MXR Carbon Copy vs EHX Deluxe Memory Man
The Carbon Copy wins for compact analog delay — a smaller board footprint with excellent BBD tone and subtle modulation. The Memory Man wins for deeper modulation and the unique chorus/vibrato effect built into its analog delay character.
MXR Carbon Copy
The reference compact analog delay — BBD chip, 600ms maximum delay time, subtle chorus modulation on repeats. The most widely used compact analog delay in professional rigs, particularly for blues and country applications.
Blues, country, and classic rock players who want warm, organic analog delay that blends naturally into the guitar signal
EHX Deluxe Memory Man
The original and definitive analog delay with built-in chorus/vibrato — the BBD repeats carry a shimmer of chorus modulation that is unique to this circuit. Used by David Gilmour and The Edge to create classic atmospheric delay tones that have never been accurately replicated digitally.
Classic rock, ambient, and Pink Floyd-inspired players who want the warm, chorused analog delay character unique to the Memory Man circuit
Tone Character
MXR Carbon Copy
- ✓ Warm BBD analog repeats with subtle natural modulation
- ✓ 600ms maximum delay time
- ✓ Simple Delay/Mix/Regen controls
- ✓ True bypass
- ✓ Compact MXR enclosure
- ✗ No tap tempo on standard version (Mini has tap)
- ✗ Modulation cannot be fully disabled on standard version
- ✗ Limited to 600ms maximum delay time
EHX Deluxe Memory Man
- ✓ Unique built-in chorus/vibrato on repeats
- ✓ Warm BBD analog character
- ✓ Chorus mode adds independent chorus effect
- ✓ Legendary tone used on seminal recordings
- ✗ Maximum 550ms delay time
- ✗ Noise floor higher than modern digital alternatives
- ✗ Large pedal format
When To Choose Each
Players who want analog delay warmth in a compact footprint — the Carbon Copy is the board-friendly BBD delay.
Players who want richer modulation on their repeats — the Memory Man's chorus modulation is part of its signature sound.
Final Verdict — MXR Carbon Copy vs EHX Deluxe Memory Man
Best for beginners
MXR Carbon Copy
MXR Carbon Copy scores higher on versatility (65/100) and lower on gain (0/100) — a more forgiving starting point than EHX Deluxe Memory Man.
Best for metal tones
MXR Carbon Copy
MXR Carbon Copy leads on gain (0/100) and bass response (56/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
MXR Carbon Copy
At £119 vs £179, MXR Carbon Copy delivers 34% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| MXR Carbon Copy | EHX Deluxe Memory Man | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £119 | £179 |
| Category | Delay | Delay |
| Gain | 0/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 68/100 | 72/100 |
| Treble | 52/100 | 50/100 |
| Bass | 56/100 | 55/100 |
| Versatility | 65/100 | 60/100 |
| Best for | Blues, country, and classic rock players who want warm, organic analog delay that blends naturally into the guitar signal | Classic rock, ambient, and Pink Floyd-inspired players who want the warm, chorused analog delay character unique to the Memory Man circuit |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Analog delays use bucket-brigade device (BBD) chips that degrade the repeat signal slightly — giving warmth and a natural decay.
Memory Man goes to 550ms; Carbon Copy goes to 600ms. Very similar.
Memory Man's chorus/vibrato modulation is deeper and more musical. Carbon Copy's modulation is subtle.
Both — short delay times (80–100ms) with 1–2 repeats give classic rockabilly/country slapback.