The NativeAudio Wilderness is a delay and modulation pedal from NativeAudio, a maker based in Dayton, Ohio. It offers up to 1,000 milliseconds of delay time and two modulation modes, Tap and Ramp, with tap tempo, ramping and subdivision control all built in1. Delicious Audio describes it as an analog-voiced delay with an all-analog dry signal path, so your clean tone passes through the pedal untouched in character while the repeats carry an analog voice1.
Tap and Ramp modes
The Wilderness runs two main modes, Tap and Ramp, and the feedback, mix and modulation controls are global to both, so they keep their settings whichever mode you are in1.
Tap mode is the conventional side: tap tempo with four available subdivisions. In the V1.5, Pedal of the Day notes that the subdivision parameter selects from quarter note, eighth note, dotted eighth note and triplet2.
Ramp mode is what sets the pedal apart. You set a slow and a fast delay time, and the pedal accelerates between the two over a period set by the r.time (ramp time) control. Moving between the two speeds creates a pitch-shifting effect as the delay time changes1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Feedback, mix, modulation | Global to both modes1 |
| slow/(fast) knob | Sets the slow speed; held with the on/(hold) switch, sets the fast speed1 |
| r.time (ramp time) | Sets the ramp time between the two delay speeds1 |
| on (hold) switch | Held, gives access to secondary parameters marked in parenthesis1 |
| Control footswitch | Operates tap tempo subdivisions and momentary ramping between the two speeds1 |
| Ext. 1/4" jack | Accepts an external, normally-open, non-latching switch to perform the Control switch function2 |
To set the fast speed, you hold the on/(hold) switch and turn the slow/(fast) knob. Holding that switch is also how you reach the secondary parameters marked in parenthesis on the panel1. For ramping, the control footswitch works in momentary mode, so you can dip into the fast speed and back by foot1.
The external switch jack needs a normally-open, non-latching switch, the same kind commonly used for amp channel switching2.
Versions
The pedal covered here is the Wilderness Delay V1.5, which Pedal of the Day describes as an expansion of what the original Wilderness Delay was capable of, with artwork and a wide set of sonic options2.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's review of the V1.5 summed the pedal up this way2:
"combines warm, analog delay sounds with pitch-shifting, tremolo and other effects, to create a unique and wonderful pedal."2
Pedal of the Day,2
For more on where the Wilderness sits among delay designs, see the site's Delay Pedals page.
Videos
NativeAudio
NativeAudio
R.J. Ronquillo
Questions
How long is the delay time on the NativeAudio Wilderness?
The Wilderness offers up to 1,000 milliseconds of delay time. Delicious Audio describes it as an analog-voiced delay with an all-analog dry signal path, so the repeats are shaped in the same family as classic analog delays while still covering a full second of range.
Is the NativeAudio Wilderness analog or digital?
Delicious Audio describes the Wilderness as an analog-voiced delay with an all-analog dry signal path. That means your clean tone stays analog from input to output, while the delayed repeats carry an analog character.
Does the Wilderness have true bypass?
No. The Wilderness uses buffered bypass with trails, so the delay repeats continue to fade naturally after you switch the pedal off rather than cutting off instantly.
What does Ramp mode do on the Wilderness?
Ramp mode lets you set a slow and a fast delay time and accelerate between the two over a ramp time you choose with the r.time control. Moving between the two speeds creates a pitch-shifting effect, and the control footswitch can be used in momentary mode to ramp between the speeds.
Does the Wilderness have tap tempo?
Yes. Tap mode offers tap tempo functionality with four available subdivisions: quarter note, eighth note, dotted eighth note and triplet, as covered in Pedal of the Day's review of the V1.5.
Can the Wilderness be controlled externally?
Yes. The Control switch can be operated from an external, normally-open, non-latching switch connected to the Ext. 1/4-inch jack on the side of the pedal, and Delicious Audio lists internal/external tap tempo and ramp control among its features.
Sources (2)
- NativeAudio Wilderness V1.5 Delay + Modulation, Delicious Audio, 2020-06-29
- NativeAudio Wilderness Delay V1.5, Pedal of the Day, 2020-05-16
