TEST: Ibanez AD9

How the tastes of the times change! Once again, a retro flash hits my ears when I receive the Ibanez AD9 for testing. Why? OK, let's get back in our infamous time machine and whiz back in time over two decades.

In the blissful days of the nascent eighties, analog processor management was the name of the game. The burgeoning digital technology was still in its infancy, but was already revealing itself as the holy grail of the music industry in terms of promotion and pricing. My AD80 Analog Digital Delay, which I still own today, had the charm of a Fiat at that time with its maximum 300 ms delay and couldn't really cause a storm of enthusiasm within the music scene.

Duller repetitions of the original signal and 18 volts operating voltage (2x 9 volt blocks stuffed into the small housing, both empty after a few hours, no batteries commercially available and stabilized 18 volt power supplies only available via dark paths as imports) did not want to give rise to real joy.

But then (drum roll!), the I/O converters came upon us as if by magic and revealed frequency responses beyond our imagination, coupled with delay times that reached 1000 ms with the ease of a feather (drum roll over!). Tataaaa!

So little Axel was willing to invest and bought for the unimaginable price of 1.600,- DM!!! a Roland 19 inch digital delay, equipped with 8!!!! memory locations and a max. delay time of 1.800 ms (..but then only with half the frequency response, full frequency range was available up to 900 ms...). The pure madness, I was thrilled, I was who!

Back to the present. Digital technology is an ancient hat, so old that it led to a never expected price drop of about 95% for my wonderful 19 inch delay. In return, a diametrical price development was revealed concerning my "old cucumbers" in the pedal area (I also still have an old Tube Screamer ;-)). What I have not already gotten everything in offers for my old Tretminen from the house Ibanez. Suddenly all the then so low valued features were absolutely hip! I can't help but smile mischievously....

As I said, now the little fellow has caught up with me again, let's see if he can reproduce his grandfather's (now highly appreciated) idiosyncrasies tonally.


Construction:

They've already nailed the original color tone at Ibanez, though the adjective "beautiful" is in the eye of the beholder. I found the telecom-heavy color scheme honestly always a bit "exhausting", but hey, you should see my old Ibanez Flanger in yellow, you can only look at it with sunglasses, so strictly colored it comes ;-)

But that's it with the original replica, everything else was subjected to a maturation process and changed accordingly. The housing now has the same dimensions as all pedals from this Ibanez series, that is, it was slightly widened. In addition, a more massive steel housing was installed, which is significantly more stable than the old alloy, but also brings at least 50% more weight on the scale.

Three potentiometers control the ranges "Delay Time" (10 ms - 300 ms), "Delay Level" and "Repeat". The functions of the knobs are self-explanatory. All potentiometers are quite stiff, which has the advantage that the selected setting cannot be changed so quickly by an unintentional touch. Since these devices are literally "trampled underfoot", heavy-duty potentiometers on pedals are a real plus.

The AD9 is optionally operated with a 9V block or an appropriate power supply, gone is the search for the then factually non-existent 18V counterpart (which also became very hot during operation).

While the AD80 was still equipped with the (at that time very popular) noise-free FET switch, the AD9 is equipped with a (nowadays very popular) true bypass, whose switching process is also noise-free. Whether one prefers a bypass of the signal around the processor electronics, or as in former times in the middle, is up to everyone. Of course, the sound is changed when the signal is routed through, which in turn has its sonic appeal in terms of authenticity. To each his own....

Another change is the stereo layout of the AD9 with which two amplifiers can be controlled (Dry / Wet). Very nicely suited for spatial slapbacks.



Practice:

The first listening impressions after completed wiring provide another retro flash for me. Yes, this is analog! Nice and musty, a bit wooden and with the slightly musty charm of a rehearsal room that has already had a water ingress and, thanks to non-existent cross-ventilation, still has a nimble armada of fungal spores.

Not a high-gloss digital blast, but a very warm, unobtrusive room effect that is second to none. The aim is not to reproduce a natural echo as faithfully as possible, as it occurs in nature, but rather to create a very own signal repetition, condensed by the built-in compander, which integrates itself into the personal playing.

