Strymon TimeLine - Still King Of The Delay Pedals? That Pedal Show

Nearing its 10th birthday, we compare Strymon's genre-defining stompbox delay with our favourite contenders
Welcome to That Pedal Show! Please subscribe to our channel and visit our store www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We think we just heard a cat among some pigeons! Let us begin by asking who proclaimed the TimeLine as king in the first place, before moving on to discuss the merits of such a mega machine compared with simpler, more humble delays.
Regular viewers of TPS will know that there really are no answers, only better questions. So for anyone looking for a straight a simple 'which is best?' conclusion, this behemoth of a show should at least shine some light down the path of a way forwards.
Short story, there is no best, and there is definitely no king. All there is, is what suits your needs and tastes.
We greatly look forward to reading the didactic statements of certainty in the comments from everyone who is annoyed we didn't pick or feature their favourite pedal. For those of you already more enlightened, we hope this video will furnish you with a better question or two. We are surely still seeking them, and always will be!
Enjoy the episode!
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
• TheGigRig Three2One
www.thegigrig.com/three2one
• Strymon Timeline
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2fzulGD
USA: imp.i114863.net/PeAOq
Australia: bit.ly/2pSEFKm
• Empress Echo System
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2x5i4z4
Australia: bit.ly/2x0K9K7
• Free The Tone FF-1Y Future Factory RF Phase Modulated Delay
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3oFVZ4j
www.freethetone.com/en/produc...
• Boss DD-500 Digital Delay
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2gqp9DJ
Australia: bit.ly/35rU2Rn
USA: bit.ly/30Xo7cn
• TC Electronic Flashback 2 X4
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2Ng22fq
USA: imp.i114863.net/qQ0WO
Australia: bit.ly/2CcbQ3z
• Analog Man modded Maxon OD-9 with Bad Bob Boost
bit.ly/35rLfz5
• Keeley D&M Drive (Label Maker Edition) - Links to normal version, same circuit
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2oTblU1
Australia: bit.ly/2pUDUAE
USA: bit.ly/3E2Eqmw
• TheGigRig G3
www.thegigrig.com/g3
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
Intro playing: 00:00
What are we doing today? 01:35
What about the DL-4: 04:04
Why choose these four?: 06:25
Rhett Shull: 09:27
Rabea Massaad: 10:45
Andy Timmons: 12:17
TimeLine ICE engine: 15:14
Overview / warm analogue delay?: 17:45
TimeLine: 18:15
Echo System: 18:45
DD-500 overview: 21:35
Future Factory overview: 30:45
Four sounds back to back: 39:40
TimeLine party tricks: 43:47
EchoSystem party tricks: 46:17
Future Factory party tricks: 57:26
DD-500 party tricks: 57:26
The right balance of features?: 1:03:40
Final choices?: 1:07:30
Prices: 1:08:25
Cheaper - TC Flashback x 4: 1:09:58
Closing thoughts: 1:18:15
Guitars in this episode:
• 1961 Fender Stratocaster - no video yet
• Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster - Dan’s video at bit.ly/2Hlpy5Y
Amps in this episode
• Tone King Imperial MkII & 112 cab
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2Pe1abo
USA: Head: imp.i114863.net/0WZMY
Cab: imp.i114863.net/nGLZR
• Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2G9OnFJ
USA: imp.i114863.net/LvOGY
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

I swear, That Pedal Show has cost me more money than any other channel on KZbin.

[@jordanlatham3704]

I sold my timeline a few months ago after owning one for almost 7 years. Went down a rabbit hole of delay pedals and came out of it with a newly purchased timeline as of 2 days ago 😂. It’s that good. I didn’t realize how much id miss the simplicity of work flow and how awesome it sounds.

[@nimh1515]

That pedal show, is still king of pedal shows for sure.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah bless you!

[@willgoodfellow3144]

Watching this with my 6 day old son asleep on my chest. Thanks for keeping me sane!

[@mattflickinger8151]

Cheers! My young 10 month old has seen / heard many a TPS

[@danbrazieruk]

congrats, Will! My kiddos love watching/listening to TPS too :)

[@willgoodfellow3144]

@@danbrazieruk cheers Dan!

