Digital vs. Analog Delay - Boss DD7 & MXR Carbon Copy

[@PaulIsbell]

I like the warmth of the analog delay, but I like the clarity of the digital.

[@robb4340]

That's why you need them both.

[@arturoargumedo1359]

Go for the MXR carbon copy bright!!! Is exactly what you´re asking for!

[@Frijolero18]

Most multi-mode digital delays have an analog setting. Idk about the DD7, but my DD8 has it. The sound is pretty convincing, though you obviously don't have control over stuff like modulation, which is why I still have my Deluxe Memory Boy.

[@fredhgl]

@@Frijolero18 you do have control over the modulation. It has 2 trimpots inside the pedal.

[@Jackdesj]

I like the break up on the analog. It seems less predictable ,like my ex wife.

[@romanshredz]

Dude 😂 was scrolling through the comments and this one made my day 😂 cheers 🍻

[@blackbeltjones2903]

The ultimate dad joke.

[@Toy1er]

"My wife!" -Borat

[@GS.reviews]

I got it bro they are like tubes only good when they want

[@GTRalso]

Probably the best explanation of the difference between the two I’ve seen. Doesn’t allow me to over think it. I get it now. Well done Peter!! Thanks

[@petemalins]

Thanks for the encouraging feedback! I hope it was helpful

[@flynnhendry]

Finally, a demo with good clean sound

[@petemalins]

Thanks!

[@1cleandude]

Yes very well done demonstration; thanks!!

[@soldierbreakneck771]

This is the best demonstration of digital/analog delay sound differences on entire youtube. For crunch guitar it is definitely digital. Analog works interesting but makes a lot of unpleasant changes in tails. Both are good for different situations. I would say with a bit simplifying: analog for clean "oldschool" sounding guitar (we get interesting sound), digital - for the rest.

[@mato2677]

It isnt really, the differences here are just how hes dialing them in, you can make them pretty much sound identical

[@naxxodrop]

Carbon Copy: the pedal that you love or hate. In my opinion, I love it so much.

[@666madmetalhead]

The carbon copy is such a fantastic pedal. I really like its warm sound and it is also very versatile. You can play from rockabilly to some classic heavy metal and even some high gain stuff.

[@pacyivory]

My vote goes to Boss DD-7. And i´m gonna buy it.That´s for sure. Thanks.

[@xreck53]

I admire the fact that, unlike most videos out there, you also tried the delay pedals along with other pedals, such as overdrive.

[@Junylung1223aa]

You got such a nice guitar sound demonstration with the kind speaking! I like your video. Lovely!

[@CoRpseEaTeR13]

Brilliant video! Have a DD7 and thinking about a Carbon Copy, your video told me everything I needed to know. Thanks Peter

[@petemalins]

Thanks Alex! I'm glad it helped

[@applemanuk]

I have owned the DD-7 for quite a few years now but never really played around too much with it. It’s now back on my board. I mainly use it on the analog setting. I have always hankered after a true analog pedal and have always admired the MXR Carbon copy. I once purchased a really expensive high end Strymon but after a few days use sent it back. I figured that the DD-7 already gave me everything I needed from a delay. It’s also robust, has tap tempo and a looper option.

[@petemalins]

Jonathan Bailey Yeah its a good solid pedal

[@robertmartin4343]

Best comparison video i've seen, nice to finally have something with a distinguishable audio

[@petemalins]

robert martin Thanks!

[@lanthaniated1]

Awesome demo, like the MXR love the DD7.

[@labayruben609]

I'm for DD7 but love also MXR carbon copy. Both are great pedals

[@coldwar1977]

I want both!

[@johnmelbournewinter583]

i just bought dd7 last week june 27 2016, i love the sound of it.

[@jayogden773]

Great vid Peter! Just wanted to mention the DD-7 also has an 'ANALOG' setting, so you can get both (Analog & Digital) if desired.

