Analog vs digital

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 8 Dec 2004 10:41 am

I've been using DM-3 delay for a long time, I wonder if there would be much difference if I went to a DD-3? Is it something I need? Thanks.

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

Susan Alcorn (deceased) · Post by **Susan Alcorn (deceased)** » 8 Dec 2004 11:00 am

Howard, I notice a big difference between analog and digital delays. The digital delays are cleaner and perhaps more precise, and the analogs are warmer giving, to my ears, a bigger overall sound to the steel guitar. If you are going to get an analog delay, though, get a good one.

David Yannuzzi · Post by **David Yannuzzi** » 8 Dec 2004 11:13 am

Can you recomend an analog delay?
Thanks dave

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 8 Dec 2004 11:21 am

I have just ordered the Line6 Echo Park. It has three modes,- 'tape', 'analog' and 'digital', plus some added goodies to each of these modes (including tap tempo,- very useful). I really liked the demo,- check it out on their website.

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 8 Dec 2004 11:56 am

Thanks for the quick answers. The DM-3 has been mostly satisfactory, but sometimes I want a cleaner and brighter sound. I think I have gas(gear acquisition syndrome). I'll probably get the DD-5.

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 8 Dec 2004 1:24 pm

I have a DD-2, DD-3 and DD-5 and I do not notice much of a difference between these units in the capacity I use them. I did have several of the Boss analog delays and they were warmer but hearing the delay while playing with a band was difficult.

Steve Hinson · Post by **Steve Hinson** » 8 Dec 2004 3:09 pm

Have any of you guys tried a"Mr.Echo"delay pedal?I got mine at Rock Block Guitars in Nashville...where the hippie steel men shop!I don't know if it is analog or digital,but it sounds really warm...kinda like an Echoplex.I like it better than my DM-2...or my PCM41...or anything else I've used in a long time!

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 8 Dec 2004 4:41 pm

I used to use an Ibanez DDL-20. It had a great sound, but I got tired of buying batteries. A 9v Duracell would last about one night, provided you unhooked it between sets! Actually, that's why I don't use it much anymore. I HATE wall warts, so that's not an option.

I've never understood why a company like Peavey didn't have a good delay built into their steel amps (along with the obligatory reverb). What would it cost...maybe another $25? I use my Peavey Stereo-Chorus 212 amp most of the time (which wasn't really designed for steel) primarily because it has a chorus and digital delay and reverb package built-in, and with a mod kit installed, it does a pretty decent job. I only wish they'd had designed it with analog-type controls instead of selector-switch pre-sets!

Or maybe...one day...

Some amp company will design an amp that has accessory power (for stomp-boxes) built in! Then it would be a simple matter for a player to use his own effects pedal (which would fit right into a recess in the top of the amp!) You'd plug it in one time, and (except for changing the adjustments) you're done with it!!!

Anyone today can design and build an amp that's powerful, and has a good sound. What's it gonna take for them to make one that's versatile as well??? It's not exactly rocket science, but so far...

Nobody's done it.

Susan Alcorn (deceased) · Post by **Susan Alcorn (deceased)** » 9 Dec 2004 4:41 am

Yes, I can recommend one. I use the the Maxon AD-9 pedal, and I like it quite a bit -- it's warm and very clean. It's a little bit pricey as far as pedals go, but I tried quite a few of them, and to my ear that was the best. I also tried some of the digital "modelling" delay/echo pedals, but I can hear a difference, and I prefer the sound of analog. For recording I sometimes also use just a tiny bit of the Lexicon PCM41.

Bob Metzger · Post by **Bob Metzger** » 11 Dec 2004 2:11 am

Cleaner and brighter almost always means digital delay.
Warmer and darker usually means analog. While we're on the subject, who makes the warmest and darkest digital delay?

Bob M.

Bill Miller · Post by **Bill Miller** » 11 Dec 2004 5:03 am

I originally had a Boss analog delay which I liked for six string electric but not for steel. With the steel I found that it produced dischordant sounding overtones, especially above the 12th fret. I switched to a Boss digital delay which I find much better in that regard...clear and precise.

Larry Hamilton · Post by **Larry Hamilton** » 11 Dec 2004 8:22 pm

I bought a Dan-Echo made by Dan Electro nearly 3 years ago. What I like about it is the way it can be adjusted. It can be softened up like and analog or the bite of digital. the sound is great. The only fault I can find is if a players likes to turn it on and off a lot, it is isn't really foot friendly, as it has button to push. I usualy just leave mine on a little for some slap back, and occasionally make some little adjustments for specifid tunes. Overall I really like it. Just my 2 cents worth.

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Keep pickin', Larry

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 12 Dec 2004 8:44 am

The Line6 Echo Park is excellent, great analog modeling, pretty good echoplex sounds, great digital sounds, easy to use, built like a tank. Plus it has reverse delay for those psychedelic gigs. It sounds better than the big green Line6 delay modeler (it doesn't mess with your basic tone).

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 12 Dec 2004 12:02 pm

Bob, for warm and dark you are probably looking at the old Roland Space Echo or one of its children.

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 12 Dec 2004 1:54 pm

I'll have to agree with Dan on the Line 6 delay stuff. Their delays are "models" of many original classic delays, minus tape hiss and noise. They will give a variety of the coolest delays that have been around over the years. The big green delay modeller or the little Echo Park pedal will do great delays.

Brad Sarno

Bill Yoder · Post by **Bill Yoder** » 14 Dec 2004 11:46 am

Howard,I,ve been using an old ibanez ad-9,(analog),and it works great, clean,but still full and sweet.