In direct A/B comparison to the AD80, the sound of the AD9 seems "tidier" and "clearer". This makes for better localization possibilities, but also has a bit less charm than the "rumbling Neanderthal" from the late seventies. There is always something unpredictable about the AD80's signal processing, which is more mulish and uneven. Depending on personal taste, this has advantages or disadvantages.

As before, short slapbacks are the AD9's specialty. Especially for sixties music or rock'n'roll attitudes an analog delay is suited like no other device. A direct digital competitor stinks here on the full line, too clean and true to the original the signal repetition sounds from the speakers and takes the retro aspect out of the music.

A very special peculiarity has been robbed from the AD9 in comparison to the AD80, or let's better say, a protective circuit has been built in. The AD80 could turn into a real hell machine, if you didn't pay attention to the values of the repeat and blend controls.

If both values exceeded about the 3 o'clock position, the AD80 slowly cranked up with the repeats and continuously increased the volume until it ended in a completely overdriven, infernally loud feedback loop, which could only be deactivated by pressing the bypass switch. For experimental music certainly a real gain, but for occidental sound culture rather an imposition.

I will never forget one of my shows where I reproduced three different sounds with three different amps. One amp per sound, thick pants everywhere you look, those were the days, my friend ;-)). The AD80 was connected to one amp and due to a setting error it had swung up quite a bit, i.e. the amp was being driven at full load, but I couldn't hear that because I had switched to another amp at that point. In the middle of a soulful ballad, I had to change the sound and I was greeted by a crashing and whistling soundclaster that is unparalleled. It was hell!


Conclusion:

The AD9 does exactly what it was built to do. It produces a very warm, musical, stand-alone delay that has become rare in this day and age of digital delays.

A true repilka of its grandfather, the AD80, it is not, for that it lacks the "rowdy", but it shines with higher practicality, better handling and higher operational reliability.

A real treat on the floorboard!

Additional information:

- Ibanez is a renowned guitar manufacturer that has established itself as a prominent player in the music industry. With a rich history spanning several decades, the company has consistently delivered high-quality instruments known for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and versatility. This comprehensive report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of Ibanez, covering its history, product range, technological advancements, notable collaborations, and overall impact on the guitar industry.

History and Background: Ibanez was founded in Nagoya, Japan, in 1908 by Hoshino Gakki as a sheet music store. The company ventured into guitar production in the 1930s, manufacturing Spanish-style acoustic guitars. Throughout the mid-20th century, Ibanez gained popularity by producing replicas of well-known guitar models from renowned American manufacturers, eventually carving a niche for itself in the global market.

Product Range and Innovation: Ibanez offers a wide range of guitars, catering to diverse musical styles and player preferences. Their product line includes electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, and classical guitars. Ibanez electric guitars are particularly renowned for their sleek designs, comfortable playability, and exceptional tone. The company is known for its innovative features, such as the Ibanez Edge and Lo-Pro Edge tremolo systems, the versatile switching system known as the "Super Switch," and the active electronics found in their premium models.

Technological Advancements: Ibanez has consistently pushed the boundaries of guitar technology, introducing several groundbreaking features over the years. They were among the pioneers of the extended range guitar, introducing the legendary Ibanez Universe in collaboration with guitarist Steve Vai. Ibanez also played a significant role in the development of the seven-string guitar, making it accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, the company has been at the forefront of ergonomic guitar design, ensuring player comfort and playability through innovations such as the Ibanez RG body shape and thin, fast neck profiles.

Collaborations with Renowned Artists: Ibanez has built strong relationships with influential musicians across various genres. These collaborations have resulted in signature models that reflect the unique playing styles and preferences of the artists. Some notable artists associated with Ibanez include Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, Tosin Abasi, and George Benson. These collaborations have not only enhanced Ibanez's reputation but have also contributed to the evolution of guitar playing techniques and musical expression.

