The Stone Deaf FX Syncopy Analog Delay is an analog delay pedal built around high-quality BBD chips, the bucket-brigade devices that give classic analog delays their character. Pedal of the Day describes it as "fully analog but with a digital brain": the audio path is analog, while digital control handles the presets, tap tempo and MIDI features you would normally only find on a digital delay1. Delicious Audio announced it as shipping in January 20192.
Controls, tap tempo and presets
The main delay parameters are on three knobs: Time, Tone and Level1. Alongside them, the pedal carries footswitches for Bypass, Tap and Preset (Bypass + Tap)2, and a Tap Tempo footswitch with four tap division settings for setting delays in real time1.
Deeper editing lives in a Secondary Mode, entered by holding down the Time, Feedback and Mix knobs at once1. For hands-free control, there is an Expression Input assignable to the Feedback, Time and Mix Mod controls2.
Preset handling is where the digital brain shows: there are 4 onboard presets, with an additional 128 accessible via any MIDI controller1.
Delay time and circuit
Analog delays of the past usually topped out around 450 to 500ms, but the Syncopy gives you double that, at just around 1000ms, according to Pedal of the Day's review1. The analog character comes from the use of high-quality BBD chips2.
"boasts long echoes, more modulation than you could ever need and enough presets to last a lifetime"
Switching and power
Stone Deaf uses true-bypass relay switching to reduce switching noise2. Power comes from a standard 2.1mm center-negative (Boss-style) 9-volt DC power supply2, so it will run from a typical pedalboard supply.
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Questions
Does the Stone Deaf Syncopy have tap tempo?
Yes. The Syncopy has a dedicated Tap Tempo footswitch for setting delays in real time, along with four tap division settings. Pedal of the Day noted in its review that the tap switch and divisions let you set your delays in real time while playing.
How many presets does the Syncopy hold?
The Syncopy holds 4 onboard presets. An additional 128 presets are accessible via any MIDI controller, so players with a MIDI setup can expand the pedal's memory well beyond what the onboard switches offer.
Is the Stone Deaf Syncopy true bypass?
Yes. According to Delicious Audio, Stone Deaf uses true-bypass relay switching in the Syncopy to reduce switching noise, which is a step beyond a simple mechanical bypass switch.
What power supply does the Syncopy need?
The Syncopy runs on a standard 9-volt DC power supply with a 2.1mm center-negative (Boss-style) connector, the same type used by most pedalboard power supplies.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Syncopy?
Yes. The Syncopy has an Expression Input that can be assigned to the Feedback, Time and Mix Mod controls, so you can sweep delay time, repeats or modulation with your foot.
How long is the maximum delay time on the Syncopy?
Pedal of the Day puts the maximum delay time at just around 1000ms, roughly double the 450 to 500ms that analog delays of the past usually topped out at.
Sources (2)
- Stone Deaf FX Syncopy Analog Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2020-02-18
- Stone Deaf FX Syncopy Analog Delay, Delicious Audio, 2019-01-07
