The Cusack Music Tiny Tap-a-Delay is the "Never-Off" version of the Tap-A-Delay, a compact delay pedal from the Michigan maker. Cusack describes it as packing all the features of the Tap-A-Delay into a package half the size of a Screamer and a quarter of the size of the original Tap-A-Delay. The pedal is discontinued.1
The Never-Off design
Never-Off is Cusack's name for pedals built to sit in the signal path permanently. In the company's words, "'Never-Off' pedals do not come equipped with true bypass switches, or battery power capability. These products are mea[nt to work with a switcher system]."1
For a player, that means the Tiny Tap-a-Delay has no onboard bypass switching of its own: it is meant to be placed in a loop of a switching system, which handles putting it in and out of the chain. The same design choice removes the battery option, so a standard center negative 9V DC supply is required, drawing about 28mA.1
Because Never-Off pedals have no true bypass and no battery capability, they are aimed at players using a switcher or loop switcher rather than those who place a single pedal on the floor and stomp it in and out.1
Size and controls
The enclosure measures 2.37 inches long by 2.17 inches wide by 1.21 inches high, which Cusack sums up as "All the features of the Tap-A-Delay in a package half the size of a Screamer!"1
The pedal's Level control sets the volume of the effect.1
Where it sat in Cusack's delay range
The Tiny Tap-a-Delay is one of Cusack's "Never-Off" pedals: it does not have a true bypass switch and cannot run on battery power. It runs on a standard center negative 9V DC supply, which is not included, and draws about 28mA.2 For more on the effect type, see Delay Pedals.
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Questions
Is the Cusack Tiny Tap-a-Delay still made?
No. Cusack Music lists the Tiny Tap-a-Delay as discontinued on its product page. It was the Never-Off version of the Tap-A-Delay, offering the same features in a much smaller enclosure. Players looking for a current Cusack delay would need to look at other models in the company's range rather than this one.
Does the Cusack Tiny Tap-a-Delay have true bypass?
No. As a Never-Off pedal, it does not come equipped with a true bypass switch. Cusack designed these pedals to stay in the signal path at all times and to be used with a switcher system, which handles the switching. The same Never-Off design also leaves out battery power capability.
What does Never-Off mean on a Cusack pedal?
Never-Off is Cusack Music's name for pedals built without a true bypass switch or battery power capability. The pedal is meant to work with a switcher system, where an external switcher places it in or out of the signal chain instead of an onboard footswitch.
How big is the Cusack Tiny Tap-a-Delay?
Cusack Music gives the enclosure as 2.37 inches long by 2.17 inches wide by 1.21 inches high. The company describes it as all the features of the Tap-A-Delay in a package half the size of a Screamer and a quarter of the size of the original Tap-A-Delay.
Sources (2)
- Tiny Tap-a-Delay Never-Off Delay (Discontinued), Cusack Music
- New At NAMM: Cusack Music Rebound, Delicious Audio, 2024-01-28
