Diamond Pedals

- Controls for volume, tone, and compressor -Tilt EQ - True Bypass - Solid Hammond enclosure - Quality parts, top notch Diamond Assembly - Powered by 9v Battery, or standard Boss style 9v(-) adapter. - Bright yellow, won't get lost ;) - LED indicates compression level peaking UTILIZATION Very straightforward to use. Controls are pretty basic, volume, compression, and tone, just as you'd expect to see in most compressors. That said, there are some really cool features within that simple setup. The tone knob isn't the usual dial-in-treble control. It is a tilt-EQ that works somewhat like a see-saw. As you turn the knob, it will dial in treble, but at the same time pull out some bass, and vice-versa. Diamond use it in most of their pedals, and it is awesome. The LED works like a standard on/off indicator, but at higher compression settings, it will flash red as you dig in, giving you an idea of how much you are actually compressing your attack. As with all Diamond products, its impeccably built, with all pots and switches offboard. SOUND QUALITY It just sounds fantastic. It doesn't squash your signal unless you really ask it to, dialing the compression knob all the way up. It adds quite a bit of clarity to your playing, bringing your high strings up to where you can really here them. It just makes pretty much any amp sound better, and the sustain is very sweet. The tone knob really allows you to shape the compression, but can also be used to adjust it so that it is pretty much transparent, identical to your amp. I kept this compressor over one that was worth over $800 at one point. Yep, it sounds that good. OVERALL OPINION This is the compressor to buy. I recommend it to pretty much any guitarist who uses any aspect of compression in his playing. I'm just blown away day by day at how fantastic this one sounds. I've had no regrets with it, and will be keeping it for quite a while. If you are looking for a compressor that won't completely squish your tone, but add quite a bit more to it, I would definitely recommend the diamond.

This is a pretty solid tremolo pedal. It's got a decent amount of controls and the great warmth of an analog pedal. This is tried-and-true analog pedal, so there are no computer or MIDI capabilities with it. The pedal isn't rackable either, as it's a floor pedal. The connections are the basic 1/4" input and output, and there is an adaptor for this pedal as well. UTILIZATION The editing of the tremolo effect on this pedal is pretty basic, and therefore, it's easy to do in a short time. This works out great for on-the-fly edits and changes. There are only four knobs. The first is for the speed of the tremolo effect. The second knob controls the rate of the effect. The third knob determines the volume of the tremolo, its basically the mix between the effect and the dry signal. The fourth knob switches between different settings, which are basically different variations of the tremolo effect. The switch between the middle two knobs also changes the effect drastically, adjusting the character of the effect in a way that is difficult to explain. The manual will explain things clearly to anyone who has trouble getting it to work, although I don't think it's hard to use at all. SOUND QUALITY I really liked the sound that I got out of this pedal, which I was hoping for. Not many tremolo effects really do it for me, I like the way they sound on record more, and that's mostly because of studio effects and not so much pedals. This pedal sort of betrays that stereotype. I think that what I like most is the tap feature on the second switch, that allows you to adjust while playing in a way that is totally liberating. In general, the best thing about this pedal is that it doesn't overwhelm the tone, and in fact only enhances it. It also doesn't make everything super muddy, either, which I like. OVERALL OPINION Overall, I'd have to say that this is one of the more enjoyable tremolo pedals I've had the pleasure of playing. For the most part, I don't use this effect that much, which makes me wonder whether or not I'm going to hang onto it, really. I think that I will for now mainly because it's the best tremolo pedal I own. I'd have to recommend it to anybody who needs a tremolo that doesn't frustrate and annoy them, and needs it mostly for live purposes. If you haven't gotten into the effect in a big way yet, this might be the pedal that changes your mind.

