REVIEWS
Dialing back the sensitivity for lowerthan-usual filter-cutoff yields darkly
brassy timbres—a nice variation on the
usual effect.
In filter-down mode, tones are fat at
the moment of attack before becoming
thin and crispy. This setting unleashes
all manner of “gulping” effects, from
comical popcorn sounds to twangy, sitarlike timbres.
With the toggle set to sample
and hold, random frequencies create
rhythmic burbling that recalls a
“computer” sound effect from a 1960s
sci-fi flick. In this mode, the range
knob controls the speed. So while
there’s no tap-tempo control, it’s not
hard to create roughly tempo-synched
flickers and burbles. In all modes, the
range (sensitivity) control is perfectly
calibrated. It’s easy to dial in just the
right response to suit your touch.
It’s interesting to compare Spatial
Delivery’s approach to that of
another recent envelope filter, 3Leaf ’s
162 PREMIER GUITAR SEPTEMBER 2016
Wonderlove, reviewed in our July ’16
issue. The pricier Wonderlove is packed
to the gills with clever options, from
a wet/dry mix to an onboard effect
loop. It has 11 controls compared to
Spatial Delivery’s four. Which design
is best? The answer probably depends
on whether you prefer an interface
with maximum options, or one with
maximum simplicity. (Both pedals sound
great, and they both earned our Premier
Gear award.)
The Verdict
Don’t let Spatial Delivery’s simple layout
fool you—this envelope filter is capable
of countless cool and usable tones.
Thanks to the clever multi-mode filter,
you may well create exciting new sounds
in a fraction of the time required by a
more complex filter effect. The sound
quality is superb. The versatile controls
are beautifully calibrated. And the price
is right for a handmade, U.S.-built
pedal.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH A
REVIEW DEMO of this pedal.
EarthQuaker Spatial Delivery
$195 street
earthquakerdevices.com
Tones
Ease of Use
Build/Design
Value
PROS Great tones. Easy and intuitive to
use. Fair price.
CONS None.
premierguitar.com