Analog Delay Showdown - EHX DMM vs. MXR Carbon Copy

[liamjaeger]

Everyone puts the DMM on a pedestal, and rightfully so, but I largely prefer the warmer/darker repeats of the Carbon Copy.

[chasingtone]

MXR Warmer and more Organic.

[swamplifecontrol]

Shreddy Mayo ?

[crxshdxmmy]

@swamplifecontrol Skreddy. Muff-based fuzz variant. Google it. :) 

[mondobizzarro79]

forever memory man.....;)

[AbetheGuitarist]

I think the memory man sounds better but not $200 better.

[StringTheory808]

all depends on the guitar, amp, and pups. Either would be good. Its Whatever u want

[blueleadguitar]

I had a DMM and it was the best analogue delay and chorus I've ever played through. Nothing beats it in my own opinion, so why oh why did I sell it? sob sob sob lol

[MegaFenderstrat]

Two distinct sounds, the CC wins over the DMM just because it fits on a board.

[bmwm3cs]

The DMM is clearly the winner. But the carbon copy is cool for the price and size.

[tsrzad]

You could put three CCs inside that sheet metal box for 1800 ms of delay time...:)

[V100BB]

@tsrzad That's not how it works...

[xKornare]

EHX or MXR ??

[MrJuno6]

The Carbon Copy sounds a bit warmer to me? Cool video, cheers.

[liakalos23]

@MrJuno6 .....i agree whit this guy ....Already buy my carbon copy

[locoboxspaceship]

Used to like the CC, had both the CC and DMM (Big box), but often discovered how the CC at times just grabs the tone and takes off. It often produces"muffled" repeats, especially with long delay time settings. Seems like the 9v just isn't enough to deliver higher frequencies. The EHX Memory Boy has the same problem, really weak overall and particularly in higher frequencies.

[triviani1234]

Would a carbon copy + a bit of reverb would get closer to a DMM? Seems that the DMM adds a lot of "space" on the sound!

[crxshdxmmy]

@triviani1234 Yeah, maybe. The DMM uses those old chips and has dirtier repeats to create (what I think is) a pretty iconic sound.

[triviani1234]

@crxshdxmmy

Yap, quite an amazing unit..

[epitaph664]

you have to take into account, that the memory man does chorus and vibrato, so its a much better deal. for what it is, the carbon copy is great, but nothing can touch a vintage dmm, with the american made chip

[jaguarzrul]

if you are considering either go to the store and play them side by side, they sound very different. the cc is darker but you can definitely preserve the natural sound of the guitar in comparison to the memory man. the memory man is also harder to dial in, i could not get the sound i was looking for. the cc sounds good as soon as you plug in, also the mod button sounds great. the line 6 dl4 sounds about 10-15% worse than what the cc can do if you like warm analog sound.

[odgeUK]

1:10 Sounds great. Don't think the CC can match that.

[wesardis]

Thanks for the video. This might've sold me a carbon copy.

The DMM sounds clearer, but since the CC has longer delay, a darker tone (my preference) and a way smaller box, I'm going w/ the CC.

[pickslap]

That was a great demo - especially the delay time comparisons. Been trying to decide between the memory boy and the CC but that seals it for me. CC is the pedal for me!

[pickslap]

That was a great demo - especially the delay time comparisons. Been trying to decide between the memory boy and the CC but that seals it for me. CC is the pedal for me!

[jmjm8080]

I think both are great and you can use each to find different sounds... I like warm delay of mxr and its modulation; memory man is more classic bright delay (love it too) and vibr knob also do the job.

I own mxr cc, but also want to buy an deluxe mm... and just keep both

[theShowStopper321]

What about the Memory toy vs the CC? The Memory Toy is the smaller version, less featured Memory Man made to compete with the CC, and its 50 bucks cheaper.

[Colliernator1000]

I have the deluxe memory man and the carbon copy and I've got to say, if you're a tube/analog guy, the DMM is probably the best, it has the most tone control, but the mxr is a little cheaper and sounds great. But if you're a solid-state/digital guy, then why are you watching this in the first place? No offense.

[timgaskell]

Both are great, but one big thing remains, can you plaug in aux tap tempos for them both?

Very important when playing live..

[crxshdxmmy]

@timgaskell I'm a tap tempo addict too.... but it's not a must for everyone. I mean, the first delay effects were created in the 50's, and tap tempo didn't really come along until what... 30 years later (at least)? That's a long list of great players who didn't have it.