- Controls for Delay speed, modulation, feedback, and mix/delay volume - nonlatching switch for quarter notes, dotted eighth notes, and triplets - True bypass - A full 1200 ms of delay time - Tap tempo - Internal DIP switches for bypass/trails/parallel loop use - Impeccable diamond construction, quality parts - Hammond enclosure - Powered by 9V battery or regular boss style adapter - UTILIZATION A combination of well thought out features and ease of use. Very straightforward and usable delay. Set your delay time using the knob or tap tempo. Holding the tap tempo switch will double the delay time. Modulation is dialed in via a single switch, foolproof. The delay mode can be a little confusing, but is really very straightforward once you wrap your head around it. The switch is springloaded, not latching. Tap it up, and you are in dotted 8th note mode, switch it up again and you are in triple land. This makes it very easy to scroll between the functions with your foot, so you don't have to bend down and adjust switched. Both LEDS will blink green, orange, or red to indicate what mode you are in. Again, foolproof. The manual comes with the pedal and is also available off the diamond website. SOUND QUALITY I switched from a full blow Memory Lane 2 to this guy. Sound crazy? Yes, cost had something to do with it. But the ML Jr. gets very close to the sound of the ML2 for have the price, and with a lot of upgrades. The repeats have more definition and consistency. They don't crumble in quite the same way as true bucket brigade. It makes the pedal a lot less mushy and a fantastic option for live use. The increased delay time (1200 ms!!!) is a godsend. I'll be honest, while I loved th sound of the ML2, 550ms was a little restricting at times. Here I can tap away comfortable that I won't hit that wall. It can also be set up for pretty long feedback times and maintain clarity. The modulation is fantastic, and it can still be sent into warbly oscillation with the mod and feedback knobs all the way up. However, it will not run away from you or try to eat your hearing. OVERALL OPINION I've used and owned quite a few delay pedals. I'm pretty sure that this one will be on my live board for quite a while. It is the perfect combination of digital features and clarity with analog voiced tone. Very thrilled with this one. And as always with Diamond, top notch construction and quality, I have no concerns about the reliability of this one.

- 550 ms delay time - Tap tempo! - Bucket brigade analog circuitry, MN3005 chips - Dotted 8th note setting for rhythmic delays - Internal "spaceship mode" switch - Stereo out - Expression pedal in - True Bypass - Led tempo monitor - Superb quality and construction - Controls for Delay time, tilt EQ, delay level, modulation speed and depth, and overall mix - Two independent footswitchable delays UTILIZATION This is one of those pedals that requires a little bit of time for fluency of operation. You will need to figure out which channel can be tapped in by foot, which one features modulation more prominently, which one can be switched over to dotted eight repeats, etc But once that is all figured out, you are pretty much set, and it sounds fantastic. This is another one where you probably want to read the manual pretty thoroughly. 550 ms isn't really a whole lot of delay time, but it is definitely usable. I don't really need the two delay channels, but if you do, its a pretty cool feature to have. Note that the dotted eighth switch will not actually change the delay time. You need to flip it, and then tap in the tempo again. Took me a while to figure this out, I thought there was something wrong with the pedal initially. These are built incredibly well, and carry a lifetime warranty. The guys are Diamond are simply fantastic to deal with, no worries there. SOUND QUALITY Really just an incredible delay pedal. Very lush, warm repeats that gradually crumble away. The modulation is just perfect. Doesn't get wonky or too crazy. If you're into absurd amounts of oscillation, open the pedal up and flip the spaceship mode switch, you'll get more than you could possibly use. The tilt EQ feature is really cool, it allows you to regulate the extent to which repeats are dark or glassy/bright. There just really isn't a whole lot more to say about it. It is as close to perfect as you will find in an analog delay. OVERALL OPINION Pretty much the kind of delays in my opinion. Yes, I know people rave about the Echoczar. But I am just not willing to wait 5 years for a pedal, or pay upwards of 1.5k for a used one. These aren't cheap, but used prices are a little less intense at between 4 and 500. Other good options are the earlier original Memory Lane (just one delay setting, no dotted 8th notes, and sent into oscillation a little easier) at about $300 used, or the new Memory Lane Jr at about $280 new (used ones aren't really on the market yet). But if you can afford it, this is the one to get.

