Gear article
Strymon Brig dBucket Delay Pedal
The Strymon Brig is a compact guitar effects pedal designed to emulate the organic characteristics of vintage bucket brigade device (BBD) delays. It features three distinct voicings—3205, 3005, and Multi—offering a range of gritty, evolving echoes and expansive soundscapes within a stereo-capable format.
See live pricesOverview
The Strymon Brig dBucket Delay is a specialised effect pedal that focuses on recreating the specific sonic artefacts of analogue bucket brigade circuits. Part of Strymon's compact series, it aims to provide the 'organic' feel of vintage hardware while offering modern reliability and features like artifact-free tap tempo. The pedal is housed in a durable chassis and supports stereo operation, making it suitable for both mono pedalboards and complex studio rigs.
Voicing Modes and Features
The Brig is defined by its three selectable voices, each providing a different delay character:
- 3205 Voice: This mode is tailored for short, gritty repeats. It is ideal for slapback echoes and can be pushed into psychedelic, sci-fi territory when the controls are manipulated.
- 3005 Voice: Based on the higher-voltage 3005 BBD chips, this mode offers a dreamlike quality with longer delay times and a warmer, softer decay.
- Multi Voice: This setting features two cross-coupled, rhythmic delay lines that interact to create expansive soundscapes and complex textures.
The pedal includes responsive controls for time, mix, and repeats, alongside a dedicated modulation control to add movement to the echoes.
Sound Character
The sound of the Brig is described as 'organic' and evolving. Unlike digital delays that produce pristine copies of the input signal, the Brig's dBucket technology simulates the signal degradation, warmth, and grit associated with analogue circuits. As repeats continue, they gain complexity and tonal depth. The feedback control allows the user to explore vintage-style self-oscillation and sci-fi psychedelia without the harshness often found in inferior digital emulations.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to standard digital delays like the Boss DD-3T, the Brig offers a more coloured, analogue-style character rather than clean repeats. For users seeking pitch-shifting or heavy modulation, the Digitech Whammy Ricochet or Fender Hammertone Flanger provide different modulation types, whereas the Brig integrates modulation specifically into the delay trails. While a Behringer UC200 provides basic chorus, the Brig's internal modulation allows for a more cohesive, integrated spatial effect. It occupies a premium price point of approximately £249, reflecting its high-fidelity dBucket processing compared to entry-level delay units.
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the three main voices on the Strymon Brig?
- The three voices are the 3205 for gritty slapback, the 3005 for warm dreamlike echoes, and the Multi mode for expansive, rhythmic soundscapes.
- Does the Strymon Brig support stereo operation?
- Yes, the pedal features stereo operation, allowing for wide spatial effects and integration into stereo signal chains.
- Can I use a tap tempo with this pedal?
- Yes, the Brig features an artifact-free tap tempo function, allowing you to change delay times seamlessly while maintaining the rhythm of your performance.
- What is 'dBucket' technology?
- dBucket is Strymon's proprietary technology that uses high-performance DSP to accurately recreate the sonic behaviours and nuances of analogue Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) chips.
- How much does the Strymon Brig typically cost?
- The pedal typically retails in the United Kingdom for approximately £249.
- Is the Brig suitable for psychedelic music?
- Yes, the pedal is designed to explore vintage sci-fi and psychedelic sounds, particularly when using the 3205 voice and high feedback settings.
- Can the Brig produce slapback echoes?
- Yes, the 3205 voice is specifically designed to deliver warm and gritty slapback echoes.
- Does the pedal have modulation controls?
- Yes, the Brig includes a modulation control that adds movement and richness to the delay repeats.
- How does the 'Multi' voice differ from the others?
- The Multi voice utilizes two cross-coupled delay lines, resulting in more complex and expansive textures compared to the single-tap 3005 and 3205 modes.
- Can I use an expression pedal with the Strymon Brig?
- While the manufacturer description highlights the pedal's internal features, it is commonly used alongside high-quality expression pedals like the Yamaha FC7 for real-time parameter control.
- Is the design of the Brig compact?
- Yes, despite its powerful DSP and multiple voices, the Brig features a compact chassis designed to save space on a guitar pedalboard.
- Will the delay time changes cause audible artifacts?
- No, the Brig is designed with artifact-free tap tempo, ensuring that the delay time remains precise and seamless without unwanted noise during adjustments.
