Maneco 16 Seconds Digital Delay Compact Pedal

Manufacturer's description

The compact version of the 16 Seconds delay pedal is a modern recreation of the legendary EHX pedal originally released in 1983 but never mass-produced. This reinterpretation is designed to fit modern pedalboards, omitting the original CLIX function and external remote footswitches (which are available in the full-size model).

This pedal captures the magic of the original with cutting-edge technology. Its circuit topology — including analogue pre- and post-filtering, pre-emphasis, de-emphasis, compression, expansion, feedback, and mixing — has been meticulously recreated using analogue circuitry. The only digital component is at its core, where audio is converted to digital data, stored in memory, and then converted back to an audio signal, just as in the original 1983 design.

Features

• Simple operation: Each slider and switch has a dedicated function with no hidden modes or menus. The pedal functions as a long delay at maximum settings or a typical delay at shorter settings.
• Compact design: Adapted for modern pedalboard spaces.

Controls

• Delay Coarse Slider:
• Controls the size of the memory block used for the delay.
• Maximum delay times:
• 16 seconds (FAST setting).
• 32 seconds (SLOW setting).
• Approximate values depend on clock circuit tolerances.
• Delay Fine Slider:
• Adjusts the sampling rate for smooth changes in time and pitch.
• Range: shortest to longest times, corresponding to highest to lowest pitches.
• Sweep Speed Slider:
• Sets the speed of the triangle waveform Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO).
• Includes an LED indicator for visual feedback.
• Sweep Depth Slider:
• Adjusts the intensity of LFO modulation to the sampling rate.
• From subtle pitch variations to dramatic effects.
• Mix Feedback Slider:
• Controls regeneration by recirculating the delay output back to the input.
• High settings cause oscillation (runaway feedback).
• Mix Blend Slider:
• Mixes dry and delayed signals.
• Range: 0% (dry) to 100% (wet).
• Slow/Fast Switch:
• Changes the sampling rate to half or double.
• Affects time and pitch:
• Slow: One octave down (longer time).
• Fast: One octave up (shorter time).
• Forward/Reverse Switch:
• Plays back memory contents in reverse.
• Note: This is not a typical "reverse delay". Instead, the behaviour depends on overdubbing:
• A new layer over a reversed one will play forward.
• Switching reverse again will invert the previous layers and the new recording.
• Infinite Footswitch:
• Acts as a "freeze" or "hold" control.
• Prevents new recording while the existing memory content loops indefinitely.
• Bypass Footswitch:
• Mutes the delay signal output without stopping recording.
• Enables "record while bypassed" functionality.