The Diamond Pedals Boost EQ is a simple pedal designed to give your electric guitar that extra kick. The pedal is an analog one, with a pretty standard make up. Like most guitar pedals, it has 1/4" connections and needs nine volt power from a power supply. It isn't rack mountable in any way as it is a stomp box. UTILIZATION The configuration of the Diamond Pedals Boost EQ is a very simple one. The EQ section has parameters for mids and tilt, as well as an EQ bypass switch. On the right side it has a gain knob, and when the EQ is bypassed is your only parameter. As you can probably see without me having to tell you, the make up is simple and a manual isn't something that will be necessary. SOUND QUALITY The tone of the Diamond Pedals Boost EQ is absolutely top notch. While I like it primarily as a gain boost pedal, it is definitely a good sounding equalizer as well, and unique if not anything else. I've used the pedal with a Fender Stratocaster and a '76 Fender Twin Reverb to give it that extra boost kick, as well as for general tone shaping. The pedal really has a clean tone quality, and it has true bypass so you won't lose any signal quality or get any noise. The Boost EQ is definitely up there with the best sounding boost and/or equalization pedals that I've heard. OVERALL OPINION Since the Diamond Pedals Boost EQ is made up of high quality components and with extreme care, it isn't as cheap as those boost and EQ pedals that are mass produced. If you are a professional or are looking for a top notch boost and EQ pedal that has more versatility and a better sound quality than most of the competition, I'd encourage you to check it out to see if the extra dough is worth it to get a superior pedal. More times than not I think that people will opt to spend a few extra dollars on a great pedal like this one.

The Diamond Pedals Halo Chorus is a unique chorus pedal suitable for use with any electronic instrument. I've used the pedal only with electric guitar, so this review will be based on use of this pedal with this instrument only, which I would think is what most people are using this pedal with anyway. The pedal has stereo 1/4" inputs and outputs, as well as a 1/4" output for an expression pedal, which is something that I've never hooked up to this pedal. This isn't rackable as it is a stomp box controlled by your foot. UTILIZATION Users of the Diamond Pedals Halo Chorus shouldn't have any problems using it, as everything is pretty straight forward here. For parameters, you've got chorus depth, speed, phase modulation mix, and chorus mix. If used, an expression pedal can also control delay time and LFO. After playing with the pedal for a short while I was able to understand the pedal fairly well, so I can't imagine too many people having difficulties understanding it. I've never had a need to look at the manual for the Hal Chorus pedal. SOUND QUALITY The sounds that are possible with the Diamond Pedals Halo Chorus go way beyond just your standard chorus sounds. It also has delay and phase like tones, the combination of which makes for an awesome sounding modulation pedal. While it is certainly possible to get traditional sounding chorus tones, I think that this pedal makes its living on its unique tones, as this sounds unlike most pedals that I've used out there. I've used the Halo Chorus with a Fender Telecaster and a '65 Fender Deluxe Reverb, so I definitely got an accurate read on what the pedal truly sounds like, and let me tell you that you can really get some interesting sounds with this one. This isn't to discredit the more traditional chorus tones that are possible, as they are extremely clean sounding as well... OVERALL OPINION While more expensive than most chorus pedals out there, Diamond Pedals Halo Chorus isn't your typically chorus pedal at all. It has unique parameters and unique sounds to match, as well as more traditional ones. The pedal is built extremely well and is one that should last a long time if treated properly. If you're looking only to get some standard chorus tones, this can do that for sure but I would probably recommend looking elsewhere as there are plenty of cheaper options out there that don't have all the bells, whistles, and versatility that the Halo Chorus does.

This is a very simple stomp box pedal. ( volt jack, in and out for guitar, and on/off switch, gain control and a toggle switch to go between germanium and Hybrid mode. More on this later. UTILIZATION It’s simple enough no manual needed for a pedal like this. Ideally for me I run this after other overdrive or distortion pedals so when using a clean amp I have the option to actually use it as a volume boost. And of course before any time based effects like delay, chorus, pitch, reverb, etc. SOUND QUALITY It depending on mode is a very transparent boost. Customarily a treble boost rolls off a bit of bottom, adds mids, and more grit on top. The Marquis does just that in Germanium mode. In Hybrid mode all frequencies are boosted evenly. There is a bit less gain on tap in Hybrid mode. OVERALL OPINION How does it sound? Well like a real good treble booster in germanium mode. Actually one of my fave uses is into a clean amp especially if the clean is on the dark or worse lifeless side. With the Marquis it’ll actually come to life this way. In of course when using it with the amp’s gain it is a lot of fun and gets you into Foxy lady territory.. In Hybrid mode into a clean amp that is bright same thing happens. Into a dark amp I didn’t like it for clean amps. For gain stuff the bottom end attenuation tightens stuff nicely. And in bright amps used with Hybrid mode it will make a Strat or Tele much fatter. Used with another pedal, especially an over drive before the Marquis you can have a over the top gainiac monster that still feels like an amp instead of dragging the guitar pick through a sponge.

