Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy Analog Delay

I love a good delay pedal, and today’s version has some excellent features, good options and some wicked rad modulation as well: the Deluxe Memory Boy Analog Delay from Electro-Harmonix. I know, I know, the Memory MAN is the one you’re supposed to get, being a classic and all, but I wanted to see what EHX was up to recently in their delay department, and was definitely not disappointed.

Let’s start off with the basic controls, shall we? Blend obviously blends the Wet and Dry signals, enabling precise control over your overall affected sound. Gain puts a little beef into the mix, or takes it out if you want, and has a range from -6dB up to +20dB for that big extra push (if you REALLY need it). Feedback increases the number of echoes or repeats in the delayed signal, and gets some mind-altering self-oscillation when cranked up (watch your ears when doing this, kids, this thing will take off on you in a heartbeat!). Finally, Delay sets the time of the delayed signal from 34mS up to 700mS, plenty of range for most players, and useful in numerous applications.

There’s a Tap Divide section next, which allows you to select five new parameters for breaking down your already-quarter-noted delay. It takes that signal and splits it into one of 5 modes: dotted 8th note, quarter note triplet, 8th note, 8th note triplet and 16th note. These modes are great fun to sit and experiment with, to see what kinds of new delay sounds you can conjure up in each section. Speaking of sections, the last major part of the Deluxe Memory Boy is the Modulation section. Using the Depth knob, you select from either Triangle or Square wave modulation, and then adjust as necessary. Add in a little or add in a lot, but you will want to explore this vast soundscape for quite a while, and it is both unpredictable and welcoming at the same time. A Rate knob lets you control the overall speed of the modulated signal as well.

There’s also an Effects Loop that you can add other pedals into, thus making it so they don’t affect your dry signal one iota. There are FOUR different selections you can use with an external Expression pedal as well (Rate, Depth, Feedback or Delay) for even more in-the-moment control, very useful in a live setting, depending on how you utilize the DMB. On top of all that, there’s a second footswitch that controls the Tap Tempo, which is all the rage these days, and while I think it’s a great addition to many delay pedals, it’s never been a deal-breaker for me one way or the other, although it’s a nice option to have here.

Loads of fun, tone of choices and experimentation for weeks, the Deluxe Memory Boy Analog Delay is warm, kind and caring towards your guitar’s signal, and it shows when the sound comes pouring out of your amp. Purists may balk at this newfangled concoction of a delay, but I happen to think it has many uses, and tons of potential in any musical setup; well done, Electro-Harmonix, well done!