[@ramon2008]

Congrats brother !!! Your son is off to a good start

[@alexsawyer7313]

❤️

[@PeterBurton1991]

I’ve been a Timeline user since it came out. Hundreds of gigs and it’s never let me down! I’ve tried a few other more recent releases and nothing has kicked it off my board. There’s a certain thing that the tape algorithm does when running stereo that I just can’t live without 👌🏼

[@RabeaMassaad]

Dude you’re the reason I use it! I remember coming into your room back in Guildford hearing you have it set up in stereo. Blew my mind!

[@wolfhorsky]

I totally get You. Same dTape camp, here ;-) The way the delay repeats sound and can be set really ambient with Filter and Grit knobs... There is something magical in it. That feature alone is making this unit worth the money.

[@PeterBurton1991]

@@RabeaMassaad Ah yes! I'd forgotten about that. Can't believe the pedal has been out for nearly 10 years!

[@maniacalion6170]

Normal people: what a 1 hour and 20 min KZbin video 😡 That Pedal Show viewers: YAASSS over an hour of awesomeness 😁

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you!

[@dylanmackay1657]

@@ThatPedalShow I watch while I’m working in Calgary, and it’s the best way to start my day on Fridays. And almost an hour and a half?? Bonus!!

[@bicisnobombas]

I thought exactly the same thing

[@fawkesandhound]

TPS fans: Hour 20!? is that all? 😉

[@archie3k433]

Gotta love this show.. 1+ hour of video, 15 minutes of acutal information. lol

[@oliverbarry7160]

The epic delay pedal series you did years back lead me to buy a dd-500 and it's been the king for me ever since. So much more than just a delay

[@RabeaMassaad]

Thanks for asking me chaps! Great video. Honestly I really really liked the free the tone! But, yeah, to migrate from my beloved timeline and all my presets.... I don’t know if I have the energy hahah! Thanks again! Much love ❤️

[@paulcadwallader3000]

looking great Rabea!

[@niebuhrsongs]

What reverb are you pointing to on your board? Is it a Strymon as well?

[@danbrazieruk]

@@niebuhrsongs Bea runs the "Stryfecta" I think. Big Sky, Timeline and Mobius.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Dang, Rabea! Where did the rest of you go? If intentional, great job. If not, get to a doctor quick!! LOL

[@oloflundin3876]

The timeline might be the king but the dd-500 is surely the boss

[@Keysounds0]

And the Echo System is the empress, surely

[@questocd174]

Zing!

[@wulf67]

DD-500 might be the boss, but the Memory Boy is the... boy?

[@jayyoungmusic919]

Corny

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

Remeber: BOSS stands for: Body Odor of Strat Slingers. Strymong stands for: quality

[@bicisnobombas]

One of the reasons I so completely enjoy TPS is watching how much fun you two have geeking out over pedals and getting to partake a bit in that fun. The fact that these shows are also highly informative makes everything you all do just fabulous. Thanks!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Andreas, glad you enjoy it!

[@officerockstar]

You finally mentioned my favorite delay pedal, the Pigtronix Echolution 2! Thanks gents. Keep up the good work and stay healthy.

[@davids9192]

Your studio takes me back to childhood looking in the window of a toy shop at rows of Corgi and Dinky cars! Probably explains why I have so many pedals! Keep up the good work lads.

[@aaronbusch1993]

I came here to decide between Echo System and Timeline…. And walked away with the FF-1Y I don’t know what it was exactly, but the first time it’s played at 33:15 is just stunning. The ping pong, clarity, slight modulation… everything. It just nails what I wanted in a “simple” but robust delay pedal. Coming tomorrow. Super pumped. Thanks guys!

[@ThatPedalShow]

We feel the same way about it, there’s just something in it

[@petelavery1866]

Fancied a timeline, went for a DD500 and have a volante running alongside it. Covers everything for me. Great video guys as usual!

[@omegasunn]

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on a timeline for a couple of years now and this video has just confirmed it for me ! I love your passion for such detail. Thanks and keep up the great work gentlemen!

[@aaronandabbie]

Guys, this VT is awesome! Love seeing Rhett and ‘Bea and you guys all in the same video, super cool! Also, I great job narrowing the field of delay pedals to the options that have directly comparable feature sets as much as possible, nice work.

