Strymon has never disapointed me but again, I haven’t tried it. I think the best value digital delay out there is the TC Flashback. Either the standard or the mini. With the Tone Print editor and studio quality sounds it’s hard to beat.

  89. Hey Bjorn, thanks for everything you do!

    Quick question:

    What would be your choice between TC Electronics Nova Delay and TC Electronics Flashback?

    I like the TC Electronics Flashback but in “Gilmour in a Box” guide you went for TC Electronics Nova. Now I can’t make up my mind.

    Thanks,
    Luciano

      1. Wow that was fast! Thank you so much Bjorn.

        I’m from Argentina and I can’t even get the Nova in here. The flashback is available but just too expensive. I actually have to ask a friend to ship it from the US but I wouldn’t want to do it without your blessing.

        Money is not that big of an issue but I just want what probably most of us want. The definitive pedal. So far I’m going for:

        Big Muff: Vick Audio 73 Ram’s Head
        Compressor: MXR Custom Shop Dyna Comp ’76 reissue
        Phaser: MXR 1974 CS script reissue Phase 90
        Delay TC Electronics Flashback

        The tricky part is that these have to be on amazon. I can’t ask my friend to like start an expedition to find me some pedals LOL

        Well anyways, love your reviews. Keep it up <3

      2. hi Bjorn, thanks for an incredible site! so much great information. I’m a casual bedroom player at best and work alot. Does anyone have specific details and bank settings to cover pink and put into the nova delay as saves?? thanks-Paul

  90. Hey Bjorn, is it possible to use a line6 pod hd500 in the fx loop (send/return) only for delay and reverb and put the distortion into the normal Input of the amp? :)

  91. Hey bjorn. I have been a fan yours for years. I love your new recording and all airbag recordings. I just bought a strymon timeline. Awsome sounding unit. Would the dual Mose with dotted eighth notes on about 550 ms be right to get run lik e hell sound.

    Cheers, David

    1. I don’t have much experience with it. The reviews I’ve seen sound promising but something about the size and design puts me off…

  92. Hey Bjorn I was just wondering if you had the chance to try the new updated version of the TC Electronic Flashback 2? I’m very curious if it’s worth selling my original flashback for the new one. Help me decide man haha!

    1. Just watch the latest “That Pedal Show” episode featuring the new TC Electronic products and you will know… ;) I have a Flashback, but the stuff you can do with the Mesh function is phenomenal, so I want the Flashback 2 ASAP :D

  93. Márcio Gasparin

    Hi, Bjorn what do you tell me about the electro harmonix canyon for the sound of Gilmour? Thank you.

    1. I haven’t tried it but it’s got both digital delay and a Memory Man analog delay mode, as well as a bunch of other stuff so I think it should cover the basic tones very well.

    1. Well worth checking out. It’s got most of the features found on the old Echorec 2 and you can nail pretty much all of David’s early 70s echo tones with it. I do prefer the Boonar from Dawner Prince though. It’s got all of the features, a beautiful pre-amp and modulation and the repeats are more pristine and reverb-like, as the old Binson.

  94. Hi Bjorn,
    I love your site and appreciate everything you do! I’m having issues trying to lock down some exact delay settings including run like he’ll etc… I have a nova delay, dd2, 3, and 7, echorec, and more. Do you know a place I can go to get a few good presets for my nova delay? Including how to get that good run like hell delay sound?
    Thanks,
    Chris Jones
    Feel free to email me privately if you want to.

  95. Skyler Diamond

    Hi Bjorn, I was hoping you could recommend me a delay pedal that does a great job replicating gilmours digital delay sound like on time, budget aside. (just not to pricey) I am in the market for a delay pedal and am stumped looking for help. I have checked out almost all of the pedals listed but I can’t land on which one I want to buy.
    Hopefully you can help. Thanks.

  96. I’m having such a hard time deciding between the el cap and boonar! I like that the el cap has tap tempo, but the boonar is such an exact replication of the echorec it’s very tempting. I have 2 other strymon pedals and would like to keep the company loyalty going cause it would look good on the board but I like diversity too. Tape bias is good but doesn’t the boonar have a pre drive knobby on the side?!

    1. Yes it does and it works really nice. There’s also a mini switch for adjusting the modulation. The El Capistan probably cover more ground but if you want the full Binson experience, then the Boonar is hard to beat.

  97. I suppose you’ve heard by now, but Robert Keeley has issued the Echoes delay. It’s based on the delay section of his Dark Side pedal, but with some modulation added.

  98. Hi Bjorn, Great info, love this site, just found it today. I use the Ibanez ES2 and the Strymon timeline and love them both. I am looking at the Jam Pedal delay llama plus now. Do you have any feedback on that pedal? Thanks again.

    1. Hi! Welcome to the site! The Delay Lama, and pretty much everything from Jam Pedals, sound great and it’s a very popular analog delay pedal. The tone is somewhat similar to the MXR Carbon Copy, although slightly brighter. Kind of a mix between the Carbon and the Echoplex.

  99. Hi, Bjorn!

    I recently ordered my pedals, and this will be their chain:

    American Standard Stratocaster -> Phase 90 EVH -> RAT 2 -> Tree of Life -> MXR Analog Chorus -> Eleclady -> Flashback -> Fender Frontman 25R (for now)

    Do you think that’s a solid setup? Would you change the order? And which amps do you think would be great to blend with these pedals?

    Thanks a lot for all the help you give in this site!

  100. Hey Bjorn! I’m on the verge of purchasing a tc nova delay. I was just curious on how well it can do a faux echorec or tape style delay? Compared to a stand-alone echorec based pedal, this has all the features I would ever need for any situation.

    1. It can do a fairly good job but you might want to look into the Flashbacks or the Strymon Timeline, which gives you all of the patches and storing options and probably a more convicing Binson tone.

    1. Basically because all the pedals I’ve listed sounds great. Depending on what sort pedal and tones you need, you could go with any of these.

  101. Alessandro Borges Cordeiro

    Hi Bjorn, greetings from Brazil! Are you tested the MXR Echoplex? What you think about it? Between the MXR Echoplex and the MXR Carbon Copy, wich is the best choice?
    Congratulations for the great site!!!

  102. What do you think about the Skreddy echo, it sounds great me, do you think it would be good for early David Gilmour stuff like 60s and 70s era. Thanks

    1. I haven’t tried it so I can’t really tell but I would imagine it fits those tones perfectly :)

  103. Hello Bjorn!
    I recently got my hands on a second hand T-Rex Replica for less than half the price of a new one, everything is fully functional so it was a real bargain!
    What are your usual settings on it, including the use (or not) of the brown and subdivision switches? I’m looking for a classic DG/PF tone, so something around 300ms, and eventually send the signal to a longer digital delay (700ms) to have a fatter sound when soloing (something you do too I think).

    Cheers!
    Alexis

    1. Hi Alexis! I usually have mine set at around 310ms, which is the maximum time of the old Binson Echorec David used. Try this:
      echo 6, repeat 7, level 9 (unity gain) and tempo 6. These are all referring to the dots.

  104. Someone has probably mentioned it, but the Echosex 2 doesn’t have a ‘fully analog signal path’. Despite their claims on their website, the delay is created by digital pt2399 chips. I actually got into a discussion with the builder on a forum- he argued that since ‘only’ the delay line is digital and the rest of the signal path is analog, it wasn’t misleading to claim a fully analog signal path. I said that would be like saying that, since ‘only’ the patty is meat and the rest of it is grains and veggies, it’s not misleading to call a hamburger vegetarian.

  105. Hi Bjorn,

    I’ve really enjoyed reading this article as I’m a delay freak… i love it, and have been chasing Davids delay settings etc for years. I’ve also read with interest your section on The Wall , and noticed that you’ve said David used 2 Boss DD2 delays during the recording of Run Like Hell. I believe this is incorrect as back in 1978/79 when they were recording The Wall Boss hadn’t yet invented the compact Digital Delay, and had only just released the DM1, which was an analogue delay, and not capable of reproducing the delays heard on Run Like Hell. I believe in the studio Gilmour used 2 MXR digital rack delays for Run Like Hell set at different delay times.

    The Boss DD2 wasn’t released until 1983, after The Wall tour finished, and 5 years after the recording of The Wall album. I do however believe he used the DD2 on his about face tour in the new Boss SCC-700 pedal board. you can read about the history of Boss digital delays here….. It makes for interesting reading

    http://www.bossus.com/blog/2015/11/11/echoes-in-time-the-history-of-boss-delay-pedals/

    1. Hi Andy, you’re absolutely right. I did a lot of copy paste when I wrote those album guides and I see that I copied the information from the About Face tour. I’m a huge fan of the DD2 and know the history and yes, it wasnt’ available at the time they recorded the album. Thanks again!

  106. Thanks for the detailed appraisals. I’m not doing Floyd, but love the Binson sound, and want to add it to my setup – so you’ve been very helpful in deciding which machine to buy for this.
    I’d been looking at the Catalinabread Echorec online, but since they don’t value it highly enough themselves to put it up against the other pedals reviewed here, I guess that’s one I’m not interested in either…
    I think it’s gonna be the Alter Ego V2 I go for.

    1. ‘I’d been looking at the Catalinabread Echorec online, but since they don’t value it highly enough themselves to put it up against the other pedals reviewed here, I guess that’s one I’m not interested in either…’ Your loss. It’s one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed pedals of this decade, used by legends like Eric Johnson and Andy Summers, so I’m sure Catalinbread have nothing to prove regarding its value.

  107. I apologize if this has been asked/answered…..any thoughts on trex replicator tape delay and/or the full tone tube tape echo? I’m interested in actuall tape echoes and there use in a gilmour type rig. Also just a thought, wouldn’t it be better to have the newest comments first? Or is it better to have them last so people see if there questions have already been asked? Thanks man, you do an amazing service here.- josh j

    1. I don’t have any experience with the new tape delays so I can’t really comment on that. On a general note, tape delays or echo machines often produce a much more organic sound, warmer repeats and a more natural sounding flutter/modulation. They can be a real hassle to carry around if you tour a lot but great fun if you don’t mind or mostly are using them at home/studio. There are lots of great sounding simulations out there as well, like the Dawner Prince Boonar, Gurus Amps Echosex, Strymon El Capistan etc.
      Thanks for the tip regarding the comments. I never really considered that :) It’s done…

      1. Wow you really did it! The comment thing I mean, your a chill dude my friend. I hope if you ever try any of the tape delays I mentioned, you’ll do a couple reviews, also, I’m sure you’ve seen the trex exhorec replica, I love that companies are making these things. I would like to say aside from airbag and your solo stuff(I track lullabies in a car crash once a week on vinyl, just chill and get inspired), you could make a ton of money writing Pink Floyd tabs and doing video lessons to go along with them, like the obscure stuff…I’ve yet to find a tab video/transcript of SHine on from delicate sound of thunder, or learning to fly. Don’t get me wrong I love to learn to play the album versions, but your a master at playing those awesome live versions. I think you’ve told me a couple years ago that you have no interest in doing the tab/lesson thing. I’ll just have to stop being lazy and work out the arrangements on my own lol. Great work man, thanks for what you do. Oh and I’m gonna pick up the boonar, screw Catalinbread, they can keep there dumb pedals, and they need to take it easy on the modulation. Modulation alone does not make a good echo clo’mm

      2. Thanks for your reply. Would you say it’s easier to figure out the controls/dial in tone on the boonar or the echosex?

        1. Well, the Echosex has less controls so I guess it’s easier to figure out but the Boonar is pretty easy to figure out too. I wouldn’t worry :)

  108. Thanks Bjorn,
    I checked out the demo for your upcoming album. Sounds awesome. Keep on Rockin 🎸😎🎸

  109. Hey Bjorn, have you any experience or opinion on the source audio nemesiss delay ??? I have a nova and I’m looking to upgrade. Was gonna do the chrono until I saw the SA delay. What do you think ???

  110. Hi Bjorn!!!
    Congratulations for your excellent job , im a big fun of your site!!
    Recently i bought a MXR Carbon copy Delay in Order to achieve Animals tone.
    Can you tell me what settings can i use in order to achieve it , it seems to me a little bit difficult to tame it.

    Thank you very much for your help!!!

    1. Thanks for the kind words! Delay pedal settings depends very much on how the amp and the other pedals that you use it with sounds. The more compression, mid range and gain your tone has, the less delay mix you want. Too much, and the delays will be all over the place. Like all analog delays, the Carbon is fairly dark so if that’s an issue, you might want to consider a different pedal. Time-wise, David mainly used the Binson, which had 310ms and the MXR rack, which had 440ms. I don’t remember how that applies to the Carbon but try setting up a digital delay on your computure with Garageband or similar and dial it in.

  111. Hi Bjorn!
    Did you try or hear anything about the new TC Electronic delays, the Prophet and the Echobrain? Both are priced to sell at $50 each, but are they any good?

    1. I haven’t had the chance to check them out yet. I heard some rumors that they were based on older Behringer specs but I might be mistaken. The reviews I’ve heard are promising.

  112. Hi Bjorn,

    Just tired an echosex 2 today. I was pretty impressed on how it kept my core guitar tone intact, especially the low end. Only other delay pedal I have that does that is the big moogerfooger. And the echosex is on top of that even quieter noise wise. Problem is though, the repeats on the echosex sounded a bit “soft” to my ears, even with the treble dialed up full. It was as if they didn’t decay in a very percussive way. How would the boonar differ regarding these trails and also regarding keeping my core tone sounding big and absolutely unaltered?

    I do hate the awkward non standard size of the boonar though… :(

    Cheers!

    Nicolas

    1. The Boonar is more true to the Binson. Obviously, it’s got all the features but the overall tone is also closer, with a brighter decay and more attack or percussion. The Echosex is perhaps closer to the Memory Man, which although has much of that big spaceous tone, is really more like a conventional analog delay, with darker repeats and decay. It’s just two different pedals.

  113. Dominique Dubourg

    Hello Bjorn,

    I want to change my TC FlashBack X3 by a
    Free The Tone Flight Time Digital Delay FT-1Y
    It displays the settings, which I miss on my
    TC.
    Do you have any feedback on this Delay pedal?
    thank you in advance for your help

    Friendly

    Dominique

    1. I haven’t tried it myself but all the reviews I’ve seen are very positive. As you may know, David also used two of these on the last tour.

  114. Hi! I bought a Boss DD-3. Can you help me, how I setup the right delay time and feedback on Another Brick In The Wall Part 1 and the Wall – Delicate (370 ms) era? Just the o’cloks of the knobs. Thanks!

