The GFI Orca Delay is a stereo delay from GFI System. Delicious Audio describes it as a streamlined pedal whose four delay modes leave "plenty of sweet spots for dialing in characterful delays ranging from crystal clear to dark and distant"1. The four knobs (Time, Repeats, Level and Modes) double as pressure switches: pressing and turning a knob accesses secondary parameters, and the two footswitches handle On/Off and Tap Tempo while also navigating presets and engaging the momentary Ramp effect1. Delicious Audio reports that it "replaces the Clockwork Delay in their line"1, and summed it up as "a useful and great-sounding device that's likely to inspire you for a long time"1.
Four delay modes in stereo
The Orca features four of its predecessor's "true and tried delay algorithms: Digital, Tape, Diffuse, and Ambiental"1. Each mode goes deeper than a single knob turn suggests: the four dual-function encoders allow up to seven parameter adjustments per mode1. The four knobs, Time, Repeats, Level and Modes, are also pressure switches, so pressing and turning accesses the secondary parameters hidden under each one1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Time, Repeats, Level, Modes knobs | Set the core delay parameters; press and turn to reach secondary parameters1 |
| Four dual-function encoders | Up to seven parameter adjustments per mode1 |
| On/Off footswitch | Bypass, plus preset navigation and the momentary Ramp effect1 |
| Tap Tempo footswitch | Tempo setting, plus preset navigation and the momentary Ramp effect1 |
The two footswitches handle On/Off and Tap Tempo, but also help navigate between the A and B preset slots and engage the momentary Ramp effect1.
Stereo connections and expression input
The input and output jacks feature TRS connectors for stereo operations1, so one TRS cable per side carries both channels, and the pedal runs in mono or stereo depending on how you wire it1. The External jack can accept either expression or tap tempo input1, which makes it worth pairing with something from the expression pedals shelf if you want hands-free parameter sweeps, or a simple switch if you only want tempo control.
From the Clockwork Delay to the Orca
The Orca descends from the Clockwork Delay line. The Clockwork Delay v2 from GFI System built on the original with a ton of presets, tap tempo, stereo input and output and more, with the Pedal of the Day reviewer writing that "this next generation pedal takes us into the delay stratosphere"2. The same review praised its "tons of echo-shaping options" and "killer stereo effects and multi-head modes"3. Premier Guitar's review of the Clockwork v2 likewise listed "tons of echo-shaping options," "intuitive operation" and "killer stereo effects and multi-head modes" among its pros3.
The Orca streamlines that formula: four algorithms instead of seven, two presets instead of eight, in a smaller footprint1. Players who want more algorithms and presets in a GFI delay can look at the Specular Tempus or the newer Solis Ventus, both covered on the delay pedals page.
Delicious Audio's overall verdict on the Orca: "still, a useful and great-sounding device that's likely to inspire you for a long time"1.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
R.J. Ronquillo
Mark Johnston
Questions
Is the GFI Orca Stereo Delay analog or digital?
The Orca is a digital delay. Delicious Audio describes it as a studio-quality, streamlined, multi-mode, stereo digital delay. Its four modes, Digital, Tape, Diffuse and Ambiental, are carried over from the Clockwork Delay, the pedal it replaced in GFI System's line.
Does the GFI Orca work in stereo?
Yes. The Orca runs in mono or stereo, and its input and output jacks use TRS connectors for stereo operation. That means a single TRS cable can carry both channels at each end, so a stereo rig can be wired with one cable into the pedal and one cable out.
Does the Orca have tap tempo?
Yes, two ways. The Tap Tempo footswitch handles it on the pedal, and the External jack can also accept a tap tempo input. That same jack accepts an expression pedal instead, so you choose which job it does.
How many presets does the GFI Orca store?
The Orca stores two preset slots, labeled A and B. The two footswitches, which handle On/Off and Tap Tempo, also navigate between those presets and engage the momentary Ramp effect.
Can I connect an expression pedal to the GFI Orca?
Yes. The External jack accepts either an expression pedal or a tap tempo switch, so you can wire one in to sweep parameters live, or use it for tempo control instead.
Which pedal did the Orca replace in GFI's line?
The Orca replaced the Clockwork Delay in GFI System's line. It carries over four of that pedal's delay algorithms, Digital, Tape, Diffuse and Ambiental, in a streamlined format.
Sources (3)
- GFI Orca Stereo Delay, Delicious Audio, 2023-01-16
- GFI System Clockwork Delay v2, Pedal of the Day, 2016-12-06
- GFI Clockwork Delay V2 Review, Premier Guitar, 2017-09-13