[@skovgaard2000]

Loved seeing Rhett, Bea, and Andy. More of that please! Also, I need the Free The Tone on my board asap, that thing sounds godly

[@joecoombsguitarist]

Strymon managed to figure out very early on that analog dry through, large quantity of presets and high-quality DSP algorithms were going to be the new big thing for pedals. I have been a Timeline owner for about 3 years now and every time I use it it is just the exact sound I have in my head and is a serious tool in the studio. Kudos to Strymon, they really changed the world of Pedals.

[@markcarey8178]

Great show chaps That Pedal Show at it's best - the sheer bloody enjoyment of mucking around with delay pedals

[@ExpatZ266]

How did I miss this! I have both of the Free The Tone delays and your little demonstration showed me some possibilities I had never thought of, super thanks!

[@AlbusBand]

They’re all great...I do enjoy the mash function on the tape setting of the TC (from personal experience), but the fidelity on that Free the Tone was unreal. In fact, the FTT is the only one I haven’t played or owned and it was super cool. I dunno, they all rule. Great job per usual and thank you for always putting so much time and effort into inspiring episodes. I hope you’re well, stay safe. All Love, Aaron

[@andrewfuentes1632]

I have the echo system only because there’s something kinda cool about how it looks, pretty easy to use, how it works and sounds. And using midi with it really steps it up, plus there is a looper with an update. Excellent show guys! 👌🏽

[@LeonTodd]

Man I remember that initial demo video for the Timeline - that set a whole new standard for what a humble "gear demo" could be.

[@Jonathan-tn7id]

Excellent and very informative video, has opened my eyes to the clearly massive world of delay. Thanks guys!

[@darrencunningham4782]

I love my dd500. My mate uses a line 6 hx effects just for delays. Sounds great!

[@joelpickett812]

Whether it is or it isn’t, it has certainly stood the test of time.

[@EpicStuffMan1000]

line

[@druwk]

@@EpicStuffMan1000 beat me to the punch! 😂

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

Bravo! Sir!

[@joesatchton212]

Agreed. Although, TBH, 10 years is not a very long period of time. Now stuff like the FuzzFace... :P :)

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

I was very impressed with the flashback x4

[@coltrane2323]

Love all the recent delay episodes. Delays and their differences is something I never really understood until I watched your episodes. Got me an Empress Tape Delay and a Catalinbread Echorec now and love both (especially when stacked). Much Love!

[@madangleradioshow8341]

Thanks Dan & Mick. Very interesting and thoroughly informative as usual.

[@eriknorlander5814]

When I put the Timeline on my board it just became the centerpise of it. It's never going away.

[@t3golf]

The Timeline has become the SM57 of delays. They’ll always be around no matter what else comes out. Hardly anyone will ever be disappointed because they bought it. I have my Echosystem much to do because of your initial videos on it years ago. Love it. A bit complicated, but it is incredible.

[@RiaRua]

Owned an El Cap, AD900/99, Timeline, FX8, and a dozen or so more delay pedals. Now own the FtT FF. Couldn't be happier. Great video.

[@jamesemerson4102]

Wooo! Congrats on the 250k subs guys. Truly well done. My favourite show on KZbin, for sure.

[@yagoravell7944]

I'm still a DD3 guy(and probably dont use to full potential), but is so cool to hear someone who can play with delays like this 👏👏👏

[@bryanherward4679]

@Daniel Hall you need both...dd3 after dm2 so you can delay the oscillations

[@thinkthirsty1305]

Crucial timing, gentlemen. This is the very dragon I'm chasing at the moment

[@brianrollins7275]

Best show on KZbin then and now. Thanks for everything you guys do.

[@jonschmidt4686]

Your ability to demo guitars and pedals is the best I’ve seen on KZbin. Very impressive guys.

[@zakyokingco9599]

On the analog delay engine of the boss DD500, you just change the "Stage" parameter to "4096x4"and the delay time gets longer :)

[@RobCarleton]

Came here to say this!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Yes, on page 14 in the DD-500 manual, you can Extend the Analog Delay Time. The repeats get even darker and more degraded = similar to the EHX Memory Man or the Analogman ARDX 20.

[@murfmurphy6212]

Yes - its to simulate adding multiple BBD chips i.e. single one for 300ms, more for longer times but more filtering etc

[@LTJR.]

