The VOX Time Machine is an analog, dual-mode delay pedal created in collaboration with Joe Satriani, and it is the second effect pedal to come out of the guitarist's work with VOX12. It offers two delay modes, Modern and Vintage, a Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi switch, tap tempo control, and independent wet and dry stereo outputs32. Delay time runs from a 30ms slapback to nearly six full seconds (5,800ms) of delay3. MusicRadar reported the pedal would materialise in early 2009, and Premier Guitar listed it with an MSRP of $30034.
Where it came from
Vox released the Time Machine in early 2009 as a dual-mode delay pedal created in collaboration with Joe Satriani12. It is the second effect pedal born of that collaboration between the guitarist and Vox21, following the Satchurator distortion. Premier Guitar reviewed the Time Machine alongside the Satchurator and the Big Bad Wah4.
How it works
The Time Machine's two delay modes, Modern and Vintage, give it two distinct repeat characters, and the Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi switch shapes the tone further. MusicRadar called the hi-fi/lo-fi switch "the key to unlocking Satriani's custom tone," explaining that "Hi-fi mode is transparent, while lo-fi mode combines high-pass and low-pass filters adjusted to Joe's taste"3. Vox says that in lo-fi mode, "Your guitar sound will blend naturally in the mix - without obscuring or interfering with the other players"3.
Tap tempo control lets you set the delay time in time with the music2, and the delay range spans from a tight 30ms slapback to nearly six full seconds (5,800ms)3. The independent wet and dry stereo outputs mean the delayed signal and the untouched signal can be sent down separate paths, which is useful for running two amps or feeding a mixer2.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer, Gary Lenn, compared the Time Machine with the Boss delay pedals Satriani used to play through and found the Time Machine held its own4:
"It’s fricken’ awesome! It’s soft but much fatter than the original Boss delay pedals Satch used to use, that I’m using now."4
On the pedal's overall usefulness, Lenn's verdict was that "This is my favorite pedal of the three and the most versatile for a variety of different types of players and musical styles," calling it "a great sounding pedal overall"4.
Related pedals
Vox has built other delays around different approaches: the Vox Double Deca Delay uses three 3205 BBD chips with Short, Long and Both time modes, and the Vox DelayLab is a delay processor with 30 delay effects, a 28-second stereo looper and 30 preset programs. For the wider field, see the site's Delay Pedals page.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Guitar World
Premier Guitar
Questions
Is the VOX Time Machine analog or digital?
The Time Machine is an analog delay pedal, according to its circuit type listing on the RockBoard PedalPedia product page. It is a dual-mode design with Modern and Vintage delay modes, and a Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi switch that shapes the character of the repeats.
How long is the delay time on the VOX Time Machine?
MusicRadar reported that the Time Machine covers everything from a 30ms slapback to nearly six full seconds (5,800ms) of delay, which is an unusually wide range for an analog delay pedal.
Does the VOX Time Machine have tap tempo?
Yes. Premier Guitar's coverage of the pedal notes that it includes tap tempo control, so you can set the delay time in time with the song rather than dialing it in by ear.
What does the Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi switch do on the Time Machine?
According to MusicRadar, Hi-Fi mode is transparent, while Lo-Fi mode combines high-pass and low-pass filters adjusted to Joe Satriani's taste. Vox says this means your guitar sound will blend naturally in the mix without obscuring or interfering with the other players.
What power does the VOX Time Machine need?
The Time Machine runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 60mA of current, according to the RockBoard PedalPedia listing.
Does the VOX Time Machine have stereo outputs?
Yes. Premier Guitar reports that the Time Machine has independent wet and dry stereo outputs, so you can send the delayed signal and the clean signal to separate amplifiers or channels.
Sources (4)
- Time Machine by VOX, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Joe Satriani Talks About the Vox Time Delay, Premier Guitar, 2009-06-30
- Vox announces Joe Satriani delay pedal, MusicRadar, 2008-12-08
- Vox Joe Satriani Pedal Review: Time Machine & More, Premier Guitar, 2009-07-01
