The difference between EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run and Disaster Transport Sr.

A quick demonstration of the sonic difference between the Avalanche Run and Disaster Transport Sr from EarthQuaker Devices. Even though both are marketed as a delay and reverb in one, the sound very different. One is aimed at vintage echo lovers and the other seeks to cover the needs of every ambient tone chaser out there.
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[@colingrossbier1798]

It's awesome that you chose these two pedals to compare because they are very different. The Avalanche Run is more clear and crisp, whereas the Disaster Transport is much more smeary and murky. This really helps for a guy like me who wants to know every way to get atmospheric sounds.

[@thepedalzone]

Colin Grossbier - Awesome! Really glad you found the video informative and helpful :)

[@nolarocks]

Just want to say that of all the ambient guitar players out there - you are my fave. You've opened the door to this style of playing for me - I go searching and exploring myself but always feel like I've come home when I play one of your vids - especially one I haven't watched yet. So, cheers. - Chris B

[@thepedalzone]

Oh wow! I'm speechless, man..... I hope that a simple THANK YOU will suffice. I'm deeply honored 🙏

[@theriffwriter2194]

Agreed. I just wish I didn't have to sell a kidney to afford a good ambient pedal. It seems pedals are priced strictly on how unique the sound is and not on price of components or labor.

[@DelScully]

I dont understand how you dont have 100's of thousands of followers.

[@thepedalzone]

Awwwww, thanks! Your kindness means a lot to me ❤

[@AndyAcker]

Stefan, this is one of your most helpful videos yet: Avalanche Run has been on the list since the day I discovered it existed, and I just found out about the Disaster Transport Sr. When you blend both, it nearly made me cry: it's such a beautiful combo sonically- especially in the way you describe stacking digital and analog(ish) delays together in the "tonal teamwork" vids. Currently I'm working with two delays and an old analog echo/spring reverb unit from the early 80's to achieve what the disaster transport does (especially the washes), and I need something that is easier to hook-up and use live. I've come to the conclusion that I'll eventually need both of these feature-rich pedals, even though that means a patient waiting period to sell & replace gear. The way you lay things out is relevant and a gift towards finding creative tools that serve both the process and recorded result. Cheers and wishing you well!

[@thepedalzone]

Awwww, man! So kind of you. I'm happy you found the video inspiring and helpful. The Disaster Transport Sr. is pretty stellar when it comes to the washy vibes. It kinda reminds me of playing a real Space Echo.

[@synchronisticmelanatedmysitic]

Every time I watch your videos I wanna buy another pedal🤭🤭😅😐it's getting expensive so far I bought the Avalanche Run, EHX SE+,CBA MOOD, ALL THANKS TO YOU!

[@pfaprado]

Your sounds remind me a lot of what Robin Guthrie does together with Harold Budd ("A minute, a day, no more"). And I clearly see that you love what you're doing. Keep it going man, you have made great videos so far!

[@davidsimpson2560]

Your playing skill and musicality is absolutely inspirational! Truly beautiful music that takes me to another place entirely.

[@thepedalzone]

Oh wow! Thank you! That is so unbelievably kind of you ❤

[@gonebymidnight2881]

As soon as you switched the disaster transport I could hear the hum, besides that it sounds great. Amazing demos mate, keep it up!

[@AndyAcker]

I noticed that too. Is it endemic to the pedal design?

[@mattgilbert7347]

@@AndyAcker It's part of the design.

[@christopherecatalano]

Your guitar demos and passion for what these pedals offer is very inspiring. I have the Avalanche Run, but I gave up a Walrus Audio Bellwether to get it, which had a really lovely modulation layer not unlike the Disaster Transport Sr. I actually think the EQD is more versatile than the Bellwether. Hmm. Renaissance era to be dropped into as far as these lovely little sound boxes go. What happened to my money?!

[@thepedalzone]

The DT Sr is spectacular, and it just pairs so well with the AR 😊

[@markferguson3745]

Your initial investment in the experimental boutique pedal market has already been divided and met some recompense by a factor of thirteen. Keep up the good work.

[@Narada57]

Good morning Stefan,and good stuff as always on your channel,I love EQD pedals I'm plannin' to buy a Transmisser,but for delays and reverbs I prefere my TC Triple Delay with my Neunaber Immerse,both for normal stuff than for ambient,keep on doing your things,your channel and Knobs , are my favourites! ;-)

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you for the kind words, means a lot to me. Really happy you found the video enjoyable :) Oh, and you should definitely get a Transmisser. One of the most fun pedals I've played in recent times!