    1. I don’t have a DD3 so I can’t help you with the specific settings but set up a delay time in a music editing software, if you have one, or download a free version of a guitar effects software. This way you can make signature settings for all of your delay tones and just match them with the pedal. Btw, Wall is 440ms :)

  115. For David’s tones during the 70s, would you recommend an analog delay (I have the Jam Pedals Delay Llama in mind) or a tape delay (the El Capistan)? I’m trying to decide which one of the two to buy along with the TC Flashback for his digital sounds. Thanks!

    1. He did use tape, so the El Capistan and similar, would be the most authentic. Tape and oil can delays have a brighter tone, with that tape modulation or flutter. Analog delay, are darker, often with a slightly distorted decay.

  116. I have been using DD-2 and Memory Man Deluxe since they’ve been making them. ( WEM copy cat before that)
    A really ok delay for little money is the Digitech Digidelay, often available for less than $50 on eBay or reverb.
    It has analog tone, reverse delay, and a stereo modulated delay that really works well.
    I also got a Catalinbread Echorec, and it is dreamy. Worth the money. $230

  117. Hi Bjorn, today I was in a recording studio and just happened to see an MXR Delay system I(double rack) from the 80s like Gilmour used in the mid 80s. Have you ever played though this unit? Is it worth checking out. The guy is willing to sell it. Always thankful of your feedback… So again, thanks for keeping the floyd nation alive. Denis, Florida USA.

    1. Hi Denis! Terribly sorry for my late reply. I’ve never played one actually. I hope I can one day but they’re hard to come by in this corner of the world. Hard to tell whether David’still using one out of habit or if it sounds good (well, I assume it does but you know…). From what I’ve heard, it has an analog vibe to it but it’s fairly pristine and you can dial in accurate time settings. A bit noisy but it depends on how it’s been taken care of.

  118. Jefferson Oliveira

    I totally agree with you Bjorn. I also already had problems with Catalinbread pedal, and also was not answered by email. There was no response from them. Also do not buy any products from them due to lack of attention to the customer.

    1. Are you sure they got your email? I’ve had nothing but stellar service from them. Erksin answers even my dumbest inquiries within a day if not hours, and on 2 occasions he had me call him at home on his day off to run me through some questions I had with their pedals. Way above and beyond what is expected.

  119. Hey Bjorn,

    Thoughts on the Boss DD-500? Seems to be a cost-effective alternative to the Strymon Timeline – weighted more toward DG’s more “digital” delay-based 80s/90s/present tones than earlier, analog tones.

    Chris

  120. Hi bjorn on the boonar delay i change the trimpots setting theme to vintage and when my pedal is not on there is no sound coming from my amp i get soumd when its turned on is this normal thanks

  121. Bjorn or anyone out there, can you please advise me on how to get the right DG delay settings for the TC Electronic Flashback X4, similar to the Flashback delay; pictures would be a plus? Thank you everyone in advance for the help and suggestions! Take care everyone!

    SD

  122. I have El Capistain, Carbon Copy and Echorec Catalimbread ! But after i read your coment I bought a T Rex Replica and put it in the place of the Carbon Copy.
    Fantastic delay !! Thank you.

    Ps. I also bought a R Comp ( Vick Audio ) and it is the best compressor side by side with my Cali 76 CD. Thank’s

  123. I have a technical query about the Whammy pedal: it seems on recordings/live that, when David uses the Whammy pedal, it plays only the pitch shifted note, and doesn’t play the dry on top of that; I’ve recenetly purchased a WH-1 Whammy pedal, and no matter what setting I put it on, the dry signal always plays on top of the shifted note; what am I doing wrong? Am I just hearing the track wrong? If anyone with experience with Digitech whammy’s could help me out I would greatly appreciate it

    1. Thanks! It’s been awhile since that show but for the first solo, I think I used the Dunlop RotoVibe, into a BK Tube Driver with delay. For the last solo, I used the Pig Hoof into a Top Tone Shine Boost and delay.

  124. Hi Bjorn!
    If you had to choose between a T-Rex Replica and a Strymon El Capistan to replicate David’s 70s tones but also just to have a high class analog delay, which one would you pick? I’m torn between what analog pedal to get. The thing is my main goal is to be able to get close to Gilmour’s tones from the 70s but at the same time I want an analog delay that I can use to define my own sound as well (hence there being no mention of an Echorec clone). They both seem like brilliant pedals so I wanted to get your take on them. Of course, if there is a better option for what I’m trying to achieve, I’m all ears :). Thank you very much! Have a nice summer!

    1. The El Capistan is no doubt a more versatile unit, with more features and tones. The Replica has a lush organic tone and is hard to beat but again, the El Capistan is probably a better buy.

  125. Daniel Greenwood

    Hey Bjorn may have a chance to get either a echosex or a boonar? Which one did you prefer and which is more pleasing to look at? I must admit the boonar looks scary, while the echosex looks lovely.

    Side note – next time I’m in oslo, il bring you some pedals to try :-)

    1. Hi Daniel! Let’s put it this way… The Boonar for features and that full Binson experience. The Echosex for a lush and organic sounding tape echo :)

  126. Regarding long tail without hearing repeats I found it is partially created by the effect of reducing the attack and beefing up the tone body by using compressor and overdrive as well. Also setting up two delays in series one with double time of the other one helps stretch the tail at low delay volume that keeps repeats of attacks less audible. Also at proper delay time playing style can make a difference too.

  127. Effectrode’s Phil Taylor has been known to leave disparaging remarks on demos of competitor’s products. Plus it’s kind of ironic that he’s spent years and years working on this Echorec sim, trying to perfectly duplicate the Binson sound while dissing the great efforts of others, and then putting such inauthentic features as tap tempo on it. It will be horribly overpriced but still bought up by all the KoolAid drinkers.

    1. Example? I’ve never seen Phil Taylor disparaging anything. He can be a bit sarcastic when explaining stuff but I haven’t seen him diss competitors.

      Can you provide me with links? I’ll be very interested to read about it.

    2. Any links to or proof of this “dissing”? I’ve dealt with Phil on a number of occasions and he has always been extremely amicable. I’m not calling you a liar, but it would be nice to have some evidence to back up your claims. I will agree with you that the Echorec sim has taken far too long to develop but if it is a quality product, I for one, and I’m sure many of us here in the Gilmourish community, would be delighted to have one on our boards when it becomes available (and after Bjorn has reviewed it of course!).

      And as always Bjorn, your hard work here is very much appreciated! And congratulations on your amazing album!

  128. Hi Bjorn,
    I’m not sure if this question was already asked and if I’ll be able to make myself clear.
    Could you explain me how David or yourself achieve that big delay sound without much hearing the repeats?
    When dialing a delay that sounds good, I always tend to find hearing to much the repeats. Tonewise, just turning the repeats knob down doesn’t seem to work for reaching David’s delay sound.
    Thank you in advance,
    Matthias

    1. Delay is tricky because how it sounds, depends on the combination of how you’ve set the amp, what pedals you use with it and, obviously, how you’ve set the delay. An amp with lots of mid range and perhaps a hair breakup, can make a delay sound overwhelming and you might also hear that it bleeds out in your tones. Likewise, an amp with more headroom and less mid range, can allow the delay to blend in better. It also depends on what kind of delay you’re using. An analog delay, or tape simulation, will sound darker and may not work as well for David’s more pristine tones. The more digital, brighter sounding delays, like TC or Boss, will often blend easier for stuff that you need a spesific time setting etc. I often use analog delay or echo for the pre-Animals stuff and digital delay for Animals to present. David’s often using 6-7 repeats and less volume than you might think.

      1. Hi Bjorn,

        I would also like to add that David Gilmour likes to set his delay timing with the beat of the song along with your explanation.

        So Matthias, when you say you hear a big delay sound without hearing the repeats much, a lot of it is because the repeats are being ‘hidden’ or blending in with the beat. There are resources out there that can show you how to set your delay timings with the bpm of a song.

        1. Good point. Although he often use the typical tape settings, such as 300bpm or slapback aprox 120bpm for the early stuff, he often either use tap or 8s. Stuff like Comf Numb, Sorrow and the more epic stuff, often has 700-750ms, which will create a lot of space and rather a more sustained character, than a typical delay.

  129. HI Bjorn, As always a big thanks to keeping your gear sections current and providing great insights into options to capture David’s tone! Per your recommendation I just picked up an Echosex 2 limited Edition Delay. I couldn’t be happier with the clarity and warmth of this delay. As you stated, one gets the analog warmth without the dark character that is inherent with many other analog delays. I also picked up a Providence Chrono at the same time and am really impressed with this delay as well. They both complement each other and I feel I have David’s repertoire covered very well now. Probably the best feature of both is their simplicity of operation. I don’t have a lot of time to spend figuring new pedals out or fussing with them. I really appreciate a well designed and intuitive effec and both fit the bill nicely. The Rattle that Lock tour photos help me dial in the Chrono just right, so it was super helpful. Thanks again for all you do! Rob

  130. Hi Bjorn! Great updates for 2016. I really enjoyed the new compressor guide.
    You’ve probably heard about this already, but it’s news to me.
    http://www.effectrode.com/echorec-3/dream-machine-echorec-3/

    I’m going to start saving up to buy two of them.
    I’ve been wanting someone to make a tap-tempo Echorec inspired pedal for years, and the fact that Effectrode is doing it means it’ll be in a class all of its own.
    Hopefully it’ll be released and ready to make the 2017 buyers gear guide. :)

    Cheers!

  131. whats missing from the delay section is D’s actual delays. The reptile is there, but the Flight Time and Providence Chrono Delay are missing. I sold my Nova and got the Chrono and havent looked back.

  132. Johannes Dittrich

    Hey Bjorn!

    Thank you very much for all the awesome gear guides on your page. They are really helpful! Got the Drybell Vibe Machine not least thanks to your great review and couldn’t be happier.

    I just wanted to add one thing about the TC Electronic Flashback… From what you wrote, I was not sure if you were aware that It can actually be switched to buffered bypass. That makes it even more recommendable in my opinion because not only does the “spillover thing” work, it is also quite useful if you have the delay last in chain before the amp.

    Thanks again and have a great day!
    Johannes

  133. What about some settings fo the Standard Memory Boy? i mean cmon Bjorn be humble and make happy lots of M.B. owners including myself. Love your website, big fan.

  134. Any interest in trying the new authentic tape based delays like the Fulltone Tube Tape Echo or the T Rex Replicator? I’d love to see your thoughts on those.

  135. Hi Bjorn, Thanks for the update to the delay page and all your efforts for educating us. I’m still saving money for a better delay unit. I have DD-20 and I’m gonna keep it for now. I’ve been thinking of Nova Delay for more than a year now after finding it was your pick in your website. I noticed you kept the pick for Flashback put removed the pick from Nova Delay and added the pick to Boonar. I can’t afford Boonar but if Flashback is as good sound quality as Nova Delay and offers as much versatility and even more extra stuff too, and if its 2290 mode has the same functionality and versatility of Nov Delay (I’m really fond of the idea of dynamic delay) then I can go for that one instead of Nova Delay. Just I thought I check because I’m ok to budget a few 10 dollars more for Nova Delay instead of Flashback delay if there is a merit for buying Nova Delay for better tone (more analog sounding), or more functionality or versatility. I appreciate if you let me know. Thanks a lot.

    1. Or the other approach could be I don’t sell my Boss DD-20 and just add a vintage analog flavour to it, either with EHX Deluxe Memory Man or TC Alter Ego V2; and if this approach is a good one, do you think I get enough mojo from TC Alter Ego V2 plus the flexibility of other possibilities (Echorec, etc) or Deluxe Memory Man is going to offer modulation control and true analog tone therefore being more superior for vintage analog flavour. If TC Alter Ego V2 got the right amount of modulation for Deluxe Memory Man setting suitable for DG kind of tone, plus offers a useful DG tone Echorec setting, etc. I think it could be more advantage but as long as it is analog sounding. Price wise I can get used ones of either for the same price so the comparison is about authenticity and flexibility. I really appreciate your comment.

      1. The Alter Ego will provide a lot more tones and versatility. The Echorec preset is OK but doesn’t really capture the tone as well as the Catalinbread or Boonar. The other models sounds quite nice though and again, with the Tone Print feature, you can dial in the amount of modulation, filter and just abaout anything you need for your own signature delay/echo.

    2. The Nova is no doubt an excellent unit and it’s more versatile than the Flashback (single). Still, for the value, I think you get more with the Flashback. The Boonar is a different pedal, with a very different tone. The Flashback has some nice presets but the Tone Print feature makes all the difference for me. You can’t back up patches, so if that’s important, then you might want the Nova. Other than that, I’d go for the Flashback.

  136. Apologies but the Gilmourish pick icons are between items. Is the Gilmourish pick the Echosex 2 or the Dawner Prince Boonar?

  137. I have most of the Moogerfooger pedals (including the MF-104M) that get used on my studio board. An important issue with these pedals is their physical size and weight. Even when I’m not dealing with stage-related issues, I have to go through the hassle of swapping one or two other pedals out off my board when I want to include one of the less-used pedals in a chain. Why go through the hassle? Their sonic quality combined with the degree of control over parameters is possibly unmatched by any other units.

    Bob Moog was into sound synthesis not necessarily guitar sounds. Most of the gear produced by the company through the years was developed for keyboard use, though adaptation to other insturments isn’t difficult. If you’re looking for a classic analog delay pedal, the MF-104M is nearly impossible to beat. If I were interested more in emulating David Gilmour’s sound, I’d look elsewhere; especially with the price of the Moog delay being as high as it is.

    The next piece of gear on my wish list is the Source Audio Nemesis delay. That seems to have a top quality analog delay emulation, as well as a huge variety of digital options.

