The Ibanez ADMINI Analog Delay is a compact, fully analog delay pedal that packs the circuit of Ibanez's 1980s AD9 Analog Delay into a mini enclosure. Guitar World describes it as aiming to replicate the sound of the Ibanez and Maxon AD9 analog delays of the '80s but packaged into a much smaller casing1. It is made in Japan21.
What it does
The ADMINI covers delay times from 20 ms to 600 ms21. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes its sound as a warm, classic, and exceptionally clean delay, with the mini format saving space on a pedalboard2. RockBoard's PedalPedia says the 100% analog circuitry produces the warm tone that players look for in analog delays2. For more on how this kind of circuit sits alongside digital designs, see Delay Pedals.
Controls
The pedal keeps the control layout of the full-size Ibanez analog delay. RockBoard's PedalPedia says the ADMINI features two smaller knobs for Repeat and Blend, with a significantly larger Delay time knob in the middle2. Delicious Audio, covering the launch of Ibanez's mini series, reported that "The control schemes are the same" as the full-size versions, and called the mini pedals "faithful recreations of their bigger brothers and sisters"3.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Repeat | Sets the number of repeats |
| Delay | Sets the delay time, 20 ms to 600 ms2 |
| Blend | Sets the mix of delayed signal |
Bypass and signal path
The ADMINI uses true bypass switching. RockBoard's PedalPedia says this provides the shortest, most direct signal path, as well as the cleanest tone2. Delicious Audio likewise noted that the mini pedals "all offer true bypass switching for cleaner signal when not in use"3.
Where it came from
The ADMINI is the mini version of the Ibanez AD9 Analog Delay, an analog delay with a 300 ms time effect that Ibanez says allows for a wide range of delay times and repeat settings45. The mini series also included a chorus and a super metal pedal alongside the delay3. Guitar World's buying guide places the ADMini among budget delay options and describes the result as "an incredible analog delay pedal made in Japan"1.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's reviewer weighed the pedal's tone against the original circuit and found it held up, while flagging one practical drawback1:
"+ Tone stands up against an original Maxon AD9"
The same reviewer added that the pedal is really small with great build quality, but found the repeat and blend knobs not easy to dial in1.
In other words, the tone and build were praised, but the small repeat and blend knobs take some care to set precisely12.
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Questions
Is the Ibanez ADMini true bypass?
Yes. Ibanez specifies true bypass switching for the ADMINI, which the maker says provides the shortest, most direct signal path and the cleanest tone when the pedal is off. Delicious Audio, reporting on the mini series when it was announced, also noted that the pedals all offer true bypass switching for a cleaner signal when not in use.
What is the delay time range of the Ibanez ADMini?
The ADMINI covers delay times from 20 ms to 600 ms, according to Ibanez's product information. Guitar World's buying guide gives the same range, saying you can dial in delay times from as little as 20 ms to 600 ms.
Is the Ibanez ADMini analog or digital?
The ADMINI is fully analog. Ibanez describes it as 100% analog circuitry producing the warm tone players look for in analog delays, and lists the circuit type as analog.
Where is the Ibanez ADMini made?
The ADMINI is made in Japan, according to both Ibanez's product information and Guitar World's review, which called it an incredible analog delay pedal made in Japan.
Does the ADMini have the same controls as the full-size Ibanez analog delay?
Yes. Ibanez says the ADMINI keeps the same control scheme as the full-size versions, with Repeat, Delay and Blend knobs. On the mini pedal, the Repeat and Blend knobs are smaller and the Delay time knob in the middle is significantly larger. Delicious Audio described the mini pedals as faithful recreations of their bigger brothers and sisters.
Sources (5)
- Best budget delay pedals: echo and slapback for not much greenback, Guitar World, 2024-03-27
- ADMINI Analog Delay by Ibanez, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Ibanez Launches Three New Mini Pedals At NAMM, Delicious Audio, 2016-01-25
- AD-9 Analog Delay by Ibanez, RockBoard (www.rockboard.de), 2026
- TONEHOME, TONEHOME
