The Electro Harmonix Memory Man was introduced in the mid-1970s and quickly became popular for its unique analog delay sound.
It was one of the first pedals to offer longer delay times and a distinctive modulation effect, which contributed to its appeal among guitarists. The original Memory Man featured a bucket brigade device (BBD) chip, which is an analog circuit that creates the delay effect by passing the signal through a series of capacitors. The delay time on the early models was limited to around 300ms, but it was still longer than most other delay pedals available at the time.Â
Electro Harmonix Memory Man
The Memory Man also included controls for feedback (number of repeats) and blend (mixing the delayed signal with the original), allowing users to dial in their desired delay sound. The modulation effect on the Memory Man was achieved through the use of a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) that modulated the delay time. This created a lush, swirling sound that added depth and movement to the delayed signal. The modulation depth and rate could be adjusted using the controls on the pedal.
Electro Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe
In the late 1970s, Electro Harmonix introduced an improved version of the Memory Man called the Memory Man Deluxe. This model expanded on the features of the original by incorporating additional controls and longer delay times. The Memory Man Deluxe had extended delay times of up to 550ms, making it even more versatile for creating atmospheric effects. It also included controls for chorus/vibrato, allowing users to further shape the modulation effect. The Memory Man Deluxe quickly became popular among guitarists, with notable users including David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and The Edge of U2.
Memory Man further refined
Over the years, Electro Harmonix made further refinements to the Memory Man design. In the 1990s, they released the Memory Man Stereo, which offered true stereo output. This allowed for a more spacious and immersive delay sound, particularly when used with stereo amplifier setups. The Memory Man Stereo also featured an improved modulation section, providing greater control over the modulation parameters.
The introduction of Tap Tempo
In the early 2000s, Electro Harmonix introduced the Deluxe Memory Man with Tap Tempo. This version of the pedal incorporated a tap tempo function, which allowed guitarists to synchronize the delay time to the tempo of the music. By tapping a footswitch in time with the desired tempo, the user could control the delay time more precisely, enabling rhythmic delay effects. The Deluxe Memory Man with Tap Tempo became a popular choice among musicians who required accurate synchronization of their delay effects.
Limited editions and special versions
In addition to these main iterations, Electro Harmonix has released various limited editions and special versions of the Memory Man over the years. These include the Memory Man with Hazarai, which featured additional delay modes and looping capabilities, and the Memory Man 550-TT, which combined the vintage analog sound with modern digital control and presets.
A short history of the Electro Harmonix Memory Man
Here’s a detailed account of the history of the Electro Harmonix Memory Man effects pedal, including each significant model that has been released:
Memory Man (Mid-70s)
The original Electro Harmonix Memory Man was introduced in the mid-1970s. It featured a bucket brigade device (BBD) chip for analog delay and became known for its warm and organic delay sound. The delay time was limited to around 300ms, and it included controls for feedback and blend, as well as a modulation effect.
Memory Man Deluxe (Late 1970s)
In the late 1970s, Electro Harmonix released the Memory Man Deluxe. It built upon the features of the original Memory Man, offering additional controls and longer delay times. The Memory Man Deluxe had extended delay times of up to 550ms, and it introduced controls for chorus/vibrato, expanding the modulation capabilities of the pedal.
Memory Man Stereo (1990s)
In the 1990s, Electro Harmonix introduced the Memory Man Stereo. This model provided true stereo output, allowing for a more immersive and spatial delay effect when used with stereo setups. The modulation section was also enhanced, offering improved control over the modulation parameters.
Deluxe Memory Man with Tap Tempo (Early 2000s)
The Deluxe Memory Man with Tap Tempo was introduced in the early 2000s. This version of the pedal incorporated a tap tempo function, enabling users to synchronize the delay time to the tempo of the music. It allowed for more precise control over rhythmic delay effects by tapping a footswitch in time with the desired tempo.
Memory Man Hazarai (2009)
The Memory Man Hazarai was released in 2009. It featured additional delay modes and looping capabilities, expanding the creative possibilities of the pedal. The Hazarai model included various delay types such as tape echo, reverse, and modulated delay, as well as a 30-second looper. There is a mono and a Stereo Hazarai pedal.
Deluxe Memory Man XO (2009)
This is the latest iteration of the original Deluxe Memory Man released in the late 1970s. It produces up to 550 ms of analog echo and has the well-known lush, spacious chorus and haunting vibrato. The Deluxe Memory Man XO is still for sale.
Memory Man 550-TT and 1100-TT (2013)
The Memory Man 550-TT combined vintage analog sound with modern digital control. It offered the classic Memory Man delay tones while introducing preset storage and recall capabilities. The 550-TT also featured tap tempo, expression pedal inputs, and an effects loop for further sonic experimentation. In addition to the 550 version, there is also an 1100-TT version with, you guessed it, 1100ms of delay.
Memory Man Nano Deluxe (2021)
The Nano Deluxe delivers EHX’s signature analog delay, chorus and vibrato plus some updates. Added are both Rate and Depth knobs for enhanced modulation control. It features a maximum delay time of 550mS, an internal user-accessible switch to turn delay tails on or off, true bypass switching when the tails feature is off and it comes equipped with a standard 9Volt power supply.Â
The pedal is still incredibly popular
We have tried to give you an overview of the most important Memory Man iterations that have been released over the years. Special editions and other variants such as the various Memory Boys and Toys were not included. The models listed above represent, in our opinion, the most important versions of the pedal that have contributed to the legacy of the Electro Harmonix Memory Man effects pedal.
Today, the Electro Harmonix Memory Man remains highly regarded and sought after by guitarists, both in its original form and in its various iterations. Its warm, organic analog delay tones, distinctive modulation, and rich character continue to make it a staple on the pedalboards of musicians across genres.