Empress Superdelay - digital or analog?

[nrvana8775]

Is it meant to be more of a digital or analog voiced pedal? I'm thinking about getting one, but I don't know if I can justify having a replica, mem lane, and superdelay.

Which pedal voicing is meant to do best? I know it has a filter, but can it really get that lo-fi degrading tone of the memory lane? Would the repeats be as clear/pristine as the replica?

I want it for the rhythmic possibilities.

[thisfire]

Well, I've owned 'em all (Timefactor, Replica, Mem Lane, MP Deep Blue, Superdelay, Aqua Puss, DL4) and got rid of all of them...and now I'm considering rebuilding a bit and the first two to go back on the board are going to be a Superdelay and the MP Deep Blue Delay, if that's any indication of which I prefer The Superdelay was quite simply the best delay I ever had the pleasure of owning. Digital clarity with analog warmth (when desired), and a slew of really cool features that will expand your delay horizons. The only thing that even came close (inspiration-wise, if that makes sense...the only one that really made me want to write new music) was the DL4. The Timefactor is an awesome pedal if you have the time to figure it out, and the Memory Lane is also excellent in its own right (although I eventually decided that its repeats were a bit to "clickly" for me).

Best of luck in your delay quest!

[nrvana8775]

Well, the superdelay would have to replace one of the pedals.

I enjoy both the replica and mem lane equally, this is going to be tough.

[Supern00b]

how much is a superdelay?

[lv]

Originally Posted by nrvana8775

Is it meant to be more of a digital or analog voiced pedal? I'm thinking about getting one, but I don't know if I can justify having a replica, mem lane, and superdelay.

Which pedal voicing is meant to do best? I know it has a filter, but can it really get that lo-fi degrading tone of the memory lane? Would the repeats be as clear/pristine as the replica?

I want it for the rhythmic possibilities.

The repeats will not degrade like the ML, they will get darker and saturate, but they don't really distort or get fuzzy - though they do go out of tune nicely.

The repeats on the replica were actually a bit dark to my ear (tho I like dark). The empress can sound as dark, but can also sound much clearer than the replica. I think it would replace the replica.

I have clips of about 15 different delays on my gear demo page.

[highfive!]

I've been wondering the same thing. The Empress has really grabbed me with all the functions and the presets and whatnot. But I'm pretty much anti-digital when it comes to delay. I'm all analog, the carbon copy being the one on my board, and the DMM in the studio. I love the modulation with the DMM, but I'm starting to prefer the darker, saturated repeats on the CC. But the CC does has some drawbacks - the too subtle mod, the "whine" at high delay times, the blindingly bright LED's...

Can anyone compare the sound of the Lo pass filter and/or the tape mode on the Empress to the CC or DMM?

Is there any digital harshness or sterility in any of the modes?

If I trade in the CC and the DMM for an Empress, am I going to miss the true bucket-brigade analog delay I love so much?

[nrvana8775]

My memory lane seems to get lost underneath the notes, and there is a noticeable volume boost.

I'll just buy the superdelay and decide which one to boot. Maybe keep all 3 though, but $1k+ in delays is just silly.

[Sniper-V]

Can never have enough delay!

I've got:

• DD-7
• DD-20
• DMM
• Replica
• ML1
• ML2
• Timefactor

Next is the SuperDelay.
Oh,
I plan to get a M13 too, does that count?

[Supern00b]

Originally Posted by Sniper-V

Can never have enough delay!

I've got:

• DD-7
• DD-20
• DMM
• Replica
• ML1
• ML2
• Timefactor

Next is the SuperDelay.
Oh,
I plan to get a M13 too, does that count?

You should check into a delay-rehab.

[highfive!]

Originally Posted by highfive!

Can anyone compare the sound of the Lo pass filter and/or the tape mode on the Empress to the CC or DMM?

Is there any digital harshness or sterility in any of the modes?

If I trade in the CC and the DMM for an Empress, am I going to miss the true bucket-brigade analog delay I love so much?

Anyone?

[lv]

Originally Posted by highfive!

Anyone?

No digital harshness anywhere to be found with the Superdelay.

I have plenty of clips for you to listen to on my gear demo link. They are all very accurate to what the unit sounds like in the room.

[iaresee]

Originally Posted by lv

No digital harshness anywhere to be found with the Superdelay.

+1

I have plenty of clips for you to listen to on my gear demo link. They are all very accurate to what the unit sounds like in the room.

Add to those, mine if you like: http://ian.coastpedalboards.com/The_Music.html (down near the bottom of the page)

[lv]

Originally Posted by iaresee

+1


Add to those, mine if you like: http://ian.coastpedalboards.com/The_Music.html (down near the bottom of the page)

Great demos Ian!

[stephen_b]

if i trade a dl4 and a CC for the empress... will i get one?

[nrvana8775]

They come out to about $450 shipped.

I doubt you will find a used one