Okay folks. I have just received this unit fresh from the postman and I am proud to present you this first minute review...(Pardon me if I got my language wrong along the way..)
1. Looks - Wow! Sparkling dark olive green casing with tiny gold glitters! I wonder MXR got the same paint vendor as EBMM to do this? The finish is just like my newly acquired LE07 Blue Dawn! Superb! Great little pedal to match my sparkle twins..
2. Controls - Simple 3 knobs with a "MODulation" option switch (slight wavering effect + a little treble boosting). Usual 9v input below input jack. Short & sweet, straight to the point. Regen = Repeat, Mix = Blend of original & effect signal, Delay = Delay lah.
3. Sound - So this unit employs the BBD (Bucket Brigade Chips) technology? Let me see how it really sound, since I got a MIJ DM-2 to compare against..
After 10min of play, I have to say the money is well spent. Warm lush analog delay with workable controls to tweak to your delay preference. Delay knob min = no effect. Turn up a bit = slapback sound. Mid-way = 300 - 400+ms, enters delay "digital style" but with a warm feel. 2o'clock to max = you sound like U2 or Gilmour. Very good for clean! But rather weak for long delayed distortion sound.
The key to get a real good sound from this unit is to tweak the regen and mix knob to get a continuous delay, and to reduce stoppages in between the duplications.
Low delay + low regen (repeat) = slapback sound.
Low delay + high regen = self oscillation.
High delay + low/mid regen = delay ends fast, you hear duplication eagers to end.
High delay + high regen = lengthy dreamy delay possible from a digital unit, but with thick analog feel!
Pros:
- Smal compact unit, squeezable into any pedalboard!
- Warm lush tone. No joke.
- A good addition to those already owned a DM-2/3, AD-9 and find their analog units delay time a tad too short.
Cons:
- The self-oscillation sounds harsh. Handle with care if you wanna play with this, may sound scratchy and annoyingly loud to the ear.
- "MOD" option, as mentioned earlier by some, sounds a bit weak. better to stick to your favourite chorusing effect than to use this.
- Long delay effects not that great when use with distortion units.
- Why dont they position the 9v power jack on top?
i rate this : 8.5/10
Gotto play somemore now...