|
 |
KeyboardMag.com >> This Month >> Electro-harmonix Stereo Memory Man
Skip to [ Story Content and jump story attachments ]
 The following files will open in their associated programs.
Click on the Images
Looping Delay Pedal
Electro-Harmonix Stereo Memory Man| May, 2008Hazarai. Is it the name of a Saharan oasis known only to a handful of permanent residents and the most intrepid travelers? Nope. It’s Anglicized Yiddish for “junk,” as in “all that junk” or “everything but the kitchen sink.” Here it applies to the mode selector knob on this new Memory Man stompbox. It’s a comprehensive delay farm that does echo, multitap, and reverse delays, as well as live looping, with loops up to 30 seconds long and infinite overdubs. The MM has stereo inputs as well as outputs, which makes it suited for use on keyboards new and old. On my Alesis Andromeda, its lovely analog delay simulation made Minimoog-style lead sounds more authentic. Since it’s digital, the MM reproduced the bell-like sound of my Rhodes 73 (which has Dyno-My-Piano mods) with total clarity. Because it also does such a nice job emulating the warmth and lo-fi nature of old analog delays, when I made the Rhodes growl, the MM’s filter further enhanced the greazy vibe. Tap tempo is on hand, and holding the Tap footswitch lets you engage reverse delays on an improv basis. The MM really shines as a live looper. You access loop mode by turning the Hazarai knob all the way clockwise. Not easy to do with both hands on the keys, but since the knob is at the top right corner, you can do this with the inside edge of your right shoe’s sole. It records loops of up to 30 seconds, as well as infinite overdubs. To record, hold down the footswitch, and let up when you’re done, hopefully on the beat because that’s your loop point. My Rhodes loops made me think of Brian Eno for some reason — hear them at the right of this article. You can even play live with delay from another mode, while a loop plays back. Sick! You also get one savable preset for each mode. Simply set the controls for the heart of the sun . . . er, the way you like ’em, then press and hold Hazarai for three seconds. Touch Hazarai again to recall the current mode’s stored setting. Three things make the MM a great buy for us keyboardists: stereo inputs and outputs, the tonal continuum from analog warmth to digital clarity, and the elegance with which loop mode works. Its overall utility as a top-class delay stompbox is superb. PROS CONS $286 |
Keyboard Magazine is part of the Music Player Network.