[@anthonyhislop3006]

Hey man thanks, just a few moments of listening to you, educated me. Nice sound and sensibilities in your playing... Cheers!

[@bonusflaps1749]

I love this guy's demos.

[@thepedalzone]

So sweet of you ❤

[@RichardQuirkmusic]

great video. That sound at 6 min convinced me to get one.

[@thepedalzone]

Cheers! Happy you enjoyed the video. Which one did you get? Avalanche Run or Disaster Transport Sr.?

[@RichardQuirkmusic]

@@thepedalzone The Disaster Transport Sr. I don't really have much use for clean delays. Have you tried the Maneco Labs delay / looper?

[@martinskanal]

both sounds gorgeous.. now I cannot choose

[@thepedalzone]

They are both absolutely excellent. Go Avalanche Run if you need modern and pristine ambient tones, and go Disaster Transport Sr if you need more vintage-sounding tape echo ambience :)

[@alternatingbitmusic]

Very cool demo and helpful - thanks!

[@thepedalzone]

Really happy to hear that :)

[@roy2741]

Wonderful Stefan! You're doing an awesome job! :D

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you so much! 😊🙏

[@christianlwensprung2722]

Wonderful video once again. My graveyard shift is a breeze with you on youtube m8.

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you! Happy to be the soundtrack to your workday 😊

[@PMTluke]

Cool wanted to know exactly how these 2 awesome pedals are different thanks for clearing that up.

[@thepedalzone]

Just happy to be able to help. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊

[@roikaully]

hi steffan, would you also do ambient guitar lessons other than "sound demonstrations" so we can get a little of how you compose these beautiful chord progressions ? personally i know that i would love it a lot. just to make it clear, either way im addicted to your videos

[@thepedalzone]

I don't know, man. Maybe. I honestly have zero theoretical knowledge, so I can't really communicate what I do in a super clear and concise way. I just fiddle around until I hit something that sounds good to my ears 😂Thanks for watching my channel, bud. Means a lot to me ❤

[@andyjeffries4188]

That sounds awesome. Personally I have a load of delays including an AR but what works for me on my gigging pedalboard is an mxr carbon copy stacked with a boss dd7. Old school pedals taking minimal real estate but maxing that modulated analog into digital lushness

[@thepedalzone]

Happy you have a combo that works for you, and I'm happy you enjoyed the video 😊

[@vegabonzo73]

I really wish EarthQ hadn’t discontinued the Disaster Transport SR. I have the Avalanche R but what would be a great close substitution for the Transport SR?

[@softlightsymphonyband]

Plenty of used Disaster Transports out there.

[@xeractus]

Thanks for this comparison. Funnily enough, I'm a very retro kind of guitarist and I still prefer to have the Avalanche Run (I was already planning to get it). It's mainly because 1- I already have a spring reverb in my amp, that I don't especially like, 2- I don't feel that I need two delays, and 3- I'd never use the modulation controls.. Its' great to be informed though!

[@kevinguerrero4307]

I'm so glad you made a video on a difficult decision I have to make. I mean, I''ll eventually get both, but I already know whichever I buy first is going to be my baby

[@thepedalzone]

My pleasure 🙏 So which one are you getting first?

[@kevinguerrero4307]

ThePedalZone I’ll be going with the Avalanche Run. I couldn’t decide which reverb I loved more so I had to make a decision based on the Tap feature. And I didn’t even include the Afterneath in this equation

[@swiftymcgarnagle4567]

So awesome your dog was with you, great vid and you are cool dude

[@thepedalzone]

Cheers. Oberst is the best boi ❤🐶❤

[@jonaseggen2230]

Thank you. Was wondering about that difference. Ever since I saw Knobs video on the Avalanche I wanted that pedal, but your video makes me wonder if the Disaster might be more fun and last longer, as in more to explore kind of thing, and that I might get a bit bored by the overwhelmingnes of the Avalanche. On another hand....whatever

[@thepedalzone]

My pleasure! Happy you enjoyed the video :) They are two very different beasts. I love them both, but I must admit that personally, I just keep coming back to the Disaster Trasnport Sr again and again. It just has that old-school mojo that's hard to beat. Plus there's a ton of possibilities hidden in the Bleed and Modulation controls. You can get all kinds of crazy modulation tones with it. Even faux flanger tones. But the Avalanche Run and Disaster Transport pair really well. That's just a whole new level of ambience :)

[@AndyAcker]

Now I'm curious how all the great delays stack with the Disaster Transport. Uh oh...