[@mikeanderson1316]

I went to GC last night to purchase a dd3 as I have a dd20 giga delay. but it is way to complicated for me.i have been playing acoustic for 1 year 1/2 . now I am switching to electric. so got home and the sales guy put in a dd-7 instead of the dd3. but I had also considered the mxr cc...after watching your post I have decided to keep the dd7..i think it is the best of both worlds..thank you

[@petemalins]

Great! Hope it helped

[@ericrobinsonjazz2942]

Most of my gigs are solo, but I think the best solution is to do what he’s done; have both on your board! Both of them sound so good 👊🏾💯💯

[@benaaronmusic]

Thanks for comparing these delay pedals, Peter.

[@mikestibor1]

Great comparison. I hated the digital chorus-y type artifacts present in the DD3. Before watching this video I was 99%certain I was going for the carbon copy. Now... Not so sure. Glad I found your video!

[@petemalins]

Thanks Michael! Hope it helped. The best way of course is to play them yourself side by side at a guitar store. Remember the Carbon Copy is much "darker" if you're after that sound. And also it's manual, so you can't tap in the delay time

[@christophergregory1205]

I liked the warmth of the Carbon Copy much better. Had more depth. But the DD-7 sounds amazing, too!

[@PEMAMETAL]

I have the MXR Carbon Copy for 2 months now, but hearing this demo I think I prefer the DD7

[@worldwide1376]

Great demo, just what I was looking for. Thanks for doing this.

[@mattswanton795]

I kinda wish the carbon copy had a knob to let you control how dark or bright the delays are. The analog degradation effect is cool but i wish the first couple repeats had a bit more high end. Though I definitely prefer the carbon copy to the analog mode of the DD7, i still prefer the DD7 just cuz you get more of the transient response to get some nice choppy effects.

[@petemalins]

Matt Swanton yeah true

[@sparkyguitar0058]

The mini Carbon Copy has the bright switch. Great now they got it

[@ByronStreitz]

Thanks for the great demo - I play blues and classic rock, with little country and prefer the analog delay. Great comparison that really shows the differences. Thank you

[@Stratman389]

I have a boss GT8 and i've just purchased a Carbon copy. I like both too.

[@guitarnut7438]

definitely prefer the analog one! Was not aware there was such a HUGE difference

[@NicetoNice05]

Man love those solos you did on the drive the melody is nice too

[@petemalins]

Thanks so much!

[@gongfinger]

I have the carbon copy, haven’t had it for long, but so far I really like it

[@pablorustic4115]

Gran video comparativo, el mejor que he visto, muchas gracias amigo

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

The correct answer is not analog OR digital.... but BOTH. I like analog with mod set to 1/4 into digital set to dotted 1/8 into a light shimmer verb.... in fact my ambient/u2 vibe pedal setup is pretty close to yours! Carbon Copy (deluxe for the tap tempo) > DD5 (slave tap to CC) > MXR reverb on shimmer. Insane sounds. Cheers!

[@MARIFOSA211]

Both sounds good,, just there's a lot more you can do with dd7, anyway when you play live or studio no one bothers wether you are using analog nor digital, Good and very clear comparison! Many thanks sir!

[@Samana009]

The Carbon Copy goes dark too fast and too strong. I love a digital repeat.

[@zeusathood920]

Those riffs you are playing sound so fucking clean!

[@BradleyVolk3]

Haha very pretty sounding appregios. I think I like the boss digital better. That dd7 is like their most expensive single effect pedal. Sounds worth it to me.

[@petemalins]

BradleyVolk3 Thanks! Yeah the DD7 is a good solid pedal

[@poulwinther]

Carbon so much more harmonic and dynamic sounding.

[@MoneyBooBoo]

If you play clean stuff the analog isn't bad. However if you play high gain stuff choose a digital delay, you will barely notice the analog delay playing with high gain distortion tones.

[@Slavova35]

The MXR Carbon Copy sounds muchs warmer!

