All user reviews of 4/5 for the Electro-Harmonix 16 Second Digital Delay

This is a delay pedal, but it actually is really versatile and has many cool features. This pedal has the 1/4" input and output, as well as a 1/4" footswitch pedal (the controller is sold separately). The pedal is digital, and it does have MIDI controller functions. It can actually hook up to a drum machine, and the device itself can be used as a sort of controller (for some functions). The pedal also comes with a power supply. The delay pedal cannot be edited via a computer, be it Mac or PC. The effect is not rackable either. It also probably wouldn't really function well in a live rig, unless you are highly organized and have the proper gear with which to transport it.

UTILIZATION

Editing the effects on this pedal can actually be kind of complex. There are several faders that control each aspect of the pedal, and a few switches to switch between different modes. There is a control for delay, which controls the time and rate of delay with two faders. There is a switch that will make the change in delay time affect pitch if you want. Turning it off will keep all pitches the same regardless of delay time. This is a pretty amazing part of the package, as most delays tend to be one way or the other. The other controls are sweep, which basically affects the rate of modulation on the delayed signal, as well as mix controls which control the balance of the wet and dry signals. There is also a loop function, which will allow you to record multiple parts on top of each other. There is a button to record, which controls the loop function, and a button for bypass (both of which are foot-depressed). It's a bit hard to control everything, but it's easier to use than a separate delay and loop station.

SOUND QUALITY

This effect actually sounds pretty great for a digital delay. Most of those sound very artificial. While this doesn't really reek of authenticity the way an analog pedal would, it's still pretty clear and natural sounding (assuming you set it that way). The loop station effects are awesome. I love the fact that you can record a part at a certain tempo, loop it, and then change the tempo of the part. The fact that there is a switch that allows you to keep the pitch the same or change it as you change tempo is also amazing. The sounds that you can get out of this pedal while doing that are pretty amazing. The pedal is pretty good about not coloring the sound too much, which is another reason I like it. The fact that you can hook this up to a drum machine is also really cool. It's not quite useful in the same way that a shorter delay would be, but I do like the uses that this pedal has.

OVERALL OPINION

I think that overall, this is a quality pedal. As a loop station, it has features that most of its competition doesn't have. It's also really good as a more typical delay. I think that since it's a little bit expensive, this might only be for somebody who can trade some older stuff and buy this at a reasonable price. I think that there are cheaper delays and loop stations out there for less experienced players.