Donner introduces Versa Yellow Fall 2 DSP Delay + Reverb as the heir to the secret weapon Yellow Fall 'Analog' Mini Delay Pedal
The original Yellow Fall Mini Delay was a secret weapon for many - as the best sounding most affordable ’analog’ delay pedal. Jack White loved it so much - that it’s included on his Donner Triple Threat Multi-FX Collaboration. Even though by the most common classifications - this is not really an ’Analog’ pedal at all - but actually a PT2399 variant!
I was very excited when I first spotted the more expansive Yellow Fall 2 - which has some significant pros, and a slight con in that it’s all DSP - so the famous PT2399 ’Analog’ Delay is simulated / emulated - rather than properly driven by the same chip as the original!
It looks like the original Yellow Fall Mini is now discontinued - where the Versa Yellow Fall 2 is now its full heir - but really only in part!
The new Versa Yellow Fall 2 - obviously borrows some aesthetic pointers from Universal Audio / UAFX - courtesy of that recessed / indented front facia panel. A good looking pedal for sure - with a more tasteful Donner logo applied also - I never liked the gimmick of the musical notation original logo - which always seemed too contrived and disjointed for me - there’s another cool version of the Donner logo featuring a sort of triangular waveform - which appears on a number of its current products - but weirdly not on its new pedal!
There used to be a number of Donner pedals - particularly Mini ones - while the Donner Pedal Range is now just a handful of varieties!
I can’t but think I would have been a little more excited and intrigued by this pedal - if they had held onto the original PT2399 ’Analog’ chip in some way - for that well-loved flavour. It’s still a very decent pedal - and has been on sale recently for as little as $100 - which makes it very good value for this kind of Dual / EchoVerb style of effects - which also comes with 2 onboard presets and Tap Tempo.
The Versa Yellow Fall 2 has been elegantly realised, while I’m not sure it’s a good idea to discontinue the ’analog’ mini original - hopefully that one can come back soon!
Usual individual pedal details below :
Yellow Fall Mini Analog Delay - $40
Controls - Echo, Feedback, Time.
The original secret weapon budget 'analog' (PT2399!) delay - sounds great, and is definitely a best buy at this price point. Lots of players have sneaked one of these onto their boards in the past, including Jack White!
Versa Yellow Fall 2 - 3 x Delays + 3 x Reverbs - $140
Controls - DELAY } Level, Tone, Time, Repeats, Delay Mode : Echo / Digital / Vintage; REVERB } Level, Decay, Reverb Mode : Hall / Room / Plate; SWITCHES } N-1-2 : Normal (Panel) / Preset 1 / Preset 2, S|T : Save / Tap Tempo.
The newer more expansive Yellow Fall - an all DSP release now with 3 x Delay and 3 x Reverb voicings for ultimate versatility. Also comes with Tap Tempo, 2 onboard Presets, and full stereo ins and outs. Ot will be interesting to see how well this one fares in the shadow of its little brother - definitely a great all-round spatial effect - and if you can get hold of one at the discounted price of just $100 - it's an absolute bargain!
