A Warm Delay that can cut through the mix?????

[Magi]

I'm having a problem choosing which delay pedal I want. I've looked into the Skreddy Echo, the Maxon AD999, the Malekko 616 and have even considered the Strymon pedals. Basically, I like the warmth of an Analog sound, but I need something that will cut through the mix as well as cut through in a live band situation.

I would like to get an ambient vibe when I feel like it as well (whether with the delay on its own, or running it into a reverb pedal like the Wet).

Before you answer, take into consideration:

I realize that digital delays usually cut through better than analog (even though I'm hearing the El Capistan doesn't cut through all that great). And I actually I don't care whether it's analog, digital, or digital tape simulation; as long as its not too sterile and high fi sounding, can cut through and can do a cool ambient thing if need be..

FYI. I was almost sold on the Skreddy Echo, but I thought something was missing when I listened to the youtube videos. Then I realized it was cutting the highs and lows.. Maybe it's just the poor recording and compressed video sound.. hmmmmm

[WolfmansBrother]

I use an ARDX20 and I love the way the repeats sit in a live mix. It's not too bright and not too dark. I can't wait to pick up an Amazeo.

[sfarnell]

My Carbon Copy is a very warm delay and it seems to cut through the mix really well.

[Steve73]

My Damage Control Timeline does that for me. It is a digital delay pedal but it has an analog dry path. Very warm, but still digital and it sits very nice in the mix.

[Magi]

Originally Posted by WolfmansBrother

I use an ARDX20 and I love the way the repeats sit in a live mix. It's not too bright and not too dark. I can't wait to pick up an Amazeo.

Really? I really like Analogman's pedals. But, that was one of the first delays I looked into, and someone who owned it claimed they sold it because it got lost in the mix.. I understand a YMMV issue. But cutting through seems like it should be more black and white..

[DraggAmps]

The El Capistan has no trouble cutting through the mix if you ask me. It cuts through a lot easier than the Skreddy Echo, if you ask me, because the Skreddy is a very dirty and spacey delay with murky repeats. Of course, if you dial the El Cap in with a bunch of warble and tape age and reverb and tape crinkle, etc, and make it very dirty, it will naturally become less and less clear in a mix. But you can set it up very clean, as a nicely functioning tape machine, and it will cut through just as well as anything. It just sounds like a very natural, warm echo with plenty of clarity. The tape age knob can give you as much warmth as you want if you feel it has TOO much clarity. I like it because you really have to lay on the warble and age and crinkle and all that stuff very thick to get it to be REALLY dirty to where it's too unclear for a mix. For the most part, you can actual still hear the crinkle and warble with great clarity. It's truly an exceptional delay, the best digital delay I've used. It's right up there with my other favorite delay, which is also warm but clear, the Diamond ML2.

[WolfmansBrother]

Originally Posted by Magi

Really? I really like Analogman's pedals. But, that was one of the first delays I looked into, and someone who owned it claimed they sold it because it got lost in the mix.. I understand a YMMV issue. But cutting through seems like it should be more black and white..

I would agree with the "YMMV" statement. Different strokes for different folks...

Perception of performance certainly depends on context and application. I also own a WET reverb and I tend to use delay in a similar fashion (warm ambient repeats). I tend to run the delay level below noon and have no problem hearing the repeats. However, it's worth mentioning that I've bumped the WET off the board since receiving the ARDX20, because I've been loving the "reverby" sounds that the ARDX20 produces and don't feel the need to add the WET for most applications. Plus I find that running delay into reverb usually leads to a very washy sound - cool for ambient stuff, but definitely not a setup that helps a delay cut through the mix.

[Magi]

^^^^^ Thanks for that input. It was very particular and that always helps!! The ambient application is different than cutting through though. Generally if I want an amibient vibe, I'm not going to have drums and bass going full bore where I would need to cut through. I just wanted people to know that I would be using the delay for that situation as well.

[jboyjams]

I like a warm tone but always make sure to cut live - I play in a 3-piece band and a 4 piece with 2 guitars too.

I have a Boss DM-2 that sounds great to me - very full and warm and I don't have any problems being heard - the delay is in front of my Marshall (last in the chain) and comes thru well in even with a variety of dirt. I don't use it much but when I do it's mostly for reverb-like slap-back. Other settings sound good but I don't have much need for it.

[justnick]

Catalinbread Montavillian. It's special. And can cut through, but also won't clutter--unless you want it to.

Here's my demo...

http://vimeo.com/21570030

[Paulo Grua]

I have a Carbon Copy, a Dm-2 and a De-7, and have had a bunch of others. The De-7 is the go-to echo when I want the repeat to be clear and in-your-face, even for those The Edge moments...

[-DC/AC-]

I would definately consider the Retro-Sonic Analog Delay. It is a true analog delay but it has fairly bright repeats (not too bright) that really cut through the mix when you want them too. The addition of a tone control also helps a lot with this.

[kurge71]

Moogerfooger delay - warm, lush, versatile, excellent tone - expensive yes, but well worth the price of admission

[Rick Towne]

Originally Posted by -DC/AC-

I would definately consider the Retro-Sonic Analog Delay. It is a true analog delay but it has fairly bright repeats (not too bright) that really cut through the mix when you want them too. The addition of a tone control also helps a lot with this.

The tone control makes the difference.

[Eliguitar]

DE-7 in echo mode might work and its cheap