Details on the Hydra Delay?

Amy Protscher

New member
Hi everybody,

I'd be interested in buying the Hydra Delay PCB as I'm looking for a multihead delay simulation. However, I've two questions:
  1. If it's anything like a tape delay, the four switchable heads should represent fixed delay time ratios. What are these? Are they 1:2:3:4, 2:3:4:5, or something else entirely?
  2. What is the maximum delay time obtainable on a given head?
I'd be very happy if anybody could elaborate on that. Thanks in advance!
Greetings,
Amy
 
I like the Hydra delay, but it does not feel like there is a set progression among the switches. Maybe not even an intuitive progression from one to the next. Part of that is because you can use multiple toggles at the same time.
 
The maximum total delay time is 900ms (without using a clock module).

The four heads split this up equally. At maximum delay:
Head 1 - 225ms
Head 2 - 450ms
Head 3 - 675ms
Head 4 - 900ms

The delay time can be increased (around 2x without negative effects) by using a clock module.
 
This is interesting, thank you very much! So the different delay times have ratios of 1:2:3:4. I had to write the permutations down in straight 8ths and triplet feel in order to get an idea of what's possible. That's way cool!

I assume that with the "Age" knob, the signal can be made to deteriorate repeat after repeat. What would be interesting to know still is if the pedal can be pushed into self-oscillation.

Greetings,

Amy
 
You're right about the age knob, it basically makes the repeated notes progressively darker as they decay. The Hydra can absolutely be pushed into self-oscillation.
 
You're right about the age knob, it basically makes the repeated notes progressively darker as they decay. The Hydra can absolutely be pushed into self-oscillation.

Actually I find that with only one head selected, it wont go into self-oscillation.
Same thing on your build?
 
when you use the clock module, is the shortest delay you can get when adjusting the module equivalent to what you get if you do not use the module?

The range of the clock module frequency goes well beyond the 32.768KHz crystal (in both directions), so no, you can adjust the clock so the minimum delay time is much shorter (or longer) than stock.
 
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