REVIEW > CUSACK EFFECTS
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The Mode switch also interacts with the
Tap Speed footswitch in order to unlock an
effect that Cusack refers to as braking. Braking
is initiated by holding down the Tap switch
and causes the pedal’s delay time to increase
or decrease. When the Tap switch is released,
the delay times will respond in one of three
ways, which is determined by the position of
the Mode switch. In Stay mode, the direction
(as Cusack terms it) alternates from increase to
decrease on each use and the delay time will
stay at its last value. Snap mode will return the
delay time to its beginning value immediately.
Drift mode will return to the initial delay
time value gradually. Keep in mind that all of
these delay time changes will occur as if you
were changing the read/write head positions
of a tape delay—pitch bends and all. And it’s
awesome for punctuating transitions, adding
emphasis to solo crescendos, or spicing up a
standard rhythm part. To change the pedal’s
braking direction, you hold both footswitches
until the Status LED blinks.
The Verdict
Unless you’re in dire need of stereo outputs,
extremely long delays, or expression pedal
control, you really can’t go wrong with the
Other effects in the Cusack arsenal,
including the Tap-A-Whirl (tremolo),
Tap-A-Phase (phaser), and Tap-A-Scream
Tap-A-Delay. And if you’re looking to go
above and beyond the performance capabili-
ties of the average delay pedal and extend
your own creative potential via delay, then I
would definitely recommend giving this unit
a try. Well engineered, interactive, and player
friendly, the pedal delivers tones that are
rooted in the warmth and natural taper of
vintage analog and tape echo devices. There
aren’t too many players in any style who
won’t welcome that combination.
Strymon_Lex_PG.pdf 3/2/11 5:25:03 PM
(overdrive) include an RCA in/out, which
allows the tap tempo to control each of these
units. This jack also responds to the input of
a momentary footswitch and interfaces with
Cusack’s programmable Pedal Board Tamer.
While all these functions can sound complicated, they are surprisingly intuitive and
intelligently arrayed. And they’re not going
to get in your way if you want to use the
Tap-A-Delay as a more basic delay.
Buy If...
you’re looking for a vintage
sounding delay with a wealth of
interactive performance controls.
Skip If...
you need more than 750 ms of delay,
stereo output, expression pedal con-
trol, or the ability to store presets.
Cusack Effects
Street $250
cusackmusic.com
or use a mobile device to download
audio clips of the pedal at
CLICKHere…
premierguitar.com/may2011
C
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• Faithful, Meticulous Rotary Speaker Algorithms • Adjustable Fast and Slow Speeds, Acceleration, Drive, Mic Distance, Cab Direction, Horn Level • Rotary Brake, Bi-Amping • Stereo Out • Expression Pedal Input • True Bypass
rotary
®
www.strymon.net
160 PREMIER GUITAR MAY 2011
premierguitar.com
