delay than do the other
modes. This is the Digital
delay mode, which produces
all the clarity and precision
one expects from a digital
circuit. X controls modulation
once again, and the effect
seemed like a less intense,
but faster version of Program
A’s modulation.
Program L is the “Lo-Fi”
mode, which delivers tone
reminiscent of the old
days. The repeated signal
sounds as if it comes from
a tiny speaker, like that
of a telephone’s headset.
Adjustments to X expand
or constrict the frequency
range of the repeated
signal. For example, at
seven o’clock, the repeats
sounded very small—not
exactly tinny, almost as if
they were passing through an
old AM radio without bass.
Higher X settings increased
the frequency range of the
repetitions. At the higher
level, the repeated signal
sounded somewhat fuller, but
not so much that the delay
lost its “lo-fi” character.
Finally, Program S produces
slapback-style echo. If the
Ratio knob is set to quarter
notes, this mode can produce
a flange-like effect. Increasing
the repeats setting intensifies
the warble (or modulation
of the doubled signal), while
increasing the X deepens
the effect. Increases to X
intensified the modulation of
the repeated signal.
I particularly appreciated
the ARP-87’s momentary
functions. The Bypass
switch works as do so many
others: simply tap and
release the switch to engage
or disengage the effect.
However, Walrus Audio was
very clever because the
Bypass switch also works
as a momentary switch. So,
by simply depressing and
holding the switch, the ARP-
87 will engage. Now, the
effect won’t necessarily and
abruptly cut off when the
switch is released. The Trails
Mode lets the echoes fade
naturally. However, if the user
desires it, the Trails Mode can
be disengaged for a clean
cut-off.
The Tap switch also features
momentary functionality. By
depressing and holding the
switch, the user can ramp up
the number of repeats (the
feedback, as Walrus calls it),
from the current setting of
the repeats knob. When the
switch is released, the repeats
drops rather abruptly back to
the current knob setting. This
sharp transition could have
been a bit more graceful,
in my opinion. I wished that
the Trails Mode could have
included a soft return to the
knob’s settings when the
switch is released.
On the whole, the ARP-87
delivers a lush, memorable
set of echoes with style.
Sonic explorers who want to
venture into the depths of
sonic space should give it a
listen.
WHAT WE LIKE
A good selection of delay
and echo programs with
excellent warmth, clarity, and
modulation; multi-function
Tap Tempo and momentary
Bypass switches; those cool
sci-fi graphics.
CONCERNS
My only small criticism is
that I would have preferred
a smoother return to the
current feedback setting after
the Tap switch is momentarily
depressed and held.
ToneReport.com
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