As a guitar player, I’m always on the lookout for affordable yet versatile pedals to add to my board. The Donner Echo Square pedal caught my attention with its seven modes of digital delay, including digital, analog, tape, modulation, sweep, lo-fi, and reverse. I was excited to try out all of these modes and see how they could enhance my playing.
Affordability and Sturdiness
One of the first things I noticed about the Echo Square pedal was its affordability. Despite having seven modes and three controls, the price point was very reasonable. I was also impressed by the sturdiness of the metal casing. I’ve used other pedals in the past that felt flimsy and fragile, but the Echo Square felt like it could withstand some serious gigging.
Sound Quality
When I played through the Echo Square pedal, I was blown away by the sound quality. Each mode had its own unique character and added a new dimension to my playing. The digital mode was clean and precise, while the analog mode added warmth and depth. The tape mode was perfect for creating vintage-style echoes, and the modulation mode added a subtle chorusing effect to my playing. The sweep mode had a cool filter sweep effect, and the lo-fi mode had a gritty, broken-up sound. Finally, the reverse mode was perfect for creating spacey, ethereal soundscapes.
Controls and Settings
The Echo Square pedal has three controls at the top: time, feedback, and mix. I found these controls to be intuitive and easy to use. With the time control, I could adjust the length of the delay time, and with the feedback control, I could adjust the number of repeats. The mix control allowed me to blend the original signal with the delayed signal. I appreciated the simplicity of these controls, as they allowed me to quickly dial in the sound I was looking for.
Issues with the Reverse Mode
The only issue I encountered with the Echo Square pedal was with the reverse mode. I noticed that even with the mix turned all the way down, the repeats would sometimes clip the signal. This was a bit frustrating, as I wanted to be able to use the reverse mode without any clipping or distortion. However, I still found the other six modes to be incredibly useful and inspiring, so this issue wasn’t a dealbreaker for me.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I highly recommend the Donner Echo Square pedal to any guitar player looking for an affordable yet versatile delay pedal. The seven modes and three controls provide a wide range of sonic possibilities, and the sturdiness of the pedal ensures that it will withstand the rigors of gigging. While there was a slight issue with the reverse mode, the other six modes more than make up for it. I’m excited to incorporate the Echo Square into my playing and explore all of the sonic textures it has to offer.
What Other People Say
Great Value Donner Tremolo Pedal
Despite its low price tag, the Donner is a great value for the money. One user found it good enough to carry in their guitar bag at all times. The pedal is easy to dial in and set up, and can provide great effects.
Boosts Amp Usability
The Donner Delay Pedal is a great choice for guitarists who want to make their high-powered amps more usable. One user reported that the pedal allows them to turn up the volume past 1 without making too much noise, which is great for playing at bedroom levels. It comes with a smooth and linear pot, making it easy to use.
Small Font
One potential drawback of the Donner Delay Pedal is its small font, which may make it difficult for users who need glasses to read. However, once you get used to the placement of each knob, this issue should not be a problem. Despite this, the Donner Delay Pedal is still a great value for the money, and a great choice for guitarists who want a versatile, reliable delay pedal.
Solid Construction
One of the great things about Donner pedals is their solid construction. The Echo/Delay effects selection on the Donner Delay Pedal is varied, and can help guitarists achieve the Pink Floyd vibe. Despite its low price tag, the Donner Delay Pedal is built to last, and can provide years of reliable performance.
Donner Echo Square – FAQ’s
What kind of power supply does the pedal require?
The Donner Echo Square pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal but can be purchased separately.
Can the pedal be used with other instruments besides guitar?
While the Donner Echo Square pedal is designed with guitar players in mind, it can also be used with other instruments such as bass, keyboards, or even vocals.
How does the pedal handle longer delay times?
The Donner Echo Square pedal can handle longer delay times with ease, up to 500ms in most modes, making it a great option for ambient and experimental guitar playing.
Is there any tone loss when the pedal is engaged?
I didn’t notice any significant tone loss when using the Donner Echo Square pedal, and the pedal’s true bypass design ensures that there is no signal degradation when the pedal is disengaged.
How durable is the pedal’s footswitch?
The footswitch on the Donner Echo Square pedal feels sturdy and durable, and I didn’t experience any issues with it during my testing. However, as with any footswitch, it’s important to use it with care and avoid stomping on it too hard.
Does the pedal have any built-in presets or the ability to save custom settings?
The Donner Echo Square pedal does not have any built-in presets or the ability to save custom settings. However, the three controls on the top of the pedal allow for a wide range of sound-shaping options.
Can the pedal be used in stereo?
Yes, the Donner Echo Square pedal can be used in stereo, making it a great option for guitar players with stereo rigs or those looking to experiment with panning delays.
How easy is it to switch between modes on the pedal during a live performance?
Switching between modes on the Donner Echo Square pedal is easy and intuitive, even during a live performance. The mode selector knob is large and easy to grip, and the LED indicator lights up to show which mode is currently selected.
Are there any notable differences between the pedal’s digital, analog, tape, modulation, sweep, lo-fi, and reverse delay modes?
Each of the Donner Echo Square pedal’s delay modes has its own unique sound and characteristics. The digital mode offers a clean, clear delay sound, while the analog mode adds warmth and character. The tape mode emulates the sound of old tape echo units, while the modulation mode adds a chorus-like effect to the repeats. The sweep mode includes a filter sweep on the repeats, and the lo-fi mode is designed to sound dirty and broken. The reverse mode plays back the delayed signal in reverse.
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