[Oil Can Delay] Strymon Olivera's Dark, Swaying "Texture" [Sound Demo & Reviews]

It's not what you would call tape or BBD.

A unique delay that is darker, more blurred, and has modulation that undulates like a living thing.

Strymon Olivera

This device is like an "as is" version of the early echo devices that used oil as a dielectric to record sound onto a disc, using the latest ARM processor and our own in-house algorithms.

The biggest highlight is that you can switch the head between Short/Long/Both to create a reverb effect that's somewhere between delay and reverb. It also boasts modern specifications, including stereo compatibility, MIDI, and 300 presets, despite its size.

Strymon Olivera | Appearance and specifications

Basic information about Strymon Olivera

Estimated price (overseas)	259 USD
Estimated price (domestic)	About 44,000 yen
Delay Time	Maximum approximately 620ms
Control	Mix, Time, Regen, Intensity, Rate
mode	Heads switching (Short / Long / Both)
Input/output	1/4" TRS in/out (mono to stereo compatible)
External control	EXP/MIDI (TRS), USB-C
preset	Up to 300 (when using MIDI)
bypass	True or buffered options available
电源	9V DC / Center negative / 250mA

Strymon Olivera｜Features/Functions

The unique "dark, swaying, and not too forward" texture of oil cans

This algorithm is based on the oil can echoes of the 1950s and 60s, and has a narrower bandwidth than tape, creating a slightly cloudy repeat. It slightly rounds and pushes back the attack of your picking, making it perfect for adding a "black blur" to the background of your cutting. It also works well with surf, garage, and roots-oriented phrases.

3 head switchable: Short / Long / Both

You can choose from three head placements with a toggle. Short is a tight slap/ambient starting point, Long is a room-like, reverberant sound with a lingering reverberation, and Both adds a complex rhythmic feel with multiple overlapping repetitions. It's convenient to be able to switch between a "delay-oriented" and "pad-oriented" sound with just one unit.

"Creature modulation" with Intensity and Rate

The unstable pulsation that is the essence of oilcan pedals can be created with just two knobs. By adjusting the depth with Intensity and the speed with Rate, you can recreate a wide range of sounds, from a slightly distorted 60s vibe to a film score-like swell. This is an interesting type that can be used not only on guitars but also on synths.

MIDI x 300 presets x USB for on-site use

Even with its size, it supports MIDI and 300 presets, making it easy to use for live performances, where you can call up Short → Both → Long for each song. You can also save your favorite studio settings as they are, making it a great choice for streaming and home recording.

High Regen creates a "blurred ambient" texture

Increasing the feedback amount creates a spacious, airy sound that's more like an old plate or spring than a delay. Ambient or post-rock artists will instantly achieve the sound that this pedal is known for by targeting this setting.

Strymon Olivera | Sound Demo

Strymon Olivera | Reviews and Reputation

Good reputation (positive reviews)

Bad reviews (negative reviews)

Summary | Olivera: Get both "dirty" and "operability" at the same time

Olivera is not just a pedal that imitates the character of an old delay, but a model that brings the darkness, blur, and sway of an oil can delay to modern board operation.

There are other companies that offer similar sound, but what makes Strymon unique is that it offers stereo, MIDI, and up to 300 presets in this size and price range.

This is currently a very viable option for those who want to create a vintage feel but don't want to have to touch and adjust the panel every time.