euroack delay comparison - doepfer, pittsburgh modular, synthrotek and dreadbox
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Published 2021-07-01
a comparison between four different eurorack delay modules. three basic patches are passed through each module while the filter is slowly opened and closed; revealing how each module responds to a wide range of sound. these delay modules offer unique tonal characteristics i have yet to find adequately reproduced in software.
hear these delays in a more musical context: • plantology
doepfer a-188-1 (4096 stages):
a high-end bbd module. plenty of ins and outs. lots of modulation control. fantastic analog tone. the unfiltered clock means an additional filter is required at slow and medium delay speeds. the clock noise also gives you more to sculpt with. with the 4096 stages version you get long delays which can be pushed into circuit noise territory. this unit is a sound effects gold mine.
pittsburgh modular lifeforms analog delay unit:
a very well-built, gorgeous sounding bbd module. minimal control but exactly what you need. it likes to overdrive and sounds nice and crunchy. it tends to emphasize transients. the delay range is on the short side but typical for an analog bbd module.
synthrotek dly:
a very unique sounding pt2339-based delay (the poor man's bbd). in this module the pt2339 chip has almost no low end and accentuates the high end. the delay range is impressive and can go into glitch territory. there is cv control over time and feedback. this module excels at vintage sci-fi textures. it's also great when you want a delay that minimizes the low end and brightens the overtones.
dreadbox nostalgia:
a digital/analog hybrid delay module based on the delay circuit in the dreadbox erebus. this delay is the most neutral sounding of the bunch. it works well with any content. it produces clean, clear, analog-style delays that slowly degrade during feedback. it has a built in lfo, cv control and additional delay circuit patch points (which i haven't figured out yet). it's dirt cheap and well-made.
timestamps:
saw arp thru doepfer a-188-1 (4096 stages) 1:11
saw arp thru pittsburgh modular lifeforms analog delay unit 2:42
saw arp thru synthrotek dly 4:16
saw arp thru dreadbox nostalgia 5:43
square bass thru doepfer a-188-1 (4096 stages) 7:11
square bass thru pittsburgh modular lifeforms analog delay unit 8:41
square bass thru synthrotek dly 10:11
square bass thru dreadbox nostalgia 11:40
triangle arp thru doepfer a-188-1 (4096 stages) 13:10
triangle arp thru pittsburgh modular lifeforms analog delay unit 14:42
triangle arp thru synthrotek dly 16:11
triangle arp thru dreadbox nostalgia 17:39
patch notes:
doepfer a-111-2 thru g-storm electro sh2-vcf thru
doepfer a-188-1 bbd (4096 stages) thru studio electronics 4075
pittsburgh modular lifeforms analog delay unit
synthrotek dly
dreadbox nostalgia
sequencing/tracking/mixing - steinberg cubase
disclaimer: featured equipment was purchased out of pocket for music production purposes
All Comments (6)
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This was a great comparison. I own the Pittsburgh, but man that Doepfer sounds incredible!
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This proves yet again just how great the Doepfer A-188-1 series is.
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Really enjoyed this, Aaron! Great video! Of the 4, to me the Doepfer and the Dreadbox sound the best. Didn't think much of the Pittsburg, which surprised me, and I didn't really get much "life" from the Synthrotek, but that may just be my ears. I have the Nostalgia and think it sounds great - so maybe I'm biased! Thanks once again for an entertaining and informative video.
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Great work and thanks for this comparison. They’re all good, but it’s the Doepfer for me!
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I dream of your voice narrating these videos one day in your silky smooth Bob Ross-becomes a yogi voice. I think I most enjoyed the sound of the Doepfer and Dreadbox. I bet they'd sound great with the delay time slightly modulated for a EHX Deluxe Memory Man type sound.
