MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay

The MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay, introduced in 2008, is one of the most popular and enduring delay pedals in modern music. Known for its warm, bucket-brigade analog tone, the Carbon Copy became a favorite for its simplicity and versatility. With controls for Delay Time, Mix, and Regen (feedback), as well as a Modulation button to add a subtle chorus-like effect, the pedal is capable of producing everything from short slapback echoes to lush, ambient soundscapes. Its success led to the development of variations like the Carbon Copy Bright (2015), Deluxe (2017), and Mini (2019), each catering to different player preferences.

Historical Development

• Release (2008): The Carbon Copy was designed to bring rich analog delay tones to a compact, user-friendly format. Its bucket-brigade technology provided a maximum delay time of 600ms.
• Variants: The Carbon Copy Bright offered a brighter tonal profile, while the Deluxe added tap tempo and extended delay times. The Mini retained the original's features in a smaller enclosure.
• Legacy: The pedal remains a staple on pedalboards worldwide due to its warm tone and ease of use.

Notable Players

• Joe Bonamassa: Uses the Carbon Copy for its rich, vintage-style delays that complement his blues-rock tone.
• The Edge (U2): Known for employing delay effects extensively, he has incorporated the Carbon Copy into his rig for warm, analog textures.
• King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Fans of experimental tones, they use the pedal's modulation and self-oscillation capabilities for psychedelic soundscapes.

Popular Settings

• Subtle Thickening:
  • Delay: 11 o'clock
  • Mix: 10 o'clock
  • Regen: 9 o'clock
  • Adds depth without overwhelming the dry signal.
• Classic Rock Slapback:
  • Delay: 9 o'clock
  • Mix: 12 o'clock
  • Regen: Minimum
  • Perfect for tight, rhythmic echoes.
• Ambient Swells:
  • **Delay: Max
  • **Mix: 3 o'clock
  • **Regen: High (near self-oscillation)
  • Creates lush, atmospheric textures ideal for post-rock or ambient music.
• Modulated Echoes:
  • Engage Mod button with default settings or adjust internal trim pots for custom modulation depth and speed.

Legacy

The MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay is celebrated as one of the most versatile and user-friendly analog delay pedals ever made. Its warm tone and modulation capabilities have made it a favorite among guitarists across genres like rock, blues, and experimental music. With its enduring popularity and multiple iterations, the Carbon Copy continues to be a benchmark for analog delays in the modern era.