Nocturne Mystery Brain vs MXR Carbon Copy ... It's Slapback time !!!

Just a quick comparison of a Mystery Brain 301 Echo and a MXR Carbon Copy. Comparing slapback echo for how I use these.
Guitar: Gretsch 5420T with HS Filtertron
Amp: Fender Pro Junior IV
There is some background hiss from my iPhone camera mic.
My Observations:
MB: Each echo is pretty present (but not clinical), there is a echoplex preamp on the echo side is it's a
bit more greasy then MXR, but the echos still stay clear and rhythmic. The preamp when enguaged can refine the echos and tone more, and the boost can punch and/or fatten your tone out. There are also internal pots for adjusting and a dB cut switch which reduces presence. (this is OFF)
CC: First echo is present, echos after the first one start to blur and fade out. Seems a bit less gain with MXR so it seems a bit cleaner. The CC is more in line with the echo you'd get in a room where it
sits back a bit.
Both are great and I'll be keeping both.

[@Tull1996]

Both were good....overall I preferred the Mystery Brain....it's also more versatile giving you the added preamp/abby functions as well as the ability to use some onboard modulation.

[@DrErickLopez]

Mystery brain sounds fuller, more tone dynamics, and the rest of the features expand it further. Also sounds more like the original RE-301. The MXR is great but it only satisfies the quick and cheap need for a delay. Not a bad pedal but I would prefer the mystery brain.

[@DaveBorrell]

The MB has such a solid slap back. I don’t have the MXR but I have a El Capstan and I think the MB is more solid. It’s the preamp. Gives it punch and clarity.

[@JsnHgl]

Do you think the CC into a 65 PRRI can make for a good ‘Billy tone? That’s my setup and I’m still debating whether it’s good.

[@derekirving]

Jason, I find the CC delay is not quite as prominent/present as tape delay (or mystery brain in this case) especially on longer delay and more repeats. The CC seems to sit back in the mix a bit. However, if you keep the "regen" and "delay" to about 9' you can get some GREAT billy tone. If you want more of a present delay or a delay with more pop, the CC maybe a bit restricted. Keep messing with it, there's some good slapback in there.

[@JsnHgl]

@@derekirving Thank you sir. Appreciate it. I’ll keep at it. I’ll try setting delay and regen to 9’ as you suggest. Side note: How do you like your amp? I have a 65 Princeton reverb reissue and it is so glassy clean it seems like it might be a little too clean for the kind of music I’m playing.

[@adwhizard]

Carbon Copy wins hands-down imo. Much smoother, less harsh. Love the lush tones that come from the CC.

[@rockinsergio4969]

mystery brain is digital and carbon copy is analog. In live situation ( not over youtube ) the analog sounds warmer and more natural

[@MarkKunie]

Carbon copy is less than 1/2 the price. Sounds better. A lot better. Other pedal is over hyped and $$$$$$$$$$

[@derekirving]

@mark I ended up selling Mystery Brain and keeping Carbon Copy

[@beerbilly]

for what its worth, its big box with a space echo preamp n boost, plus a digi tape delay emulator plus optical vibrato w effects loop. Made completely in the states using 4 small businesses to make it happen, 25 units at a time. The mxr is an analog echo, sweet n tiny but ya thats it, made by a big company by the thousands. :)

[@dannyisham9071]

@@beerbilly I almost bought a used Dunlop Echoplex but heard the Brain...decided to save my dimes and quarters. You'll be hearing from me soon....

[@beerbilly]

@@dannyisham9071 cool 🙏🏽

[@williamd1891]

Dan Echo for win. Price on used keeps going up but still 1/2 price of the CC which is 1/2 price of the MB.

[@cindys1819]

Both of these are not bad but they PALE when compared with a real studio's Rockabilly delays. Where you get the Ambient of the studio and the electronic or tape loop delay. The in studio's Product just is more "right" sounding. Go down to the Sun studio and listen to the REAL thing.....