So Universal Audio has launched another batch of 3 new DSP pedals - 2 EchoVerbs essentially - the DelVerb and Galaxy - where the first is a multi-mode edition, and the latter is a multi-head Space Echo take. The 3rd here is a Dual Compressor with Preamp utility pedal - which will try to compete with BecosFX’s CompIQ Twain - which is somewhat more granular and fully analog.
When I look at the DelVerb - I can’t help thinking about Source Audio’s Collider which has many more algorithms or 5 + 7 versus the DelVerb’s 3 + 3. The Galaxy is the old school Space Echo - with the classic 3-Head configuration, while the recent Boss RE-202 Space Echo handily added in a 4th head!
I think each of these are pretty decent - and most obviously compete with those other mid-size boxes - from Strymon, Red Panda and Source Audio in particular. I still don’t like the lack of onboard presets - while you can’t really fault the Universal Audio algorithms - they spend so much time and effort into honing those - and they are among the best out there - obviously a worthy competitor to Strymon.
I’ve not hit the trigger on any of these yet - while I have considered a few of these for the reference collection but not decided on any quite yet - probably the Ruby is the likeliest candidate - as I’m always on the hunt for a decent AC30 voiced pedal. My next Tweed pedal - will probably be the Tubesteader Egg Nog, and my next Fender style pedal most likely the Victory V1 Duchess.
Of these 3 new ones - I really don’t need a dual compressor - and anyway would probably take the BecosFX Twain in preference. I already have both the new Boss Space Echo pedals, and I already have better options than the DelVerb. In fact I’ve been wanting to get the Keeley / Timmons Halo in - which is another great echo verb. So nothing much really for me in this selection.
Here are the key details for each pedal followed by the group Demos :
Controls - Delay Time, Feedback, Mix, Delay Type : Tape EP-III / Analog DMM / Precisions, Reverb Type : Spring 65 / Plate 140 / Hall 224, Color, Modulation, Reverb, Delay Footswitch, Reverb / Tap Footswitch.
FEATURES
Controls - Echo Rate, Feedback, Echo Volume, Head Select : 1 | 2 | 3, Manual / Alt Switch, Input Volume [Taoe Age], Dwell [Bass], Reverb Volume [Treble], On Footswitch, Tap / Hold Footswitch.
FEATURES
Controls : Preamp, Compression, Output, Compressor 1 Type : Dyna / Opto LA-2A / FET 1178, Compressor Select : 1 / 2, Compressor 2 Type : Dyna / Opto LA-2A / FET 1178, Attack, Ratio : 4 / 8 / 12 / 20 / All, Release, Compressor 1 Footswitch, Compressor 2 Footswitch.
FEATURES