Wampler Analog Echo/FTE and Mad Prof DBD

[edgie]

Hi guys, has anyone here tried a direct tonal comparison between the said units and how they handle noise? Let's exclude the modulation feature since the DBD doesn't have it.

I have a FTE which I like but I'm just curious how the DBD compares since it seems that its main selling point is how great works in an amp's front end(not that I find anything wrong with the FTE). I don't know why no one seems to comment that FTE works great too in front of an amp so it made me wonder if the DBD is really that miles ahead over other delays when it comes to this department.

Thanks.

[coldfingaz]

I have an AnalogEcho & used to own a DBD. The DBD was definitely more transparent & the AnalogEcho does color the sound more. To me, it's not in a bad way, but it reacts differently with different OD's & distortion boxes so I always have to be a little careful as noise with the AE can be a factor. The DBD is just smooth as silk in this regard.

[edgie]

Thanks for the reply. I'd like to try the DBD but most likely I'll have to wait for the PCB version. I've also read some noise issues in some DBD(handwired) units but since each rig can affect pedals differently, and there are varying experience from users on that noise issue, let's keep it aside first. When people say it's good for running at the front of the amp, do they mean high headroom that won't clip easily?

I must point out to you though that FTE and analog echo are the same circuits except for the modulation as per Brian Wampler himself. I managed to try an AE for a short time when I bought the FTE and I couldn't hear a difference when the modulation is off.

[JimmyR]

I would definitely recommend the DBD over the Wampler analog echo. The Wampler sounds not quite as good as my own BYOC delay. And while it's more $$, if you want quiet you should check out the Brigadier. I have never heard such a quiet delay! It's as close to silent as you could have. The Maxon AD999 is my favourite true analog delay and is very quiet but the Brigadier is very very close, has modulation, greater range and is super quiet.

[edgie]

Originally Posted by JimmyR

I would definitely recommend the DBD over the Wampler analog echo. The Wampler sounds not quite as good as my own BYOC delay. And while it's more $$, if you want quiet you should check out the Brigadier. I have never heard such a quiet delay! It's as close to silent as you could have. The Maxon AD999 is my favourite true analog delay and is very quiet but the Brigadier is very very close, has modulation, greater range and is super quiet.

Thanks Jimmy, but I think we may not have the same tastes as you prefer the sound of the BYOC. I've had it and it just sounds ok to me, not much in there. And the one I got before has some sort of a floating circuit held only by a plastic post.

[JimmyR]

No worries! That's why there are so many options I guess. What a boring world it would be if we all liked the same thing!

[sixesandsevens]

Originally Posted by edgie

I'd like to try the DBD but most likely I'll have to wait for the PCB version.

It's out now, in case you hadn't heard.

No wait required (well, except shipping).

[coldfingaz]

Originally Posted by sixesandsevens

It's out now, in case you hadn't heard.

No wait required (well, except shipping).

I'd be interested in any comparisons between the DBD handwired version vs. the new PCB ones. The handwired ones are really great sounding delays. I do miss mine, though I find the Wampler does what I need as I'm not a huge delay hound... a bit of slapback & some presence is all I ever use it for & even then it's occasional.

[edgie]

Originally Posted by coldfingaz

I'd be interested in any comparisons between the DBD handwired version vs. the new PCB ones. The handwired ones are really great sounding delays. I do miss mine, though I find the Wampler does what I need as I'm not a huge delay hound... a bit of slapback & some presence is all I ever use it for & even then it's occasional.

This is how I also mostly use mine. Not county-ish slapback though. It's just a single repeat but it sounds like cocking a gun when I hit muted strings. With this kind of setting, it's more of the feel of the delay that's more important to me than the sound of the repeat.