technology to bring the sound in their head
to life. Today’s feature will focus on some of
the coolest and wackiest sonic innovations
that utilize yesteryear’s tech to make modern
tones. Now, I realize that these criteria
could include just about any tube amp, but
reading on will reveal more specifically what
I am referring to. The following units are
unbelievable examples of old technology
mashing with powerhouse pedals.
CLOUD HILL EFFECTS ECHO
Delay is one of those primordial, naturally
occurring effects that we have attempted
to harness and control for musical purposes
in many different decades, using many
different technologies. Multiple spaced-out
microphone placements add depth, space
and realism to a recording. Then came tape
and magnetic drum delays with the musically
pleasing compression and frequency rolloff artifacts, although some viewed these
attributes as imperfect when they were at
the height of technology. Then came the
more reliable—but no less artifact-ridden—
BBD analog delays that exuded a dark and
squelchy resonant sound that we all know
and love today. Again, without the benefit
of hindsight, many considered these sonic
characteristics to be unwanted bi-products
of bucket-brigade devices. Then came the
sharp and percussive cutting early digital
delays that defined the gaudy later half
of the ‘80s. Ironically, as digital sampling
became more and more close to mirroring
the signal source, we started appreciating
the vibe of yesteryears tech, which brings
me to this incredible back-and-forward
thinking box from Germany.
The Cloud Hill Effects Echo inspired the
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