Something like the Carbon Copy

[jcpst]

I’m going to build a delay for an artist. They want simple- a three-knob, not larger than a 125B. They said something like the carbon copy would be great.

I already have a ‘24 Skoolie on hand, but it feels kinda bad to bridge the modulation controls. But hey, maybe it’s not about how I feel!

I considered the Deep Blue, but really wanted to get closer to that carbon copy range.

I also considered a DMD-2, again with the modulation controls bridged or kept inside the enclosure. Maybe tune the filter a bit so it feels a little more like an analog delay?

Lemme know if you have a take on this!

 

[spi]

If your artist is ok with digital delays, then a pt2399 based delay is an easy choice.

Of the pedalpcb offerings, I've tried Magnetron and Cataclysm. While I slightly liked the tone of the Cataclysm better, if modulation is a must-have then Magnetron is a no brainer. Does this person like CC because they use the modulation? That's a factor to consider. Haven't tried the Deep Blue but I know people like it, and the simplicity is appealing, but it also has no modulations.

Now if this artist is an analog purist, then you need to go BBD. I think madbean and aion have more offerings that cover it, like a DM2 or Memory Man.

 

[jwin615]

Madbean Degenerator. If you leave the modulation controls down, you get a pretty standard 2399 delay with a tone control for the repeats. Then the modulation, which triggers off of picking dynamics, can be dialed back in as desired.
Pretty easy build for a delay and no unicorn or expensive parts. As usual, get a few 2399s to audition

 

[jcpst]

Thanks for the feedback.

So he’s not big into details about pedals. And he doesn’t want to be. He likes simple. I asked him several questions and he mentioned the carbon copy, and “I’m sure you can build something that would fit our sound perfectly.”

It just needs to be a simple pedal that sounds great. So PT2399 based is not off the table. I’ll probably get a bunch from a reliable source and audition several of them.

I really like the idea of the degenerator. I might do that and the magnetron and see which one I think would be better.

I’d really like to keep it 3-4 controls. And put anything else on trimmers and voice it the way he would want it. Maybe just a toggle for mod like the carbon copy.

 

[Aentons]

This makes no sense to me.... "Likes simple", and " not big into details"... Why not just go buy something off the shelf then. How much simpler could you get. Or just get a carbon copy. They are great.

 

[jcpst]

This makes no sense to me.... "Likes simple", and " not big into details"... Why not just go buy something off the shelf then. How much simpler could you get. Or just get a carbon copy. They are great.

I offered to make him a pedal. He was very interested, and told me he wants a delay.

If I told him to just get something off the shelf, then I wouldn’t have anything to build. That’s the whole point. I like to build pedals for fun because it’s a hobby of mine. Plus I’ll make it look really cool.

 

[Nostradoomus]

if only the lectricfx star chambre was smaller.

 

[jcpst]

if only the lectricfx star chambre was smaller.

I saw that one and thought the same exact thing

 

[joelorigo]

This might be a rather obvious suggestion but the Aion Fx Amethyst is a Boss DM2, which is pretty basic and supposedly good. I keep wanting to build it even though I have 4 delay pedals, including a carbon copy

 

[jimilee]

Check out the Madbean aqua baby.

 

[xefned]

Plus I’ll make it look really cool.

Yep, custom art + friendship is the only reason to build in this case. Otherwise, he'd get a used CC off Reverb and be done with it.

I built a deep blue with custom artwork, and the recipient loves it.

 

[owlexifry]

he likes simple: build the deep blue delay. done.

brilliantly simple design that does what it does very well.

also sounds like old mate isn’t going to know or care for the difference between shelling out for BBDs or cheap & cheerful PT2399s.

 

[spi]

This makes no sense to me.... "Likes simple", and " not big into details"... Why not just go buy something off the shelf then. How much simpler could you get. Or just get a carbon copy. They are great.

Non-DIY for a simple pedal, I can't believe you even suggested this

 

[jcpst]

also sounds like old mate isn’t going to know or care for the difference between shelling out for BBDs or cheap & cheerful PT2399s.

This is true- he won’t care about what’s inside.

The only apprehension I had for not doing a deep blue is the 450ms max delay. There’s plenty of times where he’s right around that. But that could just be range anxiety and it would be fine!

 

[Aentons]

Non-DIY for a simple pedal, I can't believe you even suggested this

I'll go slap myself. Thanks for bringing me back from the edge

 

[Feral Feline]

Video-proof ...

... or you didn't slap yourself.

 

[Aentons]

 

[Feral Feline]

Okay, all good then.

You can stop now. Any more and you'll disfigure your face and ... I don't know, start to look like ol' Bill.

Really, you should stop.

 

[jcpst]

Ultimately I decided to go with the Seabed. I think it’s the most pragmatic choice. I’ll save the BBDs for someone who cares.

 

[dan.schumaker]

Even though it looks like you made a decision, I would recommend my DM-3 as a great sounding delay!