Man who remembers plugging in the big Reticon chips? Came up on a couple of those in pill containers in foam beds, in a tackle box the other day. I had the first incarnation of jam man in a rack mount... Wild Jimi Hendrix backwards solos so long ago

[@herschelvonrudiger]

Longer like infinite without going crazy? I mean constant and stable?

[@guitarsimon1]

Mick describing the multi repeat tap function on the Echosystem as ‘dreadfully cool’ was cathartic as hell, just articulated perfectly the way I felt.

[@pangloss9]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been contemplating a flagship delay for a while now and after watching this video, I got intrigued by the FF-1Y Future Factory RF Phase Modulated Delay...and I bought one. Mick fiddling with the switches and dials sold me on the interface.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Awesome! Enjoy. We love it!

[@playinmyblues]

After getting back into guitar playing and pedals for awhile, this channel has been very helpful and informative in my exploration in pedals and sounds. I have had the Empress Zoia for longer than that. I realize the Zoia is kind of not so much in line with the content of your show as it is so flexible but requires a lot of learning. And so many people are using it for more than just effects. Your content is so interesting that I still get drawn in by your shows even as I am thinking about what the Zoia/Euroburo and Poly Hector could do here.. This latest one that I have watched has put so much of what is out there in context of the past and more recent delay type pedals. Great stuff. I know I will be watching more future and past content.

[@TonyLondonUk]

Remember watching this when it was fresh & it was awesome then & now it’s maybe even far more awesome, these two are soooo underrated for guitarists/tone band members establishment etc etc art, knowledge,fun

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks Tony 🙏

[@PeterGuitarSound]

I was wondering the same thing lately... still the king !! Love the Volante, but it don't overlap the Timeline in the ease of use, mainly due to the lack of screen. You're doing more and more Stereo rig, instead of Wet/Dry.... Love it ahahah

[@jguitar23]

Great review fellas. Thanks covering the most critical issues here.

[@heresiarh]

Jesus Christ. I've been away from this show for months. Finally getting back into it. God I've missed you guys!!!!!

[@wlawnsldj]

Love my Strymon TimeLine. Been using the Tape mode most of the time. And added in every tape type pedals from Strymon. Deco, Volante, and the BigSky Magneto mode. Tape goodness for days!

[@brianbarrett5987]

Not sure what your comment is saying. Can you add Volante presets and features into the timeline?

[@wlawnsldj]

Sorry for the confusion. I meant I’m using my TimeLine on tape engine together with other Strymon pedals. the Volante, Deco tape saturation, and BigSky on the magneto mode. All 4 simulating tape machines.

[@TheElrondo]

It's golden times for us guitarists. There is such a mass of pedals in every genre to choose of. Even affordable pedals come very close and do a good job for the average guitarist. ...and what comes to my mind writing this: What are we driven by to chase for the perfect sound, wich never exists? Are we trying to get a piece of the fame and abilities of so called "guitar gods" instead of practicing more and create our own sound? I own about 8 or 9 Trem pedals and every time a new one pops up i think "Maybe it's better than my other ones?" Is the newest Overdrive maybe "better" than the other 1500 that already exist or the 10 i already own? What is it what i'm driven by? Covering my own disabilities of my playing? No, i don't know why i'm in such a philosophical mood. 😎

[@melvoid01]

And there was me worried about why I own 4 chorus pedals, I shall sleep easier tonight thank you.

[@antoniomillaruelo6829]

Thank you for the fantastic, in-depth gear reviews! Great fun, too! In your numerous delay shoot-outs, you left out an incredibly powerful (albeit sadly out-of-production) contender: the Yamaha UD-Stomp - because of its eight independent, fully configurable delay lines, it can do really awesome things! (The Yamaha Magic-Stomp is also very good and occupies much less pedalboard real estate than its UD big brother). All the best and keep up the awesome work!

[@scienceofsound]

Awesome video guys. For me, my top delays are GFI Specular Tempus, Empress Reverb, Empress Echosystem, Meris Polymoon.

[@tomriley_bike]

That Tone King in the background, my dream setup.

