Erica Synths Zen Delay is a new hardware delay unit that combines distortion and filtering aspects in one device made in collaboration with Ninja Tune
Erica Synths have teamed up with Ninja Tune – an English independent record label based in London to create a custom dub delay effects unit. Zen Delay is a BPM-synced stereo delay line, combining extreme feedback ranges for dub and experimental lo-fi effects with a multi-mode 24 dB synth filter and valve overdrive. The unit is based on the best of digital and analog worlds.
Created and manufactured by Erica Synths, the unit is housed in a metal case with Erica Synths’ signature bakelite knobs and a valve circuit for extra analogue warmth. While sonically versatile, it is incredibly easy to use — each function has a physical knob that you can play around with without diving into manuals or scrolling through menus on a tiny screen.
Overview
Inspired by a trip to Berlin’s trailblazing music hardware trade show Superbooth, Coldcut’s Matt Black and longtime friend Dr Walker (Liquid Sky artist collective / Air Liquide) envisaged the exciting possibilities of a custom hardware effects unit. The result is the creation of the Zen Delay — the first-ever hardware effects unit produced in collaboration with an electronic music label.
Created and manufactured by Erica Synths, the unit is housed in a metal case with Erica Synths’ signature bakelite knobs and a valve circuit for extra analogue warmth. While sonically versatile, it is incredibly easy to use — each function has a physical knob that you can play around with without diving into manuals or scrolling through menus on a tiny screen.
Crafted in close collaboration with DJs and producers, the Zen Delay was uniquely developed with both live and studio use in mind and is suitable for many different performance situations, musical styles and instruments.
While most delay devices are designed as ‘stomp boxes’ for guitarists, the device is equally powerful in the hands of electronic music producers, artists and DJs, adding a unique, warm and powerful sonic character to drum machines, loops, vocals, synths, samples or any other source. Even full tracks or a live stereo mix can be enhanced by the combination of analogue and digital circuitry, breathing new life into iPad performances and giving traditional digital synths and drum machines a huge kick.
Erica Synths Zen Delay is available now for pre-order priced at €499 + VAT. The first 300 units are available for pre-order at a special “early bird” rate of €455 + VAT from the Ninja Tune and Erica Synth websites and come with a free limited edition Zen Delay t-shirt (NB! Mention the required size in the DELIVERY NOTES of the order).
The Zen Delay is currently due to ship for Christmas delivery.
More information here: Erica Synths
Erica is constantly surprising with stuff like this. Love it! Hope it does well.