[@Hesohi]

The names of these pedals may harken back to a former Bobsled Ride at Cedar Point in Ohio. It started life as Avalanche Run and was re-themed as Disaster Transport. I know which pedal came first and they are two useful sound design tools. Thanks for the video, knowing the history of the names, I would have thought that they were the same pedal only re-housed like the coaster. You have sold me as many pedals as has Knobs and TPS.

[@Martin-bz3gn]

Thanx. Very good video. Totally dig the disaster transport.

[@thepedalzone]

Cheers, man! DT is truly special

[@Martin-bz3gn]

@@thepedalzone Bought one ....😃👍

[@david57strat]

Another excellent video, my brother. Your review and demo of the Avalanche Run v2 was the one that prompted me to finally order it. I am absolutely loving it, and have a long way before I really tap into its many incredible features. And now that I am checking out this Disaster Transport Sr demonstration, I'm thinking I need this in my life. I'm out of pedal space on the board lmao. Ran out about seven pedals ago. What's going to come off of the board now? Love your videos. Keep them coming! Thanks!

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Very cool to hear that my demo inspired you to pick up the AR. Such a good pedal. You can't go wrong with EQD 😊

[@arthurbehrman5130]

I hope EQD does a V2 of the DT Sr with reverse function. That’s the sound I hear in my head. Old, dark, and a little broken. If it had reverse functionality I’d have gotten one a long time ago. I know the Avalanche Run is a great pedal but to me it just sounds too clean and perfect. Sort of like a Strymon product. Sounds great if that’s your bag. Can the AR be made to sound more analog by tweaking the knobs appropriately?

[@WhiteWolf--]

Well there is a tone knob to get a lo or hi pass filter with would help

[@melkon1an]

Great video BROCEPH

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks!

[@zut25]

Your videos always make me want to grab my guitar and play, even at 5am lol

[@binface9]

So the message of this video is that I need to have both :)

[@thepedalzone]

Always 😊

[@deanwolfechannel]

i had a Disaster Transport sr. pedal for a while but was disappointed it wasn't in stereo! nice regardless tho.

[@TheFlutecart]

I love stacking delays. At the moment it's an Adineko into the Volante on my board.

[@thepedalzone]

Stacking delays is hella fun. So many new sounds to unlock by experimenting with that

[@ChrisDN]

This is exactly why I stack my OBNE Black Fountain in to the Avalanche Run. Dark and murky with a touch of warble in to clean and clear... out of sync goodness!

[@mcg92001]

!!! I do the same with the Adineko into the Avalanche Run. Soooooo awesome

[@ChrisDN]

Yeaaa... the Adineko is glorious!

[@E30tonchy]

Magical! Amazing job Steffan. What is the guitar used in the video? Thanx. :)

[@thepedalzone]

Mitja Smodila - Really happy you liked the video :) The guitar is a Conquer59 by Baum Guitars. They are made right here in Aarhus, Denmark where I live.

[@E30tonchy]

Thanks for the info. :) The guitar looks amazing and let us not forget the dog. :)) Btw. TPZ is on my TOP3 list amongst channels I'm subscribed to. Thanx! :)

[@TheGmatikMusic]

Very inspiring content, man! Technical nuance: are you running stereo output from pedals into the stereo input of your amp, then single-mic the cab in mono? I'm trying to figure out how to go true stereo for a full sound picture. If you go guitar>amp head>Avalanche in effects loop>1x12 cabinet>mic to DAW, it will result in mono output from amp head. Maybe guitar>stereo amp(combo or cab)>dual mic to DAW should be better. Would be ideal to setup pedals after preamp, not before. What is your thought on true stereo set up? Thanks a bunch!

[@graysonwilson-cacciapalle7989]

I'm doing a two amp setup with bass guitar- Royal Blood style. I have a couple moments where I take inspiration from Devin Townsend- he creates a wall of sound under his guitar parts by having a chain of delay-rev-delay where a single note can echo for quite a while in a swirling soundscape. The DT could recreate that chain, but I'm a little worried it might get too dark to sound clear (I would only have it feeding into a guitar amp, not a bass amp, but still) Will any of the controls brighten the repeats, if only a little? Cuz I overall love the sound, but it might not work for what I need if it can only do a really dark wash

[@isawacat]

Thanks for this! You have the Avalanche Run before the Disaster Transport?