- Two independent sections, OD and boost - True bypass - JFET input - High quality components, impeccable build quality - 9v battery or standard boss style adapter operated - Controls for drive, warmth, volume, and gain - Bright switch UTILIZATION Its a little more than your standard simple OD pedal, but is actually pretty straightforward to use. I am particularly happy with the fact that the boost and OD can be engaged independently. Most dual OD/boost pedals must be on for the boost to work. With the J-Drive, the boost can be engaged at any time. I also like the fact that the boost runs in front of the OD, so acts as another pedal running a hotter signal into the OD circuit. Standard 9v (-) input is convenient as well. And of course, Diamond definitely build their pedals to withstand the test of time and beatings of the road. This one isn't going to fall apart in a hurry. SOUND QUALITY One of the best sounding OD pedals you will come across. Think smooth. It can get a little gritty when dialed in right. But for the most part it is smooth and creamy sounding, absolutely perfect for mellow type leads. very rich in harmonics. Not the most responsive pedal I've ever used, but that's not really what it was designed to do. Fairly transparent, doesn't have quite the mid hump of a tube screamer. I am a big fan of the warmth know in lieu of standard tone controls. It acts a little like the opposite of a glass knob. The bright switch is similarly powerful. Warmth knob up, and the bright switch off sounds absolutely fantastic. The boost has quite a bit of gain on tape. Works really well as either an extra gain stage in front of your preamp or to add drive to the OD. True bypass switching, so your bypass tone is preserved. OVERALL OPINION Another incredible pedal from diamond. Super solid construction, and fantastic smooth sound. With the absurdly low price these go for used, it is really difficult to beat. I find myself recommending it very often. Actually a lot more compact than I was expecting, fit on the board nicely, and I appreciate the position of the jacks. Highly recommended.

Made in Canada, this is a great delay for if you liked the old Electro Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe, Memory Man...Memory lane..get it? Controls are delay time (up to 550 ms), feedback amount (how many repeats), feed back eq (great for shaving off top end for a tube tape echo sound), switch that assigns the second foot switch to either function as a tap tempo or to turn off the modulation and give you a regular analog delay), and a mix control. UTILIZATION Obvious approach is my Strat or Tele into some overdrives into the Memory Lane into a Black face Bassman. However in addition to the regular in/out jack you have a kill-dry delay only out when you want to use the delay in your amp's parallel effects loop. And my personal favorite is the expression port, not to use with a volume pedal to control the amount of repeats, although that is nice to have. But rather to insert another effect in the feedback loop, such as a Boss Octave box, to drop the repeats...and the repeats only by an octave. SOUND QUALITY How does it sound? Like a modulated analog delay should, swirly, gorgeous lush repeats. Analog heaven. Unlike my old Electro Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe that was noisy beyond believe, unusable in an effects loop...this has the sound AND the design was smart enough so you can actually make use of it. OVERALL OPINION If you like analog delay you'll dig this. If you like modulated analog delay you completely freak over this. Regardless of whether you like delays before the amp or in the effects loop this will make your day and put a big smile on your face. There are analog delays out there that I can work with like old Ibanez AD9, or the Carbon Copy from MXR, but unless you throw me an original Roland Space Echo, or better yet an Echoplex, this is what i will grab for most any gig.

The Diamond Pedals Vibrato is an analog pedal capable of getting all sorts of different vibrato and modulation/chorus tones. The pedal has 1/4" connections for input and output, as well as for expression pedal outputs for both depth and speed. It also has true bypass and is powered by a nine volt power supply. It isn't a rackable piece of gear as it is a foot pedal. UTILIZATION Using the Diamond Pedals Vibrato shouldn't present you with any big problems. The pedal simply has parameters for volume, chorus, speed, and depth, as well as switches for high (bright), and jazz. If you're looking at this review, I will assume that you know at least a little bit about vibrato pedals, so I don't believe that a manual would be necessary for most users unless you've got no experience with vibrato pedals and don't know what these parameters will do or mean. SOUND QUALITY Depending on which ways you set the parameters, you can truly get a wide variety of tones from this pedal. It is possible to get both standard chorus and vibrato tones, as well as some trippy and out there sounds. This is definitely more of a vibrato rather than a tremolo, as the two often get confused for each other. I have used the pedal for some recordings with a Fender Stratocaster and an Orange AD Rockerverb 50, and was overall very impressed with not only the high quality of the pedal, but also the plethora of possible tones available. OVERALL OPINION Since the Diamond Pedals Vibrato is made up of all analog, high end parts (and with care!), it isn't the cheapest pedal on the market, but considering this high quality, it definitely isn't overpriced. This is just as much of a chorus pedal as it is a vibrato, although you don't have as much control over your chorus as you would with a pedal that was only a chorus pedal. Having the chorus is really an added bonus, so I'd really only recommend this if you're looking for a vibrato pedal rather than a chorus pedal. Diamond Pedals has an awesome line of effects, and this Vibrato falls right in place there...

