Delay 1

SPLIT-PHASE BUCKET BRIGADE DELAY LINE

12 HP | +12: 125 mA, −12: 95 mA | JORD1
User Manual (PDF) | ModularGrid

While digital audio processors are often plagued by latency issues, analogue circuits are known for their instant response. But what if you want to delay a signal on purpose, without the use of tape or digital memory? Enter the bucket brigade delay (BBD) line: a series of capacitor ‘buckets’, which pass the incoming signal along at a high rate in order to delay it.

Delay 1 is a fully analogue BBD-based delay module with a multitude of features geared towards modern musical use. An integrated temperature-compensated, high-frequency voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) provides the ‘clock’ signal necessary to drive the delay line within 1 to 50 ms.

By increasing the drive frequency to over 20 kHz, the typical ‘BBD clock whine’ problem is solved, while still providing a wide range in delay time. Classic chorus, flanger and echo effects are easily achieved using the dry/wet blend, feedback and damping parameters.

To greatly reduce distortion and noise, Delay 1 includes a newly developed control circuit. The improved fidelity is maintained at a multitude of signal levels by an integrated high-performance compander, while preserving signal dynamics.

The module’s ‘split phase’ topology provides two different dry/wet mixes, which may be used to convert mono signals to stereo, for complementary comb filtering and more.

Delay 1 also allows you to experiment with Karplus-Strong synthesis, an exciting technique to create string and percussion type sounds. This is made easy by an integrated noise transient generator, driven by the ‘pluck’ input, and by the clock VCO’s 1 volt per octave response.

By re-engineering the classic analogue delay line, Delay 1 brings the unique magic of BBDs into the contemporary electronic musician’s arsenal.

• Analogue bucket brigade delay line.
• Integrated temperature-stable high-frequency BBD clock VCO with fine and coarse tuning. 
• Split-phase topology with additive and subtractive dry/wet blend outputs.
• Blend, feedback and damping (feedback filter) parameters. Positive or negative feedback with low or high pass filtering.
  
• High-performance BBD drive circuitry and transparent compander chain ensure optimal signal fidelity.
  
• Dedicated pluck trigger input for Karplus-Strong synthesis.
• High-frequency BBD clock input and output to synchronise multiple delay lines.
• Impedance-compensated outputs with dual-colour LEDs.
• Trim potentiometer accessible from the front panel.
• Premium mounting hardware: black screws, black nylon washers and matching hex key.
• High-quality components and assembly; designed and made in Belgium.