[Jeedan]

@timgaskell neither can do tap tempo. Its quite tricky to make a true analog delay that does as you have to integrate some digital componants to make a tap tempo switch. Not impossible but its out of the price range of the CC at least.

[james07jamesjames]

MXR = More saturation = LOVE. :)

[709AJ]

MXR all the way

[asianaxeman]

ehx so much warmer and more atmospheric. hands down DMM.

[DeadWhiteButterflies]

Really, they both sound awesome, in their own unique way. Everyone wins!

[BluPup8]

People just vote the old shit because they are too afraid to have an opinion and they are tone deaf. There is no compelling argument for the DMM. The Carbon Copy is the clear choice.

[crxshdxmmy]

@BluPup8 I'm all for nostalgia.... but the DMM has been THE analog delay for quite a long time, IMO, so I disagree with your thoughts. Its list of users both pretty remarkable and rather respectable at the same time. Now, there are some nice modern options out there, but the DMM can still hang with them pretty convincingly I think. Different strokes.

[birdiejoehoaks]

@crxshdxmmy I agree, im pretty fond of the warble effect on the DMM, while the CC doesnt do much for me. That being said, i dont own and probably will never purchase a DMM just because it has so many downsides(namely size) and the CC is somewhat of an industry standard, even though i dont much for it.

I feel as though the Aqua Puss is the best delay available now, because its cheap(ish), sturdy, and sounds incredibly warm with a great warble

[crxshdxmmy]

@birdiejoehoaks My problem with analog delays is their general lack of respectable delay time. I love how the DMM sounds... but the two I've had average out to about 450ms of delay time. And the Aqua Puss?? 350ms?? Sheesh. Pass. I don't care how good they sound... my basic delay time starts @ 500ms, so they're all mostly unusable. The Malekko 616 is the best I've tried so far, and that's not perfect either.

[birdiejoehoaks]

@crxshdxmmy well, thats a personal preference thing because really, for what i use it for, i dont need a long delay. The Malekko is really good too.

[crxshdxmmy]

@birdiejoehoaks Absolutely. :) 

[birdiejoehoaks]

@crxshdxmmy im such a hypocrite, i use a delta lab and a dd3(which i hate)

[MMBoogieman1]

@birdiejoehoaks There's one feature that most reviewers overlook...the adjustable modulation. Both the speed and width of the modulation are controlled via trim pots inside the chassis of the Carbon Copy and have broad range. It works very well and allows you to customize the warble to your taste.

[crxshdxmmy]

@MMBoogieman1 Most reviewers overlook that feature because of the design failure in the product itself. Yes, those trimmers are handy. No, they are not positioned in a way that makes them easily adjustable.

I tried overcoming that obstacle by modding my 2nd CC for external modulation control... but the guy I had try it for me wasn't successful.

All that said — if you want external modulation control on an analog delay, get a Malekko 616.

[birdiejoehoaks]

@crxshdxmmy wampler faux echo

[birdiejoehoaks]

@MMBoogieman1 oh, i didnt realize the carbon copy had those. im going to have to re investigate that pedal then...

im dumb.

[tornikjd]

@BluPup8 "no compelling argument for the DMM."????? if your only experience with a DMM is this video, I agree with you. I am not "tone deaf" or "too afraid" - the DMM is the one to have - if i had to choose - the carbon copy isnt bad.

[crazyfreak1919]

how is the CC when hitting it with a hot input signal?

[crxshdxmmy]

@crazyfreak1919 Watch at about the 4:00 mark.

[gmlasam]

I think a better comparison would be with the memory boy or memory toy with the carbon copy.

[crxshdxmmy]

The MT/MB/DMB didn't exist when I did this clip.

[crxshdxmmy]

You're right though, that would be an interesting comparison.

[ThePugachev]

too much talk not enough playing

[sichadeb]

good demo.

[kidA61]

I just tried these two delay pedals next to each other and it was easy to decide what was better for me. The MXR does NOT change the personality of your guitar sound. That's very important for me. To know that when i press the pedal, my sound is not gone... so, i bought the MXR without any re-thinking.

[TacooGrill]

the DMM repeats aren't as dark. I actually like the carbon copy better

[crxshdxmmy]

The DMM is a notoriously bright sounding delay.

[joshie4330]

Does the DMM sound a TAD better? Yeah. Would I rather have TWO CC's for the price of ONE DMM? Definitely.

