The Keeley Electronics Parallax Spatial Generator is a delay and reverb pedal aimed squarely at shoegaze and ambient guitar tones. It combines two existing Keeley circuits in one pedalboard-friendly enclosure: the delay side of the Keeley Caverns and the shoegaze-inspired reverbs of the Keeley Realizer1. Three delay types and three reverbs can run at the same time, which MusicRadar called "an all-in-one solution for astral ambience"2.
Delay from the Caverns, reverb from the Realizer
The Parallax teams elements of two existing Keeley pedals: the Caverns' delay and the shoegaze-inspired reverbs of the Realizer3. MusicRadar put it more plainly: it jams together three delays from the Caverns and three reverbs from the Realizer, with the power to run them together2. Pedal of the Day described the result as analog-style modulated delays creating a soft bed of warm repeats, while the reverb side builds Reverse setting vibrato swirls into ambient modulations forming pools of reverb reflection1.
Guitar World reported that the delay side is voiced to emulate old-school magnetic drum tape-style delays3. Pedal of the Day's reviewer found the carefully voiced echoes sit well in the mix whether clean or paired with a favorite drive or fuzz1.
The three reverb modes are Soft Focus, Reverse and Hall, selectable via a three-way toggle switch12:
| Reverb mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Soft Focus | A lush, surreal recreation of the popular Soft Focus patch from the Yamaha FX500 multi effects processor1 |
| Reverse | Inspired by the Yamaha SPX90 and the Alesis Midiverb II, two of the most popular rack mount reverb effects of the 80s and 90s1 |
| Hall | Hall reverb with adjustable octave-up shimmer3 |
The Reverse mode has its own control set. DECAY switches between 8 different fixed delay times, from a quick 150ms all the way up to a half second12. The mode also features an envelope-triggered vibrato emulating the pitch bend from a Jazzmaster tremolo bar: DEPTH sets how deep the "trem bar" is pushed, and WARMTH works like the Jazzmaster rhythm pickup tone control1.
In Soft Focus mode, the Decay dial adjusts the reverb's decay and the feedback when in dual-delay mode, while Depth controls the depth of all four chorus voices12.
Delay modulation: Off, Deep and Light
The delay side has a three-way switch for modulation of the delay3, with three modes1:
| Modulation mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Off | No modulation, classic analog-style warm delay1 |
| Deep | Heavy, swirling modulation added to the delay trail1 |
| Light | Softer, gentle modulation added to the delay trail1 |
The Rate, Blend and Repeats knobs work in conjunction with the mode switch to unlock the full palette of delay sounds1.
Power, switching and integration
The Parallax takes 9V and draws over 75mA2, so it needs a proper pedalboard power supply rather than a minimal daisy chain. Jacks and the power input are mounted on the top of the enclosure2, which suits tight pedalboards where side-mounted jacks eat width.
For players running switching systems, the pedal carries remote control TRS jacks for use with pedal switchers3, so it can be brought in and out of the signal chain from a controller rather than only from its own switches.
The Parallax was a limited run. Guitar World reported that just 500 units would be produced, priced at $2193. MusicRadar gave the UK price as £2292. Players shopping after the run sold through may need to look at the used market.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the pedal in April 2024 and summed up its character:
"Simple to use but complex in soundscaping, the Parallax Spatial Generator provides oodles of experimentation in any musical rig or setup."
The same reviewer found the delay echoes sit well in the mix whether clean or paired with drive or fuzz1, and described the pedal as bringing ambience and shoegazing right to your feet1. MusicRadar pitched it toward experimental players, calling it an all-in-one solution for astral ambience2.
Videos
Sweetwater
Keeley Electronics
The Pedal Zone
Questions
Is the Keeley Parallax a limited edition?
Yes. When Keeley Electronics unveiled the Parallax Spatial Generator in January 2023, Guitar World reported that just 500 units would be produced. It was priced at $219 in the US and £229 in the UK, and was available at launch. Players wanting one had to move quickly.
How much current does the Keeley Parallax draw?
The Parallax runs on 9V and draws over 75mA, according to MusicRadar's launch coverage. That is a healthy draw for a combined delay and reverb pedal, so plan on a proper 9V power supply rather than a small battery-style supply.
Can the Parallax delay and reverb be used at the same time?
Yes. MusicRadar described the pedal as offering three delay types and three reverbs with the power to run them together. Pedal of the Day likewise called it a combination of two popular Keeley circuits in one pedal, with both sides usable for layered ambience.
What is the Soft Focus reverb on the Keeley Parallax?
Soft Focus is a recreation of the popular Soft Focus patch from the Yamaha FX500 multi effects processor, a sound beloved by shoegaze players. In this mode, Decay changes both the reverb's decay time and the feedback for the dual delay, while Depth controls the depth of all four chorus voices.
Does the Keeley Parallax work with a pedal switcher?
Yes. Guitar World's launch coverage noted the pedal has remote control TRS jacks for use with pedal switchers, so it can be integrated into a switching system rather than only operated from its own footswitches.
Sources (3)
- Keeley Electronics Parallax Spatial Generator Delay Reverb, Pedal of the Day, 2024-04-07
- Keeley Electronics combines its Caverns modulated delay with the Realizer's shoegaze-friendly reverb for the Parallax Spatial Generator, MusicRadar, 2023-01-20
- Keeley unveils the Parallax Spatial Generator, “the perfect end-of pedalboard solution for shoegaze, ambient, and experimental tone seekers”, Guitar World, 2023-01-20
