Spaceman Effects' new Meridian Time Modulator is a Super Short and Versatile Analog BBD Delay-Line Modulator

It’s funny that I feel I’ve already reviewed this pedal - courtesy of the recent Fjord Fuzz Loke - as both those pedals overlap considerably on function. The main difference here is that this MN3007 1024-stage BBD Device is fully analog, while the Loke is powered by a Spin FV-1 Chip.

There are for sure differences in control parameters, and in particular - the Meridian has a 3-way Waveform selector with Sine, Triangle and Flux options - the last mentioned being a somewhat unique semi-randomised derivation of a Triangle Wave.

Controls - Level, Waveforms : Sine / Triangle / Flux, Time (0.8ms - 50ms), Mix, Rate, Regen, Width.

Much like the Loke - the Meridian excels in short form delay line modulations - and has an even shorter max delay time of 50ms (versus Loke’s 100ms & 400ms). You can dial in all manner of Modulations and short / snapback / double tracker delays. The area of coverage includes a variety of modulation types - a lush Chorus, true pitch-shifting Vibrato, throbbing Leslie, psychedelic Phase, and slow Flanger to name but a few.

"When WIDTH is turned to minimum, the LFO is bypassed, and the user may directly sweep the delay line with the RATE and TIME controls for static comb filtering at short delay times or a double-tracking, almost pseudo slapback effect at moderate to high delay times. Expression and CV control is possible using the EXP jack. An internal slide switch selects either the RATE or WIDTH parameters to control. This can be especially fun when in COMB mode."

Anyone who has used the Loke will roughly know what this Meridian is about, while the Loke has far more extensive delay options - with a max delay time of 400ms versus the Meridian’s 50ms.

Both devices allow you to connect to remote expression pedals for further on-the fly manipulation of output.

There’s much to like about the Analog component Meridian - but you do pay a premium for that privilege - $329, vs $199 for the significantly more pedalboard-friendly Loke. Both devices are really compelling for me - while the larger Meridian’s price tag makes it a less immediate buying decision. I of course already have the Loke so the Meridian is more of a nice-to-have for me currently - I still really want one though - props to Spaceman for keeping to the vertical orientation of format - which still keeps things fairly pedalboard-friendly.

The Meridian Time Modulator is a really cool pedal for sure - and as mentioned - much the same kind of super-versatile modulator as the Fjord Fuzz Loke - but in Analog. Each has its own advantages really and if you can get over the price differential - then the Meridian is a pretty decent buy too - just a super versatile and great-sounding modulator - while you have to be prepared to put some effort into continuously dialling it in new sounds and textures.

Who knows - if I get lucky - then for sure one I will get one for the reference collection - for now I need to conserve my funds.