[@dylanporter8105]

It's essentially digital clarity vs analog warmth/darkness both great in their own sense

[@AndroxineVortex]

To my hears the carbon copy (analog) has a more warmer sound like you said and makes it sound more natural while the boss pedal has a brighter and more intense tone. I think the boss pedal wouldbe better if you want to really hear your delays and have them last long and clear while the carbon copy creates this very smooth background with the sounds. I will probably get both eventually but I might get the carbon first. I want to make very ambient music and when I use delay I don't like having my delays get in the way if I continue to play so with the carbon copy my delays will blend into a nice natural background. Stack that with some reverb and that will be nice! I like delay but it has to be somewhat subtle for my tastes. Thanks for the video! Both are great pedals. Question for you: I noticed you have the mono shimmer pedal. I was thinking about getting a reverb and a dedicated shimmer/second verb pedal. How are you liking the mono shimmer pedal? And what overdrive pedal did you use?

[@petemalins]

+AndroxineVortex thanks for the comments. Yeah, you're right - the carbon copy sits nicely behind what you're playing and doesn't get in the way. It is good for ambient stuff. For ambient guitar I actually use both DD7 & Carbon copy and reverb, to get a richer sound. Bear in mind, though, that the Carbon Copy has a shorter delay time, since it's analog - and there's no tap tempo, so you have to set in manually. Whereas the DD7 has much longer delay times and tap tempo, which is good for dotted eighth delays in a band situation. As for the NEUNABER SERAPHIM reverb pedal, I love it! Beautiful sounding reverb and I love the shimmer too for ambient stuff. And the great thing is that you can turn the shimmer on or off on the fly just by depressing the switch. I posted some ambient videos on my KZbin channel using the Seraphim if you want to check them out

[@petemalins]

+AndroxineVortex Oh sorry I forgot about the overdrive question - I use the Bondi Effects Sick As overdrive stacked together with the M.I. Audio Blue Boy overdrive, for some creamy lead tones

[@AndroxineVortex]

+Peter Malins thanks for the response. now when you turn the shimmer off can you control the reverb settings with the knobs just like the WET pedal?

[@Claidheambmor]

+AndroxineVortex Yes - the Seraphim IS the Wet but with the tone control swapped with a shimmer knob. :)

[@petemalins]

+AndroxineVortex Yes with the Shimmer off, you just have the mix & depth controls like the Wet reverb

[@George.Andrews.]

Nothing makes us sound better than lots and lots of practice . I can't wait for the keely practice to come out.

[@fernheap]

I had a CC but exchanged it for a DD7, CC sounds good but it lacks the versatility of the DD7. Glad I bought in store so I didn't have to deal with the online exchange delay. Great vid, only get the CC if you are gonna chicken pick all day, otherwise get the DD7

[@56brever]

Excellent demo! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@petemalins]

Thanks!

[@ThePuscher]

dd7 is best digital delay ever ^^

[@snooze0023]

Better than the Strymon Timeline.... I think not

[@666madmetalhead]

ThePuscher The TC Electronic Flashback is class as well but it is way more expensive.

[@siavashmassoudi]

666madmetalhead only $20 more where I'm from

[@LeviBulger]

I agree. Hipsters love that strymon shit tho. It's more ambient and gazey I guess. But nothing beats a good analog for soundscapes.

[@alexmurphy5289]

Earthquaker devices afterneath

[@gezhang5605]

Like the analog tune. Thanks for the great demo man!

[@petemalins]

Thanks!

[@fueradeljuego]

In my experience, the carbon copy sounds good for slapback/rockabilly but sounds horrible with distortion, for example if you want to get a Gilmore sound stay away from the carbon copy (again, in my experience).

[@666madmetalhead]

fueradeljuego Not really, it's all about setting your gear properly. I've got the Carbon Copy and haven't had any issue playing rock/metal stuff with it.

[@erikguevara777]

I disagree totally I could get fantastic distortion sound with carbon copy .. the key its the mix control my friend..

[@user-vd7io9jc8f]

I get some great Gilmour tones using the CC and a Muff, also sounds good running the delay into the fuzz instead of the conventional fuzz into delay way.

[@LeviBulger]

I've never liked the CC for fuzz either. It's just so damned dark

[@dopesandwiches3992]

What drive pedal are you using? It sounds amazing

[@danyeo]

Digital delays are great for effects loops, especially high gain amps. Analogs are good for into the input of amps.

