The KOMA Elektronik BD101 Analog Gate / Delay is a voltage controlled analog delay pedal combined with a fully adjustable, wide frequency range gate, built as a stompbox rather than a rack unit1. It was one of the first two products released by the German company KOMA Elektronik, arriving in 2011 alongside the FT201 filter and sequencer pedal2. MusicRadar described the pair at launch as handmade analog pedals from what was then a little known German company3.
The gate and delay sections interact: KOMA says the BD101 is capable of providing bit crushing effects, resonant frequencies, fast shifts between heavy delayed and cranked up sounds, and super short pulses1. Its most distinctive feature is an onboard infrared expression controller, which lets the player override and control all the front panel controls by moving hands or feet over it1.
The BD101 is discontinued. KOMA Elektronik announced in December 2017 that it and the FT201 would be phased out, and confirmed the BD101 was discontinued in February 201812. Units sold today are secondhand.
Controls and the infrared sensor
The front panel carries seven controls, and the rear panel adds CV connections for integrating the pedal with modular gear or other control voltage sources1.
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Input Gain | Sets the level feeding the circuit |
| Gate Speed & Amount | Sets how fast and how hard the gate acts |
| Gate Shape | Shapes the gate's response |
| Gate Range | Sets the frequency range the gate covers |
| Delay Time & Cycle | Sets delay length and repeat behavior |
| Delay Blend | Mixes the delayed signal with the dry signal |
The rear panel CV controls are Sensor Out, Speed In, Delay Time In, Amount In and Cycle In1. The pedal also has a solid footswitch, as MusicRadar noted at launch3.
The infrared sensor is the feature that sets the BD101 apart from a conventional delay pedal. KOMA describes it as an onboard infrared expression controller that can override or control all the front panel controls by moving hands or feet over it1. In KOMA's demo video series with artist Marlon Penn, Penn is shown "controlling the DELAY TIME with his foot via the on board IR Motion Sensor"4, meaning a player can sweep delay time mid-performance without bending down.
Connections and power
The BD101 is generous with inputs for a pedal: Cycle (CV), Cycle (Audio), Audio, Speed (CV), Amount (CV), Ext. Gate (CV) and Delay Time (CV)1. The external gate CV input means another device or sensor can trigger the gate, which suits experimental setups and modular synthesizer rigs as much as guitar boards.
Power is a 9V DC adapter with center negative polarity and a minimum of 500mA, and KOMA states that only the KOMA adapter shipped with the pedal is to be used1. That current draw is above what a typical low-current 9V supply or a shared daisy chain delivers, and there is no battery option.
Build and versions
The enclosure is a powder coated aluminum casing with silk screened text and wooden side panels1, a look distinct from the standard folded steel stompbox. It measures 23 cm x 15 cm x 5 cm (9" x 6" x 2") with a net weight of 850 g / 1.8 lb, and ships at 1 kg / 3.0 lb including the power adapter and instruction manual1. KOMA gave it a 2-year warranty1.
Across its life the BD101 went through four production runs, including a 50 unit special black edition and a special edition made for the Scottish post rock band Mogwai2. The standard version came in KOMA's signature white enclosure2.
Where it came from and who used it
The BD101 and FT201 were released in 2011 as the first two products put out by KOMA Elektronik2. MusicRadar covered the launch on 25 October 2011, listing the BD101 at €329 from the KOMA Elektronik website and noting its true bypass, multiple inputs and solid footswitch3.
The BD101's physical design reflects KOMA's build approach: a powder coated aluminum casing with silk screened text and wooden side panels, measuring 23 cm x 15 cm x 5 cm (9" x 6" x 2") and weighing 850 gr (1.8 lb) net, or 1 kg (3.0 lb) shipped with its power adapter and instruction manual1. It carries a 2 Years Warranty1 and comes standard with a solid footswitch3, with a list price of €329 from the KOMA Elektronik website3.
Videos
KOMA Elektronik
KOMA Elektronik
KOMA Elektronik
Questions
Is the KOMA Elektronik BD101 true bypass?
Yes. MusicRadar's launch coverage of the BD101 lists true bypass among its features, alongside its multiple inputs and solid footswitch. The pedal also carries a two-year warranty from KOMA Elektronik.
Is the BD101 still in production?
No. KOMA Elektronik announced in December 2017 that the BD101 and its companion FT201 would be discontinued, with limited units available while parts lasted. The company confirmed the BD101 was discontinued in February 2018, so finding one now means the secondhand market.
Is the BD101 analog or digital?
It is analog. KOMA describes it as a voltage controlled analog delay combined with a fully adjustable wide frequency range gate, and MusicRadar's 2011 launch report called it one of two new handmade analogue pedals from the German company.
Can I use a standard 9V power supply with the BD101?
Not safely. The BD101 takes a 9V DC adapter with center negative polarity and a minimum of 500mA, but KOMA states you should only use the KOMA adapter shipped with the pedal. A typical low-current 9V pedal supply will not meet the 500mA requirement.
Who has used the BD101?
KOMA Elektronik named Alessandro Cortini, Pole, Addison Groove, Henning Baer, RAC, Jimmy Edgar, Lee Ranaldo, Vessels and Chvrches among players whose studios and stages have held its pedals. The BD101 also had a special edition made for the Scottish post rock band Mogwai.
What does the infrared sensor on the BD101 do?
The onboard infrared expression controller lets you override and control all the front panel controls by moving your hands or feet over it. In KOMA's demo videos, artist Marlon Penn controlled the delay time with his foot via the sensor, hands free.
Sources (4)
- BD101 - Analog Gate / Delay (Discontinued) - KOMA Elektronik, KOMA Elektronik, 2018
- KOMA Elektronik BD101 & FT201 effect pedals to be discontinued., KOMA Elektronik, 2017-12-13
- Koma Elektronik BD101 and FT201 pedals, MusicRadar, 2011-10-25
- Marlon Penn vs. KOMA BD101!, KOMA Elektronik, 2013-05-15
