The Wilson Effects Slapback Delay is a dual delay pedal: two independent delay circuits in one enclosure, internally cascaded for what the maker calls a rich, textured echo experience. Each side is based on the PT2399 chip and delivers up to 700ms of lush, analog-voiced delay, with its own delay time, repeats and level controls. Wilson Effects introduced the pedal at NAMM 2018, and it carries a list price of $200.00 USD123.
Two delays, one pedal
The Slapback's core idea is that both delay circuits live in one box but stay independent. You set the delay time, repeats and level for each side separately, so one can handle a short slapback while the other carries longer repeats2. Because the two circuits are internally cascaded, running them together in mono produces thicker, layered echoes than a single delay can1.
Each delay side is built around the PT2399 chip, a widely used delay IC. Wilson Effects describes the result as analog-voiced despite the digital chip at the core of each circuit12.
Routing: mono, stereo and effects loop
The routing jacks are what set the Slapback apart from a single delay. Wilson Effects lists three ways to run it1:
- Series (mono): run the delays in series for lush chorus- and reverb-like textures
- Stereo: split the delays for stereo operation into two amps
- Effects loop: run one delay into your amp's front end and the other through the effects loop
Guitar.com's report on the pedal describes the same flexibility: "either stack them in mono or, thanks to stereo outputs, route the sides individually." Of the mono stacking approach, the publication notes, "The former creates lush, chorus-like tones"2.
Oscillation
A dedicated oscillation feature lets the repeats feed back on themselves. An "Oscillation" toggle picks which side of the delay feeds back, and the middle footswitch engages the oscillation and latches it, which Wilson Effects says allows endless ambient swells12.
Power, build and availability
The pedal runs on 9VDC through a 2.1mm center-negative connector. There is no battery option; Wilson Effects attributes this to the complexity of the circuit, so a pedalboard power supply is required1. The enclosure measures 5.7" x 4.7", which the maker describes as compact and pedalboard-friendly, and the pedal is handmade in the USA with a one-year warranty covering parts and labor1.
The Slapback Dual Delay was introduced at NAMM 2018 and unveiled to the press that April. Guitar.com described it at the time as Wilson Effects' latest stompbox, newly unveiled23.
Company owner and designer Kevin Wilson presented the pedal at the 2018 show, and a first demo was shot by Distortion LTD for Delicious Audio at the NAMM booth3.
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Questions
What is the maximum delay time on the Wilson Effects Slapback Dual Delay?
Each of the two delay sections runs up to a maximum of 700ms. Wilson Effects describes that range as lush, analog-voiced delay per section, and Guitar.com's report on the pedal confirms the 700ms maximum for each side. That is enough for short slapback echoes on one side and longer, more spaced repeats on the other when the two are set apart.
Can the Slapback Dual Delay run a battery?
No. Wilson Effects states there is no battery option due to the complexity of the circuit. The pedal runs on a 9VDC 2.1mm center-negative power supply, so plan on a dedicated outlet or a pedalboard power supply with a center-negative output rather than expecting battery power.
Which chip does the Slapback Dual Delay use?
Each of the Slapback's two delays is based on the PT2399 chip, a common delay IC found in many digital-voiced pedals. Wilson Effects describes the pedal as a dual PT2399-based delay delivering up to 700ms of lush, analog-voiced delay per section.
Can I run the Slapback Dual Delay in stereo?
Yes. The routing jacks let you split the two delays for stereo operation into two amps, or route the sides individually thanks to the stereo outputs. You can also stack the delays in mono, which Guitar.com notes creates lush, chorus-like tones.
Is the Slapback Dual Delay true bypass?
Yes. Wilson Effects lists the pedal as true bypass, which the maker says ensures your tone stays pristine when the pedal is off.
Where is the Slapback Dual Delay made?
The pedal is handmade in the USA. Wilson Effects says it is built with precision for reliable performance, and the pedal carries a one-year warranty covering parts and labor.
Sources (3)
- Slapback Dual Delay, Wilson Effects
- Wilson Effects' new pedal packs two delays into one, Guitar.com, 2018-04-26
- Wilson Effects Slapback Dual Delay, Delicious Audio, 2018-04-06
