The Pigtronix Constellator Modulated Analog Delay is an all-analog delay pedal capable of producing up to 600ms of lush echo with adjustable modulation, according to RockBoard's PedalPedia's product information1. It packs that into a mini-pedal enclosure, and a Feel button switches the modulation between two characters, chorus or vibrato, so the repeats can shimmer or wobble depending on the setting2.
Controls
The Constellator keeps its front panel small but covers the essentials of a delay, plus the modulation section that gives it its name2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Time | Sets the delay time, up to the 600ms maximum23 |
| Mix | Blends the delayed signal with your dry sound2 |
| Repeats | Sets how many repeats you hear2 |
| Mod | Adds woozy modulation to the repeats2 |
| Feel | Toggles between the two modulation modes, chorus or vibrato2 |
| Regen | Sets feedback; turned past midnight it sets off self-oscillation for dub and spacey effects2 |
| Bypass footswitch | Switches the pedal on and off2 |
How it works
Like other analog delays, the Constellator uses bucket-brigade device (BBD) chips to delay the audio signal in the analog domain. MusicRadar reports that it is driven by a pair of MN3005 BBD chips, which is how it reaches its 600ms maximum while staying all-analog2. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the pedal as producing lush echo with adjustable modulation1.
The regen knob is where the pedal gets experimental: MusicRadar notes that turning it past midnight sets off self-oscillation for dub and spacey effects, the runaway feedback that analog delay players often chase2.
The Constellator runs on a 9V DC adaptor that is not supplied, so plan for a power supply slot or adapter on your board2.
Where it fits in Pigtronix's delay range
Pigtronix makes several delays, and the Constellator sits at the compact end. Guitar World's Trevor Curwen has referred to it simply as the Constellator analog delay in a review of the company's wider pedal range4. Players who want more features in a delay can look at the Pigtronix Echolution 3, a stereo multi-tap delay, or the Pigtronix Emanator, a limited edition mini analog delay. There is also a Pigtronix Constellator Mini in the lineup. For the wider picture, see the site's Delay Pedals page.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review found the pedal delivers well beyond its size. The reviewer wrote2:
"Don't let the size full you. The quality of the analogue delay sounds is beyond dispute, and the Constellator's dual-modulation makes it even more versatile2."
MusicRadar,2
The same review described the core delay voice as able to do rockabilly slapback all the way through to more epic delay sounds that can really add some depth and intrigue to your solos2. Premier Guitar's reviewer, writing in September 2023, confirmed the pedal offers a maximum delay time of 600 ms3.
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Questions
How long is the Constellator's maximum delay time?
The Constellator offers a maximum delay time of 600ms, a figure both MusicRadar and Premier Guitar give in their reviews. Pigtronix describes the pedal as capable of producing up to 600ms of lush echo with adjustable modulation, which covers everything from short slapback to longer, more spacious repeats.
Is the Pigtronix Constellator true bypass?
No. MusicRadar lists the Constellator as having buffered bypass, meaning the signal passes through a buffer when the pedal is off rather than connecting input straight to output. A buffer can help drive long cable runs, which is worth knowing if you prefer a strictly true bypass signal path.
Does the Constellator come with a power supply?
No. MusicRadar's review lists the power requirement as a 9V DC adaptor and notes that it is not supplied, so you will need to provide your own adapter or a pedalboard power supply output that meets the pedal's requirements.
What is the Feel switch on the Constellator?
The Feel button toggles between the Constellator's two modulation modes, chorus or vibrato. Together with the Mod knob, it shapes how the repeats move, from a shimmering chorus character to a woozy vibrato pitch wobble on the echo tail.
Can the Constellator self-oscillate?
Yes. MusicRadar notes that the regen knob sets off self-oscillation for dub and spacey effects when turned past midnight, so pushing the repeats control high sends the delay into runaway feedback, a trick analog delay players often use for experimental textures.
What chips does the Constellator use?
According to MusicRadar, the Constellator is driven by a pair of MN3005 BBD chips. Bucket-brigade devices are the classic analog delay components, and using two of them is how the pedal reaches its 600ms maximum delay time while staying all-analog.
Sources (4)
- Constellator by Pigtronix, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Pigtronix Constellator Modulated Analog Delay review, MusicRadar, 2022-04-16
- Pigtronix Constellator Review, Premier Guitar, 2021-09-10
- Pigtronix Moon Pool Tremvelope Phaser review, Guitar World, 2022-01-14
