Maxon DM-1000

This is my favorite delay. So easy to use. Screw multi effects machines with LCD screens. Just knobs and switches. Controls include input level (switch can be pulled out for extra gain boost), input tone, rotary switch for delay ranges, pot for delay time fine tune, modulation section has pots for width and speed of LFO, feedback knob can be pulled out for inverted feedback (soo nice), and there's seperate knobs for dry and delay output. Then theres a bypass/effect switch and a hold switch. What makes this delay really incredible is that on the inside (yes, you CAN open up your effects) there are little screw-type pots to adjust the actual sampling clock rate at either end of the delay time fine tune knob. That means turn it all the way counterclockwise and you have short and clean delay. Then turn it all the way clockwise and you bend down many octaves into _really_ low sampling rate territory where you hear more digital noise than original sound. This is amazing (if you're into that sort of thing)

Well, it's and old 8-bit sampler so what do you expect? It's great! I especially like it in conjunction with my Phonic Mirror tape delay and feedback through various distortion (esp. the Danelectro Daddy-O with it's nice 3-band tone control) to get some really nice drony sounds. Then turn on the modulation just a bit so the feedback can't quite build up and just let it go. Noisy drony bliss. Of course I wouldn't love it quite so much if I hadn't opened it up and adjusted the delay time to about 9 seconds from it's original less than 2. I was also able to boost feedback internally to about 500% and crank up the THD (total harmonic distortion) for that really digital sound. Not that most people are into feedback drones, but that's what I love it for. Oh, and the hold function makes for much fun as well with being able to bend the playback rate up and down so damn much (and then theres modulation). Truly a wonderful machine.

I depend on it, and have no reason to expect it to die. It's made of steel (except for the circuitry of course!) and upon opening it up I find much reenforcement of structure. Hell, I might just throw it at the wall for fun. Ibanez (made by maxon but this is I'm sure the same as the Ibanez DM-1000) machines are strong (well they used to be made that way...now there's soundtank...plastic...ech). As far as gigging, I gig with broken stuff on purpose, so it breaking in a live situation isn't a concern in that respect. Though I'd be sad if it were gone and would definitely seek out a new one.

Does Maxon still exist? I know Ibanez does, but that doesn't really count since they didn't really make this. Hell, I picked this up at a pawn shop so I don't expect customer support anyway. I'll fix it my damn self if necessary.

This is one of my favorite pieces of gear. I use it almost any time I record (and I've got a lot of shit in here so that's saying something). I can't rate it as a guitar machine because I ain't no rock star. Noise for me and this machine is a beautiful noisemaker. Even on it's own. I want to seek out a DM-500 and a DM-2000 just for more fun. And I'd replace it two times over if something were to happen to it. You just can't beat modulating delay. I'm currently working on (almost done) with a modification to make input volume modulate delay time. I never cease to be amazed at the sounds I can make with this delay. Does it fit into my musical style? I'd say my musical style fits neatly into it.