The DOD 680 Analog Delay is a vintage analog delay pedal dating to late 1980, built around the Reticon SAD4096 chip, which Pedal of the Day calls "the classic and sought-after original Reticon SAD4096 chip inside". The reviewer found it "features some of the warmest and most organic delay sounds you're likely to come across". It is out of production and found secondhand1.
The controls
The 680 keeps things simple. Aside from the two output level knobs, "Repeat and Delay Time are the only other controls present", according to Pedal of the Day1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Delay Time | Sets the delay time |
| Repeat | Sets the number of repeats |
| Output level (x2) | A separate level control for each of the two outputs1 |
The two outputs are the unusual part. Pedal of the Day notes that "there are TWO outputs", which is not special in itself, "except on this big blue bad boy, there are two SEPARATE level controls for each output"1.
Size and build
The 680 is a physically large pedal. Pedal of the Day describes "this larger-than-average and heavy-as-can-be old school delay" in a big blue enclosure1.
The serviced example Pedal of the Day reviewed
The unit reviewed was a vintage example that had been serviced and upgraded. The TI RC4558 opamps in the preamp and recovery circuits had been upgraded to new manufacture NJM JRC4580DD low-noise ICs, which the reviewer credited "for a substantial improvement in signal-to-noise ratio". The power cord had also been replaced with a soft, flexible Apple cord, with a fuse added to the hot side of the power supply1.
Any 680 found today is a vintage, secondhand pedal. Examples may have been modified or serviced over the years, so condition and internals can differ from unit to unit.
Where it sits in DOD's delay line
The 680's analog credentials rest on its chip: the original used the classic and sought-after Reticon SAD4096, the bucket-brigade device that gives the pedal its delay character1. This serviced example keeps that format, with the TI RC4558 opamps in the preamp and recovery circuits upgraded to new manufacture NJM JRC4580DD low-noise ICs1. For how the 680 compares with other delay designs, see Delay Pedals1.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Guitarsenal
Pete's Pedals
Questions
Is the DOD 680 analog or digital?
It is analog. Pedal of the Day describes the 680 Analog Delay from DOD as an analog delay pedal dating to late 1980, built around the Reticon SAD4096 chip, a classic and sought-after bucket brigade device. The reviewer found it produced some of the warmest and most organic delay sounds around.
What chip does the DOD 680 use?
The 680 uses the original Reticon SAD4096 chip, which Pedal of the Day calls classic and sought-after. In the serviced example reviewed, the TI RC4558 opamps in the preamp and recovery circuits had been upgraded to new manufacture NJM JRC4580DD low-noise ICs, giving a substantial improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.
Is the DOD 680 still made?
No. The 680 is a vintage pedal, out of production, and is found secondhand. Pedal of the Day reviewed a serviced and upgraded example and suggested picking one up if you happen to come across it.
When did the DOD 680 come out?
Pedal of the Day dates the 680 Analog Delay from DOD to late 1980.
Why are there two outputs on the DOD 680?
The 680 has two outputs, and unusually each one has its own separate level control. That lets you set different levels for two destinations, such as an amp and a recording setup, independently.
How big is the DOD 680?
It is a large pedal for its era. Pedal of the Day describes a larger-than-average and heavy-as-can-be old school delay in a big blue enclosure.
Sources (1)
- DOD 680 Analog Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2016-05-17
