Analog Delay with Modulation – quite possibly the best four words in the effects pedal world. You know how we love our delays here, and today we are fortunate enough to bring you one of the best ever. The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man Echo Chorus Vibrato is the fifth incarnation of the Memory Man Delay, which was first released in 1976. This version is from 1980, and boasts some features not available on previous models.
This particular model’s upgrades were significant at the time of its release – a knob to control the internal preamp (4558 op-amp) level, as well as a knob dedicated to controlling the modulation. The switch up top lets you choose whether said modulation comes in the form of Chorus or Vibrato, with each offering their own brand of ebbs, flows, wows and flutters. The delay time on these machines is just 300ms, but you can do so much with that little amount….
The echo tones here really stem from the BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) chips and technology that was being utilized in the late 70’s. The high end of the repeats fades as the signal travels down the discrete capacitor array, creating more signal noise, dirt and warmth. This unique tone is coveted by so many, and the prices of these machines in recent years on the used market definitely reflects that (sometimes they go for over $1000).
Used extensively by The Edge, Ed O’Brien, Chris Cornell, Robert Smith and many more, the Deluxe Memory Man Echo Chorus Vibrato is one of those pedals that sparks instant creativity. This version features the PICO HB 9825 circuit board, meaning the chips being used are the infamous MN3005 BBD chips. The sounds are incredible, the story is legendary, the craftsmanship, at least on this one, is superb. The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man Echo Chorus Vibrato is a true classic effect in all sense of the word – check out our demo below to hear it in all its vintage glory. It is so choice – if you have the means, we highly recommend picking one up.
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