The Tonetuga FX Delphine Delay is a dual modulated tape delay pedal built to recall the sound of vintage tape echo machines. It carries two identical but independent delay circuits, each with six dedicated knob controls and its own footswitch, and each circuit includes its own modulation section and preamp section. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio describes it as "a dual modulated tape delay intended to simulate the classic tape echo machines of old," and notes that while it is not the only dual delay on the market, "its emphasis on tape machine-like modulation makes it rather unique among dual delays."1
One thing the maker's description makes clear: the repeats are meant to be a little imperfect on purpose. "The delay repeats allow a little bit of noise to flow to emulate the warmth of a vintage tape machine," according to Delicious Audio's product page.1
The controls
Each of the two circuits has the same six knobs, so one set of controls describes both sides1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Time | Range of 50 to 600ms delay |
| Echo | Number of repeats, from single repeats up to self-oscillation |
| Wave | Depth of modulation |
| Chop | Speed of modulation |
| Mix | Amount of the delay mixed into your dry signal |
| PreA | Roughly 10dB boost, unity at noon |
All control details come from Delicious Audio's product page.1
The two circuits are identical but independent, each with its own footswitch, so either side can be switched and set on its own.1
Modulation and the chorus trick
The Wave and Chop knobs set the depth and speed of the modulation on each circuit, which is where the pedal's tape-machine character lives.1 That modulation can also be pushed into different territory: Pedal of the Day notes that "you can turn the Time controls down to get a mainly-chorus effect, to fatten up your dry signal with overlapping choruses" on each channel.2 For players who already own a dedicated chorus, the Delphine's short-time setting sits closer to that effect type than to a straight echo.
Where it sits
The Delphine Delay is made by Tonetuga FX2. Its delay section is controlled with a Mix knob, which sets the amount of the delay mixed into your dry signal1.
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Questions
Can the Delphine Delay run both delays at once?
Yes. The pedal carries two identical but independent delay circuits, each with six dedicated knob controls and its own footswitch, so the two sides can be set and switched separately. Delicious Audio describes it as a dual modulated tape delay intended to simulate the classic tape echo machines of old, complete with two independent delay circuits, modulation sections, and preamp sections.
What delay times does each side of the Delphine cover?
Each of the two delay circuits has a Time knob with a range of 50 to 600ms of delay. Because the two circuits are identical and independent, either side can be set anywhere in that range, letting you run two different delay times at once.
What does the PreA knob do on the Delphine Delay?
PreA is a preamp boost control on each delay circuit, giving roughly 10dB of boost, with unity gain at noon. It sits alongside the delay and modulation controls, so you can push the front end while shaping your repeats.
Can the Delphine Delay work as a chorus?
Pedal of the Day notes that you can turn the Time controls down to get a mainly-chorus effect, fattening up your dry signal with overlapping choruses on each channel. With short times and the modulation controls in play, the pedal doubles as a chorus-style effect.
Does the Delphine Delay self-oscillate?
Yes. The Echo knob sets the number of repeats, from a single repeat up to self-oscillation, in the manner of a tape echo machine pushed past its limit.
Sources (2)
- Tonetuga FX Delphine Delay, Delicious Audio, 2022-01-20
- Tonetuga FX Delphine Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2020-08-15