[crxshdxmmy]

This debate is really a struggle, I think. I no longer own either of these pedals, so I don't have an allegiance to either one, but in comparing them side by side it comes down to more than price vs. tone IMHO.

The DMM has just STELLAR modulation -- much better than the CC -- but the CC's actual delay time kills the DMM.

And the CC is smaller and saves board real estate, but is a HUGE pain to open up and tweak if you want any modulation control.

Then there's the tone vs. price debate. ;)

[mlweidl]

@joshie4330 i got a DMM for 200 and i think im gonna get a carbon copy they are both sweet

[bingefeller]

I love you Crush Danny!

[cosmogang]

DMM all the way, have you seen the Deluxe Memory Boy?

BTW, I love your vids

[crxshdxmmy]

I have...... but I've got my eyes on something else >> Malekko 919.

[crxshdxmmy]

Oh, and thanks!!

[posthumous5]

The DMM is a great unit as far as making a more natural echo goes. I used to have a copicat tape delay which I loved and the DMM is as close to that tape sound as any pedal I have tried. Don't know how the Memory boy compares but I'm sure it won't be disappointing especially as it is a fraction of the cost of a DMM which have gone up in price considerably since I bought mine around 6 or 7 yrs ago.

[Tubes12AX7k]

@posthumous5 I agree, if you're intending to duplicate a vintage tape delay sound with an analog pedal, the Deluxe Memory Man is about as good as it gets. The chorusing, vibrato, and slight noise really help achieve that, too. I bought two of them.

[44eelz]

i like twisting knobs

[ghostshark188]

Thats what she said!

[WtrPlyr]

The DMM destroys the Carbon Copy.

[ghostshark188]

EHX is awesome ( i collect vintage gear)but their pedals are not built as good as MXR or as consistent even in the same models( differences in delay time in similar models). For the money the Carbon Copy is a better alternative(good customer support and no fears with live use and no paint chippin). EHX DMM pedals suffer from white noise, switch popping and tone loss that vary on most models.

[stratsnpauls]

MXR carbon copy ftw

[PhilsenLasVegas]

I've got a Memory Toy and a Deluxe Memory Man. The Deluxe Memory Man wins hands down. The Memory Toy has it's own character though.

[rickogest]

Any thoughts on comparison to the Memory Man (smaller version) & the Memory Boy?

[crxshdxmmy]

I've not played a Memory Boy, so I can't really comment ........... but I can say that the pricetag is tough to beat (thank the Carbon Copy competition for that).

That said, I'd buy a Malekko 616 before either of the latter two.

[satjathamma]

can you please test DMM against the newer XO model, that would be most interesting:)

[crxshdxmmy]

If I had them both, I would. Unfortunately... I no longer own a DMM of any kind. Please see my Empress Super Delay video for more on that. :D

[Macmax7077]

come on crash, i can't believe u changed the dmm for the empress.

the warmth of the dmm isn't to be found there, just sold my replica yesterday and got me an old dmm to run with my dbd

[crxshdxmmy]

DMM is godly.... but a) there isn't enough delay time for me, and b) I MUST have Tap-Tempo.

Suffice to say, I'm really looking forward to the Malekko 919.

[realguitarist07]

Wow, I have a Carbon Copy and from listening to this I can hear that the CC has a little bit less clarity on the repeats than the DMM. It still sounds hella good though.

[theShowStopper321]

@realguitarist07 Its supposed to saturate like that. Its old school analog trying to sound like tape echo.

[realguitarist07]

@theShowStopper321 Well trust me, tape echoes do not saturate that much.

[TheDriveMaster]

I have one Memory, but I prefere the MXR.

[ilovemyfender1]

something funny, I got my Memory Man for free. :)

[stratocastermaster2]

damn, how?!

[ilovemyfender1]

My uncle had one that was broken from the early 90s. I fixed it for him (no joke, it took two minutes to fix) and since he has a Line6 DL4 modded by Robert Keeley, he let me keep it. Something even funnier, HE GOT THE MEMORY MAN FOR FREE. I guess my family is cheap lol

[stratocastermaster2]

i would say your family is quite lucky instead of cheap

[ilovemyfender1]

True...my uncle said he got it from a drunk guy who can't play for shit...lol...

[stratocastermaster2]

ahaha i wonder what he though when he woke up the next day realising he didnt have his DMM any more.