    1. The can be put by sets of 3 over a 19″ collapsible rack tablet and Moog issued rack brackets for 3 Foogers.
      I own a 6U rack with 6 Foogers on 2 tablets, 1 Doepfer 24chan MIDI-to-CV, a RJM router/looper/switcher and some other stompboxes as there is room left on the tablets.
      For sure, if you have a collection of Foogers on a pedalboard (I own 8 incl. two MF-104Z and the MF-108M), you’ll be mad at their size. I can’t do without the phaser, the ClusterFlux and the two delays.
      Note : I don’t even try to replicate DG’s sound as my fingers have their own sound from the start.
      Therefore, when doing covers, I prefer to adapt my sounding to the context.
      Actually, it’s even rather easy to get a higher end sounding than DG : there are tone-sucking bottlenecks in the gear and it’s no issue to get better guitars than any Fender or Gibson ever built.
      In fact, you can get sounds that will really blend-in with totally different gear!
      Consider the DSOT+Pulse’s gear, all I need are Big Muff, Dynacomp and some Harman group (DOD=Digitech=Lexicon) algorithms and the best tool for these is the Lexicon MPX-G2…
      In fact, together with the Mesa TriAxis, this pair of racks are the two best assets you can get for the PF songbook, you can get even further than DG by adding the Eventide Eclipse to the MPX-G2. It has jaw-dropping rotaries, the Q-wah preset can do the TalkBox without losing teeth, as armonizer or Whammy, nothing beats it,
      The MPX-G2’s analog preamp + EQ set in tre-send position will get you rid from all pre-dist/OD EQ pedals. Used together with the Triaxs’ 6 lead channels, the only dist/OD you still need is the Big Muff unless you want a germanium fuzz.
      MPX-G2 has two dBx : don’t need double Hush it also has the real Wammy.
      The Alembic preamp uses Fender circuits with higher end parts, so does the Mesa preamp.
      All you still need is the remainder of analog pedals, BTW, it can emulate Leslies, Univibe, has a Dynacomp, CS-3, Phase 90, Mu-Tron emulations, the digital choruses, flangers and delays are gorgeous but one may wish the same analog things as DG, or others.
      What I may use :
      – EHX Black-Finger Tube-Comp
      – (DIY) MXR DynaComp
      – Dunlop Cry baby GCB-95
      – EHX Tube-Zipper : mod to use an EXP-pedal so you can use it as a tube-wah.
      – EHX Tube-Wiggler trem/vib
      – DLS VersaVibe
      – Moog MF-103 Phaser
      – Moog MF-108M Cluster Flux. Flanger/Chorus
      – TC Electronic Super Chorus/Flanger
      – 2x Moog MF-104Z Analog Delay for Binson type delays
      – (DIY) Tycobrahe Octavia
      – 1979 EHX IC Big Muff
      – ByBuzz Technologies Big Muff (high end resistors and capacitors)
      – (DIY) Big Muff using parts from end 60’s/early 70’s

      Some interesting stuff:
      – EHX Big-Muff Germanium4 : very nice versatile germanium fuzz+OD
      Although I didn’t ventured into this for now:
      As I own the full MoogerFooger range (MF-101, MF-102, MF-103, MF-105M, MF-107, MF-108M and 2x MF-104Z) and these are Modular Moog elements, it seems likely able to replace the HiFli, some seem to have already played “On The Run” using Foogers and the small Korg Step-Sequencer. It may need three MF-107 in order to get three oscillators (you may replace a MiniMoog having three) but patching it may be a pain in the a*s
      There are several free and not free version of the EMS AKS/VCS3 and its step sequencer. Using such VSTi on a laptop is surely the most cost effective way to go as original AKS/VCS-3 go at insane prices (over €10k). With a good audio interface and maybe routing the signal through a tubeamp to get analog warmth, grain and punch. I’m already the kind to use a tubey for my Roland, Obie, SIEL, etc analog synths as well as VSTis, I also have run some VSTis trough MoogerFoogers for test purposes and these were nice improvements to modelizations for unobtainium synths : the few stuff I A/B tested with the real shit, be it guitar gear or synths, was NEVER on par with the real ones,but while modelizations were horrible when going thru the Dynaudio or PMC monitoring in the studio, while ran through tubeys+Foogers, it was nice to hear it

  138. Hi Bjorn, first of all, thank you for sharing all this information, it’s very helpful. I have a question for you or anyone: when i play with lots of delay like the Time or Echoes solo i hear high pitch repetitions from the attack of the pick I guess, if i low the level it seems to disappear but the “chaotic” echo that I look is lost too. I google this (badly i guess) and i find very poor info, I don´t know if is the nature of the delays pedals or is present in only the cheap ones (i have a Mooer Reecho).

    Thank you again and sorry my english.

    1. Could be many things. First off, where in the chain have you placed the delay? What kind of fuzz are you using? Does your amp have a clean tone, with lots of headroom or do you crank it slightly? Let me know, and I’ll try to help.

      1. The chain is guitar > The Black Secret > Mooer Reecho > Amp. I have a ibanez amp with transistors, not very good i guess, i use the clean channel and a moderate/high volume for a house, play too low is a bit boring. By the way i saw a video of yours, the review of the boonar and i hear the same things (the echo of the attack) when you go up in the fretboard in the time solo cover, i think that is the way that it should sound and is not a problem, i mix the repeats too loud (100% xD) I’ll try lowering and get use to it.

        Thank you and sorry for the rookie question

        1. Sorry for my late reply. We’ve all been rookies :) I haven’t tried your amp, so I can’t really tell about that one. An obvious though is that it might lack some headroom, which makes a delay bleed a little. Still, I suspect it’s more about how you’ve set the delay. Too many repeats and too much mix/volume, will make the delay sound muddy with fuzz and high gain pedals. Try adjusting the settings and keep them at a moderate level, at least with gain effects.

  139. Hey Bjorn,

    I’m finalizing my ASoS-WYWH board, and am looking for an Binson simulator pedal (or one close to it) to add to the board. Currently I’m eyeing the TRex Replica and the Dawner Prince Boonar, but I’m at somewhat of a loss in deciding. What would you personally go with?

    Thanks,
    David

    1. I would personally go for the Replica since I rarely use multi tap delays. The Replica sound incredibly warm and musical. The Boonar, however, is probably the closest you’ll get to a real Binson in a small pedal. The tone and the detail those multi head repeats is impressive.

  140. Hi Bjorn! If you had to buy ONE delay pedal out of all the pedals on this list to cover David’s tones what would it be?

    1. The TC Flashback I guess. There are better delays out there and units that are more specialized, but it’s hard to beat the price and features of the Flashback and once you dig into the Tone Print, you can create a wide range of custom sounds. Great value.

  141. Hi Bjorn! I’ve been looking for a delay pedal for my rig and am torn between the carbon copy and the TC electronic flashback. I’m trying to get something like Gilmour’s tone from the 70s (DSOTM, Aninals, WYWH especially). Which of the two would you recommend? Or is there a better pedal for what I want? They’re both in my price range with the flashback being on the bottom end and the carbon copy closer to the top (unfortunately I can’t afford to get an El Cap yet ;) ).

    1. The Carbon is a great analog delay and perhaps more dedicated towards the classic tones. The Flashback however is a more versatile pedal and you can easily dial in most of David’s delays. The stock analog and tape sounds are OK but you can create awesome sounding custom patches with the Tone Print.

  142. **Sebastiano**

    Hi Byorn,
    I have a TC Electronics Flashback from time and I use to set it in term of ms delay.
    Coudl give me some advice how to setting it or a guide how to get for example 440 ms or 300 ms, ….?
    Thanks a lot
    regards
    Sebastiano

  143. Hello again Bjorn,
    I love your website and I’ve learned so much from it and for that I thank you!
    I would like to understand your thoughts on using a dual parallel looper for delays. I think David has used dual delays for some time and I guess used one with fast repeats and another with slow repeats.
    Do you recommend this and if so have you tried it and what looper would you recommend?
    Thanks so much
    Bryan

    1. Thanks for your kind words! I rarely use loopers myself but yes, David’s often using two delays at once. This is part for creating a reverb-like tail to his tone – he is not using reverb on stage – and also for recreating the multiple head repeats he got from his old Binson echo unit. You can combine different time signatures and mix the level individually, but try setting up one for a slap-back around 100-120ms and one for about 750ms. Experiment with the level of these and find a balance than work. You will get sort of a double track effect and that long tail at once.

  144. Much as I like my Moogerfooger Delay, the analog bucket brigade technology places it in a specific genre of delay effects. The less expensive, smaller Minifooger delay lacks some of the bells and whistles of its bigger sibling, but in a blind audio test for a straight delay function it’s nearly impossible to tell the two apart.

    Two weeks ago I came close to adding a Fulltone Tube Tape Delay to my studio pedal board. The tube stage on that impressed me as much as the genuine tape echo effect. There’s an entirely different quality that creates from my Moog Delay. I may very well wind up adding this at some point in the future in order to add to the creative possibilities I have available when I want something different.

    Instead of the delay I opted for an Effectrode Blackbird preamp since the time was ripe to add some tube stages to my solid state setup. I will be giving both of Catalinbread’s tape echo units a trial using the preamp to drive them. It’ll be fun finding out how close the EchoRec and the Belle Epoch will come to the actual tube Binson and EchoPlex units they recreate.

    For anyone looking to add a single economical delay unit to their rig, take a look at the Source Audio Nemesis delay. With a street price of $300 it’s somewhat pricey; but given the variety of possibilities, it is very economical. It has many different emulations available, and I’d have no problem using the Nemesis analog engine on a gigging board to replace of my Moog Delay.

    1. That is awful.
      I have just been getting into his pedals, and waiting for Bjorn to come around to the echorec.
      RIP Nic .

    2. Condolences to family and friends.

      Certainly a tragic loss to the entire music community. His dedication to building the best usable gear possible inspired his employees and has helped to drive the industry to do better.

  145. Hello Bjorn! What would you prefer for maximum sound quality and versatility?

    1. TC Electronic Nova Delay.
    2. Boss DD-2 + MXR Carbon Copy.

    Thanks!

    1. The Nova. I use the DD2 and a couple of other pedals myself but if you want ONE pedal that does it all and sound great then the Nova is hard to beat. You might also want to look into the Flashback Triple and X4.

  146. Hi Bjorn,

    I’ve tried many different delays (in the following chronological order: DD7, MXR Carbon Copy, TC Nova Delay, Flashback…) and I completely agree with your comments. I’ve just read this thread and if only I had seen it before I would have made savings!
    I’m more than happy with the TC delays.
    Quick question, and again I’m fully in line with the MXR CC being too dark:
    have you been able to try out the new version of the MWR Carbon Copy Bright?
    It really looks to be a nice improvement to the tone.

    Cheers,
    (and really sorry to what happened to you Epi…)
    Renaud (France)

    1. Hi Renaud, sorry for my late reply… Yeah, the TCs are great and what more do you really need, with the Tone Print and all… Anyway, the Carbon Copy Bright isn’t all that different from the original. Slightly brighter, which they could have done on the original, with a tone knob. Check out this review for a comparison.

      1. Well yes indeed, you’re right. They should have released a new version with a tone knob, not keeping the two versions…
        Side question if I may: if I didn’t have a Nova Delay with the display screen, would you have a trick to help setting the delay time & feedback (indicated on a tab) on a pedal (such as the MXR CC)? Would you do only by ear?

        1. Get a music software, like a free version of some of the more familiar ones or Garageband if you’re Mac user, and set up a delay for reference. That way you can easily dial in your time and match it up on your pedal. Hard to do on the road perhaps but leave some markings on your pedal and you should be good. I’ve never used delays with displays so that’s how I do it anyway… unless you have tap feature.

  147. Robert - (wyldberi)

    I’ve skipped over a lot of the comments, including all the ones for 2015. I like the tips and the background info is great for players to place all of this in context. I’m no great musician and my involvement with pedals has been extremely spotty. My first pedal was a new Maestro Stage Phaser when it was first released, and I paired that with a an MXR Stereo Chorus when those were released. These eventually came up missing after a move to the West Coast. Instead of replacing them I moved to rack effects and stayed with those for a long, long time.

    This past summer I got interested in messing with pedals again. It amazes me how many good ones have been developed during the period when I wasn’t paying attention to developments in that arena. I’m doing acoustic stuff these days and use a Pendulum SPS-1 preamp. I’ve added on a dbx compressor and a Rane graphic EQ to the front end that were left over from an old studio I dismantled years ago. It took a while to figure out how to splice some pedals in after the EQ to good effect, but the results are rewarding. I like subtle to enhance the guitar’s tone when I don’t bother setting up a mic for the instrument.

    With all that out of the way, I’ve come to this: Moog Music’s Moofooger MF-104M is an amazing tool that sparkles and shines above everything else I’m aware of. It started with a used MF-108M Cluster Flux chorus pedal. I liked it so much I added the MF 103 Phaser pedal to recreate the original 2 pedal rig I had back in the 1970’s. With those two pedals I can float a tone in the background of my acoustic playing through a stereo rig that you don’t notice until you go looking for it. But when you do look it’s definitely there. When I’m alone and I want to have fun tweaking things out, those 2 pedals push the envelope as far as I’d ever want to go with them.

    Moog’s MF 104M Analog Delay pedal is currently out of production because Moog ran out of the rare bucket brigade chips used in the design. The price has jumped a whole big bunch; $679.99 list price, current scalper’s rate is $1,200.00 on e-bay, and these are the only ones available. I stumbled upon one listed late one night on e-bay for less than $1k and scarfed it up before anyone else had a chance at it.

    Like I said, it’s an amazing device. It outshines my MF chorus and Phaser pedals that I like so much, IMO. They’re all big and a bit clunky looking; but the build quality, the impeccable sound, and the multiple routing possibilities, and the degree of control I have over what escapes from the outputs is something else.

    Sorry for sounding like a paid advertisement for the company. I’m not. I’m just a Newbie who’s discovered more than I ever expected to find with these analog devices. These certainly aren’t for everyone. I don’t think I’d want to take these pedals out touring with me. For my home studio, of for going into any studio anywhere in the country, my MF 104M goes with me in my carry on luggage. For anyone reading this who likes analog delay, when Moog puts these back into production, do yourself a favor and give one a try.

  148. David and Rick used echo for the micro voice in early 70s……….do you think they used the binson echorec for it?

      1. in the bootlegs from 1970-1971 i listen the voice gilmour and wright with echo
        …my question was, do you think they used the binson echorec for it?

  149. Not a big fan of digital delays, but the flashback it’s probably the best choice out there for digital delays… I like to stack multiple analog delays, and they sound great, echo puss, supra puss are amazing… the digitech obscure is pretty unique … maybe for the more experimental minded players… but hey… Some here like to emulate Gilmour but not really imitate him… I love his tones and I want to come as close as possible but also I like to take that and make my own music… you can tell immediately I’m influenced by Gilmour, but I also have sounds that are my own…
    I stay away from digital delays, and you should too… carbon copy is amazing, seymour duncan’s vapor trail too…
    please don’y get the boss digital delay… please.. have some respect for your instrument…

    1. Ha ha, well, it’s all down to taste isn’t it? But, I agree that analog delay – or if you’re lucky enough to own an original tape machine – do sound more organic and musical. The technology has come a long way the last decade or so and analog doesn’t mean that you have to spend all your savings anymore. I’m still using my old Boss DD2 though. It’s always been my main delay unit but to me it sounds much warmer and more dynamic than most digital units that I’ve tried. The newer Boss DDs sound sterile and flat.

  150. Hello Bjorn!

    Great Echosex review! I really love that pedal but for my pocket is overprized!

    I want to buy a Echo pedal and I’m towards the calibread echorec pedal.

    Normaly I play a strat with ssl5 bridge and 69’s tro a hiwatt t20 but also play with my guitar chain ( mxr buffer, mxr dyna comp, small stone, bass big muff, triangle buff, sl drive, BD2, blues mood, electlady, ensemble king, nova delay, RT20) tro a Carl Martin Rock Bug wish is a amp speaker simulator wish you can plug a headphones and tro a mixer. I used it with headphones.

