Benson Delay

The Benson Delay A wildly musical echo machine with character

Design and Circuit Approach

The development process was intense and collaborative, with contributions from respected builders across the industry. After exploring bucket brigade designs, the focus shifted to the PT2399 platform. When handled correctly, it delivers a surprisingly wide and musical delay range. The circuit is built around careful gain staging, analog filtering, and a compander for smooth, natural repeats.

Core Sound Character

This delay leans into a floaty, colorful repeat structure with musical degradation. The echoes evolve in a way that feels alive rather than sterile, capturing the spirit of classic tape and analog units while remaining stable and usable in modern setups.

Delay Range and Performance

From ultra short slapback and modulation textures to long, atmospheric trails, the range spans 30ms to 1250ms. It easily covers chorus and vibrato territory while stretching into ambient soundscape territory with ease.

Modulation and Warble Control

A powerful LFO section offers wide control over speed and depth, with selectable sine, square, and random waveforms. This allows everything from subtle movement to seasick pitch drift and unpredictable textures.

Tap Tempo and Advanced Features

Tap tempo is driven by an advanced system that delivers exceptional accuracy and self calibration. Additional features include a momentary feedback boost for controlled self oscillation, perfect for sustained notes and experimental textures. Time adjustments remain smooth without digital artifacts or pitch glitches.

Menu Navigation

Access secondary controls by holding the bypass switch for two seconds, then tapping the tap switch. The bypass switch selects waveform types while the tap switch cycles through rhythmic divisions. LED indicators provide clear visual feedback. Hold bypass again to exit.

Specifications

• Delay Time Range 30ms to 1250ms
• LFO Waveforms Sine Square Random
• Tap Divisions Quarter Dotted Eighth Eighth
• Power Requirement Center negative 9VDC
• Current Draw 100mA
• Warranty 2 years excluding modification or damage

This delay pedal ships fully insured with signature required