MXR Carbon Copy Delay: Review

The MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay has earned its place as a staple on countless pedalboards, revered for its warm, organic repeats and straightforward functionality. Combining vintage analog charm with modern reliability, it offers guitarists a versatile delay experience that enhances musical expression without overwhelming complexity.​

Build and Design

Encased in a compact, durable housing with a distinctive metallic green finish, the Carbon Copy exudes a classic aesthetic. Its intuitive three-knob layout—Delay, Mix, and Regen—allows for effortless control over delay time, effect level, and repeat intensity. A dedicated Mod switch introduces subtle modulation to the delayed signal, emulating the tape-like warble of vintage echo units.

Sound and Performance

At its core, the Carbon Copy delivers up to 600 milliseconds of rich, analog delay, courtesy of its bucket-brigade circuitry. The repeats are characterized by a warm, natural decay that blends seamlessly with the dry signal, making it ideal for genres ranging from rock and blues to ambient and experimental music. Engaging the Mod switch adds a lush, chorus-like texture to the echoes, enhancing the overall depth and character of the effect.

While the pedal excels in producing classic delay tones, it's worth noting that it lacks features like tap tempo and stereo output, which are present in some modern delay units. However, many players find that its simplicity is part of its charm, offering immediate access to inspiring sounds without the need for extensive tweaking.

User Feedback

Guitarists across various platforms have praised the Carbon Copy for its tonal quality and reliability.

'The repeats decay nicely, and as they decay further, the sound tends to distort and compress more and more... it allows the trails of repeats to smoothly cascade into one another'

-zZounds User

'The Carbon Copy has the best-sounding modulation of any delay pedal I’ve tried'

-Guitar Check User

However, some users have pointed out limitations, such as the lack of a fully wet signal option and the absence of tap tempo functionality. Despite these critiques, the consensus remains that the Carbon Copy offers exceptional value and performance for its price point.​

While the modulation depth and rate are adjustable via internal trim pots, some users have noted that accessing these controls requires removing the back plate, which can be inconvenient during live settings.

I've personally used this pedal for live performances with a metal band and it's the best delay pedal I've used. I love the sound of it.

Conclusion

The MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of analog effects. Its warm, musical repeats and user-friendly design make it a go-to choice for guitarists seeking a reliable and expressive delay pedal.While it may not boast the extensive features of some digital counterparts, its tonal excellence and simplicity ensure its continued relevance in today's diverse musical landscape.

Pros:

• Warm, organic analog delay tones

• Intuitive controls for easy operation​

• Modulation feature adds depth and character​

• Compact and durable design​

  
  

Cons:

• Lacks tap tempo and stereo output​

• Modulation settings require internal adjustments​

  
  

For guitarists seeking a classic analog delay with a touch of modern flair, the MXR Carbon Copy remains a compelling choice.​

MXR M-169 Carbon Copy Delay Demo on YouTube

References: Premier Guitar, Greg Cutshaw's review, Reddit's r/guitarpedals, The Ugly Guitar Truth blog, Sweetwater, TalkBass, The Gear Page, The Steel Guitar Forum, OffsetGuitars.com, and GuitarGear.org