If like me, you have ever heard Bionic Delay (a freeware Windows 32-bit Synthedit-based Delay), you may have found that most other delay plugins leave a lot to be desired. I have honestly tried them all, from FabFilter to Rob Papen to PSP and although each of these are great in their own right, they fail to capture several aspects which I am after.
The delay must provide:
* The ability to perform pure ping-pong delay, mono delay and independent stereo delay
* An aggressive tape flutter effect which breaks up the sound as you push it harder
* 6db/oct low and high filters. Why 6db/oct you ask? It gives far more character as the sound morphs more drastically with each feedback loop. I spent hours trying to understand why Timeless' feedback filters didn't have as much character as Bionic Delay and after much analysis and null-tests, I discovered that 6db/oct filters were what gave it its magic.
* Delay modulation for lovely modulation delay effects
* Positive feedback with saturation! Not something I use every day, but it freaking rocks when used right.
* A Windows & Mac version in both 32-bit and 64-bit variants
Would you believe that MFM2 (although overwhelming at first) can do all of these amazingly well. I would go so far as to say that MFM2 is the best delay plugin on the market when used correctly.
So let me share my delay preset (and a reverb which we'll talk about soon):
http://we.tl/adSvkM7Wsb
Just download the ZIP file and you'll find the 2 presets inside.
Unfortunately MFM2 doesn't have programmable "quick controls" as such, so I used a sneaky workaround and programmed the LFOs to control the aspects I was after.
Simply load the preset and hit the info button for instructions on how to use it. To set delay times, simply set the delay times of delay 1/3 and 2/4.
Left Delay = Delay 1 Time + Delay 3 Time
Right Delay = Delay 2 Time + Delay 4 Time
So for example, if you want a 1/4 delay and 3/16 delay, set them as follows:
To get 1/4
Delay 1: 1/8
Delay 3: 1/8
To get 3/16
Delay 2: 1/8 (equivalent of 2/16)
Delay 4: 1/16
In addition, I've provided a rather heavily modified version of Urs' excellent Reverb preset which brings MFM2 into a new league for Reverb processing. Gorgeous, wide and modulated reverb can be achieved with this awesome plugin folks! Once again, usage info is available by hitting the info button.
So the ultimate question, how does it sound? Well, it sounds every bit as good as Bionic Delay but is simply more flexible.
Here's a quick audio demo utilising both presets over a very very basic Zebra2 patch:
http://we.tl/fk5ehLAmeC
I encourage you to try the presets over a wide range of material. This is the only delay plugin I use now.
Hope this was handy