[@PaoloMarelliGuitar]

Great video, I have an Echosystem and I love it, but the Free The Tone looks so cool too. Although one thing that makes the Echosystem stand out and it's often overlooked is that it has an inbuilt ISOLATION TRANSFORMER in case you use it with 2 amps :)

[@adrianhjordan1981]

Presumably you can then send different delay lines (running in parallel) to each output, so for example a slapback in one amp and longer delay to the other?

[@TalleyWacker1000]

Buying a Timeline. Strymon just has my ear, I've fallen in love with my Mobius nothing else comes close with the balance of features and options. Looking forward to using the Timeline in my rig. Great video!

[@Millennial_Mike]

Totally agree with you about DD500 display... such a great feature.

[@TheCodeMonk]

One of the things I love about the dd-500, is that you can set the dual delays to he either in serial or parallel, per preset pair...so, 01A and 01B can be in serial (one feeding into the other) and 02A and 02B can be in parallel for a whole different delay sound. :)

[@ThatPedalShow]

Niiiiice!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Loving my DD-500 = infinite tone-shaping & tweak-ability. You can do some deep-dive editing, and get most Any Delay Sound you can ever want or need. Boss has always done fantastic Delay pedals. I also use a Big Sky & F.T.T. Tri-Avatar Chorus. So many great choices & options. Stay Safe.

[@ARPMAN]

Cant see the hole show, after 30min I have to stop, because it so inspired that I have to play with my several delays for more than 90min before I finished watching:-) great!!! So much fun thumbs up

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yes! Best result!

[@davidrohland9319]

I purchased my Timeline when they first came out and I absolutely love it. In almost 10 years it has never come off my board. Yet, during your recent video on delays, the Dawner Prince Boonar delay really captivated me. But... I’m so dialed into my Timeline, I can’t imagine giving it up. But.... the Dawner Prince Boonar delay really captivated me. But....🤯

[@Gorphoz]

I was literally asking myself this earlier today. I seem to have joined the TPS hive mind Awesome.

[@benjaminturcotte7620]

Just some thoughts about the lack of screen on the echosystem... I’ve had the echosystem since pretty close to when it came out. I’ve played many gigs with it now. I find that during gigs, the lack of screen isn’t an issue. For a while, I used the “bank preset system” with an external tap tempo. So that gives you 3 presets hot and ready, and fairly clear indication of which bank/preset you’re in/using. Eventually I wanted to be able to access more than 6 presets (2 banks of 3 presets each). At that point, if you’re using that many presets, then you probably want some kind of MIDI controller. You’d also probably want a more clear way of indicating the currently selected preset-a screen. Luckily many MIDI controllers have a screen so really, the only pain is when you’re playing around trying to find a sound... Although I’ve had a number of happy accidents where I find a really awesome sound when I’m looking for something specific, sometimes you just want to get the specific sound and play the damn song/part. That’s when it can be really useful to just have the engines and thing 1&2 parameter mappings memorized (or a screen) especially for the less conventional delay types/modes. Also, the advanced configuration is awesome because it allows for a lot of flexibility, but most of the time (even after over 2 years) I still need to double check the manual to make sure I’m changing the thing I think I’m changing... I had to google it during sound check once... I wanted to turn the cab sim on because the amp went down. I got it figured out just in time, but having a screen would’ve been much less stressful. I guess what I’m saying is that it can be inconvenient at times, but the sounds and features are just so damn good. It’s been the only pedal in the last two years that has never left my board. My advice to someone considering the echosystem but is intimidated by the manual-diving etc.: if you have the attention span to read this whole comment then you’ll do just fine.

[@alannedelec2714]

I am considering replacing my EHX Grand Canyon by a more high end delay in few months time. And definelty the echosystem is on the short list. But I have to replace my reverb first and the order is passed for the Empress reverb. Such a great pedal company.

[@theyearoftherat]

I agree. Used Timeline since it came out and the Empress kicked it off my main board and to a smaller grab and go board. The Echosystem, for me, just brings more to the table.

[@mattheweastel129]

Great summary, thanks for that

[@Stoffendous]

I skipped through your post. Should I skip the echosystem as well?

[@chapter_black3234]

I read the comment and I’m ADD 😂

[@focusonjunta]

Thanks for revisiting mega delays! Delays are never boring, are they. And the winner is... Strymon Volante! I hate menus/screens, and the Volante gives me everything I need: precise delay time by midi; multi-head, drum, tape snd pristine digital, awesome spring reverb, and of course stereo ins and outs. Cheers!

