The Dr. No Effects Motherbrain is a limited-edition analog delay pedal, hand-built in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and announced in May 2016. Dr. No Effects describes it as a high-end delay that produces classic tones, from rockabilly slapback to insane oscillation, with three easy-to-adjust functions1. It belongs to the wider family of delay pedals.
A limited run of 350
The Motherbrain was offered as a limited edition of only 350 pedals worldwide, each one signed and numbered by Dr. No1. gearnews.com reported the same figure, noting the run was limited to 350 pedals worldwide2.
With a run capped at 350 signed and numbered units, the Motherbrain is a limited-edition pedal rather than a standard production model.
Controls and dry signal
The pedal's Present knob runs the signal from wet to dry, letting the player set the balance between the delayed and untouched sound1. Dr. No Effects states that when the Motherbrain is engaged, it has no influence on the actual send-through signal, which stays at the same level and clarity as the original1. For players who keep their dry tone intact, that is the headline feature of the circuit.
Build and what is in the box
Dr. No Effects hand-builds high-end boutique effects2, and the Motherbrain reflects that approach:
- Silkscreened housing with custom brain knobs1
- Entirely handmade, described as built to last a lifetime1
- Includes a box and a brain keychain1
What reviewers said
Coverage of the pedal was mixed. gearnews.com's reviewer, Jef, wrote that the Motherbrain was one he "would probably, well, forget about myself," citing a lack of information on design, components and audio demos overall2.
Questions
Does the Motherbrain run on a battery?
Yes. According to the press release, all a player needs is a 9-volt battery to power the Motherbrain, making it easy to take along without a power supply.
Where is the Dr. No Effects Motherbrain made?
The Motherbrain is hand-built by Dr. No Effects in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The company describes the pedal as entirely handmade, from the circuit to the silkscreened housing, the custom brain knobs, the box and the brain keychain.
How many Motherbrain pedals were made?
The run was limited to 350 pedals worldwide. Each one is signed and numbered by Dr. No.
Does the Motherbrain change the dry signal when engaged?
No. The press release states that when the Motherbrain is engaged, it has no influence on the send-through signal, which stays at the same level and clarity as the original.
How much did the Motherbrain cost?
The listed price was an RRP of 239 euros when the pedal launched in May 2016.
Sources (2)
- Dr. No Effects Introduces the MotherBrain Analog Delay, Premier Guitar, 2016-05-24
- Dr. No Effects Motherbrain Analog Delay for the more cerebral atmospheric moments, gearnews.com, 2016-05-27
