| Build Quality: |  |
| Hardware: |  |
| Electronics: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
Pros:
- An abundance of features
- Editing functions
- Universal bypass
- Expression controls
Cons:
- Central engine control is made of plastic
I do not know about you, but for me, a delay is one of the most distinctive effects. It has a certain character that has always subjugated my heart and soul. As soon as I hear those sounds, my body fills up with excitement and pleasure. And simultaneously I get transferred to the nirvana of wonderful tones. Therefore, I cannot imagine my life without a delay pedal. I have spent years searching for the perfect stompbox that would be able to accomplish all my desires and goals.
Somewhere along the way, I came across Source Audio Nemesis Delay – one of the most versatile models out there. It offers so much that I will probably need another lifetime to discuss everything in depth. But I will do my best to fit everything in this article and give you comprehensive information about this beast. Let’s begin our journey and drown in the enchanted universe of delays.
Features
It takes just a glance to get the idea of how much Nemesis Delay has up its sleeve. It takes versatility and diversity to a whole new level and provides you with countless options to work with. This bad boy is compatible with free Neuro Editing System (available as a mobile app and computer software). It allows you to double the capacities of the pedal, access even more effects and edit your sound as meticulously as possible. Housed in a sturdy chassis, Nemesis Delay has 12 engines that can basically create any type of delay you can think of.
This number can be doubled with the help of the above-mentioned Neuro app. Additionally, it can store up to 8 presets, so that you can save all your masterpieces inside the pedal itself. The online software opens up 120 more spots, which is way more than you would ever need. Everything can be controlled with six onboard knobs, but those, who approach tone-shaping more rigorously, have the ability to access further control via Neuro Editing System. Nemesis Delay also offers Hold mode and Tap Tempo, which are great addition to this refined tool.
Quite a mouthful, ha? But that is not all. This pedal also comes with full MIDI functionality, universal bypass (true, buffered or soft) and external loop mode. To supply it with power, you just have to plug in the DC adaptor. I do also have to mention all the sockets and jacks we have here. There are two main inputs – Input 1 is for your instruments, while Input 2 can be utilized as an external feedback loop input, data connection for the Neuro app or stereo source; MIDI input for different MIDI devices; two outputs with a similar operation to the inputs; MIDI Thru; DC jack, USB input, Control Input for external control devices, as well as Expression/Switch input.
Controls
One word that would describe the control section the best is probably perfection. The engineers behind the knobs probably were extremely detail-oriented, since the control you get here is truly out of this world. Each and every encoder works exactly as it is supposed to and tweaks even the smallest particles of your sound. Keep in mind that some of them change their functionalities depending on the selected delay engine.
- Time – sets the delay time for Tap 1. In order to utilize it with the Tap 2, you have to press the Control button and rotate the knob at the same time.
- Engine Selector – allows you to choose between different delay engines and, thus, modifies the functionalities of Mod, Rate and Intensity encoders.
- Mix – blends together original and affected signals and creates a perfect balance between them. If you utilize it in conjunction with Control button, you will be able to set the master volume for the pedal.
- Feedback – sets the amount of repetitions fed back to your sound (the maximum number varies depending on the delay engine).
- Mod – modifies the depth of the modulation LFO (low frequency oscillator). It can change the modulation of pitch, tape, or filter and even tremolo depth.
- Rate – controls the speed of modulation.
- Intensity – alters the character of your sound and bears different functionalities.
- Subdivision Toggle – allows you to choose between quarter notes, dotted eighth notes and triplets.
- Hold – triggers the hold mode, which freezes the current parameters of your sound and plays your delay as a continuous loop.
- Preset Select Button – recalls the saved presets.
- On/Off and Tap Footswitches – the former is self-explanatory, while the latter works along with Subdivision switch and sets the tempo of your effects.
As you can see, the control section of Nemesis Delay (and plus the app and software) is quite user-friendly, but still requires thorough scrutiny before starting the tweaking process. Luckily, the Source Audio manual is extremely comprehensive and will guide you through the whole process.
Source Audio SA260 Sound
The sound is where Nemesis Delay exposes its true capabilities and opens up limitless possibilities for everyone who loves experimenting. The pedal itself would be perfectly enough to acquire the title of versatility, however, Neuro Editing System adds even more options (which leaves you jaw-dropped and mind-blown in the end). On-board delay engines include Slapback, Digital, Diffuse, Analog, Tape, Noise Tape, Degrade, Shifter, Helix, Reverse, Sweeper, and Rhythmic.
Each of them has its own characteristics and the delays we have here range from short repetitions to polyphonic pitch shifting to unique synths (and everything (i.e. A LOT OF things) in between). The controls change the color and essence of your tone quite nicely and accommodate the needs of each engine perfectly. The hold functionality allows you to get crazy with repetitions and layer on various notes and chords concurrently. The sonic possibilities of Nemesis Delay exceed delay and enter the territory of other effects as well. And when you add the software on top, you are left with an extremely scrupulous device that can truly do it all.
Conclusion
I don’t even know what else to say because Source Audio Nemesis Delay is one of those pedals that say everything themselves. This magical beast does not need any appraisal, since it shows off its best qualities as soon as you plug it in. If you have not tried it out yet, trust me, my friend, you are missing out. But on the other hand, you have a wonderful experience ahead of you. Good luck!
Click here to view more from 10 Best Delay Pedals.
