(Log in to disable ads.)

  • Effects

  • Controlling delay levels with a volume pedal

Anyone ever been accused of bending over and fiddling with their pedals during shows? Anyone else realise that because of acoustics in different venues it means that once the band kicks in, you simply HAVE to, specifically regarding wet/dry mixes?

So, using a volume pedal, how could I set up a one-amp/one channel rig (no effects-loop in amp.... vintage amp ? ) so that i can control the level of the wet effects without bending over and doing the "undignified thing" ?

Immediately, my first idea is to put my wet effects into a parallel loop on my board and control the loop with said volume pedal. But I imagine parallel-looping pedals are a bit more tricky to come by, and would possibly need a built in buffer to keep the split signals at the same volume (or maybe I'm stupid and don't understand ANYTHING!!!! ? ) I run a TC flashback delay currently, which doesn't have inputs for an expression pedal, or anything fancy like that.

So, ramblings complete, where can I get a parallel looper-pedal that does what I need, or does anyone have any decent ideas? ?

(main reason I like the volume-pedal idea so much is that once I've magically made enough money to buy a second amp, it'll be run purely as a wet amp (with delays only), with my current amp keeping the dry signal, and so making the repeats clearer and not forced through the same speakers as the dry signal)

Thanks in advance ?
    Simplest way to do it is to upgrade to a delay with expression facilities (Strymon TimeLine, Eventide TimeFactor, etc.) which can be used for wet/dry or any other parameter. Another advantage of the "big boys" is they give you the option of true stereo or dual delays - which come in handy when you do upgrade to a two amp rig. Two amps is real nice, BTW, but a real pain in the ass to gig with.

    Otherwise, for now - the outputs of your delay will already be buffered, so I'm pretty sure you can take wet and dry outs separately, use a low-Z volume pedal on the wet output and simply combine the two signals together again (or, if you get too much interaction between wet and dry, use a two channel mixer).

    If you also do ambient things where the volume of the delays is louder than the dry signal, you would have to find one of the Stereo Ernie Ball pedals that offers a "balancing" mode - where all the way back will be all-dry and all the way forward will be all-wet. I haven't looked at EB's range for a while, but they used to have a pedal that could do this (had a switch on the side to swap between stereo volume and balance modes).

    I'm running stereo (or rather, two channel) at the moment, but my signal is stereo from the source - with piezo pickups being the second channel and an Eventide doing the dual delay thing (with separate delay times and settings for each channel ?).
      Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Simplest way to do it is to upgrade to a delay with expression facilities (Strymon TimeLine, Eventide TimeFactor, etc.) which can be used for wet/dry or any other parameter. Another advantage of the "big boys" is they give you the option of true stereo or dual delays - which come in handy when you do upgrade to a two amp rig. Two amps is real nice, BTW, but a real pain in the ass to gig with.

      Otherwise, for now - the outputs of your delay will already be buffered, so I'm pretty sure you can take wet and dry outs separately, use a low-Z volume pedal on the wet output and simply combine the two signals together again (or, if you get too much interaction between wet and dry, use a two channel mixer).

      If you also do ambient things where the volume of the delays is louder than the dry signal, you would have to find one of the Stereo Ernie Ball pedals that offers a "balancing" mode - where all the way back will be all-dry and all the way forward will be all-wet. I haven't looked at EB's range for a while, but they used to have a pedal that could do this (had a switch on the side to swap between stereo volume and balance modes).

      I'm running stereo (or rather, two channel) at the moment, but my signal is stereo from the source - with piezo pickups being the second channel and an Eventide doing the dual delay thing (with separate delay times and settings for each channel ?).
      Nice!!

      I know the stereo rig is a hastle, but I already run a head into a 4x12 cab, so it'd only be a case of adding another head and another few cables. (I've accepted the fact i'll always cart a lot of gear around ? )

      Funnily enough, i've tried the flashback through a two amp, stereo rig, and all it does is send the same signal to both outputs (unless you set it to ping pong mode, but then you don't get the delay sound you wanted). I was pretty upset about that... (stupid design)

      The strymon Timeline looks simply righteous (I can't believe that first choral sound on Strymon's Youtube demo!!), and well seems worth saving up for!

      Thanks Alan
        I wish you luck finding one to buy Seb ?
          Sebastian wrote: (I've accepted the fact i'll always cart a lot of gear around ? )
          Ha! Wait 'til your back gets older. ? I've reached the "don't want to carry any amps to the gig" stage.
          Funnily enough, i've tried the flashback through a two amp, stereo rig, and all it does is send the same signal to both outputs (unless you set it to ping pong mode, but then you don't get the delay sound you wanted). I was pretty upset about that... (stupid design)
          Ugh - nasty. Would be a dealbreaker for me.
          The strymon Timeline looks simply righteous (I can't believe that first choral sound on Strymon's Youtube demo!!), and well seems worth saving up for!
          It does doesn't it? I'll probably stick with my TimeFactor as it does the super accurate digital thing and modulated delays better than anything else and that's where I live. Would be nice to have both... TF for Digi and mod, TL for tape, analog and the pitch shifted delays. ?
            Danny B wrote: I wish you luck finding one to buy Seb ?
            Daniel, you should wish me luck in finding the money ? besides, I'm vibing a 6L6 amp more than some big toy which'll make me sound like a keyboard (albeit a very nice keyboard ? )

            A jam at tom's is inevitable I think, Mr Basckin. We haven't seen each other's toys in a couple of years!! (certain sign of age)
              Sebber, we'll have to wait for my timeline to arive first, the a jam is mostdefinitely in oreder!
                Write a Reply...