    What is your opinion about the Echorec? Where should I put it in the guitar chain? And do you know a better alternative in a budget range?

    Cheers,

    Joao Bicudo

    1. Hi Joao! The Catalinbread Echorec is an excellent alternative to the Echosex. Definitely worth considering. I’d place it after your chorus. Cheers!

  151. Hey Bjorn, awesome insight into the world of Pink Floyd. I was wondering what your take was on the TC Electronic triple delay and the Strymon Timeline? I am having difficulty choosing one. You could also, if you have time, point me in the right direction for modulation. Thank you.

    Ryan

    1. Thanks, Ryan! Both sound great I think and they offer different features. I must say that I like the tone of the Strymon the most. It sounds very smooth and warm and, in terms of David’s tones, you can nail pretty much anything. What kind of modulation do you want? Check out the UniVibe and modulation guides for some tips :)

    1. Yes, I have a review coming up. The EchoSex is a take on the Binson, and although you can dial in similar tones with the Eventide they’re really two very different delay pedals.

  152. Hi Bjorn,
        you advise the Nova Delay, I have the TC Electronic Nova System, is that the delay is comparable with it?

  153. There have been a few mentions in this thread about Catalinbread’s bad customer service. I really have to comment on that. Starting with having a 7 year warranty (which is about 7 times that of any of their competition), I have had nothing but stellar service from them. Whether asking a random question about an upcoming pedal or having an issue with one I own (which has turned out to be misperception on my part, not a faulty pedal), they have always responded politely within a day, sometimes within an hour. Hell, Mike from there even had me call him at home on a day off to talk for 20 minutes about setting up a pedal for my rig.

  154. Hi Bjorn,

    First time wandering around on this site and I have to say I’m impressed! Lots of great info and shopping tips.

    I’m putting together a new pedalboard and I recently treated myself to the Keeley Magnetic Echo as a birthday gift to myself, and I have to say, I’m very impressed. It’s quickly become my favorite pedal, and does a nice job with the warm tape-type delay tones. Reminds me of a somewhat superior version of the Carbon Copy. Great quality and not terribly expensive for a handwired boutique pedal- Might be worth a look if you ever get around to it.

    Cheers.

  155. Bjorn,

    I know you haven’t reviewed the Echosex 2 yet, as I just received one in mail and its AMAZING not to mention beautiful. I was looking for another delay to compliment my TC nova and I think I found what I’m looking for. I opted for the LTD version as I think you have this as well. I was wondering if you could share your favorite settings? Thanks!

    1. Hi Kris! Terribly sorry for my late reply. Try this: bass 11:00, age 11:00, volume 10:00, length 12:00, echo 10:00 (aprox 300ms).

    1. I think the Echorec is nice. I’m not blown away but it does the job. The Echosex is a different pedal. It sounds WAY more 3D and lush. I’ll have a review up within a few weeks.

  156. Hi Bjorn,
    What do you think about Echosex 2 of Gurus?
    And which you recomended to me,I haven´t any Delay?

    Best regards!!

  157. Hi Bjorn, I own a Catalinbread Echorec and was considering a Boss DD-2. I’m thinking about layering both these pedals. Also own Pete Cornish SS-3 and Cornish P-3. Would appreciate your suggestions as to the order in a chain all this effects would go.

  158. Bjorn, have you ever tried the low-budget option, the NUX TIME FORCE pedal? Is it really a clone of NOVA DELAY? It has some cool features on it as seen on many videos.. cheers.

  159. Have you ever tried Carl Martin’s Delayla or Delayla XL? They’re both 100% Analog Tape Echo simulations. The do a frightening good job. All hand wired in Denmark. They both can work as typical delays, which have an Echoplex quality, or you can hit the “Tap” as its called on the standard Delayla, or the “Slapback” as its referred to on the XL, which engages a second head, to get Watkins Copicat vibes going. The XL has a Tap Tempo, not to be confused with the “Tap” on the standard model that works well. The unit doubles as a studio effect.

    Worth a look!

  160. Today I bought a Catalinbread Echorec. First thing: One of these days riff :) Very amazing. For The another brick in the wall part 1 riff not the best with this unit, but its sound like: Astronomy Domine, Live at Pompeii, The Dark Side Of The Moon late 1972 live perfomance (Böblingen, Frankfurt, Brussels, Zürich etc.)

  161. hi Bjorn,
    hope you are well and things are good, any new delay pedals being reviewed for the future,????

    all the best, Howard

  162. Bjorn,
    Been listening to Airbag quite a bit since my last post a few months ago. My cousin and I are flying to Colorado from Dallas to catch Steven Wilson’s show and then the next night Brit Floyd at Red Rocks. We both agree that the only thing missing is your show in the middle! Everyone I have played your music for loves it!!!
    Anyway, I just wanted to get your opinion on the Tc Nova System. I picked one up a few months ago and have pretty much done away with all the other effects on my board. I still use my pedals for OD and distortion, but I find the effects on the Nova to be awesome. I find the delays to be fantastic. The chorus and flanger are pretty solid as well. Lastly, I find the compressed to be very helpful. It has a setting called sustain and it does exactly that without changing my tone at all. It is very easy to adjust the volume on and it adds some great sustain. My band plays another brick pt. 2 and I am lead. I am finally able to nail the tone on the solo…..the rotary speaker I was given as a gift from my friend was a huge help as well. Your site has been an amazing help in my tone quest and I wanted to personally recommend the TC Nova System to anyone, who wants a wide variety of effects, that in my opinion are of very high quality. The Analog OD and Distortion aren not bad on it at all either. One could easily use this as a stand along unit if need be. It has definitely made a big impression on me.

    Chad from Dallas

  163. the Boss DD-2 and DD-3 should be exactly the same pedal. The chip they used in the DD-2 drastically went down in price, so instead of cutting the cost of the DD-2 they reintroduced it at a lower price as the DD-3.
    http://stinkfoot.se/archives/516 Some revisions came about after that though.

    It’s a great pedal for modding as it still has an analog compounder, so you can get the darker repeats. I have the BYOC version and its fantastic, I ended up switching it and the 2000’s RI AD-9 out for a Deluxe Memoryman, for more delay time ( I used around 325ms for my bands songs and they top out at around 300) and for the modulation.

    Analogman also has a ton of mods out for the DD-3 which are also worth looking into.

    1. The early DD3s are the same pedal as the DD2s. The current model has a different circuit and does not sound the same.

  164. Hi Bjorn,

    Have you tried the Boss DM-2W? My local shop recommended it, though they don’t do TC or Catalinbread.

    Very helpful site!
    Thanks

    1. Yep. Sounds great. Always loved the early Boss delays, the DM and DD2. Worth checking out for early Gilmour tones and classic analong deleay in general.

  165. Hi Bhorn,

    Is there any page where I can find David’s settings for the TC Electronic Nova Delay 2990?

    1. I don’t have any specific settings but check out the album guides for time settings. Feedback and volume should always be set to taste and to match your gear.

    1. Sounds pretty good. You got a few different sound modes and there’s a tube that adds to the warmth. Definitely worth checking out.

  166. Hey Bjorn,
    Have you been able to try the Boss DM-2W? If so, how does it compare to the other analog delays on the list?

  167. hello, what configuration you recommend for the section of tape flapping in reptil2 t rex, and the feedback ?

    1. Depends on what tones you want. I usually set the feedback to about 6-7 repeats and I like the modulation fairly modest. The actual settings depends on taste and what amp and other effects you use.

      1. thank, if you would like a setup for tone 1970-1971 or on the other hand 1973-1975, you suggest I put no modulation or has modulation but moderate for both? … I have no ear for distinguishing whether modulation is heard on the repetitions in bootlegs existing in those years

        1. David did not use modulation between 1968-71 although there’s the occasional Leslie employed. Between 1972-73 he mostly used a UniVibe and in 1974-75 he used a Phase 90. Between 1977-83 he mostly used an Electric Mistress flanger combined with a Yamaha rotating speaker cabinet. Between 1981-2005 he used a Boss CE2 chorus.

          1. thanks, my question was directed to whether the Echorec Gilmour was with the modulated sound repetitions (either modest or severe) or if your repetitions should have nothing modulation ……. am a big fan of your page and all information on the pedals of modulations i read in your page :D

            1. Oh… I thought you meant actual modulation pedals. As far as I know, based on interviews, David kept his Binson units pristine, which means that they had little or no modulation.

  168. Hey, Bjorn…I’m doubt between TC Electronic Flashback delay and Nova Delay…
    what do you prefer for Gilmour’s Tones?

    1. The Flashback can cover all of the Nova tones, especially if you use the Tone Print. It’s very versatile and possibly one of the best value delays out there. The Nova can store and it has a few other features, which can be handy in a live setup where you need several patches.

  169. Bjorn, will you be reviewing the Gurus Echosex 2? Any opinions on that unit? Also the Limited Edition one they are about to release?

  170. Hello Bjorn!

    I’ve listening some of The Wall songs from late 70’s and what an amazing sound that David’s had at the time!
    I saw your Run like hell version and you nail it ! In all ways mate!
    By the way, do you know were i can find more bootlegs of the wall or animals era?

    I just bought a TC Nova delay and what a fantastic unit! Great sounds!

    Can you share your setup and especily the delay settings or settings that can work with the Nova Delay.!?

    Keep up with the good work, your site is very usefull!

    P.s. do you have more reviews in mind? It’s allways a pleasure to see you playing mate.

    Cheers,
    Joao bicudo.

    1. Hi Joao! It should be easy to track down bootlegs on some of the torrent sites. Check out Yeeshkul.com as well. I think all of the Animals and Wall shows have been recorded. I don’t own a Nova at the time so I can’t really help you out. More reviews are coming :)

  171. Hi Bjorn, I was reading in the Kit Rae page about the parallel delay setup used by Gilmour, sending separate 100% wet and dry signals to a blender or mixer. It’s not that hard to achieve this but, Do you thing that it worth the effort to try to set that setup? I also read that David uses two delays in parallel (full wet signals) I guess one in the pedalboard and the mxr he keeps in the rack, with diferent times to make the sound bigger. Any tips to set the times for this dual delay setup? Thanks.

    1. You mean the Sound on Sound setup or his delay tones in general? The SOS setup is explained here. I haven’t experimented that much to replicate David’s layered delay settings but I often use a variation for my own tones and stage setup simply by combining two different delay pedals. For solos or textures, I often combine an analog delay, with dark reverb-like repeats set for 300ms and a digital delay as the main unit with pristine and clean sounding repeats set to about 700ms. This is similar to what David does, or at least did on the 80s and 90s and it creates a lush tone, while still begging focused as opposed to using reverb, which often makes heavier tones sound muddy.

  172. Got a TC Electronics Flashback on Saturday. Here are my Run Like Hell settings:

    -Mod setting
    -Delay at like 11:30 to 11:45 make sure the pointer on the knob is in line with the “d” in the word delay
    -Feedback, just a hair off 12:00 to the left side
    -Level, 2:30 approximately
    – Dotted eight delay setting, switch

    Just thought I’d help if someone needed it. This really is a great pedal, thanks for the advice Bjorn.

    Matt

  173. I noticed that some of the Catalinbread Echorecs have a white dot on the knobs, where others have a white line…..anyone know if one is a newer version, or maybe they just simply ran out of the one type of knob?

  174. Bjorn, a great analog delay that warrants a strong mention on this site is the Maxon AD999 analog delay. The AD999 is loaded with eight custom Bucket Brigade IC’s for 900 milliseconds of warm, organic analog tone. These BBD’s are clocked extremely low to achieve the longest delay time possible, creating a HUGE delay tone that recalls early 70’s Pink Floyd with stunning accuracy.

    Also- unlike digital simulators like Strymon, the Maxon AD 999 is true bypass and runs on 9 volts. The tone is legendary and almost anyone who has heard it will agree that there is little else in the market which compares with the stunning warmth of the pedal.

    It would be awesome if you could put in a mention of it in the delay section. This is too special an analog delay to miss.

    1. Yep it’s a great one. I haven’t been able to give it a thorough run through so that’s why I haven’t included it. I’ll see what I can do for future updates :)

      1. Hey Bjorn, have you had the time to spend some time with the Maxon AD999 yet? Would love to know your thoughts. Not necessarily a review, just your honest thoughts and how you would rate it among other true analog delays?

    2. I have the AD-900, the previous version, and I am as blown away by it as you are by the AD-999. Nothing I have ever tried has come close to my AD-900.

      1. The AD900 is a classic. It’s Probably the 12volt charge it runs on- there really seems very little else to equal it’s warmth. However, the AD999 is pretty close and runs on 9volts. The 900ms time is a definite plus. Can’t go wrong with either. Or the AD999 PRO.

  175. Wow! The Community Gear Gallery looks very impressive. I would be ashamed to post my stuff. All I have is a Variax 700 and Line 6 POD XT Live, which I bought used for $500 CDN. But with it, I can emulate Strats, Teles, Pauls and a whole lot more; plus a wide array of tube amps — HiWatt, Marshall. Vox, etc; and I can call up 100+ FX, including Binson Echorec, Uni-Vibe, Leslie 145, and on and on… So if you’re on a low budget, or don’t have a lot of space… you might want to check out Line 6. Disclaimer: I don’t work for the company; I just want to share what I found. BTW… Great site… and great posts! Thanks.

    1. Hi Louie! Never be ashamed! Post your picture and be proud :) What matters is your tone :) I’ve been using a Line 6 POD X3 for years and often use it to record demos and even parts for our albums. It all comes down to what tones you need then and there :)

        1. What I meant was that the Aqua Puss and Supa Puss are great sounding delay pedals. Definitely worth checking out for David’s tones and analog delay in general.

        2. Juan, I have the Faux Tape Echo and it’s fantastic. As far as the Faux Analog Echo, it’s among some of the best out there (in my opinion.)
          I’ve had several opportunities to try it out, and the only reason I didn’t get it was because I wanted more of a tape sound for leads.

  176. Hey Bjorn, how would you set up a TC Electronics Flashback (the regular, not the mini or any of the big ones) for David Gilmour’s PULSE tones?

    Thanks!

    Matt

    1. Using the 2290 setting, about 7 repeats with the feedback at around 12:30 and the 750ms, with the delay at around 1:30.

  177. Hi Bjørn Riis!
    I’d like to share some of my experience with you. Sometimes you have to find a way to overcome budget.
    Well, I use a DD-6 set in 370ms most of the time and a Zoom G2.1u with some delays preset on the memory. So I can program till 40 banks with different delay tempo. For instance: 500ms for Time Intro, 440ms ABITW, 380ms Run like hell. The zoom G2.1u isn’t expensive and does the job well.

