The Diamond Counter Point is a digital delay pedal from Diamond, a Canadian boutique builder. It pairs digital clarity with an analog-leaning character: Premier Guitar's reviewer described the tone as darkish, with repeats that did not noticeably degrade with each repeat, an effect somewhere between digital and analog1. The pedal offers four delay modes, tap tempo, and a built-in modulation section, at a street price of $279 at the time of the review1.
Diamond Pedals closed in 2022 during the global pandemic and relaunched in 2023 under SolidGoldFX ownership with a revived range. The Counter Point dates from the original run of the company.
Modes, controls and footswitches
A toggle switch selects from the pedal's four modes: vintage, galloping eighth, ambient, and extra faux tape, with a multicolored LED indicating the active mode1. Pedal of the Day's review of the CTP1 laid out what each mode does2:
| Mode | What it does | Max delay time |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage | Combines elements of the Memory Lane Jr and the Quantum Leap, with a bright analog filter resembling classic bucket brigade delays | 600 ms |
| Galloping Eighths | Blends dotted eighth notes with a quieter quarter note | 900 ms |
| Extra Faux Tape | Clean, with deeper modulation presence and variable speed | 1.2 seconds |
The front panel carries controls for delay, modulation, feedback, and mix1. On the CTP1, the DLY knob controls the amount of delay time, and the MOD knob adjusts how much modulation is added into the effect2.
There are two footswitches. Premier Guitar described "a stout bypass footswitch, and another for tap tempo"1. The second footswitch can tap in the delay time and/or toggle the modulation on or off, and a user-selectable tap delay "hold down" mode toggles modulation on or off in each mode2. In Vintage mode, the AutoDouble tap algorithm intelligently sets the delay rate twice as fast when your tapping rate is slower than the pedal's 600 ms maximum delay time2.
How it sounds and what reviewers said
Premier Guitar noted that analog mode is voiced much like Diamond's Memory Lane Jr1. The reviewer's verdict:
"Digital clarity meets analog atmosphere. Easy to use. Remembers settings in a given mode."
Pedal of the Day's reviewer found the Vintage mode's bright analog filter reminiscent of classic bucket brigade delays, and called the Extra Faux Tape mode clean and glorious-sounding2.
Where it sits in Diamond's range
The Counter Point sits alongside Diamond's other delays. Where the Counter Point differs is in its approach to repeats: Premier Guitar's reviewer found the tone darkish but noted that decays did not noticeably degrade with each repeat, describing the effect as "somewhere between digital and analog"1. A multicolored LED indicates the active mode1. For more on the category, see Delay Pedals.
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Questions
Does the Diamond Counter Point have tap tempo?
Yes. A second footswitch beside the bypass switch handles tap tempo, with a TapView visual indication. In Vintage mode the pedal's AutoDouble tap algorithm sets the delay rate twice as fast when your tapping rate is slower than the maximum delay time of 600 ms. The second footswitch can also be set to toggle the modulation on or off.
Can the Diamond Counter Point run on a battery?
Yes. Premier Guitar's review notes you can power the pedal via AC adapter or 9V battery, so it can sit on a board without a power supply if needed.
What modes does the Diamond Counter Point have?
Four, selected with a toggle switch: Vintage, Galloping Eighths, Ambient, and Extra Faux Tape. Vintage tops out at 600 ms, Galloping Eighths blends dotted eighths with a quieter quarter note up to 900 ms, and Extra Faux Tape offers up to 1.2 seconds with deeper modulation.
How much does the Diamond Counter Point cost?
Premier Guitar listed the street price at $279 in its August 2021 review.
Does the Counter Point remember its settings?
Yes. Premier Guitar counted the fact that it remembers settings in a given mode among the pedal's pros.
Sources (2)
- Diamond Pedals Counter Point Delay Review, Premier Guitar, 2015-09-13
- Diamond Pedals CTP1 Counter Point Delay, Pedal of the Day (www.pedal-of-the-day.com), 2015-08-05
