The MXR M-118 Analog Delay is a discontinued analog delay pedal from MXR, a maker with a long history in delay pedals. Pedal of the Day describes it as one of the most recognizable and oft-used of warm and modulated analog delay pedals, harkening back almost to the same style of tones found in the old Roland Space Echo units, and says the M-118 Delay sounds excellent1.
Controls and outputs
The M-118 keeps things deliberately simple. Delay, Mix and Regen (Feedback) make up the super-basic control layout, with the Delay control setting the delay time, Mix setting the balance between dry and delayed signal, and Regen setting how many repeats build up1.
It also carries two outputs, which the reviewer describes as stereo outs that can lead to endless sonic possibilities, letting a player split the dry and delayed signal across two paths1. One quirk to know before buying used: it has the 2 outs but no LED to indicate when the effect is bypassed, so there is no light to confirm the pedal's status1.
The M-118 was discontinued a long time ago, and Pedal of the Day notes these things fetch a decent price on the web when you can find them1.
Where it sits in MXR's delay history
Pedal of the Day calls the M-118 steeped in delay history and believes this particular version is the second of 3 models that MXR produced1. The reviewer's verdict on its standing is plain:
"there's a reason why it's considered one of the best"
The reviewer also credits part of the pedal's recognizability to its pronounced bright green solid enclosure1.
MXR's current analog delay line lives in the Carbon Copy family, including the Carbon Copy Deluxe and the Carbon Copy Mini, and the company has since moved into stereo designs such as the Joshua Ambient Echo. The M-118 predates all of them.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Misled Bayonets
魔法の箱研究所
Questions
Is the MXR M-118 Analog Delay still made?
No. Pedal of the Day describes the M-118 as discontinued a long time ago, and notes that used examples fetch a decent price on the web when you can find them. Anyone wanting a new MXR analog delay today would look at the Carbon Copy family instead, which carries MXR's analog delay line in several versions.
Does the MXR M-118 have stereo outputs?
Yes. The M-118 has two outputs, which Pedal of the Day describes as stereo outs that can lead to endless sonic possibilities. Running each output to a different amp or effect chain lets the repeats sit in a wider stereo field than a single-output delay allows.
Does the MXR M-118 have a bypass LED?
No. Pedal of the Day points out that the M-118 has the two outputs but no LED to indicate when the effect is bypassed. Players used to a light showing pedal status need to keep track of the effect by ear or by remembering the switch position.
Where does the M-118 fall among MXR's analog delays?
Pedal of the Day believes this version is the second of three models that MXR produced. The reviewer also calls it steeped in delay history and says there is a reason why it is considered one of the best analog delays overall.
What does the MXR M-118 sound like?
Pedal of the Day describes warm and modulated analog delay tones in the style of old Roland Space Echo units, saying the M-118 Delay sounds excellent. The three controls, Delay, Mix and Regen, keep the signal path simple while the analog circuit colors the repeats.
Sources (1)
- MXR M-118 Vintage Analog Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2016-06-01