The Diamond Pedals P H A S E pedal is a versatile phase shifter designed for use with electric guitar, but suitable for use with any electronic instrument of your choosing.<span> </span>The pedal has ¼ inch connections for both input and output, and also has an output for an expression pedal.<span> </span> UTILIZATION <p class="MsoNormal">The make up of the Diamond Pedals P H A S E pedal is quite easy to follow as there isn’t anything too out of ordinary here.<span> </span>You’ve got the parameters of volume, regen, depth, and speed to work with, along with a few switches for different modes.<span> </span>Even if you don’t have much experience with phaser pedals, I think that you’ll be able figure out how to use everything pretty easily.<span> </span>After a few minutes of using it, I was able to understand what all of the parameters did, so I don’t believe that a manual is needed. SOUND QUALITY <p class="MsoNormal">Out of all the phase shifting pedals that I have used, the Diamond Pedals P H A S E is probably the most unique.<span> </span>While you can definitely get traditional sounding phase effects, and a clean tone to go along with it, it also has some tones that I’ve been unable to achieve with other phase pedals.<span> </span>I’ve used the pedal only for recoding, with a Fender Jazzmaster and a ’76 Fender Twin Reverb, so I’m getting a pretty good read on what this pedal truly sounds like.<span> </span>The tone quality of this pedal is as good as any phase pedal out there, but does have it’s own unique tone that is hard to relate to any other pedal. <p class="MsoNormal"> OVERALL OPINION The Diamond Pedals P H A S E pedal is built extremely well, as I believe that it is a hand wired pedal, or is at least of that sort of quality.<span> </span>Of course, along with this comes a decent price, but it is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a top notch phaser pedal with its own unique sound.<span> </span>Diamond Pedals is known for making great pedals, and the P H A S E definitely falls in line here…

Diamond Pedals Fireburst is a distortion/fuzz pedal designed for electric guitar but compatible with any electric instrument. This is an analog pedal that has standard 1/4 inch connections. It isn't a rackable unit as it is a stomp box. UTILIZATION Using Diamond Pedals Fireburst isn't difficult at all as it only took me a glance to understand all of the parameters. If you have experience with distortion pedals then you have nothing to worry about here as everything should be familiar to you. Either way, there isn't anything unique or strange about the parameters on the pedal as you simply have knobs for gain, bass, treble, and volume. These are the most standard parameters that you can have for a distortion pedal, so I don't think that a manual is needed to figure out how to use this pedal. SOUND QUALITY The sound of the Diamond Pedals Fireburst can be described as thick and fuzzy for the most part. However, the tones possible with the Fireburst are pretty versatile and great for both rhythm and lead guitar parts. I have used the pedal for recording with a '76 Fender Twin Reverb and a Fender Strat and find that this pedal helps to add a ton of gain to my signal. I can't say that the pedal is better for one genre than another, but I have used it for rock and pop and it works well for these genres. I prefer the pedal for getting fat lead tones, but if I'm looking for a heavy and thick rhythm part, this pedal works great as well. The main point I want to get across about the sound of this pedal is that the tone is really thick and round! OVERALL OPINION While Diamond Pedals Fireburst is a tad pricey, it does have the sound quality to match. I wouldn't recommend this pedal to all players, but only those looking for this specific type of sound. For this reason I would suggest trying it out to see if it will work for you and the sound that you are going for. This pedal isn't for everyone, but it can't be denied that the sound is authentic. Fireburst is definitely a nice pedal to have around the studio as you never know when you might need a tone like this...