MXR Carbon Copy vs EHX Memory Boy/Toy

[kirs]

Argh. Was convinced on the Carbon Copy then got wind of the EHX boxes. I've been doing research all day and have come to the conclusion that the CC is the best sounding overall, Memory Boy is the most featured but unless you're into crazy effects you may not use half the stuff, and Memory Toy is a CC clone that's cheaper in cost and build.

I'd really like it to double as a modulation pedal (chorusy) and the only thing holding me back on the CC is that the modulation is less subtle than the EHX pedals.

Any opinions either way?

[smoothsteve87]

I believe you can change the modulation on the carbon copy by a trim pot inside?

Check out the Malekko 616 if you want easy control over the modulation with a great sounding delay.

[whaiyun]

Unimpressed with EHX MB/MT. CC was much better straight out of the box.

[analogic]

Yeah, you can tweak the speed and depth of the modulation via clearly labeled trim pots on the back of the Carbon Copy. Honestly, the Carbon Copy is a much better all-around delay, as long as you don't get turned off by how dark the repeats are.

[CrispyTone]

I've owned both the Carbon Copy and Malekko 616. I sold the 616 because of the way it effected my entire signal, and the echoes were too clean and bright for me. The 616 when on in TB mode totally dulled and took the life out of my signal, making my hot Pearly Gates sound like a neck pickup. In buffered mode it turned my signal into an ice pick. I kept the CC but I was thinking of getting the MT due to the samples I heard I think it sounds pretty good, but videos can be deceiving, and thats what happened with the 616. I was actually thinking of getting the 616 again, cranking the internal gain pot, set it in buffered mode and using it to boost my signal as a clean boost.

[VA_siCkBoy]

You can also adjust modulation on the Memory Toy via trim pot.
I did and it sounded better but I still like the CC better.

[digiTED]

I've had the CC and the Memory Boy. Both are valid choices and reasonably priced. I kept the CC. The Mom Boy gets crazier (it's EHX afterall!), but the CC gives solid analog delay sounds and has the better slapback (must be the shared DNA with the Aqua Puss).

The Mem Boy is brighter and does more stuff. It can sound really cool, but not all of that stuff is cool (some is just mud or tone-killing). It also died on me within a week or two. EHX said they could look at it if I REALLY wanted them to, but they said I should go through the retailer. Kind of annoying IMO.

The CC is much better built (MUCH better footswitch), smaller without sacrificing ergos, and uses less power making it play nice on a PP2+ or 1Spot powered setup. It does get a bit dark with the delay past about 12:00, but most analog delays get darker with longer delay times. The modulation is very adjustable with clearly marked internal trims as mentioned above. Mods sound pretty good, actually. Not as good as my Memory Lane 2, but it's 80% cheaper...

Big + to the CC: MXR is awesome to deal with if you ever have a problem. They'll fix it fast and usually for free. I had a second-hand M117R flanger that died. They fixed it for free even though I told them it was bought used. They didn't care; they obviously understand how having happy customers out using their gear is a really good ad campaign

[Jeff el]

I've got a Memory Toy right now. The volume jump you get when you turn it on makes it absolutely worthless unless you plan to use it as an ''always on'' pedal. It's a total shame too because the modulation sounds killer and the pedal has a tiny footprint.

Mine will be going back to the store as soon as I get some free time.

[kirs]

Great info everyone. Definitely leaning toward the MXR now. Will most likely pull the trigger today. If the modulation does not cut it I can always get a Micro Chorus

[CrispyTone]

Originally Posted by Jeff el

I've got a Memory Toy right now. The volume jump you get when you turn it on makes it absolutely worthless unless you plan to use it as an ''always on'' pedal. It's a total shame too because the modulation sounds killer and the pedal has a tiny footprint.

Mine will be going back to the store as soon as I get some free time.

I use echo as an always on pedal, so i wouldn't mind. Is it a volume boost or does it add gain as well?

[shooto]

Originally Posted by Jeff el

I've got a Memory Toy right now. The volume jump you get when you turn it on makes it absolutely worthless unless you plan to use it as an ''always on'' pedal. It's a total shame too because the modulation sounds killer and the pedal has a tiny footprint.

Mine will be going back to the store as soon as I get some free time.

^ I have a Memory Toy as my kick-around delay and I like (prefer) the boost...delay is the only thing I use to solo and the little boost just throws it out there a little, which is what I want-

didn't bond with the CC- my other two delays are Tech 21 Boost DLAs...for the warm delay, tone for repeats, great modulation and surprise surprise...boost function

[groovetube]

Originally Posted by Jeff el

I've got a Memory Toy right now. The volume jump you get when you turn it on makes it absolutely worthless unless you plan to use it as an ''always on'' pedal. It's a total shame too because the modulation sounds killer and the pedal has a tiny footprint.

Mine will be going back to the store as soon as I get some free time.

i got rid of my memory toy. i hated that little P.O.S.

[Jeff el]

Originally Posted by CrispyTone

I use echo as an always on pedal, so i wouldn't mind. Is it a volume boost or does it add gain as well?

Depends where you're using it. In front of my amp, into the dirty channel, it adds some drive. Through the FX loop or after some dirt pedals (into my clean channel) I only get a volume boost.

Originally Posted by shooto

^ I have a Memory Toy as my kick-around delay and I like (prefer) the boost...delay is the only thing I use to solo and the little boost just throws it out there a little, which is what I want-

didn't bond with the CC- my other two delays are Tech 21 Boost DLAs...for the warm delay, tone for repeats, great modulation and surprise surprise...boost function

I'd be there there with you on the whole volume-boost-for-solos thing if the boost wasn't so huge. I want my solos to stand out a little - not jump out of the mix like the sound guy is a moron.

Originally Posted by groovetube

i got rid of my memory toy. i hated that little P.O.S.

Exactly. I thought my Wampler Faux Tape Echo sucked. The Memory Toy somehow sounds even worse with the modulations and then the volume boost comes along and ruins everything.

Yet another bad experience with an EHX product.

[Polynitro]

616

[zosozep7]

And the analog echo debate goes on and on and on on on on on on on.

I just picked up a Maxon AD80. Cant wait to try it out!