The Wilson Effects Slapback Delay is a dual delay pedal that packs two separate delay circuits into one enclosure, with the two circuits internally cascaded into one another, so the output of one feeds the next12. It carries a list price of $200.001, and it is available at select retailers and directly from the Wilson Effects online store1.
The name "slapback" usually points at short, single-repeat rockabilly echo, but this pedal goes well past that. Because the two delay sides run into each other, Wilson Effects says the result can give you lush chorus-like sounds or even reverb-like sounds1. Premier Guitar described it at launch as two separate delays with three separate control knobs each3.
Two PT2399 delays in one pedal
The pedal is set up as two totally separate delay circuits internally cascaded into one another1. Each of the two delays is based on the PT2399 chip, a common digital delay IC used across the pedal industry4. Wilson Effects describes the pair as delivering up to 700ms of lush, analog-voiced delay per section2.
The interesting part is what happens when the two sides interact. With the delays cascaded in mono, Wilson Effects says you get lush chorus- and reverb-like textures2. Guitar.com's launch coverage made the same point: you can either stack the two sides in mono or, thanks to stereo outputs, route the sides individually4.
Routing jacks on the top of the pedal let you separate the two delay circuits1, which opens up several wiring options:
- Run the delays in series in mono for chorus- and reverb-like textures2
- Split the delays for stereo operation into two amps2
- Run each channel in stereo to two different amps1
- Run one into your amp's front end and the other through the effects loop2
The controls and runaway oscillation
Each delay side carries three controls: delay time, repeats and level4. Premier Guitar's announcement described it as two separate delays with three separate control knobs3.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Delay time | Sets the delay length for that side, up to about 700ms14 |
| Repeats | Sets the number of repeats for that side4 |
| Level | Sets the delay level for that side4 |
The signature feature is the oscillation toggle. A toggle switch lets you assign runaway oscillation to either delay section2, and Guitar.com described it as letting you pick which side of the delay's repeats you want to feed back4. The middle footswitch engages the oscillation and latches, so the runaway repeats keep going even after you bypass that side of the pedal1. Wilson Effects pitches this as a way to hold endless ambient swells2. An LED next to the middle stomp switch shows whether it is active or bypassed1.
Power and practical details
The Slapback Delay runs on an industry standard 2.1mm center negative 9V DC power supply1.
There is no battery option, because of the size of the circuit and components in the pedal1. Plan on a pedalboard power supply or a dedicated 9V adapter.
The pedal measures 5.7 inches by 4.7 inches1. It is available at select retailers and directly from the Wilson Effects online store1. Wilson Effects ships via USPS Priority Mail and accepts returns within 7 days of receiving the pedal, with original shipping not refunded and return shipping paid by the customer1.
Where it came from
The Slapback Delay is built by Wilson Effects, and the pedal is available at select retailers and directly from the Wilson Effects online store1.
"Wilson Effects introduced at NAMM 2018 a new dual delay pedal"
Videos
Premier Guitar
Premier Guitar
Mike Hermans
Questions
Can the Wilson Slapback run on a battery?
No. Wilson Effects says there is no battery option because of the size of the circuit and components inside the pedal. It runs on a 9V DC power supply with an industry standard 2.1mm center negative plug, so a standard pedalboard power supply works.
How long is the delay time on the Wilson Slapback?
Each of the two delay sides offers around 700ms of delay time. Because the two circuits are internally cascaded, running one into the other, the combined repeats can stretch well past what a single side gives you.
Can the Wilson Slapback Delay run in stereo?
Yes. Routing jacks on top of the pedal let you separate the two delay circuits, and each channel can run in stereo to two different amps. You can also run one side into your amp's front end and the other through the effects loop.
Is the Wilson Slapback analog or digital?
It is a digital delay built on the PT2399 delay chip, one for each of the two sides. Wilson Effects describes the result as lush, analog-voiced delay, but the circuit itself is PT2399 based rather than analog bucket brigade.
Sources (5)
- Slapback Delay, Wilson Effects
- Slapback Dual Delay, Wilson Effects
- Wilson Effects Unveils the Slapback Dual Delay, Premier Guitar, 2018-04-24
- Wilson Effects' new pedal packs two delays into one, Guitar.com, 2018-04-26
- Wilson Effects Slapback Dual Delay, Delicious Audio, 2018-04-06
