The Jack Deville Dark Echo is a compact delay pedal from Delay Pedals territory's smaller end: a digital echo processor with a fully analog dry signal path and analog support circuitry, hand built by Jack Deville Electronics in Portland. It was Jack DeVille's first creation, unveiled during the December 2008 Portland blizzard, and the company described it as "the perfect combination of the Maestro Echoplex, Roland Space Echo, and EH Deluxe Memory Man tucked into the size of a small MXR Hammond bud box"12. It can also oscillate into infinite looping with no decay of the repeats1.
Controls and jacks
The pedal keeps its face simple. One footswitch handles off and on with clickless true bypass, and the input and output jacks are unmarked and located on the end of the box rather than the sides, like some pedals3. The 9-volt negative center power jack sits on the side3.
One control is hidden: an internal volume trim adjusts the output level, adjustable to 12 dB of gain, so the pedal can be set to hit the amp harder than a unity-level pedal would1.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Footswitch | One, for off and on, clickless true bypass3 |
| Input / output | Unmarked jacks on the end of the enclosure3 |
| Internal trim | Output level, adjustable to 12 dB gain1 |
| Power jack | 9-volt negative center, on the side3 |
Sound and what reviewers found
Premier Guitar's reviewer found the pedal's slapback territory especially strong: "With the Dark Echo, slap back echoes used in country music and '50s-type music are on the money, not harsh or brittle"3. The same review noted the enclosure is "an unassuming package in a small box about the size of many popular effects"3.
The self-oscillation is a headline feature rather than a side effect. The press release states it "can oscillate infinite looping with no decay of the repeats," which puts runaway, never-decaying loops on tap for players who want them1.
Power and practical notes
The Dark Echo draws 35 mA on minimal settings and 70 mA on maximum settings, which the press release called low power consumption for a delay1. It uses the usual 9-volt negative center power jack on the side of the box3.
Current draw rises with the settings, from 35 mA to 70 mA between minimal and maximum, so budget headroom on a shared supply accordingly1.
Origins
Jack DeVille built the Dark Echo as his first pedal, unveiled during the December 2008 Portland blizzard2. In a Premier Guitar interview he spoke plainly about the economics of early hand-built runs: "These cost me $40 to manufacture, but I made $400 this afternoon"2. The design was developed with consultation from guitarist Cameron Morgan1.
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Questions
What is the delay time range of the Jack Deville Dark Echo?
The Dark Echo covers 50 ms to 450 ms of delay time. Premier Guitar's reviewer called that an adequate range for most users, and it places short slapback echoes and medium-length repeats within reach on one dial.
Is the Jack Deville Dark Echo true bypass?
Yes. The pedal uses true bypass switching, and Premier Guitar's review describes the single footswitch as clickless, so switching the effect in and out happens without an audible pop.
What power supply does the Dark Echo need?
It runs on a 9-volt negative center power jack mounted on the side of the enclosure. Current draw is low for a delay, from 35 mA on minimal settings to 70 mA on maximum settings, per the original press release.
Is the Dark Echo analog or digital?
It is a hybrid: a digital echo processor with a fully analog dry signal path and analog support circuitry. Your clean tone stays analog while the repeats are generated digitally.
Can the Dark Echo self-oscillate?
Yes. Jack Deville Electronics states the pedal can oscillate into infinite looping with no decay of the repeats, so pushing the feedback up sends it into a runaway loop.
Where is the Jack Deville Dark Echo made?
The Dark Echo is hand built by Jack Deville Electronics in Portland, Oregon, according to the announcement press release.
Sources (3)
- Jack Deville Electronics Announces Dark Echo Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2009-10-03
- Mr. Black Pedals' Jack DeVille on Building His Brands, Premier Guitar, 2026-08-25
- Jack Deville Dark Echo Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2010-02-26
