[A must-see for analog fans] What is the next-generation analog delay with WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI 8 BBD x stereo? [Sound demo and reviews]

As exemplified by the classic tape echo "Echoplex" and the legendary BBD-type "Memory Man," the soft, repetitive sound that is unique to analog has a charm that is hard to achieve with digital equipment.

Pure analog stereo processingIt has attracted a lot of attention as a rare pedal that achieves this.

WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI

The name "Meraki" comes from Greek and means "filled with creative passion," and as the name suggests, this is an ambitious work that Walrus Audio has poured their passion into.

Let's take a closer look at the capabilities of this pedal, which retains the musical appeal of analog delay while also providing modern stereo functionality and MIDI control.

WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI | Specifications and Features

Basic information about WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI

Circuit method	Equipped with 8 analog BBD (bucket brigade) circuits (MN3005 chips)
Delay Time	Supports long delays up to 1200 ms (minimum approx. 80 ms)
Delay mode	Switchable between 3 types (Parallel, Ping-Pong, Series)
Input/output terminal	Mono input (*Supports L/R 2-system input when in stereo), Stereo output (L/R), Expression/Tap switch terminal, MIDI In/Thru (standard 5-pin DIN)
Control	Mix (dry/effect ratio), Time (delay time), Feedback L/R (number of repeats each), Mod Depth/Rate (modulation depth/speed), Tone (tilt EQ), etc.
Footswitch	Bypass, tap oscillation (tap tempo, long press for self-oscillation)
Bypass Method	True bypass/buffered bypass switchable (trail compatible)
MIDI compatible	Delay time and modulation Tap tempo etc. can be controlled with MIDI CC
Power Specifications	9V DC center negative (current consumption 500mA or more recommended)
Size	Approx. 60mm (including knob height) x 127mm x 149mm

The specs combine vintage components (many BBD chips) with the latest features (stereo input/output and MIDI compatibility).

One of the biggest attractions of this unit is the generous use of eight BBDs to achieve 8ms of analog stereo delay.

WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI｜Features and Functions

Pure analog stereo delay with dual BBD

The biggest feature of MERAKI isEquipped with two analog delay circuits and supports stereo outputIs that.
The left and right channels each have their own independent delay line, allowing you to adjust the delay time and modulation individually for each channel.

Traditionally, analog delays have generally been mono, and stereo effects have often relied on digital processing.Create different delay patterns for the left and right in pure analogIt's a revolutionary pedal.

For example, set one side to a short slapback and the other to a long ambience.Unsynchronized syncopationYou can intuitively create creative stereo delay sounds, such as producing
Of course, left and rightFully synchronized with the same settingsIt is also possible to achieve a classic delay effect by switching the delay to its original setting, in which case it can be used in a similar way to a traditional mono analog delay.

The stereo space created by the eight BBD chips is a rich experience in which "the warmth of analog fills both ears."

Sound design inspired by classic machines

Although Walrus Audio has not officially stated this, the sound of the MERAKI isRespect for the classics of the pastIs felt.
The Electro-Harmonix "Deluxe Memory Man" is a representative BBD delay.Warm yet lustrous delay soundOr tape echo like EchoplexNatural decay and modulationThe sound is reminiscent of that, and will surely make analog delay fans smile.

In fact, MERAKIEquipped with a tone control (tilt EQ), it can be used to create a wide range of tones, from soft, rounded highs like vintage equipment to clear, crisp, repeating tones.It can be continuously adjusted up to

It also has built-in modulation, allowing you to adjust the depth and speed of the chorus/vibrato effect applied to the delay sound.
ThisA shimmering echo like that of Memory ManThis allows you to freely create the instability of a tape echo.

Taking into account the context of past classics, it is not just a clone.Modern resolution and stereo feelingWalrus' sense shines through in the way they have reconstructed the product.

Buffered bypass/true bypass switch

The effector bypass method is also a notable feature of MERAKI.
This machine isTrue bypass and buffered bypasscan be selected using the internal dip switch.

When set to buffered (electronic relay type in the case of Meraki), the reverberation of the delay sound remains natural even when the effect is turned off.Trail Featureswill be enabled.

On the other hand, if you set it to true bypassCompletely bypass the circuitThis allows you to stop the delay sound abruptly without altering the original sound in any way.

Depending on the player's board configuration and preferences,Should I prioritize reverberation or purity of sound quality?The flexibility to switch between these is a nice feature.

However, some users have reported that when the MERAKI effect is turned onA slight low cut to the dry signalIt has also been pointed out that the following will be implemented.
According to Walrus Audio support, "Due to the design that uses a switch IC to implement the trail function, the bass is suppressed to avoid pop noise when switching the switch." Although this is not noticeable in the guitar range, care should be taken when using full-range sounds.

Musically tuned modulation and feedback

MERAKI's delay sound is created by delicate modulation and feedback settings.Very musical nuanceIt is possible to have.

The modulation depth and rate can be intuitively adjusted with knobs.Adds analog chorus-like modulation to the delay sound to make it thicker.

In addition, as a hidden feature, you can internally switch the waveform shape (sine/triangle, etc.) and modulation phase.Characters with finer fluctuations(This is an advanced setting.)

Feedback (number of repetitions) can be set independently for the left and right.
Additionally, the self-oscillation function that can be activated by pressing and holding the foot switch is unique.

When you hold the tap switch, the feedback amount suddenly increases to its maximum.The delay sound begins to self-oscillate like a roar..

This is extremely useful for creating ambient or experimental sound effects, and the self-oscillation can be controlled via MIDI,Adding dramatic effects at the right time during a performance

Stop the feedback just before oscillationInfinite delay soundscapeIt can also create expressive effects that go beyond a simple delay.

High build quality and sophisticated exterior design

Like Walrus Audio products, MERAKI is alsoExtremely sturdy metal housingContains high quality parts.

It is a little larger than a regular compact pedal because it has eight BBDs and a MIDI circuit built in,
This allows for plenty of room in the layout of knobs and foot switches.Practical layout to prevent operational errors even during live performancesに な っ て い ま す.

Attention to detail has been given, with large, highly visible knobs and LED indicators that show status with just the right brightness.

The exterior design is also attractive.
The base color is matte black, and the foot switch plate isDeep red with gold logo and lotus flowerThe graphics are decorated withAchieving both luxury and artistryLooks like.

This is a limited edition model produced in small quantities,A special car that satisfies your desire to own itis finished.

WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI | Sound demo

WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI | Reviews and Reputation

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WALRUS AUDIO MERAKI｜

Walrus Audio MERAKI isAnalog warmth and modern precisionThis is a one-of-a-kind stereo delay.

• Using 8 BBD chipsFull analog design
• Independent left and right control & 3 stereo modesA variety of spatial expressions
• True bypass/bufferedSwitching Support
• Self-oscillating, MIDI controlledPractical specifications that can handle up to
• High-quality sound andArtistic Design

For intermediate to advanced guitarists who are particular about sound, or those who value home recording and ambient expression,
This is the piece that will give you that final push in sound creation.