Cusack Tap-A-Delay

The folks at Cusack have created a fun delay machine with their Tap-A-Delay. With 8 increasingly crazy mod settings and an analog/digital signal mix, this is a unique sounding pedal. Although its modulated craziness might not be for everyone, the Tap-A-Delay is nice delay box for those looking for a more gritty sounding, potentially spacey delay.

External Control:TAP
Cost: $$

HornFX Review

Interface:  3.5/5
The pedal is quite easy to understand, and the tap tempo with the subdivision options are great to have. The lack of markings on the Modulation switch can lead to some confusion or difficulty when trying to select a specific one of the 8 settings.

Versatility: 3/5
Outside if the modulation options, this pedal’s delay types are quite limited. That being said, this is a modulation beast. The options go from subtle to outrageous which, when combined to the braking mode, can provide some really fun and wacky sounds.

Reproduction of sound: 3.5/5
This pedal reproduces tone fairly well, but definitely has a grittier analog sound. The modulation options still maintain some tonal integrity even at its craziest settings.

Live application: 3.5/5
The tap tempo with the subdivision options alone make this pedal very useful, but its lack of presets, and modulation fiddle factor are a setback.

Product Information

Features:
-Level (volume)
-Mix (dry/delayed signal)
-Feedback
-Delay (time can be set with the knob, or by pressing the Tap Speed switch twice. When tapping the tempo, the Divide toggle selects 1/8, *1/8, or 1/4 notes)
-Modulation (an 8-position switch that selects several warm modulation themes as well as a few outer space themes)
-Mode toggle (selects brake function; Left: holding the brake will alternate between slowing down and speeding up. When you release the switch, it stays right where it was; Center: ”Snap Back." Holding the switch will either slow down or speed up. When you release the switch it snaps back to the original tempo; Right: “Slide Back." Slide Back is the same as Snap Back, except the tempo slides back to the original tempo slowly. To select between Speed Up and Slow Down for the Slide and Snap modes, just tap both foot switches. The light will blink to let you know it changed. If it was Speed Up, it will now be Slow Down)

Internally, there is an “Echo Roll Off” pot that adjusts the tone of the repeats. All the way up is bright, with a lot of clock noise coming through. All the way down is very dark. 2 o’clock seems to be a good “middle ground.”

Power:
-Standard center negative 9V DC supply, or 9V battery (neither included)
-Current draw: ~30mA

Dimensions:
-4.7" L x 3.69" W x 1.37" H

Pedal information from Cusack website.