Pretty in Pink: The Ibanez AD9 Analog Delay.

It’s pink and pretty. Its sound is borderline gritty. Oh, am I giddy.

The Ibanez AD9 Analog Delay is a classic delay that has been around since 1981. Luckily for most, its sound has changed very little since its introduction.

The AD9 is — as the name implies — analog.

So what?

Analog delays rely on “bucket-brigade” circuits to delay an audio single and create a range of effects. From subtle doubling to a spacey repeats, the sound is instantly recognizable.

Whereas digital delays create near-perfect repeats, bucket-brigade-based analog circuits have an inherent tonal characteristic: signal degradation.

To make up for this signal loss, analog delays depend on signal buffers that can help or harm tone.

A bad analog delay creates muddy, mushy repeats. A good analog delay creates smooth, creamy repeats.

A great analog delay mimics a good tape delay, adding just a hint of grit to each repeat.

The AD9 is a great delay. No, it’s better than great. It’s simply choice.

For doubling, the AD9 adds a nice amount of texture and really fills up a mix. Bring up the repeats a bit, and the AD9 turns into a fantastic slapback echo.

Buddy Holly, look out.

Like a well played tape echo, the AD9 rounds off harsh treble frequencies, and it replicates the mid and bass spectrum with full resolution.

When venturing beyond echo territory, the AD9 get’s lost in space. The repeats are thick and rich. As the repeat knob is turned up, the delays become spacial with just a pinch of saturation.

It’s a fine line between dirty and driven. The repeats aren’t completely distorted, but they aren’t completely clean either. It’s a good compromise that creates character without becoming lost or sterile.

The build quality is fantastic. With metal chassis, metal shaft potentiometers and high quality components, it’s built to last.

The AD9 is not true bypass, but the slight coloration of its buffered signal is hardly noticeable.

The unit I reviewed came from the reissue series that has recently been discontinued.

It’s really a shame Ibanez has opted to put an end to such a fantastic pedal.

A second-hand reissue can be had for $80 in good condition. A vintage AD9 is more of an investment, and I can’t guarantee the tonal benefits are worth the extra bread.

Compared to forum favorites such as the Electroharmonix Memory Man and the Boss DM-2, the Ibanez AD9 doesn’t get enough credit.

Unlike the Memory Man or the DM-2 – which fetch between $300 to $400 on Ebay – the Ibanez AD9 is affordable, readily available and it sounds fantastic … fantastic … fantastic.

Here it is, the Ibanez AD9 Analog Delay

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