It is a preset-based pedal rather than a simple knob-and-go stompbox. It comes preloaded with 50 artist patches created by the players themselves, with room for 50 user patches of your own, and it carries a 2.43" OLED display, full MIDI and true stereo in and out12.
Three delay modes: analog, digital and dynamic
The pedal's three modes each stand for an era of delay history, and Laney names the reference points for each1.
| Mode | Based on | What Laney says it does |
|---|---|---|
| Analog | The RE Space Echo family of tape delays | "The tape echo era, modelled around the RE space echo family of delays featuring all the warmth and analogue nuances of tape"1 |
| Digital | The crisp sounding digital delays of the 80s | Tap tempo and freeze functions1 |
| Dynamic | The power delays of the 90s | Modulation and ducking features, "straight DUCKED digital delay, up to 2500 MS of delay", based on the legendary 22901 |
Gearnews described the analog mode as offering "traditional tape delays, like a Space Echo with wow and flutter, etc"2. The analog mode includes tape artifacts, wow and flutter, which give the repeats the pitch wobble of a real tape machine1. The dynamic mode's ducking behavior pulls the repeats down while you play and lets them rise when you stop, which keeps the delay out of the way of your dry signal.
Delicious Audio also noted a routing mode that lets you configure the multiple delays in various ways, beyond the three era models3.
The controls and footswitches
The front panel carries controls for Color, Tone, Mix, Repeats and Edit2, with the main settings on the left side of the pedal3. Laney's own descriptions of the knobs:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Find the balance | Controls the overall level of the delay repeats1 |
| Control the feedback | Controls the duration of the delay repeats1 |
| Add Modulation | Controls the amount of modulation of the delay repeats1 |
| Edit | A multi-function rotary encoder: select the unit of values to be edited, press to enter or select a parameter, rotate to adjust1 |
The Edit encoder works in a stepped way for delay time: when editing millisecond values, press once for seconds, again for tens, again for hundreds1.
There are two footswitches: an On/Off footswitch and a Tap/Freeze footswitch2. The Tap/Freeze switch sets tempo by foot in the digital mode and also calls up the Freeze function, which holds the delay sound in place12.
An expression pedal can be plugged in to take control of various delay parameters in real time1.
Artist presets and players
The pedal ships with 50 artist patches "created by the players themselves", and Laney says it includes "some remarkable presets in the style of players such as EVH, Slash, Andy Summers, to name but a few"1. The artist presets include Tony Iommi, Lari Basilio, Tom Quayle, Martin Miller, Billy Duffy, Alex Hutchings and Vernon Reid2. Alongside the 50 artist patches there is space for 50 user patches, for 100 in total21.
Connections: MIDI, stereo and expression
The rear panel is where this pedal separates itself from simpler delay boxes.
- MIDI: Full-featured MIDI input and output supporting both MIDI CC numbers and Program Changes, on full-sized MIDI in and out ports12. A high quality MIDI to USB cable is included in the box1.
- Stereo: True stereo in and out, so a single input can produce a stereo output, or you can run stereo in and out1.
- Expression: An expression pedal input for real-time control of delay parameters1.
The 2.43" OLED display is described by Laney as ultra-sharp and suited to performance environments and vantage points1. Gearnews reported it as a 2.42" screen at launch2; the two sources disagree on the exact size.
Where it came from and what reviewers said
In January 2023, Delicious Audio added it to the site's roundup of multi-mode delay pedals, with reviewer Paolo De Gregorio writing3:
"The Difference Engine looks like a very well-designed delay pedal with unique features and a sound that rivals the top DSP-based echos currently on the market"3
Videos
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Questions
Does the Laney Difference Engine have MIDI?
Yes. It has full-featured MIDI input and output supporting both MIDI CC numbers and Program Changes, with full-sized MIDI in and out ports. A high quality MIDI to USB cable is included in the box, so it can be integrated with a MIDI controller or a computer setup.
Can the Difference Engine run in stereo?
Yes. It has true stereo in and out, so a single input can produce a stereo output, or you can run stereo in and out. This makes it usable with two amps or at the stereo points of a larger rig.
How many presets does The Difference Engine have?
It holds 100 patches in total. It comes preloaded with 50 artist patches created by the players themselves, and there is space for 50 of your own user patches.
What does the Freeze function do?
Freeze is part of the digital delay mode, which is based on the crisp sounding digital delays of the 80s with tap tempo and freeze functions. It is reached from the Tap/Freeze footswitch, and it sustains the delay sound so repeats keep going while you play over them.
Does the Difference Engine take an expression pedal?
Yes. It has an expression pedal input that lets you take control of various delay parameters in real time, so things like delay time or repeats can be moved while you play.
Which line is The Difference Engine part of?
It is part of Laney's Black Country Customs line of effects, made by Laney Amplification, a British company that has been building amplification since 1967. The pedal is sold as the BCC-TDE.
Sources (3)
- BCC PEDALS BCC-TDE THE DIFFERENCE ENGINE BOUTIQUE EFFECT PEDAL, Laney Amplification
- NAMM 2022: Laney announces The Difference Engine delay pedal, gearnews.com, 2022-06-03
- Laney Black Country The Difference Engine Delay, Delicious Audio, 2023-01-16