  178. Great line up, and I totally agree with you on all of these I’ve tried, I did think you were going to include the Catalinbread though, and regardless of their poor attitude towards their customers, it definitely belongs on this list, and for Binson tones, you can’t get much closer unless you have a real Binson!

    Peace, Keith

  179. Hi Bjorn
    I don’t see your comment on TC Électronic triple délay actualy it should seem to be a good device to get most of Gilmour’s délay
    Carol

  180. Thanks for the superb ‘new’ buyers guide! And thanks for adding the DBM to the muff list :) have you personally had the opportunity to try the DBM yet?
    There’s a huge reputation for Maxon AD 999 analog delay (with 900 ms delay) and unlike other companies this is an actual all analog, true bypass delay. Most consider this to be one of the greatest true analog delays in production today.
    Would you consider adding a mention of this pedal to your delay section please?
    Thank you Bjorn. Your website just keeps getting better and better with time!

    1. Thank you, Debargho! I haven’t tried the AD999 but I see it gets a lot of praise. All pedals, guitars, pickups and amps featured in the Buyer’s Guides are tested by me. I never include stuff that I haven’t played myself.

  181. Hello :), I recently bought a T-Rex Reptile 2 and I love their sound and tones I get with this but I have a little discomfort …. I put my guitar directly connected to my fuzz face jhf1 and then the reptile 2. …. when the reptile 2 is not activated fuzz tone is quite balanced but when I activate the reptile 2 is much brighter, I do not know if this is normal or abnormal
    …… the same thing it happens when I connect with my deluxe electric mistress (reissue 2000), when the mistress is not activated fuzz tone is one way and when active is quite bright

    but my biggest concern is that through this with the reptile 2, do not know if it is due to the type of bypass that has this pedal or maybe that I’m using a solid state amplifier …….. Manual of reptile 2 does not specify what type of bypass used but it seems that is true bypass

    his opinion will be of great help please :)

    1. I’m not sure but I think the Reptile is hardwire bypass. The Replica used to be but I think they’ve updated that one to true bypass. The Mistress is hardwire. This shouldn’t effect your fuzz. If anything it should get darker. However, there might be some impedance issues going on. I’m not really an expert on these things so you might want to check someplace else too.

      1. thanks, I finally discovered that the problem was because I was using excess cable, now I’m using cable lengths under both work perfect …. it’s amazing how the signal goes to shit when very long lengths used cable and only has true bypass pedals in the chain

  182. Bjorn
    I noticed you said only Boss DD-7 had tap tempo. I have a DD-6 and it does as well not sure about the others though. Cheers!

  183. Hey Bjorn,

    I’m in the market for an echo pedal. Do you have any experience or insight about the Skreddy Echo pedal? It looks very nice (sounds nice as well!) but I want to make sure I’m getting the biggest bang for my buck before I plunge in over $250. I’ve also been hearing things about an Effectrode Echo hitting the market sometime in the future, but with no official dates I don’t know if I should hold my breath on it or not.

    Thanks
    David

    1. Hi David. The Effectrode is going to be a replica of the Binson, from what I understand and I expect it to cost well over $250 :) I haven’t tried the Skreddy but based on the clips I’ve heard it sounds nice. I also recommend the Stryom El Capistan. Awesome sounding tape with all the features you need.

      1. Hey Bjorn. I recently came across the Guru Amps Echosex 2, and everything I thought I wanted completely flipped up-side down. Have you heard anything about this pedal? I believe it’s relatively new, but there is just something about it that keeps catching my eye….

    1. I only add items that I’ve played my self. I hadn’t had the chance to try this one yet but it sure looks very interesting!

  184. You need to get your hands on Jams Delay Llama. The one with the self-oscillating footswitch will cure your psychedelic woes! Very very warm and tripppppy.

      1. Yeah…actually I describe it as “Floyd-like”, as in…the whole Pink Floyd scene :) You’ll see. Hope you get so we can get a review. So i’m sure you don’t remember but my setup for delays is…Caitlinbread Echoric, Jams Delay Llama, into Dr. Scientist Reverb…then Trex Replica into stereo amps…Either Fender blues jr and Swart Atomic Space Tone or Bassman. Talk about any colour you like. :) Thanks for all the tips! I like the Analog flavor best as you can see. I need to get my gear picture up on your page. I had Helweg make me a custom board. I’ve been following your facebook pages and saw you that you might be divulging some info about the Echoric. I can’t wait and i’m glad you love it. I bought it sight unseen and it’s just my favorite. Always kind of wanted to send you out mine so you could review…but not really ;) In a couple days i’ll get my picture up…maybe we can discuss my board!! Keep it legendary Bjorn!

  185. Hi Bjorn,
    I am very happy with Analogman dual analog delay ardx20 with amaze0 control box and the digital Providence chrono delay (was very happy to see it in David’s studio set-up). I am lucky I could also afford Fulltone tape echo. It sounds incredible. thank you for all your efforts.
    Peter

  186. Hey Bjorn, how do you feel about the Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay compared to some of the higher end models you have listed here?

    David

    1. I don’t have that much experience with it but I would say that it’s right up there with the Strymon stuff. Sounds very authentic and got got lots of stuff to tweak and to tailor the tones.

  187. Dear Bjorn,

    This is a great summary. Have you ever tried the Carl Martin Echotone? I have had this delay unit for a year now and I must say it is truly incredible! I highly suggest you give it a try. In my opinion it is one of the best delay units available.

    Kind regards,

    Dave

  188. Hi Bjorn,thanks for the sharing your experience with us.this is awesome :) I like your music and all of your stuffs,congrats !! I have a question for you I watched your the blue jamming you used tc electronic flashback.Also I have one and Can you give me your all settings for this pedal on this Jam ? God bless you ! Many thanks !

    [Thanks for your kind words! I used the 2290 mode with the delay time at about 1 o’clock for aprox 750ms, the feedback at 12:00 and the level at 11:00. You need to adjust these settings to match your guitar and amp. – Bjorn]

  189. Hi Bjorn,

    Thanks so much for the info.Also could you give me the setting knobs for fx level and feedback ?

    Many Thanks,

    Erdem

    [Depends on how many repeats and how loud you want them. David usually have about 7 repeats and fairly loud. – Bjorn]

  190. Hi Bjorn,

    I hope you are fine.I have a tc flashback and could you give me information about settings for 700 and 750ms delay time ?

    Cheers,

    Erdem

    [About 12:30 or 1:00. – Bjorn]

  191. Hadn’t thought about the Timeline. Which would you take between the Eventide and the Strymon? Both seem good (and they’d better for the price) but I’m leaning towards the Eventide because I saw that you can download the presets that the guitarist from Roger Water’s “The Wall” created and they sound pretty close to Gilmour’s original tones. The Eventide also seems a little more versatile to me.

    Thanks,

    Matt

    [I haven’t explored the Timeline enough to really give a good comment on it but I think both units are great and it depends on what features you need. Both are capable of replicating classic delays and also more modern studio quality stuff. – Bjorn]

  192. Some small note to the sound of T-Rex Replica: I have a try at some delays (TC flashback, Boss DD-20 and others…) but the problem was, that first echo and sometimes also second one were somehow too sharp at the beginning of the sound. Very striking attack of echoes embarrassed me. It wasn´t possible to reach or at least to approach lets say to natural sound of intro in Coming back to life. Now with T-rex Replica this is possible. It has natural sound with very soft echoes attacks. The sound is very “musical”, it´s not a “digital chemistry”.

    Thanks for this web by the way.

    [Cheers, Oscar :) – Bjorn]

  193. Going between three pedals for Gilmour tones: Eventide TimeFactor, Line 6 DL4, and one of the new Korg SDD-3000. Have you tried the Korg yet? How do the others stack up? Is there one I haven’t listed that you think is better?

    Thanks,

    Matt

    [I haven’t tried the Korg so I can’t tell. Based on the reviews I’ve seen and heard it seems like a great unity though. The Line 6 has some really nice and classic tones but the downside is that it’s noisy and drains your signal. The Eventide is hard to beat. You might also want to check out the Strymon Timeline. – Bjorn]

  194. Tom – i have a Delaylab and it is fantastic – great sound, tons of delay options, expression pedal out, programmable, stereo ins and outs. Also acts as a looper.

    Also an honourable mention should go to the Multiplex self build from 1776 effects – just a PCB but if you are competent with a soldering iron worth a go.

    Recreates Echoplex, Binson and RE-201 delays, by having 2 separate emulated tape heads.

    EP-1 just uses one of them for standard tape delay
    Binson mode uses them in a chain but with the output in a feedback loop with the 2nd head
    RE-201 send the input to both in parallel but the feedback the output of both into the 2nd head only

    Lots of rhythmical fun!

  195. Hey Bjorn,
    I was wondering what your thoughts are on the fulltone tte? I am thinking about getting one, but want to really think about it, considering the price.

    [Never tried it so I can’t really comment. – Bjorn]

  196. I don’t get the hype with the T Rex Replica. It’s definetely a Hi Fi digital delay with a hi cut switch, many digital delays do that; it has nothing to do with a proper analog delay. Mind you, I love digital delays, but the Replica is not an “analog voiced” delay by any means.
    Funny how people use the term ‘warm’ to mean almost opposite things.

    [Depends on what you mean by analog voiced. It’s certainly not a tape delay nor analog in the sense of the Carbon Copy or similar. The Replica is very similar to the Memory Man, which I think pretty much set the standard for analog delay pedals. It’s also similar to the Boss DD2, which was digital but with an analog flavour. I think the Replica is one of the best delays out there but if you’re looking for something with a darker tone and more dirt and flutter then look elsewhere. – Bjorn]

  197. Hey my friend, do you have any experience with the Vox Delaylab? Seems to be a DL4 copy. I almost bought a Flashback but im scared about reliability (acording to the net, footswitches on these pedals fail quickly, but to the best of my knowledge, it looks like you cant repair it.) I think I’ll go with the DL4, but if the Vox is just a cheaper (but good cuality) DL4, that would be great.. Thanks for everything..
    Tom

    [I haven’t tried the Vox so I can’t really tell. The DL4 has some really nice sounds but it’s noisy as hell and it sucks your tone. I’ve never had any issues with TC pedals. They’re sturdy and the Flashback, in all its variations, is hard to beat. – Bjorn]

  198. Any thoughts on the Fractal stuff (AxeFx or even the upcoming multi-effects floorboard FX-8). I know Brit Floyd uses them, but that can be for the convenience and cutting down on shipping as much as it is for sound. Personally I’m finally putting together a Gilmour/Andy Summers “inspired” pedal board, but plan on picking up the FX-8 as well.

    [I haven’t tried it so I can’t really tell. – Bjorn]

  199. Hi Bjorn, this is the first time I have posted a comment on this fantastic and amazingly comprehensive website of yours. I own an original RE-201, which is a bit like my pride and joy, and I regularly check out forums for advice on maintenance and stuff. Anyway, one thing that comes up on a regular basis is the claim that the Floyd would have used an RE-201. Now, I’m a long-time Floyd fan and never I have seen an RE-201 on any live pic – and I’ve seen quite a few over the years. Have you ever heard anything about that yourself or do you happen to know whether they might have used any such units either live or in the studio at some stage?

    Thanks again for all your great work and illuminating insights.

    (By the way, if I just may offer a comment on the Boss RE-20 that is purely personnal: this is not at all meant as a derogatory remark about that unit, I think it’s a good delay pedal in its own right, but after having tried one myself, I have come to the conclusion that it just does not live up to the original RE-201, not even by a long stretch of the imagination. In that respect, Death by Audio’s Echodream 2 is a lot more convincing and does a far better job when it comes to recreating the sound and feel of the RE-201.)

    [Thanks for the tip. I’ll check out the EchoDream :) As far as I know, none of the Floyds has used a Space Echo on their instruments. They all used the Binson. However, they did use it for echo on vocals during the tours in the 70s. It was placed at the front house mixer. – Bjorn]

  200. Hey Bjorn, while on the rotary subject with Brad, I thought of a question I’ve had for some time, and wanted your answer. I’m finally doing my V2 clip of the “Dry solo” from Dogs, and have always thought I heard a mild modulation. On the studio version, is David using the Hiwatt/Doppola combination, with the rotatating speaker way back in the mix? It’s never sounded totally dry to me.

    Thanks buddy, Keith

    [He used a Hiwatt+Yamaha RA200 combo for the whole album. The Yamaha is not that evident as it is on the fast solos but it’s definitely there. It also sounds like they used either a very short delay or manually created a doubling effect by duplicating the tracks and slowing down one of them. – Bjorn]

  201. Like I said, it may be too dominating to you but in a stereo setup I know it’ll sound good. I really prefer the more dominating rotary tones so I loved it! If you get to try one out give us your verdict brother! Peace man!

    [Cheers! – Bjorn]

  202. Ok, well I just got through trying out the motion sound srv112. Let’s just say I’ll never use a sim. Again! It’s really cool to hear the real thing! Now I haven’t tried it in a stereo setup used with another dry amp, but this thing sounds amazing! Some may find it over bearing but I was nailing PULSE tones and it sounds an awful lot like the ra-200 too! I personally like it and recommend you try it out! It was powered by my blues jr

    [Nice! I need to check these out :) – Bjorn]

  203. Hi Bjorn!! I’ve been changing my gear, so I still haven’t bought the Belle Epoch (I hope that thay comes soon), but, for the moment I think I need a cheap delay. Which one would you recomend if it was just temporary ’til the Belle Epoch is mine? I dont need many features like tap tempo, just a good sounding delay, from the Saucerful of Secrets-Wish You Were Here era(by the way, do you prefer delays with tap tempo or you dont feel the need?)
    Thank you very much for your time, your help and your advices are always great. I hope everything is going well for you.

    [I don’t think you can get a more versatile delay that the TC Flashback… considering the price. Great tones and you’ll be able to cover all of David’s sounds. The Tone Print feature makes it even more versatile. – Bjorn]

  204. Ok thank you. I actually ended up getting the motion sound srv 112 which works like the doppolas. It’ll be here soon hopefully. I operates with amp heads and combo amps. You just unplug your stock speaker and plug the motion sound into the rotating speaker. If you haven’t tried it yourself, I’ll let you know how it sounds! Take care man!

    [Please do! – Bjorn]

  205. Hi Bjorn,
    a very simple question: Do you think that having both Catalinbread Echorec and Boss RE20 Space Echo could be redundant?
    Thanks ;-)

    Manuel

    [Depends on what tones you’re looking for. I guess they’re very similar although they have individual characteristics. In terms of covering David’s tones, I’d personally go with one of them and have a digital delay in addition for the more pristine delays. – Bjorn]

  206. Hey Bjorn, sorry to be off subject but I need to know your opinion on the motion sound pro 3. I’ve heard great things about them and I have a chance to get one. Seems to be a good deal if you used it at small venues. I plan on blending it with my blues jr as David does. Any info you have would be great!

