Chase Bliss unveils Reverse Mode C delay, built with Empress Effects
July 25, 2023 · 2 sources
Chase Bliss announced the Reverse Mode C on July 25, a delay pedal designed in collaboration with Empress Effects1. It is the first pedal in Chase Bliss's Small Batch Bliss collection, a made-to-order line in which the company fulfills all orders placed during the window12.
The pedal is described as multidirectional echo made up of "multiple distinct" voices that move forward, backward and up12. Its inspiration goes back to 2008 and the release of the Empress Effects Superdelay, whose Octave Tap mode was a favorite of Chase Bliss founder Joel Korte, who referred to it as Reverse Mode C1. Chase Bliss positions the pedal as a tribute to the original for its 10th anniversary1.
There are six main knobs1:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Time | Master delay time, up to 4.19 seconds |
| Offset | Separates the delay times of the three voices |
| Mix | Dry and wet signal |
| Balance | Volume of the three voices, for blending and isolating them |
| Feedback | Number of repeats |
| Filter | Low and high-pass filter; clockwise removes low end, counter-clockwise removes high frequencies |
Three toggle switches handle modulation sync, modulation type (vibrato/chorus, tremolo square/tremolo ramp down, and frequency shifting up/down) and the onboard sequencer, which interacts with the Balance knob to skip muted voices or leave rests1. There are 16 dip switches on top of the enclosure1. Holding the Bypass footswitch doubles the sample rate for a maximum delay of 8.38 seconds and a more lo-fi sound; holding the Tap tempo footswitch accesses a loop function1. Gearnews reports MIDI, CV and expression control, presets and internal modulation of any or all control knobs2.
"Reverse Mode C is available to order now up until 31 August."
The price is $39912. Orders close on August 31, after which the pedal will be discontinued, with a possible future batch in a revised enclosure depending on demand1.