[@hammettfcb]

Analog has a warmer and more subtle sound than digital. Digital is more accurate and tight. They're just different and it depends on the context which one is more usefull

[@bodybuildingrocker7205]

By 2:30 into the video it was a no brainer for me. I used to own the Carbon Copy but ive already sold it and ordered the dd7 ;)

[@sparkyguitar0058]

Got a C C on my board. Had a D D 5 on there also Switched out for a Donner Echo Square. More versatile especially the reverse. Smaller, newer and cheaper.

[@grandmasternz]

Love your licks, and that solo! Really enjoy style in general. You're the best guitarist in youtube for me.

[@petemalins]

Thanks so much for the encouragement! I sincerely appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed it

[@gerisyandrayusman241]

Simple & great explanation!

[@MrMjllo]

scusa perche il dd7 lampeggia sempre? è collegato un tap tempo? ciao grazie

[@palodine1]

I have both. I usually use the analog and reverse settings on the DD-7 though. The analog is based on the Boss DM-2, so that in conjunction with the CC is a great pairing to my ears. I run in stereo so the CC comes first then into the DD-7 and into a Neunaber Immerse. Similar to this set up but my overall tone and settings are very different, which goes to show that effects can be used in quite different ways. Thanks for this video!

[@unlivedcrowd9991]

How do you play 1:44? Sounds amazing!

[@forsythdaniel]

The analog delay is more of a bridge between the digital delay and reverb.

[@David.S.]

Nice comparison, thanks for the video!

[@tyzm3312]

I have DD7 i love it alot.. what overdride pedal are you using??

[@petemalins]

I use a Bondi Effects Sick As overdrive and a MI Audio Blue Boy and normally stack them together for lead solos

[@MaximPustovit]

Great demo! Thank you!

[@workshoptazz7893]

Just get both and get it over with!! It's ok to have one of each..... providing the wife don't know 🤔

[@fullclipaudio]

How could they ever know? It all looks the same to them.

[@workshoptazz7893]

@@fullclipaudio lol, true!

[@fullclipaudio]

@@carnmarth334 Possibly. There are a few languages still in use on the African continent that do not have a word for the color blue. If you show those people a color chart they have a very hard time telling the difference between green and blue because without a word, their brain doesn't distinguish the difference. It is the same with wives. See, they don't have words for our gear therefore they can't see any of it.

[@MediaBelajarKita]

After an overdrive is on, the boss dd7 is more likely dream theatre.... The spirit carries on

[@sz8093]

Very nice chord progression what were they?

[@masterofthetelecaster]

The digital I liked more with drive .. and the analog I liked - clean

[@klauswhitedreamer]

a very nice comparison ...

[@Smart-Alex]

I have both. Rather I had the Carbon Copy and still have the DD7 along with the Boss FS-5U footswitch. I grew to dislike the MXR repeat sound and it would get lost as well. The DD7 is just very flexible and can do many things well versus the one-trick Carbon Copy pony.

[@jasonallan375]

Hello, what cables do you use to connect to the pedals and the mixer trs or ts thx!

[@gessi1332]

Is there a change in the tone because the dd7 is not true bypass?

[@robmag6156]

I think they both sound great but the Boss obviously has more functionality. The delay knob on the MXR is maxed out the whole time. Nowhere left to go. Maybe that's a good thing (?) but just my observation.

[@michaelinglis8516]

True but that's just the delay intervals. With analog delay you don't have much use to space them out much further. With digital the delays repeat more accurately so you can space them longer. With that said, I have a CC that I've used for years and i do love it, but I would certainly like a digital delay as well for more precise delays when I'm playing prog. metal etc. on my 7 string. Like the beginning of after the burials song Neo Seoul(although I think that's a 9 nine string). I love that digital delay sound. I'm more a late 80s early 90s style player but I still play a lot of more modern music cause the skill level has been raised so much that I want to stay on my toes lol.

