The GFI System Clockwork v3 is a compact stereo digital delay pedal from GFI System, a pedal maker based in Indonesia with a reputation built on time-based effects1. It offers seven distinct stereo delay algorithms, Digital, Analog, Dual, Diffuse, Ambiental, Multi-Tap 3 and Multi-Tap 4, any of which can be saved into one of its eight preset locations1. Pedal of the Day, having reviewed the first and second versions, called the v3 "by far the best one yet"2.
The pedal is digital, but voiced with analog-style textures in mind: Premier Guitar's review of the closely related Clockwork Delay V2 said it "combines the virtues of digital control and clarity with thoughtfully voiced analog-style textures"3. All of this fits in a small box: the pedal measures 12 x 6.5 cm, or 4.7 x 2.5 inches1.
The seven delay algorithms
A simple, unobtrusive button on the pedal gives quick access to the seven delay algorithms1. Each algorithm is a different take on echo:
- Digital: clean, clear digital repeats
- Analog: repeats voiced with analog-style texture
- Dual: two delay lines working together
- Diffuse: repeats that smear toward reverb-like wash
- Ambiental: built for ambient swells and pads
- Multi-Tap 3 and Multi-Tap 4: multi-tap patterns with three or four playback heads
Premier Guitar's review of the V2 noted that each delay has secondary controls accessible via the "param" knob, so the algorithms are not just preset variations but sounds you can shape further3.
The controls: Blend, Time, Repeats and Param
The v3 keeps its control set to four knobs, which keeps the small enclosure usable. Pedal of the Day breaks down what each one does3:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Blend | Mixes your wet and dry signals |
| Time | Selects time subdivisions: 8th-note triplets, 8th-note, Dotted-8th and Quarter-note |
| Repeats | Sets the number of echo repeats, up to near infinite when maxed out |
| Param | Gives two options for control over each algorithm mode |
The Param control is where the depth lives. Depending on the algorithm, its two options cover things like Modulation Depth and Rate, Stereo Spread, Reverb, Octaves and Playback Head Patterns2. So on the Analog algorithm you can dial in modulation on the repeats, on the multi-tap modes you can shape the playback head patterns, and the stereo spread of the repeats is adjustable too.
Footswitches, presets and the expression input
The pedal has two footswitches. The Tap Tempo switch sets the overall delay time, and holding both footswitches down at once activates the Auto Regen Swell mode2. Auto Regen Swell pushes the regeneration up, taking the repeats toward the near-infinite end of the Repeats knob's range for swelling, self-oscillating textures without touching a knob.
New to the v3 is an Expression Pedal / Tap Tempo input, which accepts a standard expression or tap-tempo pedal1. That means you can sweep delay parameters in real time from an expression pedal on your board, or set delay times from a remote tap switch.
The preset system holds eight presets organized into two banks, and any of the seven algorithms can be saved into any of the eight preset locations1. Premier Guitar's V2 review confirmed the same eight-preset capacity on the earlier version, so the v3's change here is organization and simplicity rather than more storage3.
What changed between the V2 and V3
The V3 improves on the previous version with a simplified preset system, and adds the Expression / Tap-Tempo input plus quick access to the seven delay algorithms from a single button1. Pedal of the Day, having reviewed both earlier versions, summed up the v3 as the best of the line2.
The V3 also added a Kill-Dry function that achieves a 100% wet signal1. That matters for players running the pedal in a parallel loop or an ambient setup where no dry signal should pass through the pedal at all.
The Clockwork line is discontinued. In January 2023, GFI System replaced the Clockwork Delay in its line with the Orca Stereo Delay, a streamlined multi-mode stereo digital delay that carries over four of the Clockwork Delay's algorithms. Clockwork v3 units are therefore found on the secondhand market.
Where the Clockwork sits in GFI's line
For a player comparing GFI delays today, the Clockwork v3 remains interesting as a later version of the compact format: seven algorithms, eight presets, stereo I/O with 2 inputs and 2 outputs and an expression input in a 4.7 x 2.5 inch box1.
Videos
GFI System
Mike Hermans
Eirik Stordrange
Questions
Is the GFI Clockwork stereo?
Yes. The Clockwork Delay V3 has stereo input and output, with two inputs and two outputs, and its seven delay algorithms are all stereo algorithms. Premier Guitar's reviewer of the V2 noted that stereo functionality was clearly not an afterthought on this line.
How many presets does the Clockwork v3 hold?
The Clockwork v3 holds eight presets, organized into two banks. Any of the seven delay algorithms can be saved into any one of the eight preset locations, so you can switch between very different delay sounds from the pedal itself.
What is Auto Regen Swell on the Clockwork?
Auto Regen Swell is a mode you activate by holding down both footswitches at once. It swells the delay's regeneration, pushing the repeats up toward near-infinite feedback, and is a quick way to build ambient swells and self-oscillating textures without bending down to a knob.
What changed between the Clockwork V2 and V3?
The V3 kept the V2's algorithms and preset count but simplified the preset system, added an Expression / Tap-Tempo input that accepts a standard expression or tap-tempo pedal, added a Kill-Dry function for a 100% wet signal, and gave quick access to the seven delay algorithms from a single button.
Can the Clockwork run 100% wet?
Yes. The V3 added a Kill-Dry function that achieves a 100% wet signal, which is useful in parallel effects loops and ambient setups where you do not want any dry signal passing through the pedal.
What replaced the GFI Clockwork Delay?
The GFI System Orca Stereo Delay replaced the Clockwork Delay in GFI's line in January 2023. It is a streamlined multi-mode stereo digital delay that carries over four of the Clockwork Delay's algorithms.
Sources (3)
- GFI Clockwork Delay V3, Delicious Audio, 2020-08-11
- GFI System Clockwork v3 Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2018-06-11
- GFI Clockwork Delay V2 Review, Premier Guitar, 2017-09-13
