Electro-Harmonix’s Pico pedals are designed for gamers working out of area on their pedalboards. Every occupies simply 71/3 sq. inches whereas offering options that set them aside.

The digital Pico line consists of two delays – the Canyon and the Rerun. Every has a management for Mix, Delay time (eight milliseconds to a few seconds), and Suggestions (variety of repeats). The Canyon presents exact digital delays, whereas the Rerun simulates tape echo machines. Each have a Tails Bypass perform that enables the impact to path off after the footswitch is clicked, so the impact doesn’t finish abruptly.

Plugged in between a solidbody P-90 guitar and a low-watt tube amp, the Canyon and Rerun sounded distinctly completely different. General, the Canyon’s repeats had been clear and distinct, as can be anticipated of a digital delay. Nevertheless, the Filter knob accentuates low frequencies when turned to the left of straight up, excessive frequencies to the appropriate. To the left of midday, the Filter accentuates the crispness of every repeated observe, to the appropriate it replicates the low-fi sound of classic “bucket brigade” delays.

The Faucet Tempo perform works immediately and precisely, permitting for modifications in rhythm on the fly. Along with the fundamental Faucet Tempo, there’s a Faucet Division perform. As soon as its button is depressed, the chosen tempo may be divided in half (LED shows inexperienced), three-quarters (orange), or returned to authentic tempo (crimson).

In distinction, Rerun emulates low-fidelity tape delays. The Saturation management reproduces the sought-after preamp distortion of tape echo items, whereas Flutter permits three ranges of tape warble, from a touch to full-on seasickness. Just like the Canyon, the Rerun presents Faucet Tempo, however not with the half or three-quarters choices.

Picos are housed in sturdy steel enclosures and ship with an influence provide. Others within the line embrace a limiter/compressor, tape reverse simulator, overdrive/distortion/fuzz, pitch shifter, octave generator, and a sound retainer/sustainer.

This text initially appeared in VG’s March 2024 problem. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.