[@Ickarus23]

Hey dude, nice demo! I went for the CC Delay. Could you tell me what you started playing at the 1:44 mark?

[@petemalins]

Thanks! Actually I was just improvising, not playing any particular songs or riffs

[@lanuovaluce76]

Plug MXR into Marshall Amp like 1974x and it is AMAZING.

[@scottnewell511]

Would digital produce a better sound if you used this for vocals, than an analog would?

[@petemalins]

I would definitely think so, although I haven't tried it with vocals

[@continentalaquatics2725]

The Carbon Copy almost sounds like a reverb pedal compared to the DD-7. I have a Carbon Copy and it does the job, but I’m starting to get the hankering for a Boss DD-3, DD-7 Or DD-20 unit again!

[@1000andres1000]

what overdrive pedal are you using? that sounds like Gilmour (sorry for my english)

[@petemalins]

Andres Magallanes MI Audio Blue boy overdrive

[@charlesmagno28]

hey guys I currently use the built in delay for Boss ME-25. but I kinda find it a hassle to set things up there. im planning to get a seperate delay pedal, is there really a big difference in sound?

[@axleblaze123]

Carbon copy bright is very good with smooth bucket brigade tone

[@arthuralexander4687]

damn I like both! Thanks for the demo :)

[@petemalins]

Yeah they're both different and unique and actually go great together - that's why I have both ;-) Nice to have a digital and analog delay. But it depends what you use delay for

[@sparkyguitar0058]

Peter Malins I have both but my Boss is DD-5 w/ the tap tempo switch added. My Carbon Copy feeds back so bad that I dont use the regen much past 11:00. I kinda use the Copy as a reverb mostly w/ the mod switched on. Also opened up the pedal and adjusted the inside knob to about 2:00. Love them both ,still many more sounds to blend and use as I get to know each pedal better. Forgot to say I glued a plastic piece to the mod button raising it up so I can switch it on or off w/ my foot. More versatility live.

[@jstephen1]

The DD-7 gives you those intense, clear repeats, whereas the Carbon Copy really widens out your tone and makes it much more full. They're both fantastic, and they both have their uses. Great demo!

[@petemalins]

Jake Stephen Yeah true. Thanks

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Yeah. Analog Delay ( or Tape Echo ) will Not Step On Your Playing , and sit in the background better. ( does not interfere, as it is less apparent ). The Digital Delay will do Crystal Clear & Pristine Repeats ( which will be much more Audible & Pronounced ). Ideally, it is nice to have a Delay Pedal that does Both-well, like the Boss DD-500 or Timeline or Timefactor ( and adjust tone, repeats & effect level - to taste ). Nice Demo though. Well-done.

[@chucksguitarshop]

great demo

[@BRich6]

Marvelous review! I have a DD-7 and I'm considering getting a MXR carbon copy for options. I love the sound of the analog delay for some things. When you play them together which do you put first in your chain?

[@petemalins]

Thanks! I put the analog delay first in the chain - but just experiment to see what you like. I did another video about using 2 delay pedals

[@Claidheambmor]

+Peter Malins That makes sense, then you have the crisp repeats feeding into the analog repeats, so they fade out organically. :)

[@roshanjonas]

dangg that overdrive sounds killer. Which one is it?

[@petemalins]

roshan jonas The blue one? It’s an M.I. Audio Blue Boy - but I don’t think they make them anymore

[@roshanjonas]

@@petemalins thank you for your reply :) which overdrive did you use at the time of the demo? I'm seeing your "WOrship pedalboard" video and I see you are using 3 different overdrive pedals.

[@petemalins]

roshan jonas I used the Blue Boy overdrive in this video

[@roshanjonas]

Sounds brilliant @@petemalins, almost like the "germanium experience". Thanks for your reply :)

[@petemalins]

@@roshanjonas Thanks for the encouraging feedback!

[@taquitoburrito6335]

I like digital more (:

[@dimitristziaros3464]

very nice and helpful video. Is it true that digital delays work better with high gain lead tones?

