Digital Delay vs. Reverb

[sinner]

Currently I have on my pedalboard a EH Holy Grail Reverb and a Maxon AD-900 analog delay. Don't use either all that much (have some nice amps with excellent reverb--TR, Bruno) but have been thinking about trying a really nice Digital Delay like the T-Rex Replica. Would like the take off the board both the Maxon and the Holy Grail--make room for other stuff and replace them both with just the T-Rex.

Only problem is when I am using an amp without reverb and want to add some, I wonder how well the T-Rex could cover that?

Or do they make a delay that has a "reverb" effect, or can you achieve something even better than a reverb pedal's sound from the digital delays available?

[uldhppi]

I have the Holy Grail. Someone on this forum said it was digital. I was shocked. I could have sworn it was analog. Anyway if they can make a digital delay sound that good (very close to spring reverb) I guess they're alright. I have only used older model digital delays and have failed to be able to dial in a convincing reverb. Maybe the newer ones (like the TRex) can do it. I would read the manual and see if it makes such a claim.

[gag halfrunt]

I'd try the new Boss RV-5 digital reverb. I just picked up one to use with my head that has no reverb. It does a very convincing job of emulating spring reverb, along with a bunch of other options. From their website:

The RV-5 Digital Reverb offers six of BOSS’ best reverbs in an all-new stereo effects pedal. New reverbs include convincing spring reverb emulation and a high-quality gate reverb, plus an all-new Modulate mode for spacious detuned reverb sounds.
Compact pedal with stereo input/output for use with other stereo effects
High-quality reverb modes on par with rackmount processors
New Spring reverb emulation offers realistic spring reverb sounds
New Gate reverb derived from high-end Roland studio gear
Modulate mode detunes the reverb sound for added spaciousness
BOSS 5-Year Warrantyhttp://www.bossus.com/index.asp?pg=1&tmp=117

Good luck on the decision :dude

[mad dog]

I tried out a T Rex Replica a couple years ago, have been playing a Maxon AD 999 for a while. The T Rex has it's virtues, but it was too clean and clinical for me as a delay. Just not what I'm looking for. The analog warmth of the Maxon is what I'm looking for. I do use the AD 999 in place of reverb sometimes. Depends on the amp and the setting how well it works. At home, where I'm alway using an outboard tube reverb, delay only doesn't quite seem to replace the reverb. Then I'll take it out to the club or jam and it sounds damn good.

I doubt the TRex would do as well as a quasi-reverb. Too clean; the repeats are too obvious.

[GuitarsFromMars]

I have a Digitech Digiverb that I used with K&M Custom #22 on the gig for a couple of years before I sold the amp.I still have the Digiverb on my board:some people have said they have had issues with it.I have never had a moment's trouble with it,and I prefer it to what used to be regular use of a DD-3(Boss).Mine I got for 70$ from a Ma and Pa place having a GOB sale.I am glad I bought it.

[slopeshoulder]

I have my Bruno with reverb set low (8:00 or so) and use analogman analog delay set to subtle tone (wth DL4 and (soon) Time Factor for big delay) and they all work fine together. Actually, I use a Verbzilla for big hall sounds too.

[jezzzz2003]

I only know of the RV-5, Its a horribly digital sounding reverb IMO,
I think Boss has a new model out? could be good.

[gag halfrunt]

I only know of the RV-5, Its a horribly digital sounding reverb IMO,
I think Boss has a new model out? could be good.
I should have been clearer in my earlier post. :jo

I only use the RV-5 for low duration reverb, and it doesn't sound digital at all in that capacity. If you push it for longer duration or more intense 'verb, it will sound very digital, and more like a delay than reverb.

But it does the commonly used low reverb pretty dang good imo.

[FleaRadical]

I use a Hughes & Kettner Replex. It has reverb and single-head and dual-head delay, all with separate controls. The only thing that might improve it would be if it had tap tempo. I have a Maxon AD80, a Memory Lane and a Carl Martin Delayla and I keep coming back to the Replex despite its large size. The reverb is only so-so, but you can achieve a reverb-like effect using the single-head volume knob. It also has a master volume and I use this similar to a low impedance volume pedal. For example, my COT50 gives a big volume increase when you turn it on, so you can keep the distortion high without too much volume increase. It will warm up an overly bright amp. Not recommended for an overly dark amp.

[DavidS]

Or do they make a delay that has a "reverb" effect, or can you achieve something even better than a reverb pedal's sound from the digital delays available?[/quote]

The Boss DD-20 Giga Delay has a "smooth" setting that produces a subtle delay that gives a reverb-like effect. I used an old Boss RV-2 and DD-2 on my board but replaced both when I got the DD-20. Plus you get the other great delays like tape, analog, modulation, etc and 4 footswitchable-programmable presets.

[drbob1]

Or you could pick up a 1/3-1/2 rack unit (like the Microverb or Boss VF2) that has both delay and reverb in some settings. Either drop it into an effects loop, or run it out front with a 1/4" on/off switch.

[stvnscott]

I have a Holy Grail and am pleased with the effect, but it makes a subtle high pitch whining noise when engaged. I can't hear it when I'm playing, but it is definitely there when I'm not.

I tried the Boss RV5 and sent it back. It sounded horrible. Some of the verb sounds were OK, but it made an oscillating swooshing sound that was much louder and more annoying than the HG.

I use the HG in the FX loop of my home brew amp. Works great!