Strymon Deco Tape Saturation and Doubletracker Delay Pedal V2
There’s something undeniably special regarding the characteristic odd-order harmonic saturation and unpredictable artifacts that occur when using genuine magnetic tape. That said, channeling this vintage effect in a live setting and with any consistency was a near impossibility. With this in mind, Strymon set out to capture the beloved sound of 2-inch magnetic tape and store it inside an optimized, pedalboard-friendly product. The Strymon Deco Tape Saturation and Doubletracker Delay Pedal V2 accomplishes this in strides, now available in a V2 version with additional controls and tonal flexibility for the most comprehensive and accurate tape emulator available today. The Deco splits its tape saturation and doubletracker functions into a pair of easy-to-follow sections with clearly labeled controls. On the Tape Saturation side, you get the Saturation and Volume knobs found in the previous version with an added Tone control for fine-tuning your sound. Strymon also included a 2-position Voice control with a new Cassette setting for some extra compression, unlocking an entirely new realm of sonic options for Deco users. Returning in the Doubletracker section are Lag Time, Blend, and Wobble controls, with a 3-position Type switch toggling between Sum, Invert, and Bounce settings. The massive range of exciting and inspiring tape tones of the original expands into the stratosphere with the Deco V2 pedal!
Two fully detailed tape deck emulations in one
It’s impressive enough that Strymon managed to pack one high-definition tape machine emulation in the Deco pedal, let alone two of them. You don’t have to dive deep to appreciate the quality of the Deco’s processing; however, just roll up the saturation control and bask in the warm glow of the harmonic overtones. Up to about 10 o’clock, the Saturation effect is subtle, introducing the non-linear odd-order harmonics that make old-school engineers nostalgic for the days of 2-inch tape. Set the Saturation knob above 10 o’clock, and you achieve the effect of pushing the tape machine into the red. At 1 o’clock, the effect crosses over into lush and vibrant tape overdrive tailor-made for the pedalboard, and when you blend in the Doubletracker sound in one of three unique modes, the range of thickening effects is astounding.
Exciting new tone-shaping features abound
If the Deco V1’s delectable tape tone wasn’t enough, Strymon updated this already-fantastic design with several player-focused features and optimizations, providing enhanced flexibility while simplifying operation on stage and in the studio. To start, a 2-position voice switch toggles between Classic and Cassette voicings, supplying the sound of the V1 along with a compressed and beefy cassette tape voicing complete with an auto level control. A Tone control makes it even easier to find that perfect tape saturation sound, taking you from dark and murky to shimmery and bright at the turn of a knob. Players were happy to discover MIDI compatibility onboard the Deco V2, allowing you to control practically every setting via the EXP/MIDI jack as well as USB.
Under-the-hood improvements provide unparalleled performance
While the cosmetic and sonic improvements are easily seen, further inspection of the Deco V2 reveals several changes to its core for an even more premium playing experience. To start, Strymon loaded the Deco with a top-quality JFET input circuit. The result? Enhanced responsiveness, dynamics, and feel tailor-made for gigging performers and touring pros. Swapping between mono and stereo modes is as easy as flicking a rear-panel switch, with the option to now control the Deco via an expression pedal or MultiSwitch Plus. Perhaps best of all, a new ARM DSP chip significantly increases processing power while decreasing energy consumption for a clearer and more accurate tone.
Strymon Deco Tape Saturation and Doubletracker Delay Pedal V2 Features:
- An effects pedal that emulates classic reel-to-reel tape saturation and effects
- Variable tape saturation lets you dial in rich odd-order harmonics
- 2-position switch swaps between Classic Deco voicing and compressed Cassette voicing
- Tone control adjusts the effect’s darkness or brightness
- Doubletracker section provides thickening and classic tape effects
- Adjust the Lag Time control for flanging, chorusing, and echo effects
- Wobble control lets you add natural variance to the second tape deck speed
- Auto-Flange, wide-stereo, filtering, and more available by depressing both switches
- Take control of any parameter via standard expression pedal
- Connect a footswitch to instantly recall your favorite preset
- JFET input circuit enhances responsiveness, dynamics, and feel
- Swap from mono to stereo and back via the rear-panel switch
- ARM DSP chip significantly increases processing power
- Durable aluminum chassis
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