Analogman ARDX20 Delay Compared To Maxon AD-999

[critter74]

So I'm looking to get one more analog delay and I was leaning towards another Maxon AD-999. I have both the AD-999 and AD-999+ and prefer the AD-999 by a slight margin. Just something about the tone of the AD-999 and the nature of the repeats. One of the best analog delays I've ever played. I love the fact it can do 900ms+ delay repeats and they still sound great with no clock noise, as well.

Anyways, I was thinking rather than getting another AD-999 I might try the Analogman ARDX20 Delay pedal...

Now I'm sure the pedal, like all of his stuff is great. But I want to know how similar or different it would be from the AD-999. Feature wise, it's ahead as it's got the dual delay feature, ability to use the external controls, etc, etc. But I'm more concerned with the tone.

So those who have tried both, how would you compare them together?

I'm not really looking for simple affirmation that the ARDX20 is great or simply better than the AD-999. As I've stated I have no concerns about the quality of the delay itself, I'm sure it's fantastic. I just want to know how it compares to this particular delay using the Maxon AD-999 as a baseline...

Thanks in advanced,...

[fusionbear]

I have owned both and still own a AD999. The reason I kept the AD999 is that the way it decays sounds more natural to me. The ARDX20's decay modulation sounded unnatural to me and always bothered me. instead of adding to the sound, it distracted me. Now this is not an issue if you use shorter slapback type delays. I usually go for a delay at 450-475ms. The dual setting button is a plus on the ARDX20, but I leave my delays on all the time and don't like to fiddle with them once they are set. That is my only detractor about the ARDX20. Hope this helps...

[critter74]

It does, thanks. I usually run my delays longer as well 425ms-600ms. And yes, the decay is the best part of the AD-99, just a natural decay that slowly melds into itself but never sounds "mushy".

Thanks again, that's the type of input/compare/contrast I'm looking for.

So any other with some feedback?

[WailinGuy]

The ARDX20's decay modulation sounded unnatural to me and always bothered me.What is "decay modulation"? I'm confused because the ARDX20 doesn't have a built-in modulation feature.

[JimmyR]

The AD999 is by far my favourite delay too. I'm interested to read this post because I have been interested in the Analogman delay. I use two different settings with my current band so wanted something with presets or something - up until recently I have been using an AD999 and a DBD. I may yet go back to that combination but right now I'm using a Timefactor. It's actually pretty good!

Having read this post I doubt I'll bother with the Analogman unit. It looks way too big for a start!

[analogmike]

There is a GIANT ARDX20 in this picture, hiding behind the little Maxon. :)

http://www.analogman.com/graphics/ardx20undermaxon.jpg

[boltino]

The AD999 is by far my favourite delay too. I'm interested to read this post because I have been interested in the Analogman delay. I use two different settings with my current band so wanted something with presets or something - up until recently I have been using an AD999 and a DBD. I may yet go back to that combination but right now I'm using a Timefactor. It's actually pretty good!

Having read this post I doubt I'll bother with the Analogman unit. It looks way too big for a start!


I'm confused by this post. From what you describe you are looking for, the Analogman unit may be perfect for you.

It's not that big (especially compared to two separate delays or a timefactor). One guy stated he likes the decay of the AD999 better than the ARDX20; hardly definitive as far as "which one is better". Not trying to be a jerk, it just sounds like the ARDX20 may be perfect for you and I'm not sure why you are dismissing it.

Here's a pic of mine for comparison; it's only a bit bigger than my strobostomp or pork loin:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/[IMG]http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq49/boltino/339-1-1.jpghttp://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq49/boltino/339-1-1.jpg

[Loose Seal]

The Maxon is a great delay pedal, don't get me wrong. However, the ARDX20 was the end of my delay searching. It is extremely versatile and I always find myself going back to it.

Also, I don't get why people say it's such a huge pedal? I was somewhat worried about this when I ordered it and I was surprised how small it was when it came in. I definitely think the size is an exaggeration, especially considering you have two seperate delays.

[Truxton Spangler]

I liked the ARDX20 but it's hard to argue against it being physically large
That was the main reason i sold mine.. Even though the AD999 isn't small
it's a good bit smaller than the ARDX20 especially if you count the height of the ARDX20

I hear analogman's coming out with a smaller version of the ARDX20
i'd be on that like cats on fine furniture :)

Best regards -T

[analogmike]

The picture above is not a joke, the maxon is larger than the
ARDX20 which is underneath it.