[@thepedalzone]

+Andrew Malenda - Yes, in this video I do. But stacking them the other way around works wonders as well. I actually run the Disaster Transport Sr before the Avalanche Run on my live board. I just quickly set them up on the demo board for the purpose of this video. Didn't put much consideration into the order. But that's often where the good stuff happens :)

[@BLITZFREEDOME]

Sounds really good!!!

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you very much :)

[@thguy22]

How was that peavey? I've been eyeing a classic 50 for a while but haven't fully committed yet

[@flynn_22]

I need both of these

[@ethermod307]

Exactly what I was looking for, thnx! I was wondering what is the amp on the other side behind you?

[@richardcanter324]

ahhhhhh now i need a disaster transport sr!

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

R.I.P..... ;)

[@thepedalzone]

Streets of Vancouver - Yes, it is indeed a Really Inspiring Pedal ;)

[@matthewcopeland6654]

I've owned both, and they both have enviable features. If I had to pick, personally I'd choose the Disaster Transport Sr

[@iangray7904]

great video. cheers

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you very much, man! ❤️🙏

[@DelScully]

you remind me of Anton Yelchin! I miss him! :(I

[@omelashomelas]

Hopefully the amp doesn't fall and crush him...

[@godzer9382]

i like your explication!

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks!

[@raavenstark5905]

You presented the difference between delays, but Avalanche Run have millions of secrets

[@thepedalzone]

Yes. That was the entire concept of the video. To show the core sonic difference in sound. Not all the hidden features. I’m well aware of the abundance of sounds hidden within the AR. It’s my favorite pedal. The DT Sr also has a ton of secrets, but it wasn’t the agenda of the video to show those secrets. It was merely to answer a question that popped up a couple of times in my Facebook group. Thanks for watching and commenting, and have a great day 👍

[@LauraSquirrel]

Honestly, I want both. I bought an Avalanche Run recently. But, I think that the combo of that and the Disaster Transport Sr would be super cool.

[@djcovid-1997]

The reverb of the av run is a plate... where the SR is tape... neither is hall lol... I should review music stuff. Cool demo though

[@thepedalzone]

Sounds like you should. You obviously know more than me.

[@WhiteWolf--]

Patrick Boyer What the hell is tape reverb? Maybe you should learn the basics of music gear before lol'ing people with established channels who actually provide insight and information. - Great video Stefan.

[@djcovid-1997]

Joseph White I might have mixed up my words... I’ll watch the video again when I have time.

[@mykhedelic6471]

Perhaps one day an Avalanche Transport or a Disaster Run?

[@thepedalzone]

We can always dream 😊

[@arnieg65]

Steffan, what pedal were you using at the very beginning of the video?

[@thepedalzone]

Arnold Garcia - Both together. They make quite the sonic dream team when stacked together :)

[@sarikkumar8419]

This is a fantastic video! I love your channel. Thank you for posting these great videos. Question for you - How are you powering the Avalanche Run on a pedal board? Due to its power requirement, it seems like you cant use a normal power supply...and need to use its specific wall wart. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

[@thepedalzone]

Sarik Kumar - Thank you very much for the kindness. Means a lot to me :) In this video I power the AR via the power supply that comes supplied with it. But you can easily power it if you have an isolated power brick that has a 500mA outlet. That's getting more and more common these days. I highly recommend Cioks power supplies. Quality through and through :)

[@saturdayshanks3753]

What ThePedalZone said! You can also look at the Strymon Ojai, all outputs are 500mA :)

[@lucasredekopp9262]

omg this guitar :o

[@thepedalzone]

+Lucas Redekopp - Yeah, it's stunning. Both visually and sonically. The brand is called Baum Guitars. They're made right here in Aarhus, Denmark, where I live :)

[@theriffwriter2194]

Oberst? Good name. Never heard it before.

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks! He’s a good boy ❤️🐶❤️

[@mouthfulacoque3580]

i think the reason why i'm not as interested in disaster transport is because i can do it all easily in my studio. I think i would like it more as a performer tbh

[@deanwolfechannel]

ambient dog

[@thepedalzone]

Oberst is a sweetheart. I love him to death. And yes, he loves ambient music ❤

[@hlau5692]

Hi, may I know which power supply are you using for powering the Disaster Transport Sr?

[@thepedalzone]

In that video I used a CIOKS DC10

[@thebreakfastmenu]

Dog is an important part of your tone. Lot of people don't get that.

[@thepedalzone]

Oberst is an important part of everything I do ❤

[@arjuna207]

could you compare or do a separate clip for the triple delay from tc electronic?

