First off, to be perfectly honest, I’m not entirely sure why the TimeBender from Digitech is not on the delay pedal A-list. This thing is super powerful, sounds great and is relatively inexpensive. DigiTech has a prolonged history of making incredibly innovative pedals. The TimeBender combines conventional effects with some nutty, yet still sweet delay effects. The interface is great, and the ability that it gives you to experiment is fantastic.
Controls include a Tone, Repeats, Modulation and Pattern. The Voicing knob cycles through 100 different pitch shift intervals so instead of a simple repeating note, this pedal can play them back at different pitches. It comes with a very accurate tap tempo so you can set delay times with a knob or with the footswitch. With the Multiplier button you can alter the delay intervals further so that once you have your tempo set, you can start messing around with the rhythmic patterns. You get 5 seconds of delay time (which is plenty for me) and 11 delay modes: Analog, Digital, Dynamic Analog, Dynamic Digital, Dynamic Repeats, Envelope, Looper, Moving Head Tape, Reverse, Time Warp, and Variable Speed Tape. One of the cool features of this pedal is that it has stereo inputs, which can make for some pretty sweet ping-pong delay effects. Stereo outputs (the left inputs and output jacks double as the mono versions), a jack for the optional 3-button FS3X footswitch and an expression pedal jack for any mono (tip/sleeve) passive expression pedal.
The TimeBender’s sim version of the analog delay settings are strikingly authentic, with the just the right level of frequency roll-off and little bit of delicate background pulp. For all of the analog delay connoisseurs out there, the tone isn’t as fascinatingly unpredictable and coarse sounding as your go to analog stompbox(Carbon Copy, Memory Man, etc.) Just look at is as a more “tidy” version of the analog delay sound that you’re probably used to, players who like the warmth of an old school BBD pedals but don’t really dig on some of the subtle dissonance and pandemonium that sort of hides in the background will be into the TimeBender’s analog effect.
The Moving Head tape delay gives you a sort of Echoplex sound, with heaps of vintage ambiance but with some modern options like modulation and increased tone control. No lie, the Ducking Modes are probably some of the smoothest I’ve ever heard. I know that a lot of players don’t really prefer using this effect because the fade-in is typically too sudden and sharp, but the TimeBender nails it! The TimeBender’s Ducking settings are sensational, particularly if you’re using a mono rig where you can’t divert repeats to different speakers to keep each voicing clear. This is my go to delay mode.
The TimeBender’s Strum mode is pretty rad. Just hold down the pedal, strum a rhythm, once you release the pedal and play a note the repeats will follow the rhythm you just strummed. This option mixed with pitch shifting becomes an highly useful ambient effect.
It’s going to help to know a bit of music theory to get everything you want out of this pedal, but honestly if you have a good ear and like to experiment, you’re bound to stumble upon some groovy sounds. If you want quality, polished delays to pre-set or a crazy, sophisticated delay, the TimeBender where it’s at.
Submitted by Andrew L, Instagram
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