Keeley Electronics puts its streamlined, vintage aesthetic Halo Core Delay on general release

This is an interesting one, as the Halo Core was originally released as a Limited 300 Unit Run. That version had one less mode on it, as the general release candidate now adds the Dotted Eighth format. There have been some slightly circuit tweaks, but to most intents and purposes this is the limited run version with an extra mode! And the very slightly different logo in a slightly different position (offset versus centred)! You can play spot the differences against the original limited run model.

The overall format - with its RCA Bakelite Knobs and vintage jewel lens pilot light LED is the same as we originally saw on the Beach Boys collaborations and more recently on the Super Hi-Fidelity Zoma TremoVerb. Each time the topology is the same - with dual footswitches, one large RCA Bakelite knob, and two smaller RCA Bakelite knobs, and hen a single option toggle switch - formerly 2-way, but now 3-way.

Controls - Time (1ms - 1500ms)[High Pass Filter], Level [Saturate - Preamp], Feedback [Tone], Mode : Halo / Quarter / Dotted Eighth, On/Off Footswitch, Tap Tempo / Freeze Hold Footswitch [also Press-Hold and then turn the 3 knobs for Secondary Params].

You get the full force of the main Andy Timmons Dual Modulated Echo Halo effect, along with 2 further time signatures. This model retains all the core flavour, but strips the format down to bear bones.

I am the very happy and proud owner of the limited run Light Bending Halo edition - and I generally prefer the full featured and granular nature of that device, along with its compact dimensions.

While I totally understand players that favour the more vintage style aesthetic that you get with this mid-size enclosure - and those gorgeous knobs and jewel lens LED. I guess people with bigger hands and feet - the Paul Gilberts of the world - will more likely gravitate towards this Halo Core format - which obviously also has a little more distance between the two footswitches.

The original Halo Core had a bargain price of just $199 - or $100 less than the stock Halo edition. The new general release candidate is still $50 less than the stock Halo - at $249 on the Keeley Electronics Webstore! You now have a permanent choice over what style of enclosure carries your Andy Timmons Halo Dual Modulated Echo sound!