Ive heard many times that the analog and digital versions of the Echodrive are favored by different people,,, Ive heard the analog is much better and some cant hear the difference and some even like the digital version better (sacriledge!)

Has anyone actually heard them both ???

What is the sounds difference >????

Doesn't the analog version have a shorter delay time?

Right thats the advantage to the digital is it has a longer time but not as much 'woogie' as the analog

I heard Eric Johnson has or had the digital (Red) one but had a the TB switch taken out for a non-TB switch...I had the analog blue one and it did sound great but its awfully BIG..

I haven't heard both, but I was an early adopter of the analog version. I held onto it for a little over a year, I think. All in all, an awesome pedal if you're looking for more atmospheric types of delay/echo. It sits back in the mix nicely and so is compatible with lots of different types of music. The repeats are dark and a bit on the gritty side, but the tube tonality of the whole thing is pretty sweet. So basically the only thing it doesn't do well is that U2/Gilmour self-accompanying delay thing, due to the dirtiness of the repeats. A tape echo is really ideal for that sort of thing. Of course, Gilmour used an MXR blueface rackmount digital delay for those effects on The Wall. The analog Echodrive has plenty of delay for most musical uses: 600ms. The most I'd ever use is a little over 450ms. If you need any more time than that, then you're doing more loopy type stuff, and you'll probably want a digital unit for that anyway.

I've been an analog Echodrive owner for about 5 years. I've also played the digital version. I agree with Skreddy that the one thing the analog Echodrive won't do is the U2/Floyd sound. Well, I take that back. It won't do "Run Like Hell", but it NAILS the earlier Gilmour Echorec delay tones. Play the solo to "Time" and you'll know what I'm talking about. Other than that, the analog version is awesome. Very warm and gritty repeats. The digital version is very cool as well. It has more delay time, 1.2 sec I believe. It's not nearly as dark sounding as the analog version, but it does have a very nice "analog type" quality to it. If you can find the old blue one, go for it, but you won't go wrong with either.

Head

quote:

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Originally posted by paulydangerous:
I heard Eric Johnson has or had the digital (Red) one but had a the TB switch taken out for a non-TB switch...I had the analog blue one and it did sound great but its awfully BIG..

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OK, Heres what I find funny about EJ. He "claims" or endorses a bunch of different products. Does he use even one of them??!! NO!! He still uses his same old vintage crap, that has been his sound forever. On the Fulltone site, EJ is quoted as saying: "The Choralflange is the best I've heard" OK, EJ, if it's truely the BEST, why isn't it on your pedalboard?? Why are you still using the same old TC Chorus? Eric is so picky and fanatical about his tone, yet all these things he claim are the "best", he doesn't even use!!! You would think he would want the best wouldn't he??

Head

So which is more important -

Longer delay times and the stronger repeats of digital

or

Shorter dealy times and the warmth and grit of analog


or are they two different effects like chorus and flanging ??

I think it's two different effects, but I also think you can get both out of one pedal- as you may know I have the Blackbox Quicksilver and an Analogman modded Boss DD-6 which are both digital but with high-rolloff features and I think they're the cat's meow, however I'm the only person around here that's mentioned either of them so my findings can't be validated at this time

quote:

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Originally posted by DonneR:
So which is more important -

Longer delay times and the stronger repeats of digital

or

Shorter dealy times and the warmth and grit of analog


or are they two different effects like chorus and flanging ??

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I'd say they are two different types of effects. You shouldn't just look at them as darker or clearer... analog delays use bucket-brigade technology and give you that sound that the chips impart and that modeling delays try to re-create due to devilishly digital means! Digital delays have their own sound that analog delays can't get (think of the Edge from 1984 >> present).

So which do you prefer is really what it's about.

I say this all rhetorically... I know, you know da deal DonneR!

Yeah I guess for me they are two different effects...
I like having the old Ibanez ADL and DML next to each other, the ADL for the warm 'lumpy verb' that analogs do well and the Modualtion Delay for those lightly chorused bouncing chords...

I wouldnt expect one delay to do both....well maybe the dL4 type modelers, but that has its own problems....

I have heard both. Occasionally, I'll go down to Rick's shop to nag him about fixing my amp. I asked the same question about the two units. After comparing both of them, my ears favor the digital one. Rick does too. According to SIB, they discontinued the analog model for two reasons: 1. Cost: the bucket brigade chips ran somewhere near $40 to $80 a piece. 2. Versatility: the analog units were much too muddy and had limited delay times.

I know everyone is obsessed with the perfect tone, but who cares about Eric Johnson! He's played and commented on just about every pedal there is. Same with Billy Gibbons. To me, Eric Clapton or Jeff Beck's tone is ideal and they don't use too many effects.

In my own opinion, the Echodrive is the best organic digital delay I have heard. It also works great as a clean tube boost or a door stop.

Bottom line: The digital Echodrive sounds like the analog one except with more clarity and longer delay time. I won't ever get rid of mine.

Just listen and find what's right for you. Remember, the digital model is half the price.

God Bless,

Matt Holcomb

By the way, I have a Maxon AD 80 and it's my favorite analog delay. Real subtle, sweet and I always leave it on. But it's a one trick pony and muchos dollares.

I had a Maxon AD80 also. It was a great sounding little pedal but it got bumped for a Boss DD20 gigadelay and I haven't looked back. I think the analog copy on this thing is great. I know some folks are going to claim they can hear how digital it is, but I honestly think that those people are not far that away from trying to learn what brand of rubberband EJ uses.

OK, Heres what I find funny about EJ. He "claims" or endorses a bunch of different products. Does he use even one of them??!! NO!! He still uses his same old vintage crap, that has been his sound forever. On the Fulltone site, EJ is quoted as saying: "The Choralflange is the best I've heard" OK, EJ, if it's truely the BEST, why isn't it on your pedalboard?? Why are you still using the same old TC Chorus? Eric is so picky and fanatical about his tone, yet all these things he claim are the "best", he doesn't even use!!! You would think he would want the best wouldn't he??

Head[/QUOTE]

It doesn't seem odd to me because there's a good chance EJ is just comfortable with his old steadies and knows what to expect from them live. I've often played pedals, guitars etc..I thought sounded great but didn't use them live because I'm comfortable with the things I know work. I bet in studio he's using a vast array of things.