TC Electronic Nova Delay – The Art Of Digital Delay

Controls:
Features:
Performance:
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The Nova Delay from TC Electronic is certainly one interesting pedal. Packed with a vast array of options, this dude will give you freedom to craft a vast array of time effects and make your performance very interesting.

If you prefer to think outside the box, this is a valid choice for you. What we're looking at here is a high-end pedal with quality design and strong sound. The number of options is so vast that it might even strike you as intimidating, but have no fear, it can all be easily explained. Let's do it!

Features

The very foundation of this pedal's sound is a set of 6 available delay types it offers – Delay Line, Dynamic, Reverse, Ping Pong, Pan, and Slapback. Apart from that, the pedal offers manual and preset modes, along with the ability to memorize up to 9 different presets. Additionally, the subdivision button allows you to adjust note lengths of each delay.

Other notable features include the Tap Tempo function, plus stereo operation with two In and two Out jacks. Also, the big LCD screen is very handy and takes the user experience to a new level. When it comes to build quality, the item is strong and sturdy. We haven't bashed it around, but the Nova boy definitely seems capable of taking a punch of two. The item weighs in at 1.7 pounds with total dimensions of 2.2 x 5 x 5 inches.

Control

There are five knobs and five buttons on the pedal. The buttons were explained in the previous section, while knobs are about to be dissected:

Delay – This one determines the time of your delay. The more you add it, the longer they get. Specific delay length in milliseconds is written on the LCD screen, making this one very easy to grasp.

Feedback – This knob adjusts the number of repeats, resulting in more feedback with higher values.

Color – Use this control to chose between tape, analog and digital delay color.

Mod level – Use this one in combination with the Modulation button. First use the button to choose between one of the three modulation regimes available, and then adjust its level through the Mod Level knob.

Mix level – This one sets the delay between dry and wet. Essentially, it's the amount of delay effect that's injected into your audio output.

Performance

Thanks to all the listed features, and especially controls for Color, Modulation and Subdivisions, this pedal has presented us with one of the most versatile tonal settings we have seen on today's market. You can really push the envelope with this guy, and it seems as if that was the manufacturer's main intention.

Some users say that it's easier to find unusual tone than basic analog delay, and while there's some truth to it, we say that the pedal is mostly easy to use. Also, it always offers an organic and high-level tone, much like any high-end item ought to.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, this pedal has matched our expectation and even surprised us with sonic versatility and authenticity it offers. Analog and Tape sounds are really natural, so if vintage style is what you're after, this fella has it. While some time is required to get an understanding of all the controls in here, it's definitely worth getting to know this guy. Good stuff it is!

For more info about the TC Electronic Nova, click here.
For more Delay Pedals Currently On The Market, click here.