The GNI PADT Analog Tap Tempo Delay is an analog delay pedal with tap tempo from GNI Music, a pedal company from Brazil. Guitar World's reviewer Billy Voight described it as combining the old with the new: an analog repeat path, which he found darker, dirtier and a bit unpredictable compared to digital delay, with modern tap tempo control on top1.
Controls and Tap/Tempo mode
In standard mode the PADT is a straightforward delay: switch it on and use the three knobs, Delay, Mix and Feedback, to set delay level and repeats1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Delay | Sets the delay time in standard mode |
| Mix | Sets the level of the delayed signal |
| Feedback | Sets the number of repeats |
Tap/Tempo mode is engaged from the same single footswitch that turns the pedal on and off. To use it, click the pedal on, then hold your foot on the switch for about a second until the red LED turns orange, and tap the tempo you want. To exit, hold the switch down until the LED turns from orange back to red, then finally switch it off1.
There is only one footswitch, so it does double duty: a click switches the effect on and off, while holding it engages and exits Tap/Tempo mode. Learning the hold timing is part of using this pedal live1.
Build and power
The pedal is built around a thick metal case and a sturdy switch, and Voight's verdict on the build was direct: "This pedal is definitely ready to gig! It is built around a thick metal case and a sturdy switch."1 Size-wise it sits close to the familiar Boss footprint: compared to a Boss pedal it is a little shorter and just a hair wider1.
For power, the pedal can run either on a 9V battery or a negative center 9V power supply, and GNI recommends a 300mA supply1.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's review by Billy Voight (February 24, 2013) is the published verdict on record. He summed up the analog character this way1:
"Compared to digital delay, it's darker, dirtier and a bit unpredictable."
His overall take was that the pedal is gig-ready thanks to its metal case and sturdy switch build1.
Videos
Dmitry Andrianov
Questions
Does the GNI PADT run on a battery?
Yes. Guitar World's reviewer Billy Voight notes the pedal can run either on a 9V battery or a negative center 9V power supply, so it can be powered either way depending on how your board is set up.
How do I set tap tempo on the GNI PADT?
Click the pedal on, then hold your foot on the switch for about a second until the red LED turns orange, and tap the tempo you want. To leave Tap/Tempo mode, hold the switch down until the LED turns from orange back to red, then switch the pedal off as usual.
What is the delay time range of the GNI PADT?
Delay times range from 50 to 600 milliseconds, according to Guitar World's review of the pedal.
What power supply does the GNI PADT recommend?
GNI recommends a 300mA power supply for the PADT, per Guitar World's review. The pedal also runs on a 9V battery if you prefer not to use a supply.
Is the GNI PADT analog or digital?
It is an analog delay. Guitar World's reviewer described its character as darker, dirtier and a bit unpredictable compared to digital delay, which is the usual trade of analog repeat circuits.
How much does the GNI PADT cost?
Guitar World listed the street price at $219 in its February 2013 review.
Sources (1)
- Review: GNI Music PADT Analog Tap Tempo Delay Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-02-24