    [I haven’t tried it my self so I can’t really comment on it. Based on the reviews I’ve seen I guess you need to feed it to an amp to get any proper volume from it but it might just work nicely alone in smaller venues. – Bjorn]

  207. Hi again Bjorn,

    Sorry for another question but I was wondering would I be better off getting a Boss DD-2 for digital delay and an analog delay pedal or just an Eventide Timefactor for both? Which sounds better to your ears? And which delay would you recommend for an analog sound?

    Cheers!

    [Both the Nova and Eventide are great. They’ll provide all the tones you need and allows you to back up presets. I prefer single pedals basically because I’ve always preferred simple pedals. Tonewise you could go either way. – Bjorn]

  208. Hi Bjorn,

    I would like a delay pedal but I’m poor so I’ll only be able to have one on my pedalboard. If you could only use one delay pedal for your Gilmour tone what would it be? In terms of versatility of being able to cover most Gilmour era’s reasonably well and obviously producing the best sound etc. I’ve been looking at the Boss DD-2, T-Rex Replica, Deluxe Memory Man/Boy reissues and the Strymon El Capistan, but if you have any suggestions outside of these pedals you are more than welcome to let me know.
    Cheers!
    David

    [Of the ones you’ve mentioned I’d say that the Replica is the most versatile. It covers the old analog tones incredibly well and it also does a convincing modern digital flavour. You might also want to check out a multi unit to be able to cover more tones and also store different presets. The Boss DD20, TC Nova and TC Flashback are great alternatives. – Bjorn]

  209. Hi Bjorn,

    Which delay pedal is more suited for Gilmour style tone’s, a T-Rex Replica or a Deluxe Memory Man/Boy Reissue? Just assume you could only have one delay pedal and you’re not really looking for a specific era of Gilmour’s sound. Just a great sounding, versatile delay for a variety of Gilmour sounds.

    Thankyou
    Ben

    [All three would go nicely. The Replica is basically a hi-end version of the old Memory Man. – Bjorn]

  210. Hi Bjorn,

    I’m looking for a delay pedal and I need your advice please. I’m tossing up between the Boss DD-2 (if I can find one) and the T-Rex Replica. I know you use both of them so they must be great, however I only afford to get one of them. I’ve heard a comparison between them and they both sounded great but the T-Rex just sounded a little bit warmer, clearer and brighter, truly an incredible delay unit. However I’m looking for that Comfortably Numb tone (who isn’t), and for that you recommend the DD-2 as it’s digital instead of analog. Despite the T-Rex being analog is there any other reason it wouldn’t be suitable to achieve that tone (eg. doesn’t react well with muffs)? Would it make a noticeable different if I used it instead of a DD-2 for Comortably Numb tone?

    Cheers!

    [The Replica has a dark, mellow analog flavour, while the DD2 is distinctly brighter and more pristine sounding. Still, compared to the newer Boss DDs, I think the DD2 sound more natural and not nearly as sterile. Both works well for Comfortably Numb. How a delay eventually sound depends on your amp, the pickups and what pedals you use with it. If you have to choose only one I’d go with the Replica. It can do both the old echo stuff and a convincing digital tone. – Bjorn]

  211. Hi Bjorn, I have a Roland Space Echo RE-201 (Which used to sound godly but now needs some tlc and tape) but I also have a Reel Echo by DanaElectro, it has a range of 1500 ms. a Tape Warble Switch , and a Sound on Sound button (which is very limited to like maybe 2 seconds if your lucky) But over the years I have used this Reel Echo pedal for Gilmours Floydian sounds, it is a real nice little green box the size of those line 6 echo units, and has a slider like the EchoPlex ,but cancels out before launching the UFO lol. My old Yamaha DDL launched the UFO real well. I have been thinking about the Catalainbread Echorec, but I think you mentioned one that pretty well did the same . What about looping or sound on sound, any ideas??? I love The Obscured By Clouds album so much and think that some of the playing on that album is just so underrated like Gilmours shredding on The Gold Its In The… or the handful of searing notes in MudMen, or the gorgeous slide playing throughout the album. And The Title Track Number is one of the heaviest cuts ever (but didn’t enjoy Wrights noodling on the intro to the live versions, sometimes less is better. ) Thank You so much for your work Bjorn ,and I hope to hear your new solo album and wish you all the best . Hey when Gilmour is playing the slide in live at Pompei ,the intro, how is he getting that clarity of the slide playing ?is it due to the extreme high volume he’s playing at , cause its clean right, hard to re create without boosting otherwise. any tips or is he using something??? just so I can do the same , without the 100 watt Hi Watt Amp Cranked lol…

    [Hi Ryan! I think the “secret” to David’s tone during the early 70s were simplicity. What you hear on Obscured and Pompeii is pretty much just his Strat into the incredibly loud Hiwatts. The Binson echo was a huge part of his tone, creating a lush reverb-like echo. The Catalinbread does a very good emulation. He also used a Colorsound Powerboost for overdrive and fuzz. These pedals were transparent and designed to both enhance and drive the large tube amps. Check out this feature for some tips on getting great sounds from smaller amps. – Bjorn]

  212. Could you make a review about the catalinbread echorec it’s a pedal based in binson echorec and the fuzz face mini silicon FFM1 as Well, it will be very helpful Thanks =)

    [I think there lots of great sounding demos out there already :) – Bjorn]

  213. jean claude dusse

    Hi,

    I’m a heavy delay user but have too much units.
    If I sell my old trusty boss DD-2, will I be able to get the same tones exactly with the Tc electronics flashback?

    Same question with MXR digital delay….is there a matching setting on the TC flashback?

    By the way have you tried the brand new Flashback triple delay?

    Have a good night.

    Jean Claude Dusse.

    [Sorry for my late reply. The Flashback can replicate those tones. Especially if you utilise the tone print function. – Bjorn]

  214. Hi Bjorn.

    The flex delay by flexwaves have some very interresting features; tap tempo, bank for keep different settings, modulation on delay, and even a chorus. Have you ever tried this pedal?
    What about the tone, there is no shop by me to try this delay, and there is only two or three videos on youtube.
    If you had the chance to try it, i will enjoyed to read your comments.
    Thank you for all your work.

    [Never tried it. – Bjorn]

  215. Hi Bjorn,

    I have couple of Flashback questions please. Do you have any recommended settings, in general? And are there any toneprints that you recommend?

    Thanks,
    Bern

    [I haven’t checked out the tone print feature yet so I can’t really comment on that. I’m usually using either the 2290 or tape modes. Placing the delay pointer at the D should give you about 310ms for the Binson tones and between E and L you got aprox 440ms, which should cover most stuff from Wall and up. – Bjorn]

  216. Hi Bjorn,

    Thanks for answering all my question so patiently :) Thank you very much.
    If one has to decide between Keeley modded DD3 and DD7, which one will you recommend ?

    Thanks a lot :)

    [DD3. – Bjorn]

  217. Hi Bjorn,

    Any idea which will be a good pedal among DD 3, Carbon copy and Carl Martin Red Repeat ? Hows Carl Martin Red Repeat ?

    Thanks a lot :)

    [Never tried Carl Martin but both this one and the Carbon are analog and have a dark and warm tone. The DD3 is digital and has a brighter more pristine tone. Very different and it depends on what tones you want… or need :) – Bjorn]

  218. Thanks for the advice!
    But on flashback x4, do you know which setting is good for binson echorec, for echoplex ep3, and eh mory man? I m a bit lost between analog and tape settings….

    Best regards and thank you again.

    Sylvain

    [I don’t think there is a true Binson mode on it although both the tube and tape modes would function at least as the Echorec 1 setting with a single head repeat. The modulation presets are more aimed towards the Memory Man I guess. – Bjorn]

  219. Hi Bjorn,

    Wonderful website, tons of good vibes and inspiration ! Thanks!

    i’d just like to know your opinion about the Flashback X4 vs the new Alter ego X4 by Tc electronic?

    I’m about to order, and can”t decide…. they seem very close, there’s just more options with the alter ego X4, which allows 2 Echorec delays + one Echoplex setting… But maybe they”re not faithfull to the original tones…like in alter ego version 1

    I’m a bit lost because I don’t know what the Flashback X4 “tape” and “analog” settings refer to…
    Echoplex? EH Memory Man? Binson Echorec…

    And , important for gilmour tones: Flashback X4 has “dry 2290” and “modulated 2290”
    Alter ego X4 seems to have only “modulated 2290”

    Thanks for your help!!!!

    Regards,
    Sylvain

    [The Alter Ego is aimed towards vintage echo units and they’ve tried to capture the essence of their tones. Personally I don’t they’ve quite managed that. There are some really nice tone on it but they’re mostly very modulated and the modulation is very chorusy, which doesn’t sound that authentic. It should be less and more vibrato like. Anyway, the Flashback has many of the same tones but the dry 2290 is what makes the big difference. This is the same pristine delays from the 80s rack version. Both sound great and will give you lots of cool stuff to play around with but for versatility I’d go for the Flashback. – Bjorn]

  220. My my, it’s really ridiculous to have nothing better to do than find a very simple 4 month old mistake, and personally attack the person who made the mistake. I rarely see this behavior on Gilmourish, and certainly hope that with your very well deserved contantly growing readership, that this kind of trash talking won’t become the norm. Next time you want to call out an old nistake, look in the mirror. If you see utter perfection, you write whatever trash you like!

  221. Sorry I made that mistake. When in the Sam Ash the day before I wrote that post, the Catalunvread, and Earthquaker pedals are all mixed up on the same shelf. I certainly didn’t vmean to hurt your feelings, and since I’m sure you’ve never made a mistake, I’ll clarify. The EARTHQUAKER DEVICES “THE DEPTHS” SUCKS. I also think that Catalinbread has horrible customer service, and a snotty attitude,( do you work for them?). I have the Echorec, I like it, but it’s not the best Gilmour delay out there. I find it really silly for you to rudely point out a 4 month old mistake, which you could have done without being rude, and getting personal. But, hat’s cool, I’m 52 years old, and can take the unnecessary criticism with my big boy pants on. Perhaps you could have pointed out my mind stake in a friendly way. I don’t believe I’ve insulted anyone on this site, and I’ve seen some pretty ignorant statements worthy of addressing, but like I said, no worries, I now stand corrected, and don’t mind anything other than the personal attack for a simple mistake. I do not, “talk crap”, and Keith is spelled wrong in your post. I before E doesn’t count in proper nouns!

    Peace, Keith

  222. The last one was my first post and I forgot to mention: Great Site Björn! Thanks for the many valuable Infos!

    [Thanks! Glad you enjoy it :) – Bjorn]

  223. Hey, i was reading the old posts on this page, and there was one by Kieth from way back in may, talking about catalinbread. FYI, The depths pedal is made by earthquaker devices, not catalinbread. Sorry I know this was a long time ago, and someone may have already corrected this. But if your gonna talk crap, you should make sure your facts are correct.Just sayin.

  224. hey Bjorn,
    So, instead of getting a delay with multiple voicings, I was thinking of getting two seperate pedals for each type i want. I already know I would get the catalinbread echorec for tape/vintage tones, but Iam having a hard time finding a dedicated digital delay for Davids more recent/2290 tones. I would prefer a unit that just does those kind of tones, rather than a unit that just has those tones possible. Like how the catalinbread echorec just cover the binson tones…Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks for all you do on this wonderfull site, along with your work with Airbag, and your solo work. Its all just great. Its good to hear a modern musician carrying on that out of this world PF type of music, but in there own way entirley. It gives me hope for the future of music, and inspires me to see that it can be done a succesfull venture.

    [Thanks a lot for your kind words, Joshj! Much appreciated :) How about the TC Flashback? It has lots of options but the 2290 is there and it sounds great! There’s also the TonePrint feature, which allows you to pretty much tailor any tone you want. – Bjorn]

  225. Hi Bjorn,
    Have you tried out T-Rex’s Duck Tail delay? Any thoughts about it?
    When I was testing it, it sounded better to me than the Replica, and cheaper too. But I’d like to hear your input, since you have a lot more experience. :)

    Cheers!

    [Never tried it. – Bjorn]

  226. Haha, dont worry, its just like for the kind of sounds you prefer to make with delay.. Have you ever felt the need of tap tempo for gigs? Thats what makes me want the Re20, but I really like the Belle.. I was looking in your gear page, but I do not remember if the DD2 has tap tempo mm and the other delay, I dont remember, was a T rex?
    Im really wanting the BE, a lot more than the RE (dont know why really, but its really calling me) Also the BE is fairly cheaper than the RE over here.
    Thanks for the help Bjorn, hope everything ia going fine

  227. Okey Bjorn.. now Im just between the Boss RE20 and the Belle Epoch (had no idea that the preamp could be adjusted in the Belle Epoch) Which one would you choose for David’s tones? Im leaning toward the Belle Epoch (now I remember, thank you so much for that recommendation, the pedal seems to be so great Bjorn..) I like Radiohead, and I know they’re users of the Roland Space Echo, but from what I’ve heard in their songs, it’s not that much for me like the Belle Epoch seems to be. (do you like Radiohead, btw?)
    Cheers!

    [Hmmm… a hard choice. Both are great. You know, between the two I’d actually go for the RE20. It has some very nice features and it sounds awesome. But, don’t hold me responsible for any choice you make :) – Bjorn]

  228. Mmm… maybe you’re right and I’d like the Echorec alot more.
    .. I was meditating about the Belle Epoch.. and, I could be wrong, but, in a gig, would the Belle (being more focused than the Echorec) be a better choice for live use? My thinking is: Echorec = more reverb-ey delay; Echorec + natural reverb from a live gig = not so clear repeats
    As the Belle Epoch is less reverb-ey maybe, It’ll sound smoother in gigs, rather than lost…
    Still, I’m not sure yet about either haha, wish I could buy both.. Please tell me what you think
    On a sidenote, is it me or the Belle is more rock oriented?
    Thank you very much Bjorn, sorry for these looong questions.

    [I haven’t tried them on stage with a band so I can’t really tell for sure but I’m guess the Echorec would blend much more, while the Belle would have more pristine repeats and maybe stand out more. – Bjorn]

  229. Hi Bjorn!
    First a have to thank you for all your work! There is no better source in the world (maybe Mr. Gilmour himself…) and there’s more than one padal on my board, that was recommended at your website.
    My main Delay-Unit is a TC-Electronic Flashback, sometimes i use a Line6 M5 for settings wich require an exact delay time, i. e. “Run like hell”.
    Today my new Delay arrived. It it called “Yodelmaster” from a German Company named “Servus! Pedals” and a great deal for all those who are looking for a analog delay/echo.
    There are two modes, delay and echo, switchabel modulation (rate and depth can be adjusted by two pots). Nothing special so far, but…
    You can connect an expression pedal to adjust the repeats by foot, you can send only the repeats to a second amp AND there is a loop, so the repeats could be treated with other effects like modulation, a second delay and so on…
    The pedal is offered for 179 € plus shipping.
    It sounds very “tape’ish” and warm.