[@StringsOfCrossroads]

Brilliant episode! Was helpful just seeing the sizes against each other. I’d been try to decide to upgrade to the timeline, prices are still very strong on the used market so great they hold their value and still relevant today!

[@ThatPedalShow]

That kinda says it all!

[@hodge8947]

The only thing I have found that has tempted me to "make do" as someone who won't ever afford to have a Timeline and Bigsky.. is the Dispatch Master... which shocks even me, because it has basically no features and 1 switch, on or off.. but it just sounds so so good.

[@therealdealblues]

I don't know what everyone else is talking about, I'm still stuck on Andy Timmons may have a signature delay coming out 😯 As far as Timeline, sold it for DD500. More options than about anything out there. Would love to play the Free The Tone Future Factory one day though.

[@xthexadvantagex]

AFAIK Andy just used a couple of old finicky memory mans. Now if they can get a new pedal to sound like those old beat up beautiful delays I’d buy it. It would be even more amazing if it was Electro Harmonix! Half analog half digital.

[@denismguitar1552]

Whatever Andy does ends up great. Just sayin. Can’t wait to see what it may be.

[@therealdealblues]

@@xthexadvantagex Yeah, he did. He always used 2 with modulation set for that 1/4 note and dotted 8th thing. But that's part of what has me curious. Will it be a digital pedal, or an analog stereo dual modulated memory man style delay pedal. Definitely interested to find out.

[@MrEdsousa]

I wouldn't be surprised if the company in question is JHS.

[@therealdealblues]

@@MrEdsousa That was my first thought.

[@gordonrankin3995]

Great adding guests! Hope the lock down isn't getting you down. Thanks for doing this as it keep us sane! Dan & Mick sent you both emails, hope they found you. Next show should be analog delays and digitally controlled analog delays.

[@DavidMartinez-xy7jt]

For some weeks I had both the timeline and the Echosystem, finally I chose by far the Echosystem due to quality of sound, engine modes and creativity. There is something in the timeline (incredible pedal anyway) that is like ambient/verb sound that applies to all the modes etc so it felt for me much more monotonous than the echosysten. Just a modest opinion as I am talking as a regular home player ;) thank you for your channel!! Love it!

[@nevusofota]

I’ve owned the Timeline for about 7 years . Gigged it weekly for that entire time. I only scrape the surface of what it can do and only use about 3-4 delay sounds regularly. However, it’s worth owning and will probably never leave my board because, besides having excellent standard delay tones, I also like to use it as an inspiration generator at home by using its unique delay sounds and looper. I don’t ever see myself needing another delay pedal.....ever. The Timeline is now a timeless classic, it’ll always be regarded as a game changer for pedal boards, much like the 2290 was (and still is) for racks.

[@maniacalion6170]

Mick’s head bob with the delay repeats just made my morning 🤣

[@kaiserjoe2316]

Yup. Got it recently in Midnight Black. Swithered over the Boss-DD 200/500. Looked at Empress, Free the Tone models. Surprisingly contra to what others say, I actually found the Timeline to be far easier to navigate with main parameters more easily tweaked at a pinch. Plus I had a Night Sky so... Good marriage so far. Thanks guys. Good Tidings in Christmas 2022!

[@kaiserjoe2316]

Thanks for the ❤. Still don't know how to tweek the bastard properly but thats why I love her.

[@billroy2780]

Great video guys! Thanks so much

[@phillipasby9202]

Started with a small box flashback - went with the DD500 and am quite happy with it. In the end it was a question of price (happy you pointed this out). As far as bang for the buck the DD500 is hard to beat ... as perhaps the most clear direct competitor to the Timeline in terms of features and ease of use at 2/3 the price ...

[@ThatPedalShow]

I totally agree. Mick here.

[@jz0h4d]

After I watched this one I bought a dd500, after massive disappointment for a few days I got the Timeline! The Timeline is the one for me in the studio.

[@savanaviolenta]

Exactly. That delay covers all your needs for a delay in a studio. All the rest are just variations, that are good to have if, you have the cash. Lost of choices these days.