Impact on the Guitar Industry: Ibanez has had a profound impact on the guitar industry, influencing both musicians and manufacturers alike. The company's commitment to quality control, affordability, and innovative designs has made high-quality instruments more accessible to aspiring musicians worldwide. Ibanez's influence is evident in various genres, including rock, metal, jazz, and fusion, with many renowned guitarists opting for Ibanez guitars due to their reliability, playability, and tonal versatility.

Manufacturing Process and Quality Control: Ibanez maintains high manufacturing standards to ensure consistent quality across its product range. The company utilizes a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques to achieve the desired results. Each instrument undergoes rigorous quality control measures, including thorough inspections, setup adjustments, and meticulous attention to detail. This commitment to quality has earned Ibanez a reputation for producing instruments that offer exceptional playability and tonal characteristics.

Customer Satisfaction and Support: Ibanez places great emphasis on customer satisfaction and provides excellent support services. The company offers warranties on its instruments, ensuring peace of mind for customers. Ibanez also has an extensive network of authorized service centers and dealers worldwide, ensuring easy access to repairs, maintenance,

- Digital delay pedals are indispensable tools in the arsenal of guitarists, allowing for the creation of captivating and atmospheric sounds. As a fundamental effect in the world of guitar pedals, digital delay units offer a wide range of functionalities, from simple repeats to complex rhythmic patterns. This comprehensive report aims to provide a thorough analysis of digital delay pedals, covering their history, technical features, popular models, applications in different music genres, and notable advancements in recent years.
History and Development: The history of delay effects can be traced back to the 1940s when tape-based delay units were first introduced. However, it was not until the advent of digital technology in the late 1970s that digital delay pedals became commercially available. Early digital delay units utilized digital signal processing (DSP) to sample and repeat the incoming guitar signal, offering greater control and flexibility compared to their analog counterparts. Since then, digital delay pedals have undergone significant advancements in terms of sound quality, features, and processing capabilities.

Technical Features: Digital delay pedals employ digital signal processing algorithms to capture and reproduce the guitar signal with precise control over delay time, feedback, and modulation. These pedals typically offer a wide range of delay time settings, often extending from milliseconds to several seconds. Many digital delay units also incorporate tap tempo functionality, allowing guitarists to synchronize the delay time with the tempo of their performance. Other common features include modulation effects (such as chorus or flanger), tone shaping controls, and stereo outputs for enhanced spatial effects.

Popular Models and Notable Advancements: The market is flooded with a plethora of digital delay pedals, each offering its own unique set of features and sonic capabilities. Some popular models include the Boss DD-7, TC Electronic Flashback, Strymon Timeline, Eventide TimeFactor, and Line 6 DL4. In recent years, manufacturers have focused on enhancing the sound quality and versatility of digital delay pedals. This has led to the introduction of advanced algorithms, improved analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, increased memory for storing presets, and the integration of MIDI and USB connectivity for seamless integration with other musical equipment and computer-based setups.

Applications in Different Music Genres: Digital delay pedals find applications across various music genres due to their versatility and ability to add depth and texture to guitar sounds. In rock and pop music, digital delay is often used to create spacious and ambient effects, as well as rhythmic patterns. In genres like shoegaze and post-rock, digital delay pedals are frequently employed to achieve cascading walls of sound and ethereal atmospheres. Additionally, in experimental and electronic music, digital delay units serve as powerful tools for manipulating and transforming guitar sounds in real-time.
Creative Uses and Techniques: Digital delay pedals offer a myriad of creative possibilities for guitarists. Some popular techniques include:
Slapback: Setting the delay time to a short duration (around 50-150ms) to create a vintage-style slapback echo effect commonly heard in rockabilly and old-school country music.

Infinite Feedback: Increasing the feedback control to create sustained, self-oscillating sounds that can be used for ambient textures or as a sonic backdrop for improvisation.
Rhythmic Patterns: Utilizing the tap tempo functionality or preset rhythmic patterns to generate complex delay patterns that synchronize with the music, adding a rhythmic element to the guitar sound.
Reverse Delay: Utilizing the reverse delay feature to produce backward-sounding repeats, creating surreal and otherworldly textures.