[jallstars]

@ilovemyfender1 i'll buy it from you $100.. take it or leave it ;)

[ledzeppelin174]

@ilovemyfender1 I hate you. They dont even sell this kind anymore. Sir. I. Yes I officially hate you and Im sorry.

[alexmmckenzie]

@ilovemyfender1 i'd like it, but i am too jealous.

[MrManelCasanova]

@ilovemyfender1 HOW!?!?!?!?!?!!??!!?

[suroj]

@ilovemyfender1 bastard

[ilovemyfender1]

Memory man will always win.

[drvenidildo]

Except in price and size ;)

[ilovemyfender1]

Yeah but my board has too much open space! lol i plan to get more giant EHX pedals in the future.

[davidtheguitarman]

I like the memo men, it got a nice vintage tone.

[vanillaface93]

Crxsh!!

[crxshdxmmy]

vanillaface93!!

[vanillaface93]

Haha. Sorry. I just didn't know you did gear demos.

I think you're quite funny on HC, though.

[crxshdxmmy]

I've done one or two. And thanks!

[Guiogo]

this DMM has any mod on that or is the same that sells on the store?

[crxshdxmmy]

It's stock.

[Guiogo]

so i'm going to buy one of these and it will sound like that?

[crxshdxmmy]

I'd assume so. This was one of the newer models w/ the adapter.....not a corded version. Keep that in mind.

[Guiogo]

great!! i'm going to buy this awesome toy! :D thx man

[crxshdxmmy]

Enjoy.

[Arnodude53]

why do i get this if i search for copy sound?

[thet180]

what i needed to see thanks!

[davidtheguitarman]

some of the EHX pedals, are sooooo huge

[BillyC15]

HELLO?? get the mxr and save some damn space

[Guiogo]

what overdrive, or maybe fuzz, do u use on the dirty part of the movie?

[crxshdxmmy]

That was a Skreddy Mayo.

[PopExpo]

On the contrary to what most people think, i think the DMM is way to bright.

[myonlydanger]

People who say the CC is better are just trying to justify their purchase or future purchase to themselves. I have owned them both. The DMM sounds so much better and is so much more useful. The CC is too dark, weak and has very limited usability. The difference is well worth the price. Just save your money or buy a used DMM on ebay. And you get get your DMM modded for cheap several places to increase the delay time. If you buy inferior gear you will either regret it or just not sound very good.

[crxshdxmmy]

I agree that the DMM is better (in almost an obvious way) .... but I'm not so quick to dismiss the CC. It's darker, compared to the notoriously bright DMM, but I didn't think it was "weak" or "limited" in any way. For the money, I thought it was a fine delay. "Inferior" is hardly a word I'd use to describe it. "Not quite as good as the long since heralded DMM" ... yes. But "inferior" ... not really.

[blahman178]

myonlydanger I completely agree. The CC isn't totally inferior, but it isn't as good as the DMM like you said.

[krakhaid]

Personally, I think the CC sounds a bit fuller, especially with the chorus.  I like a bright chorus sound, and the DMM is just too dark sounding for me for that.

[crxshdxmmy]

That's interesting. The DMM is considered to be a relatively bright sounding delay..... and one having world-class modulation too.

[crxshdxmmy]

I accidentally deleted your response. Meant to hit "reply" instead. Oops!

Anyway, you're not weird -- we all have different tastes and preferences. No shame in expressing yours. I was just relaying the general feeling that I'm aware of. The CC is a great value and I found it to be more useful just because of the delay time issue.

Also, the DMM does NOT have tap tempo.

If you're looking for one that does, check out the Diamond Memory Lane 2 or the Malekko 919 & 616, which are due out soon.

[krakhaid]

Tap tempo isn't essential to me, but it is a nifty feature. My amp has a built in delay (it's not very good, but it has tap tempo), and I usually just end up setting it to about 250 miliseconds, just enough to where it sounds more like an echo to give my leads a big epic sound, or clean stuff to sparkle a bit more.

[PopExpo]

blodysunday, DMM does have a bunch more sounds than the CC, but I aint willing to spend 200 dollars extra for effects i aint gonna use outside the echo part of the delay. but then again i don't play cheesy space rock. Ill make sure to read all about its cool features in book about the DMM hopefully you'll write. Carbon Copy does everything I wnat and nothing I don't.

[PopExpo]

I got the Carbon Copy, sounds Awesome. The DMM has earned its stripes tho, and overall sounds a lil better but not $300 better. Get a Carbon Copy save money.