[@1alexanderkup1]

what was wrong with DD-500? I'm using mine for 2 years already and it does exactly what I need. Slightly modulated delays with adjustable BPM

[@marcusrogers485]

awesome show, as always. thank you.

[@johnbowlerwell7301]

Yes! This is one of the reasons I love my Nord so much! Yes, there are a lot of controls, but I can see everything; nothing is in a deep menu!

[@duffdunlap6705]

Awesome show. I do not need that complexity but wow. Thinking about getting the “Free the Tone”..

[@DavidDyte1969]

In these pandemic times, I only buy my pedals from the Analog Drive Thru.

[@sandrews7760]

Acquired a poly digit this week... the reverbs and delays I am hearing are sublime, and sound visceral even compared to my H9. The interface I think still needs developing which is happening in real time by the makers...but so far I am really impressed. Great vid cheers

[@user-xk8wp4bg3x]

Awesome video! Thanks.

[@matttorres8921]

This video really made me still want the Timeline so I ordered it! I think second is Future Factory even though that delay OD sounds terrible, then Echo System, then DD-500.

[@stanislavmigra]

When they did the Whisky setting of Echo system, they must be drinking Laphroaig 😁

[@ThatPedalShow]

Haha! Peaty. I can’t do it! Mick here.

[@stanislavmigra]

@@ThatPedalShow what I completly understand, even as it is my favourite whisky brand.

[@NunoGuitarsSilva]

Strymon pedals are top!!! I sold all my reverbs, delays and modulation pedals to get 3 top Pedals for all! :-) Started with Mobius... and one day I tried BigSky, and I saw the light. Timeline changed my way to listen and use delay pedals since it was so pure and unique. Neve gonna sold or change anything... till some beats then, which i find very difficult. Cheers from Portugal!

[@Compass2101]

I have a Boss DD-200. I don't use it enough and have barely touched the sides. Like to use it instead of Reverb or with the Phase 90. Now I'm inspired to dive deeper. Cheers guys.

[@T_oddsoul]

The EchoSystem sounds incredible, but the lack of a screen is a real barrier for me.

[@moonsama395]

Same opinion , the interface doesn't cut it imho

[@danjamesstew]

I am the exact opposite! To each their own :)

[@sebastiens7621]

to have had the Time Line and the echosytem today. the sound makes you forget the lack of screen. the difference in sound quality for me is really too important, not to mention the dual engine which allows almost limitless combinations of delay. on top of that, the ecosystem takes up half the space.

[@chriskocher1469]

I like the way it sounds , but have the same concern. You could get a Selah Quartz to remedy that (and do Aimee other cleverness) but that’s lots of extra £

[@christopherwilliams375]

It definitely requires a lot of secondary knob functions and button press combos. But it’s so lush.

[@mattflickinger8151]

Dan, on the Echosystem - you wanted the knob to change the delay time, you have to press SHIFT & Tap to change the blinking light to Green. Then the knob up top is continuously variable delay time :)

[@PeterGuitarSound]

That's exactly the problem with the EchoSsytem ! I love so much the sound, but can't user interface...

[@openup007]

Yes... I’ve tried ‘em all and have settled (once and for all) on the timeline. It is the Xerox of delay pedals!

[@DerRufProductions]

Hey Guys, first things first - thank you for talking me into a Timeline a year or so ago. One of the best pedal choices I ever made. I think what is still great about it, is that not only the sound is really, really good, but that the UI is in my opinion the perfect mix of ease of use and access to „hidden“ features. Secondary functions or GUI-Navigation for me tend to take the attention away from the sound itself. Same thing with digital multiampsimulationmachines. Technology tends to get in the way of your inspiration, if your mind works differently than the tools you`re using. That said - at that pricepoint, all of those pedals should have a sound that is at least near to perfect - what matters is how your mind is adapting to one or the other - just as you proved :-). Cheers!

[@the5chord]

Some how Mick got on to the Edge setting with a strat on the DD500 and sounded nothing like the Edge lol. That’s okay, you are such an excellent player and love the show.

[@VonBlade]

Mick upgraded the firmware and also happily delved into a menu?! Who are you and what have you done with the real Mr Taylor? (also being a pedant, the Future Factory party tricks needs moving back on the timeline in the chapters, and the DD500 putting where the FTT is)

[@all_mesa_man922]

What in God's holy name are you blathering about?

