Diamond Pedals Quantum Leap

One of my favorite things about effects pedals are when companies design something new, fresh and innovative, especially when it combines multiple effects into one unit. Sometimes, though, these things are over-the-top, with a manual that takes 3 days to read and a month to figure out how to use properly. The Quantum Leap from Diamond Pedals incorporates a number of effects possibilities, while making them easily accessible and fun to use.

First and foremost, the Quantum Leap is a short delay machine. But it is also so much more. The toggle switch (located directly in the middle of the pedal for easy foot access) is nice and light, making it easy to scroll through the different program modes. These include Flange, Chorus, Filter and Delay, and each one is just as useful as the next. Using the Control knobs along the top (Speed, Width, Regen and Mix), it’s easy to adjust the sound from each mode in a flash, but you can also sit down, take your time and dial in exactly what tones you’re looking for from each mode, too. With four modes and four knobs, the possibilities for what you can do are virtually endless.

Each mode is slightly different from what you’d normally expect, which I found to be a nice bonus. The Flange mode is deep and rich, working well with any clean or dirty guitar/amp configuration. The Choruses are warm and lush, with a wide range of sonic soundscapes. The Filter is super-unique, with the user being able to toggle back and forth on-the-fly between setting for clean and crunchy signal, using the TAP/FX footswitch (which can be used for a number of other things in all other modes as well). Finally, the Delays are dark and heavy, and using the special “Harmonic Delay Mode”, you can make your repeats go in intervals of fifths or entire octaves, producing some out-of-this-world effects, and hours of noodling enjoyment.

The Quantum Leap is truly one of those pedals that you must experience for yourself to discover its true powers, and there are many to be found inside this little box, as we have just barely scratched the surface in this review. This pedal is great because it can used equally in the studio and live settings, as all the switches are easy to use and manipulate while you’re on stage. The vast amount of choices also makes it a key addition to any pedalboard or rack configuration. Thanks again to Aimish and everyone over at Diamond for being so generous with the donation of their pedals – they make some incredible stuff, make sure you go to their website and check it out!