[@leonardograndoni4081]

They are incredible inspiring pedals, i think the disaster is more lofi and dark ( and noisy) than the ava, instead Avalanche is one of the best post rock pedals. But hairy dogs kill them all. Great comparison, not trivial. Thanks!

[@adriancarroll6995]

What type of guitar is that? Looks pretty neat.

[@thepedalzone]

It's a Baum Conquer 59 🎸

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

Why have you never done a demo of the DOD Rubberneck??

[@crackedblackpepperandrocksalt]

What is your view on the sonicake levitate. Is it worth £46

[@thepedalzone]

Don't know. Never tried one

[@FabianSalomonsson]

If you want a cool delay with two playheads, an older sound and some really nice modulation but don't want to spend the money on a disaster transport sr, check out the Adineko by Catalinbead it's realllllllly nice and modulates an old oil-can delay

[@thepedalzone]

I'm well aware of the Adineko. I've actually demonstrated it here on the channel. Lovely pedal 👍

[@eternity9099]

Did you name your Dog after Conor Oberst?

[@thepedalzone]

+Ryan Straub - That's exactly what I did! Your guessing abilities are off the charts, man! 😊🤘

[@eternity9099]

That's awesome man! I'm a big fan of your channel and also a huge Bright Eyes fan. Thanks for all the great videos. Your guitar playing is very inspiring.

[@thepedalzone]

+Ryan Straub - Thank you! That's unbelievably kind of you to say :) Thanks for watching and commenting. Really means a lot to me!

[@tungtobak]

I thought that was a weird rabbit.

[@thepedalzone]

The normal rabbits around your parts must look pretty weird then. Always felt he looked more like an Ewok.

[@jonathangoodman2636]

Which one has more reverb options if I want to use this as reverb only?

[@thepedalzone]

None of them have multiple reverb modes, if that's what you're asking for. They are simply delay/reverb combo pedals. Avalanche Run has a more flexible reverb section though since it both gives you control over Mix and Decay. But the reverbs in these two sound widely different. The reverb in the Disaster Transport is more spring-like, whereas the reverb in the Avalanche Run is more Hall-like.

[@thehissfitsclub8548]

If you had to choose one or the other to play for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

[@thepedalzone]

I’d honestly be happy with either. That being said, I’ve used the Avalanche Run in like 90% of my videos, so that should give you some sort of indication 😉

[@thehissfitsclub8548]

ThePedalZone thanks for the response! You are so informative and knowledgeable when it comes to gear. Can you review OBNE dark star? Or do you have opinions on it? I have read some good/bad reviews and the bad reviews involve Vox amps with the pedal, which is what I use.. that being said, if the dark star is not a good fit for my gear, what would be a great alternative for it?

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

What would be a good delay to get a LFO controlled pitch shifted delay?

[@thepedalzone]

Guess you would have to look into something like the Chase Bliss Thermae if you want precise pitch-jumps. But you can get pitch-jumps with most delays that sport a square wave modulation, but it’s tough to nail precise pitch sequences with them.

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

@@thepedalzone I'll look into it. I think the DD500 does that and the deluxe memory boy too. although not as good as the chase bliss

[@devintreynolds]

How does the Avalanche Run compare to the Hungry Robot The Wash pedal?

[@thepedalzone]

+Devin Reynolds - Don't know. Haven't played The Wash. Sorry I can't help.

[@devintreynolds]

No worries and thanks for the quick reply.

[@JeroAstra]

Why are these named after Cedar Point rides?

[@thepedalzone]

Because EarthQuaker Devices are from Ohio 😊

[@coyoteserranoband]

When I use the Avalanche run, it seems like it never shuts off. Even with the green button off, I still hear some feedback noise. Is it supposed to do that?

[@thepedalzone]

Sounds like you've engaged one of the trail modes. The LED will be green when you've engaged one of those. If it continues to spillover for a long time, then you've either engaged the longest trail mode or the SOS mode. You can check out the manual to see how you switch between the different modes.

[@coyoteserranoband]

@@thepedalzone holy smokes thank you for sharing this!

[@thepedalzone]

My pleasure 😊

[@nigelrogers8690]

Oberst 🥰

[@thepedalzone]

The best boi 🐶❤

[@paolotonus]

eargasm

[@thepedalzone]

Paolo Tonus - Happy you enjoyed the tones, man :)

[@aaronready1]

Guitar??

[@thepedalzone]

Baum Guitars Conquer 59 - www.baumguitars.com/conquer-59/

[@DragonSeven777]

lol doggo approves

[@thepedalzone]

He sure does. Because he's a good boy ☺