[@jrchanning]

Sorry a bit lat watching this..... I was delayed !! LOL , great episode, they were all fantastic pedals, the timeline's fidelity is still superb, out of the others I liked the Free The Tone & The Boss DD500, the FTT for it's all on the top of the unit functionally and the Boss for it's fantastic sounds and cool menu system but they all sounded superb :)

[@billytremoloband7456]

Handy party trick with the dd500 is to use it as an analog Tremolo pedal by modulating the dry signals level! Works pretty cool too !

[@OneMoreGrave]

If I had to pick one of those it's the Empress hands down. Personally, I like the idea of the Volante more. A strong engine dedicated to a couple very specific amazing sounds.

[@cirjames2540]

Good gear is great tone. Taste may change through the years but like the 808, Klon, Big Muff and many others, good tone will stand the test of time.

[@Telorchid]

EQ on the Timeline...there is a High Pass filter available on most modes to cut low end, (stepped settings between 20 & 900 Hz). It is in a submenu. Delays will lose bottom end as they trail out, if you want to do that. ALSO, Filter doesn’t just darken. It does do that till about 2:00. But as you approach 2:00, ‘the low end is progressively reduced and and some highs are added back in to create an EQ curve similar to a tape delay the when the knob is at the maximum position.’ See the manual page 4 for details (Revision F or later). I did not know about this for YEARS, discovered it in a forum conversation last year. Glad I did; gives you more options!

[@Angus.Maclean]

Hilarious! I was just asking myself this question after getting rid of my Factor pedals in the spring. Got bored of reading forums and thought I’d see what TPS posted this week.

[@christopherwilliams375]

The FF seems in some ways similar to the new Strymon Night Sky. I mean, the FF does to delay what the NS does to reverb. You start with a sort of “base” delay sound pristine digital), and have the means to sonically manipulate any of several parameters to create the delay(s) you want. It’s the ultimate delay playground.

[@ozmassb2594]

*looks at old beaten road worn DL4* Not today old friend You’re still mine

[@evanpowers1795]

I feel the same way about my dd-20 😕

[@latontolog]

I've got a Nemesis and it's very nice and all, but there's just something magical about those slightly imperfect and gritty old Line6 algoritms.. They're still going strong within my HX Stomp!

[@rtosborne4]

I’ve tried to take my Timeline off my board so many times since I bought it in 2014, but it’s just so flexible and easy to use. I had a DD20 and then a Visual Sound Dual Tap Delay (that sounded amaaaaaaaazing) before and both were great, but the Timeline was a massive upgrade. I usually run a Carbon Copy afterwards, though, as I like how it smooths the decay. Thanks for doing this episode!

[@mattgilbert7347]

The Dual Tap is phenomenal if gigantic

[@simonwilliams9916]

Great show guys and congrats on 250k subs 🤘🏻👍🎸🤘🏻👍🎸🤘🏻👍🎸

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks Simon!

[@houseofshred3725]

Great episode! I'm hopelessly stuck on the Carbon Copy though. I know it's cheap and plain and boring compared to these splendid delay units, but there's something about that murky, dark, modulated sound that's just great. It's like a delay, a reverb and a chorus at the same time. MXR just nailed it with that thing.

[@ThatPedalShow]

It’s awesome. Does analogue delay better than anything here! Mick here.

[@erpringle]

The carbon copy and the echo plex will never leave my board. Carbon copy for slap back and mod and echo plex for the aged warbley, if that's a word, slower delay. The flashback x4 does the rest that I need. To me, nothing sounds as good as an echo plex.

[@thinkthirsty1305]

CC is an eternal board fixture for me

[@lashlarue7924]

+1

[@brianpara1407]

Ordered the Future Factory a week ago. This validates my decision. 👍

[@ThatPedalShow]

It is ASTONISHING in my humble opinion. Mick here. Soooo inspiring.

[@JamesWent]

Great show. Loved this ep.

[@candacesmusic]

I bought the empress reverb and echosystem and returned them a day later. Got the timeline and bigsky. For many reasons, the Strymon tone and feel is unmatched. Mostly though, it was due to to what you mentioned. It was beyond complicated and I just couldn’t deal with that. Happy to have my Strymons back.