    [Thanks for your kind words and for the tip! I’ll check it out :) – Bjorn]

  230. What do you think about Electro-Harmonix XO Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai?

    [I haven’t tried it but the other Mem Mans sound great! – Bjorn]

  231. Oh those guys must be kidding :) I mean, just a fuzz? Haha
    Well, now I’m thinking the Echorec would be more “me”, but the Belle Epoch sounds so great too.. this is really hard… Maybe im wrong, but now im thinking the echorec is more echo-ey than the Belle as it sounds less focused. Mmm, did you have problems with modulation in the Echorec or the Belle?
    Again, thanks for the help Bjorn (and for a good laugh)

    [Sounds to me that you might want the Echorec :) Hard to describe them but they do cover different tones and they’re also based on two very different sounding echo machines. – Bjorn]

  232. I’ve been hearing demos of the echorec and the belle epoch. Is it me or the Belle has way too much modulation? Maybe just the demo. Anyway, does it cover David’s tones as good as the echorec (as the echorec would be the obvious choice)? Does the Belle Epoch cover the Echorec tones? Would both be a “waste” for live use in your opinion? Some guys say they would, as they would be hard to notice in a bar gig (thats what they say)
    Sorry for being repetitive, but i know both are really great pedals and Im not sure about which one get.
    Thank you, really, you’ve been such a help with random people’s gear Bjorn
    Thank you for all

    [Happy to help :) Some would say that all you need is a guitar, amp and fuzz and you’re good to go… but we know better don’t we :) Seriously, whether or not the nuances in your tones will be heard depends on how you tweak your setup to match the venues and obviously how well the sound guy manages to translate that to the PA. The Belle won’t cover the Echorec as they’re two different pedals but you can use both to cover Dvaid’s tape echo sounds. It just depends on what you prefer. The Echorec is much more spicy and all over the place while the Belle is a more focused sounding unit with a more noticeable modulation. One way to go is the TC Flashback. It has a couple of really nice pre-sets and the TonePrint feature allows you to pretty much get any tone you want. – Bjorn]

    1. The modulation on the Belle Epoch, though occuring randomly, is entirely controllable with an onboard knob, from none to really warbly. About 9 o’clock is recommended for a realistic tape flutter. I put it at about 11 with a short delay for a chorusy sound. The Echorec’s modulation is controllable only by an internal trimpot, and it always seemed like too much or too little for whatever song I was playing. One of the main reasons I swapped it for the Belle.

  233. The Belle Epoch looks awesome, how is it for David’s tones? (Im not really looking for many kinds of delay, just a good one that sounds like tape would be great IMO) Cheers, and thank you for the fast response

    [It’s based on the old Echoplex. Great tape sounds and natural sounding modulation. It’s a great alternative to David’s Binson tones from 1968-75. In my opinion a more versatile delay that the Echorec, which has a more psychedelic tone. – Bjorn]

  234. Ahh, how quickly time changes all. I remember the time when the Carbon Copy, and Throbak overdrive boost were “THE” go to pedals, now hardly a word is spoken about either! This boutique thing is getting out of hand,( speaking purely on the grounds of it becoming economy cally impossible to keep up!). I could sell a few, and get the new best thing, but I’m already 40 years advanced on what the greats used when I think they did their best work, so with a Carbon Copy, Echorec, and DD-20, and a Throbak, and Spark, I think I’m in a good place! But soon, someone will make the next ” Ultimate pedal”, and I’ll have that old Gassy feeling again! Hahaha!!!

    Peace, Love, and Alms for a poor old guitarist!!!
    Keith

    [I see your point, Keith. There’s always something new and tempting. That just the way the system works :) Neither of the ones you’ve listed have lost their tone or appeal since they got out but part of the whole tone search thing is that we’re always looking for something new. Something that might get us closer to the tones we have in mind. It always depends on what tones you want. Personally I often find my self coming back to old favourites :) – Bjorn]

  235. Hey Bjorn have you tried the Wampler Faux Analog Echo/Delay? Would you prefer it over a Carbon Copy? Cheers

    [They’re very different sounding. The Carbon Copy is very dark and typical analog delay. The Faux is brighter, with that tape tone and lots of options for modulation, flutter etc. The Catalinbread Belle Epoch is also great. – Bjorn]

  236. Hi Bjorn!

    I just buy and test the TC Electronic Flashback Delay and i was a little disappointed, it changes the tone and it gets darker, muddier and with a bit of volume loss, even more when i play with distortion.
    It’s too bad this pedal with this features ends up falling drastically changing the tone of the guitar.
    I do not know if it happens with all models but it seems that the processed signal loses clarity.
    I’m disappointed and i still looking for a Delay with these features but without losing the signal and tone. In In this pedal category which pedal you can advise me?

    Congratulations for your excellent work.

    Regards from Portugal

    [That’s strange. I haven’t experienced that with mine. The Nova would be the closest match. – Bjorn]

  237. Bjorn, Dave Talkin here again. I thought that I would like to share what I am using for delay besides my rack mounted Korg SDD-3300 triple digital delay which has the most quiet and amazing effects ever. More on this effect at a later date. For everyday I use my Boss DD-6 Digital Delay modified by Mike at Analogman Effects.
    I have the High End Cut Switch mod and it brings this pedal alive. It rolls off the bright top end and makes for a warmer analog type delay tone.
    Here is a description from Mike’s web site:
    http://www.analogman.com/dd5.htm
    The DD-6 was the latest pedal from Boss when I bought it and I always use the cut switch engaged, preferring it to the stock digital delay tone.
    I know there are many many digital and analog delays available but for my money this Boss does the trick.
    I sold all my combo amps that had onboard reverb but I feel for the Pulse era Gimourish tone the delay is sufficient not requiring a separate reverb pedal, so you agree?
    Thanks as always for the most comprehensive Gimour site in the world and one I enjoy immensely..Dave

    [Thanks Dave! Been eyeing those AnalogMan modded DDs for a while… might pick one up. Cheers! – Bjorn]

  238. Hi Bjorn!

    Have you an opinion about the T-Rex Play Back delay? This is a limited run for Thomann 60th anniversary, very affordable analog-like delay. I listened comparisons with the T-Rex Replica and Reptile 2, and they seems quite similar for me (except for the flutter part of the Reptile, of course).
    Moreover, as I’ve seen it’s possible to set the Play Back for a reverb-like effect, which can be convenient for other types of music I play, and save place on my future pedalboard (I plan to buy a Pedaltrain mini).

    Thanks in advance,

    Alexis

    [I haven’t tried it but it seems to be in the same line of the Replica and Reptile. – Bjorn]

  239. I love checking out your reviews. I have learned so much. Good luck with the new record. I was wondering what your take is on the Empress delays? Take care and thanks for all you do!!!

    [Haven’t played them that much but the tape delay and non-modified Superdelay (haven’t tried the modified) are great. Very natural sounding and lots of options. – Bjorn]

  240. Hi Bjorn,
    I’m on this site and E-bay hunting down more pedals and a better amp so often that I’m hardly playing the strat lol. But I need to update my dd3 etc… Learned that you can’t have enough pedals ha ha…

    SO… I was wondering? what would you recommend and why?( Already read this guide loads but it’s down to these three… I hope) lol.

    Should I get a DD2 or a TC Flashback or even though they arent customer friendly a catalinbread Echorec?

    Also I would appreciate if you could choosbetween a modern deluxe mistress, a elec lady or hold out for a vintage deluxe mistress? and if I buy an american vintage deluxe can I change the plug easily enough to operate in british voltage?

    Many thanks Bjorn, love your site, always on here…

    P.S. any chance of fixing the big muff guide that wouldn’t work or is it a no go?

    [Hi Johnny! Sorry for my late reply. The Muff guide will be up sometime later this summer. I’m updating the content… Of the three I think the Flashback is probably the best way to go and it’s a real bargain in terms of what you get. Great tones and lots of different modes. It can easily cover the DD2 and do a fairly decent MemoryMan/Binson type of echo although there are better sounding and more dedicated analog delays out there. The current Deluxe Mistress sound very dark and it has a nocieable mids bump, which I don’t think suits the pedal. Get a late 90s Deluxe or the ElecLady. – Bjorn]

  241. Thanks for whole your web sites, excelent… Please don´t you know, what makes T-REX Reptile 2 just “little brother” of Replica? What doesn´t Reptile provide that it makes it much cheeper…?

    [I’m not sure about the technical stuff but I’m sure they use different and cheaper parts. They do sound different though. The Replica sound much warmer and smoother. – Bjorn]

  242. Hello Bjorn Riis,

    Have you seen the review of the new TC Alter Ego X4 from PGS? Are you going to make a review? As Flashback wa much better than alter ego which features bad Deluxe mistress and echorec simulations, they say that the Alter Ego X4 has completely re-shaped tones….

    Have you tried it?

    Regards from Italy.

    [Haven’t tried it. I wasn’t overly impressed by the single Alter Ego but the new one seems better… based on the PGS clip at least. – Bjorn]

  243. Hi Bjorn :) I have a little question if you don’t mind… How do you think David did the intro part on Pigs live in ’77? I was thinking maybe the “Careful With That Axe Eugene” volume swell technique, with lots of echo and maybe the Electric Mistress? BTW, hope the solo album is going well! Still can’t wait to hear it :)

    [Thank you Will :) Probably just echo and volume pedal for swells. I can’t hear any Mistress there… – Bjorn]

  244. Hi Bjorn, I congratulate you by the new additions on your site. I’m prejudicious with regard to the digital delays, therefore I use the analogical ones almost exclusively. I have been using the Boss DM-2 MN 3205 for a long time. Some time ago, I replaced it with a Retro-Sonic Analog Delay, a Boss DM-2 replica with longer delay time (800 ms). Have you tried one of them?
    Kind regards and my best wishes for your new album.

    [Thank you, Emiliano! I’ve only tried the old Boss. Sounds really nice. – Bjorn]

  245. Hi Bjorn, have you ever tried the Moog MF104M? Do you think it could be used to recreate David’s delays? I know it’s expensive but I have friends who love it. I can’t choose between the MF104M or the eventide time factor.

    [I haven’t tried the Moogs yet but I recogn it will do the job :) Still, I think the Timefactor is a more versatile pedal, especially for covering a wide range of David’s tones. – Bjorn]

  246. Hi Bjørn,
    first of all congrats and thanks for the amazing and inspiring site! I have now tried for a while the TRex Reptile 2 and I think the warm sound and delay of this pedal are excellent. It now comes with the tap-tempo (like the Replica) and improved flutter control section. Last but not least, it comes at a more reasonable price (at least here in Norway) than the Replica and Nova Delay etc. If of interest, I get the best (Gilmour-like) sound (at least to my ears) from a American Standard Telecaster, neck pick-up, with this pedal setting: Boss CS2 — Reptile2 — Boss Chorus CH2 and straight into a cranked Fender Blues Deluxe with all amp settings at 12 o`clock. Really sweet, chiming sound!
    Hope you guys come to Stavanger soon! Good luck with your solo album!

    Cheers,

    Marcello

    [Thanks, Marcello! – Bjorn]

  247. Tom from Chile

    Hey Bjorn, maybe Im wrong but, I was reading about the Flashback and it seems that it features an internal switch to choose between “true bypass” and buffer, but this last option allows you to use the “spillover” found in the Nova!!
    Thanks for your help over these years Bjorn! Hope your album recording goes nice

    [Oh… I wasnt’t aware. I’ll check it out :) – Bjorn]

  248. hi, i was just wondering if the 600 miliseconds of delay on the mxr carbon copy would be enough time for Gilmours song from around Pompei to the Wall/Animals era.
    Also even though its a analog delay could it do the digital delay of the wall well enough?
    thanks

    [For Pompeii you’d need about 300ms and for Wall between 380-440ms. The Carbon is very dark and perhaps not the best choice for Wall and other digital sounds. – Bjorn]

  249. Bjorn and Keith M,

    way more money than getting a delay pedal, but if you want to see some cool sound on sound capabilities that can also emulate a keyboard sound to play over, check out a demo for the ehx hog2. super cool. makes you want to attempt “shine on you crazy diamond” doing the keyboard parts yourself…

    cheers,
    Brad

  250. In addition to the T-Rex Replica there’s the Reptile, now Reptile 2 that costs only a fraction of the Replica. Supposed to be the same engine and the tone and flutter of the repeats are adjustable. I have one of those myself and it’s a sweet little thing. As I’m sure is the Duck-Tail in digital or analogue modes.

    I love the headroom of the T-Rex pedals and that’s really why I went with the Reptile 2. I may actually get myself a second one to be layered with the one I have.

  251. @ Brad W. Thank you for making my decision to purchase the Nova a little easier. I now know how to get the sound on sound path with Bjorn”s and your help. I truly wish all my dealings with people were as pleasant and informative as they are here. Many thanks to you both again!

  252. hi bjorn .. so happy to hear about your solo album !!! … whats better a tc flashback or the new scaled down “repeater” ? …………….. also do you think the yellow pig muff sounds as good live as the red pig muff ??? I know you helped design the yellow pig muff for recording … just wondered head to head playing live how the yellow compares to the red … tele / tuner/ yellow pig muff / buffalo powerboost / mooer elec lady / delay …………………. thanks so much for all your help with pickups and everything for my tele and rig ……… will post pic and clip when guitar is complete ……. now I want a strat too . lol ………. thank you very much !!!!!! i hope you sell a million records !!! james t

    [Thanks a lot for your kind words, James! The Repeater is a better pedal. The sounds or tones are the same, but the Repeater has a lot more tone shaping options. The red Pig Hoof is in most cases better suited for live playing. The yellow is very mild and tamed, which is great for recording but depending on the amp, it can sound a bit thin when you crank it. The red is huge and fits most amps very well. – Bjorn]

  253. Keith,

    The Nova should do sound on sound with the spillover feature. I have the NOVA repeater, which I can’t recommend highly enough. It’s more stripped down than the NOVA, very intuitive and easy to use knobs, but with some more useful options than the flashback, in my opinion.

    I you use the spillover feature, you’d have to put the feedback setting all the way up, or close. All the way up is infinite repeats.

    you also might want to look into the ehx Freeze pedal for creating SOS.

    cheers!
    Brad

  254. Bjorn, have you ever checked out the Moog offering for an analog delay? Moog MF-104M? It’s pretty pricey, but one of my favorite guitarists (other than David Gilmour) uses it to amazing effect.

