The MXR M309 Joshua Ambient Echo is a compact delay pedal that does more than its six knobs suggest. Guitar World's reviewer Trevor Curwen describes it as offering rhythmic delays with an optional second echo, modulation, octave voicing on the repeats and tap tempo, all in a box that measures just 64 (w) x 110 (d) x 50mm (h)1. MXR says it was tuned by Jeorge Tripps to deliver the sort of iconic soundscapes created by vintage rack-style processing, and the name is a not-so-subtle nod to U2's classic The Joshua Tree, so Edge-style ambience is clearly on the cards1.
Controls
The front panel carries the expected trio of Delay Time, Regen (Feedback) and Mix knobs, and then goes further. Here is what each control does, as described in Guitar World's review1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Delay | Sets the delay time, from 50ms to 1000ms |
| Regen | Feedback, the number and level of repeats |
| Mix | Blend of delayed and dry signal |
| Mod | Modulation of the repeats, from subtly dusting them to rich pitch vibrato |
| Voice | Progressively mixes in a blend of three octaves, one down and one and two up, thickening the repeats |
| Division | Rhythmic subdivision of the tapped delay time |
| Echo 2 switch | Brings in the optional second echo |
| Trails switch | Lets repeats spill over after bypass, in Buffered (Trails) mode |
| CTR mode switch | Sets how the CTR input behaves |
| Bypass footswitch | True or Buffered (Trails) bypass |
The Mod knob is the one that moves the pedal beyond straightforward echoing: Curwen describes it as adding further to the sonic stew, moving from subtly dusting the repeats to rich pitch vibrato1. The Voice knob works alongside it, thickening the repeats with that three-octave blend as you turn it up1.
Stereo, tap tempo and the feedback filter
Out of the box the pedal is set up as mono in and mono out, but it can be switched to stereo output1. The output jack is a standard TRS socket, so going stereo means using a TRS cable to carry the second channel1.
The stereo output requires a TRS cable. With an ordinary mono cable the pedal runs as a mono in/mono out delay, which is its default configuration.
Other features listed in the review include the 50ms to 1000ms delay time range, tap tempo, and an adjustable low pass filter in the delay feedback, which shapes how the repeats darken as they build1.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's Trevor Curwen gave the pedal a positive overall verdict, calling it a feature-packed pedal that belies its compact size, and finding it excels as both a traditional delay and a soundscape generator1.
"The M309 Joshua Ambient Echo is a feature-packed pedal that belies its compact size. Use it as a traditional delay or as"
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Questions
Is the MXR Joshua Ambient Echo true bypass?
Yes. The pedal offers a choice between true bypass and buffered bypass, and the buffered mode is tied to the Trails switch, so repeats can be allowed to die away naturally after you switch the pedal off. Guitar World lists the bypass options as True or Buffered (Trails) in its review of the pedal.
Does the Joshua Ambient Echo run in stereo?
It can. Out of the box the pedal is set up as mono in and mono out, but it can be switched to stereo output. The output jack is a standard TRS socket, so you need a TRS cable or splitter to feed two channels. Guitar World notes the stereo output works with a TRS cable.
What does the Voice knob do on the Joshua Ambient Echo?
The Voice knob progressively mixes in a blend of three octaves, one down and one and two up, thickening the repeats. Turned down it stays out of the way; turned up it gives the echoes a layered, shifted character that sits behind the basic delay line.
Does the MXR Joshua Ambient Echo have tap tempo?
Yes, tap tempo is included. It works alongside the Division control and the Delay knob, which covers a delay time range of 50ms to 1000ms, so you can set repeats by feel or by tapping them in.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Joshua Ambient Echo?
Yes. Alongside the standard input and the standard TRS output, the pedal has a CTR input, which is the connection MXR uses for expression control. Guitar World lists the CTR input among the pedal's connections, and a CTR mode switch on the top panel relates to how it behaves.
Sources (1)
- MXR Joshua Ambient Echo review, Guitar World, 2024-01-08