I thought the 999 was the same size as the AD-900 but maybe it's smaller?

[Truxton Spangler]

The picture above is not a joke, the maxon is larger than the
ARDX20 which is underneath it.

Yes but do a side-by-side shot so we can see the height difference
that was what kept my pedalboard case from closing :)

Best regards -T

[analogmike]

Yes it's a taller pedal than the Maxon, but much shorter than things like Carl Martin, older MJM, etc.

[Truxton Spangler]

Yes it's a taller pedal than the Maxon, but much shorter than things like Carl Martin, older MJM, etc.

I haven't seen any of those manufacturers pedals
i really liked the ardx20.. i thought of getting a new case to accommodate the
height of the pedal.. but eventually it seemed like too much

If you release that smaller version i'll buy it for sure :)

Best regards -T

[phoghat]

I'm resurrecting this ancient thread because these are the two delays I'm considering. I hate buying anything without playing it first, but there's no way I can check out the Analogman ARDX20 in my podunk village. I love the idea of having 2 completely separate delays in one box, but the AD-999 is such a sweet-sounding unit. Any opinions from folks who've had experience with both would be greatly appreciated.

[Graffiti Yellow]

I compared my ARDX20 to my AD999, both of which I still have, and in terms of sound quality I would have to give the edge to the AD999. Absolutley nothing wrong with the ARDX20 though. In fact the ARDX20 is a whole lot of delay for the money. Keep in mind the ARDX20 is two delays in one and has a loop for adding modulation. The ARDX20 also can run on a battery where the AD999 cannot. And unlike my AD9 Pro the ARDX20 doesnt seem to eat batteries as fast. If size is your issue dont get either. Both have their merits and I will be keeping both. Hope this helps.

[deadletteroffice]

I have owned both. The ARDX20 is a fantastic delay. They take up pretty much the exact same board space. It wins the categories of having top jacks, 2 delays in one box and the fact that if you are a heavy delay user the controller you can hook up to it does all kinds of cool stuff. The tone for me was pretty much what you put in was what you got back. Super clean. And 650ms should be enough delay time for just about anyone. All that said I kept the AD-999 for two reasons. One, I'm a simpleton and prefer the most simple pedal possible. I didn't need the two delays and felt like the second set of knobs would literally never be touched. And secondly, the AD-999 has some magic about the tone it produces and a certain bounce to it that is very unique. People who swear by this pedal are always vaguely describing this. Which is hard to do without playing it yourself. I've never in my 40 years been so set on a delay as I am with the AD-999. And for the record, I own many Analogman pedals and fully believe they have the strongest across the board line of boutique pedals and service you will find. That said, for me the AD-999 is a standout pedal.

[phoghat]

Awesome. Thanks!

[cas29]

I have a different question about the ARDX20. Was thinking about getting one. If you plug a chorus in the effects loop, will it modulate just the delay sound? Like amemory man? What about adding a phaser? Anyone try that?

[analogmike]

I have a different question about the ARDX20. Was thinking about getting one. If you plug a chorus in the effects loop, will it modulate just the delay sound? Like amemory man? What about adding a phaser? Anyone try that?

Yes, the effects loop works on only the delays. Best to set the effect in the loop for less dry signal, i.e. on a chorus set the mix up full for a vibrato sound, which is what the DMM does in either chorus or vibrato mode (vibrato is the same as chorus on the DMM, just a higher speed).

Good luck!

[Whiskey N Beans]

I actually like the size of the ARDX20 fine. With top jacks it's really not bigger than a barber-sized pedal. Definitely smaller than two carbon copies and, to me, a big improvement in tone, plus longer delay times. It's height makes it perfect for the back row of my PT Jr., it's really a plus in that respect too. I want to try a maxon, but SOOO huge for a single pedal, and kinda too pink as well. That said, Godlyke tends to pass the blems along for around $140. Might have to bite one day.

[magnus02]

Analogman was darker in the repeats than my ad900... That was the main difference for me

[WolfmansBrother]

I've been meaning to try my M9 in the loop of the ARDX20. I've tried a chorus (which was cool) and an octron (which was VERY cool!), and I bet some of the M9 effects will be pretty sweet.

[phoghat]

I'm going for it. Gonna order it tomorrow. It'll be my first Analogman pedal.

[WolfmansBrother]

I'm going for it. Gonna order it tomorrow. It'll be my first Analogman pedal.

There are a few in the emporium going for great prices. I'm very tempted to snag a second one...