MXR Carbon Copy delay effects pedal review

Tape echo enthusiasts prize WEM Copicats, Echoplexes and Space Echos because of the way that they colour and distort a guitar. Despite being a mere stompbox the Carbon Copy does the same; it has a thick, slightly scuzzy quality, distinctly analogue and with a convincing hint of overdrive. It's a perfect formula for slapback echo, so if you're into rock'n'roll and rockabilly sounds then it's ideal – and slapback's short, bathroomy reverb effect doesn't obscure or swamp what you're playing, unlike excessively long reverbs.
The Carbon Copy is equally adept at generating psychedelic atmospheres and Pink Floyd-style soundscapes. The great thing is the way that the repeats sound completely different to the dry signal, with a significant amount of treble roll-off and with further degradation taking place as they regenerate. The stuff you're actually playing retains its form and definition, while the repeats almost sound like a different guitar. The Carbon Copy also has a discernable three-dimensional, surround-sound quality.
Turning up Regen quickly provokes the Carbon Copy into feedback. This is particularly true at shorter delay settings, so a little more range on the Regen control might have been useful.
However, the Mod feature is particularly effective. On the factory settings it combines with shorter Delay times to create a pseudo-chorus effect, which the internal controls could make even more pronounced. On the other hand, widening and slowing the modulation brings the Carbon Copy much closer to a wow and flutter effect, thickening chords and adding extra movement under the dry signal.

With the Carbon Copy, MXR has managed to add versatility and minimise noise without sacrificing the ever-popular tonal qualities of BBDs. As with the vintage echo devices it seeks to emulate, your opinion of it will depend on whether you like the way it colours your sound.