[@petemalins]

dimitris tziaros I guess digital delays will sound less "muddy" because the repeats are clearer than analog delay

[@dimitristziaros3464]

I see, thanks a lot for the reply! :)

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Nice play!! I am not so interested in any kinds of delay pedals. But some amazing guitarists play phenomenal OD sound with tiny delay added something like Legendary guitarist Robben Ford. Anyway delay pedals are really easy to make sounds more dramatic.

[@CharlesMauricio1]

What kind of reverb pedal do you use for shimmer or atmospheric reverb? And also are shimmer and atmospheric reverbs the same?

[@petemalins]

The reverb pedal in this video is the Neunaber Seraphim and it has shimmer

[@knightlove1000]

Hi Pete! excellent orienting video- I have in doubt just buying dd7(which already has an analog position )or mxr cc. I think in the end I would nding buyibg the two of them. regards.

[@petemalins]

The Knight Thanks! Just try them both and see what you think

[@alvarg]

i think the carbon adds too much warmth which makes the signal muddy if you play to many notes, the dd7 seems to have a very nice articulation plus it also had the analog which is similar to what the carbon is doing anyway just less dark.

[@axlvelez]

Nice Review, it really helped me a lot! By the way, can you please tell me what overdrive you're using?

[@petemalins]

+Jose Velez Thanks! I use the Bondi Effects Sick As overdrive and stack it (run it together) with the M.I. Audio Blue Boy for lead/solos

[@BledWh1te]

I play bass in a fairly dark, doom-y style and really prefer analog delay for that kind of thing. If I were playing something meant to sound brighter I'd go with a digital. These are both good pedals though

[@SihtamEmperor]

thanks! awesome video

[@petemalins]

Thanks man!

[@N2h2]

Pretty nice review. deserve a like.

[@petemalins]

Thanks!

[@AlexandreAugustin]

I'm a begginer, can you send any tips for make something like those chord progression did you make? It sounds wonderful!

[@karniboy6549]

Learn some scales and pick some chords from that scale that you like and pair 'em together...music is about being creative!

[@jesselevyvieira3588]

what gear are u using in this blessed demo brother ?

[@petemalins]

I'm playing a Fender USA Stratocaster guitar. My home amp is a Peavey Classic 30 tube amp - but in this demo I think I used a cheaper digital modeling amp (Vox VT30). The Blue overdrive pedal is a MI Audio Blue Boy

[@jesselevyvieira3588]

Nice gear thank you !

[@shoegazeforever8810]

The Boss DD-7 sounds great but the MXR Carbon Copy sounds amazing. So why does nearly everyone (including me) use the DD-7. I guess the choice depends on whether you play ambient music or not. I will now have to get an analog pedal but should it a Carbon Copy or a Strymon? Pros, cons ???

[@petemalins]

Shoegaze forever Which Strymon pedal are you thinking of getting? The advantage with Strymon pedals is that you can use tap tempo, have longer delay times and tweak the tone & sound of your delay

[@Mark95876]

Not too bothered about tap tempo and the DD-7 is very versatile. I just want a great sounding analog pedal that can be used with or instead of my DD-7 for ambient sounds.

[@petemalins]

Shoegaze forever Just go and try a few different analog delay pedals and see what you like

[@mmtot]

I have those exact three pedals on my board in the same order.

[@Chresna_Aditya]

you're using delay pedals on effect loop port or on front end, dude?

[@co8544]

chresna aditya I ve always used em in front due to no effects loop. Now I have an amp with a loop and tried moving my boss dd3 to the loop, wow....what a difference. I might even reconsider buying a carbon copy deluxe.

[@joshuang3919]

Can't decide still...Digital sounds better with a dirty/overdriven tone, but analog sounds better with clean and reverb. Also, AMAZING playing, but what were u playing when u started using the overdrive? It's awesome ;-)

[@petemalins]

Thanks so much for the encouraging feedback Joshua! Much appreciated. Actually for the overdrive solos I was actually just improvising in the major scale

[@jumpingman8160]

If you can put your hands [and feet] on a Zoom MS70CDR and do a comparison like this one it would be very interesting.