[bloodySunday77]

This would make sense if the DMM didn't have the capability of producing hundreds of different sounds (I could literally write a book about them), which the Carbon Copy cannot do. Apart from that, their difference is not $300, and in my opinion the DMM sounds a lot better.

[edguitar2]

on my dmm it sounds kinda out of tune using the chorus when delay is on. is that normal, ie because of the modulation?

[crxshdxmmy]

Yeah, turn back the amount of modulation and that should fix it. Deep chorus is a natural detuning effect.

[infernalhammer]

Pedals and gear cost so much money now-days, apparently musicians can't afford shoes anymore.

[crxshdxmmy]

No kidding. :p

[phenixdagemini]

CAN YOU ADJUST THE TRIM POTS ON THE INSIDE!! Let's here how the shimmer(modulation) compares to the DMM.Thanks!!

[crxshdxmmy]

I don't have either of these pedals anymore, so I can't help you there -- sorry.

That said, the DMM is head and shoulders above the CC in the modulation department (IMO). The CC is okay, not bad... but the DMM has a whole lot of something that the CC doesn't.

[AlexinCrick]

I think the Memory man sounds better - its a much more full rich sound - but the Carbon Copy is so much more pedal board friendly! 9v DC and small!

I wonder if I'll be able to tell much when playing live.

I've done all this delay worry to myself - I stupidly played a Roland Chorus Echo RE-301 and had my head blown off!

[issofunky]

I have been considering the MXR for delay time SPECIFICALLY!....i HAVE 2 DMM's already.....BUT....here's the caveat

if I'm going for LONG delay times

...the MXR's not THAT much longer either

Line6 or a DD6 are longer let

Niether have Tap Tempo

so I'm at a loss to say its worth it for EITHER....I've gotten BOTH my DDM's for $200 and that was really high in my opinion without some looping or tap feature.....they do BOTH sound great.

the ddm is really intended for rockabilly...so

[ploukusa]

Thanks for the demo! Been looking at these pedals... would prefer the EHX but it´s preeetty expensive. Nice to know that the MXR got more delay time.

BTW, It´s pretty hilarious to me that people complain about bare feet... holy crap, everybody´s got toes, some hairy, some not... what´s the big deal? :D

[chilliard81]

Thanks for the demo, but why can't anyone wear shoes while doing one of these?

[crxshdxmmy]

LOL!

I stopped using my feet altogether in these. Hands only from now on (unless it's a wah).

[boomzuun]

Good demo. You have the only Carbon Copy demo I've seen on Youtube that bothers to let us hear the longest delay on the pedal. Well done. Just one comment for any future demos...SHOES AND SOCKS ya big stink footed bastard!!!

[emil2800]

i prefrere the carbon copy. Just ordered!:D

[silenttodd]

carbon copy gets my dollar

[skydogz1]

Memory Man brings more to the party. Thanx for the comparison!

[stratoman686]

What do the mods for the Blues Junior compared to a stock one?

[drmsgtrplayer]

1. the CC sounds more fuller to me, 2. the size that a DMM would take on my pedalboard, is like 3 CC's, 3. I like chorus better than a more wow/flutter/vibrato kind of modulation on the delays, 4. I'm not sure, but I think the DMM doesn't operate on a 9V adaptor, 5. the CC is cheaper. the Carbon copy fits me a lot better.

[mojorisen74]

I like both of them, If you feel brave you can open up the back of the memoryman and turn the pots on the circuit board to change delay EQ which will make the repeats less bright, more like a real tape delay. Or you can also make the delays repeat forever without much degradation of the original signal.

[llAkuTsUll]

Nice video man. I use a lot of distorsion, which one do you recommend me ?Thanks.

[crxshdxmmy]

Seems like either one would work really. I'd say that the DMM is a bit more musical and colors your tone in a nice way, but I'm not sure how that'd play with a lot of distortion. I use fuzz & OD mostly, so I'd suggest you try each and see which one you like.

[crxshdxmmy]

What you're hearing may be a result of the YouTube compression & the generally poor audio quality here. I'd say that the CC is darker, muddier and more naturally analog sounding than the DMM -- which is notoriously brighter sounding.

Hope that answers your question.

[johanfannsredan]

The DMM seems to sound much better. The Carbon Copy seems to have a certain harshness to it (well compared to the DMM anyway). Have you noticed this in real life?