    [never tried the Moog stuff… Which guitarist are you referring too? – Bjorn]

  255. I’ll throw in my two cents about Catalinbread, yes they make a couple of good pedals, but some absolute crap too,( see The Depths!), and have come up with tons of Crap since getting into bed with Sam Ash. I love to buy from Ash, at least the one that’s a coulple miles from my door, and I’ve become friends with the managers, and sales staff, but it is a huge corporation, and I’ll bet Catalinbread sold their souls in the deal. It’s clear that they’ve started tossing a lot of mediocre pedals out since they got Ash to be their exclusive big box dealer. Sad, as their early stuff, as well as the Echorec, are great pedals, but they obviously care about money only, not equally about music, and customer loyalty. I got the “We don’t have time for questions, call us if you want to buy the pedal”, which I did, for less than they sell it for, they made very little from me, and will never see another cent from me, even if they make “The Ultimate Pedal!”, mostly because of what they did to you Bjorn!
    Peace Y’all, Keith

    [Well, no bad feelings on my part. They’re a business and their foremost job is to make money. The things is, hype and marketing is strong stuff. The fact that a company is much talked about, often seen in adds and reviews, does not necessarily mean that they make great stuff. A hype can be bigger that the product. Simple as that. – Bjorn]

    1. The Depths is made by Earthquaker Devices, not Catalinbread. This mistake makes me wonder if your entire rant is not misplaced?

  256. Bjorn, Hello again,

    Another question, about the TC flashback delay this time… What is the right setting for the Binson echorec type of delay: TAPE or ANALOG?
    Same question for the EH Memory Man setting…. In their manual they say it’s the ANALOG.

    What is your experience about that? An dhave you tried the TC Flashback X4… Are the new options worth the cost ? (new analog + modulation for exemple…)

    Good evening…
    Stefan

    [For the Binson it would be Tape. It’s not exactly the same but more similar that analog. For the Mem Man, Analog would be the closest. Never tried the X4. – Bjorn]

  257. Bjorn, you mention naming the presets on the Timefactor as a drawback, perhaps you meant that you can’t name them? Fact is that originally you couldn’t but since a couple of software updates ago you now can name your presets quite easily. A lot of the sounds have also been improved. The drawback to me is that you cannot bank down (only up) without hooking up an external aux switch. I’m using MIDI so no drawbacks here 8)

    [OK, thanks for the info! I demoed an older unit so that might explain why. – Bjorn]

  258. New Guide!!! This is sooo cooolll!!!

    Thinking a lot on getting a tc flashback!

    [You should :) – Bjorn]

  259. Hi Bjorn, this is the first time I comment on this wonderful site, so let me thank you for your fantastic job!
    I’ve recently bought a Mooer Reecho delay pedal which sounds amazing IMO. Mooer is a brand I’ve come to know here on Gilmourish in the phaser page. I’d be interested in hearing your opinion about the Reecho pedal. Cheers mate!

    [It’s sort of based on the Boss DD2. Very nice delay. Thanks for your kind words! – Bjorn]

  260. Any opinion on the Jams Delay Llama? Sounds awesome on every youtube clip…super warm and organic. I know Jams doesn’t miss…any thoughts? The new gear guides are fantastic. Thanks

    [I haven’t tried it so I can’t tell. It gets a lot of praise… – Bjorn]

  261. Thank you Bjorn for your patience with me and my questions! I want to purchase a digital delay and was just trying to get [2] birds with one stone. What path do you use to accomplish your sound on sound effect? Thanks again, I do appreciate all of your time. If you ever need advise on plumbing/ heating issues maybe i can return the favor. Keith M.

    [I’ll keep that in mind :) Thanks! I’ve never really explored the SOS effect that much. I’ve set it up a couple of times, with a split into two amps, delay and volume pedal but it’s not an effect I use often. Check out David’s signal path here. – Bjorn]

  262. Thanks for this guide, Björn! Been waiting for this for a long time and I’m very happy to see the Boss Re-20 mini-review, I love mine! Thank you very much for this wonderful site, every time I want to get a new pedal I look for it here first, always getting the best advice for a good tone!

    [Cheers! – Bjorn]

  263. Tom from Chile

    Hey Bjorn, which one would you choose and why: Flashback or Nova Delay?
    Thanks!

    [The Nova is no doubt a better pedal in terms of tone manipulation and features. If you’re only looking for one that can do it all, then go for the Nova. The FLashback is a great alternative for tight budgets or if you just want something a bit more basic. You can also utilize the TonePrint feature to tailor your own sounds. – Bjorn]

  264. Hi Bjorn,
    Thanks a lot for this great update of the gear guide.
    The T-Rex replica and Strymon El Capistan are two great delay pedal. However, I tend to find the Replica more natural and warm sounding with distortion. Did you notice that as well?
    Take care

    [They behave a bit differently. The Replica has an overall smoother and warmer tone, which, I guess, works better with high gain pedals. The El Capistan behaves just like a tape machine. The more you drive it, the more dirt it will produce. To me, it sounds best with cleans and milder overdrives and fuzz. – Bjorn]

  265. It’s a shame that Catalinbread don’t want you to review their Echorec… Their loss if you ask me ;) Never mind, Effectrode are getting closer to finishing theirs :)

    [Looking forward to that! – Bjorn]

  266. Hi Bjorn,
    Thanks for all your hard work!
    I have to share my experience with catlinbreads customer service. I am an owner of an echorec, and was influenced to purchase the pedal based on a video of one of the catalinbreads designers demo-ing the pedal with a version of PF’s Time. Once i received the pedal I eagerly contacted them to seek some advice on settings for ball park floyd. Of coarse I was always going to experiment but just wanted some simple tips to get underway. All I got back was ‘sorry, i personally dont like pink floyd so cant help you’. This followed on from an unanswered email regarding the manual. Really bad customer support, no effort made and as a result I simply wont buy any more of their pedals out of principle. Even tho it sounds pretty good…
    Thanks again Bjorn,
    Nick

    [Hmmm… Sorry to hear that. If that’s really your opinion, then don’t answer. It’s only a disrespect to your customer. Anyway, how can you sell and promote a Echorec without at least acknowledging Pink Floyd? Catalinbread makes some amazing stuff and I’m sure they get a lot of mails and requests but either you don’t answer at all or you take your customers seriously. Luckily, most manufacturers recognizes the importance of keeping their customers close. Especially considering how powerful social media is. They contacted me and wanted me to review the Echorec. I told them I’d be happy to but never heard from them again. I’ve been in contact with them several times and each time they reply that they don’t have the time to send one. That’s OK but I don’t promote stuff just because someone asks me to. Especially when they don’t want to send a pedal, which I always keep since I don’t make any money from this. Perhaps they recogned I was so eager about this that I would buy the pedal and make a raving review but I’m in no position to do that and I don’t think it’s fair either. I don’t know… I don’t loose sleep over this :) – Bjorn]

  267. Nice listing Bjorn. I think it cover 90% of musicians needs in terms of delay pedals.
    I deeply respect your choices, they would be mine too, but I really missed Strymon Timeline…
    It’s probably the best or one of the best ones. :(

    [I don’t own all these pedals, so I have to ask friends to borrow theirs and I sit in my local store for hours testing a bunch of stuff for these reviews. Unfortunately, I can’t cover all in one update and some of the pedals aren’t even available here in Norway. The Timeline is definitely on my list for future tests :) – Bjorn]

  268. Hi Bjorn, I’m sorry to have asked a stupid question! I was thinking since the nova has the spillover feature it could be used, like you have described, to create the “shine on” sound on sound effect since the pedal has the ability to continue a chord sound when switched off. I would be splitting the output signal before my pedal board and placing the nova alone into a second amp input. and, i’m sorry to be such a pain!
    Thank you again, Keith M.

    [There are no stupid questions, Keith :) Happy to help. I don’t own one myself so I only got to test it briefly for the guide. My experience was that the spillover lasted just enough to switch between patches, so that you’ll get a smooth overlap but not enough to loop. Perhaps someone can elaborate on this… Cheers! – Bjorn]

  269. I’m using a “TC Electronics Nova Delay” for a while. I find it interesting to note, however, that the pedal is very fragile and there are several reports of bad contacts over time (activation of distinct features or effects of those selected by the user). Shall be protected in particular against exposure to dust …

  270. Hi, Bjorn
    Contratulations on this new stuff on your page. It gets better and better!
    Maybe someday you could try the MOOER REECHO. I have it and I like it. I have a NOVA too but I like “fooling around” with the REECHO! Cheers.

    [Thanks for the tip! – Bjorn]

  271. The Empress Tape Delay vs the El Capistan…, I still prefer the El Capistan, I own them both, the Strymon just seems a bit more organic to me, but the Empress is a great pedal, I have not gotten rid of it. Perhaps one day it will find it’s way onto a board.

    Bjorn what is up with Catlinbread?? They said that they had you down for a unit a long time ago? Really disappointed in them!

    [They stopped replying… – Bjorn]

  272. Nice Bjorn,

    Thanks for getting out your delay page. I have many of these great units. I would mention that the Line6 DL4 is known to have shotty fragile board mounted switches and that the upgrade to better switches is really a worthwhile investment. I love my El Capistan and I have a Time Factor that is a great all around delay. :) For my next board I am going to get the Strymon Timeline and another El Capistan most likely, I like my Catlinbread Echorec but since it lacks a tap Tempo I think the El Capistan will be a better option.

    Cheers!

  273. Hi Bjorn, finally we got this long time waited gear guide! Thanks for sparing your time for doing this.
    Last year I was in a big dilemma, I needed a digital delay and had a hard time choosing one. I ended up with boss DD20 mainly because I got it in a bargain, so no complains about it!
    I hope you got some chance to add here some cheap delays so people can have some options for low budget, I wonder how some cheap Chinese pedals go against these ones.
    Cheers!

  274. Very nice guide as usual. I have all Eventide stompboxes so just a little note, there is 3 types of bypass.
    1) True – relay
    2) DSP (buffer on effect off)
    3) DSP + FX (when turned off, tails will still ring etc)

    Cheers!

    [Thanks! – Bjorn]

  275. Hi Bjorn, excellent article as always. I’ve had a TC Nova Delay for a few years now, it’s certainly one of the best pedals I own. The level of control it offers is excellent, you can easily experiment with some really unique wacky delays! One of the most useful features (particularly at gigs) is to be able to switch between my presets with my foot without have to fumble with the small buttons in the dark, I’m sure this feature is on other pedals but I’ll still give TC some praise anyway!

    [Indeed! – Bjorn]

  276. Hey Bjorn, WOW, you have been BUSY! Thank you for ALL of this work! I’ve been debating between the TC Nova & Flashback for some time now and was wondering if the “spillover” feature on the nova would allow me to create sound on sound if i split the output signal, into a separate amp. Thank you again Keith M.

    [Not sure. I didn’t get the chance to go that deep with the pedal. Not quite sure what you mean but I don’t think it would work unless you split the signal with a long delay for the pads. – Bjorn]

  277. I actually prefer the Empress Tape Delay over the Strymon El Capitan. You can choose between either tap tempo with knobs as is or store up to three completely different presets into the tap switch. I use the latter and set one for a subtle, always on slap back, one for long tail echo around 300ms, and the last one for dotted repeats. The mix knob helps as does the ape age switch to give the sound as pristine a quality as you wish. It is also considerably cheaper than a Strymon. Also, just to mention it first, I expect someone will bring up the Catalinbread Echorec pedal as a standalone suggestion.

    [Thanks for you input, Shawn! – Bjorn]

  278. Hi Bjorn – You are such a legend – Great work as always with the insane amount of insight and information that helps us all make those hard decisions on where to spend our hard earned cash. Although I was expecting to see the Catalinbread Echorec here – any thoughts?

    [Thank you Aaron! The Echorec sounds great but as long as Catalinbread refuse to send me one for a review, I’ll be a dick and keep my mouth shut :) – Bjorn]

  279. Great widening of the gear guide!
    It would be quite interesting to hesr something about the Strymon Timeline too!
    It is the real Rolls Royce, but how can we evaluate its ‘gilmourish’ features?
    Cheers€
    Gabor

    [I haven’t had the chance to try that one yet but I’ll try to make it for the next update. – Bjorn]

        1. hey bjorn Im new here…maybe you or someone in the page, help me with delay tone…I have TC Electronics Flashback delay…need help with the settings for a gilmours delay sound

          1. Hi Mario! Welcome to the site! Delay settings depends so much on your tone and what sort of delay you need for that specific song or part. On the on the Flasback I’d use the 2290 mode for anything from the 80s and 90s and present and perhaps the analog, tape or modulation for the 70s stuff. For more accurate tones, you can also use the Tone Print and create your own. David usually set his delays with 6-7 repeats and moderate level (about 3 o’clock) and the time depends on the song. The best way to dial in the time settings would be to have a reference, like Garageband where you can set up a delay with 300ms, 440ms, 700ms etc and match that on the pedal. You’ll find all of David’s signature time settings in the Album Gear Guide in the setups and settings section.

  280. Tom from Chile

    Well…. Bjorn you’re my hero! AWESOME!!! Thank you so much for this guide man, it’s perfect :)

    [Cheers, Tom! – Bjorn]

  281. Thanks for the review Bjorn, You’ve never tasted Echorec delay (catalinbread)?

    [Yep but they’ve decided that they don’t want a review on my site. – Bjorn]

  282. Been waiting for this for a long time. Thanks Bjorn!

    It’s a pity you still haven’t gotten around to trying the Catalinbread Echorec. I was (still am actually) really looking forward to you reviewing it. Cheers mate!

    [Well, if you can make them send me one, I’ll be happy to review it. BTW, it sounds pretty damn good :) – Bjorn]

    1. Bjorn, Love everything about your site! Thank You for all you’ve done to create this incredible resource! My question is: what model MXR Delay did Gilmour use, and more importantly, what do you think gets closest today? I promise I’ll make a donation!

      1. Hi Brian! Thanks for your kind words! David starded using the MXR Digital Delay System rack units in 1977 for the Animals tour. It was a model #1, which was also used on the recording of his first solo album, The Wall album and tour and for the Final Cut sessions. It was also featured in the 1984 About Face live rig. At that point he’d also started using the #2 model, which has been featured on and off in his studio and live rig up until and including the recent tour. From what I understand, he first used the units to produce primarely the tap tempo sounds but in recent years, it seems that the unit is used to replicate some of the tones he got from his old Binson echo machines. I guess the closest match would perhaps be the Boss DD2 if you want a single pedal or, one of the TC Electronic units featuring the 2290 preset.

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