Electro-Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man Review

This pedalboard-friendly Nano version brings a new level of enjoyment to a classic EHX effect.

By Art Thompson
published
Electro-Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man
(Image: © EHX)

GuitarPlayer Verdict

A must-have for anyone who thrives on the lush, organic vibe of analog echo.

Pros

  • +

    Rich, clear analog sound and very low noise

  • +

    Rate control for the modulation

Cons

  • -

    The six knobs feel a little cramped on the small enclosure

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Introduced in 1978, the Deluxe Memory Man delivered rich, clear electric guitar tones that made it a hit with musicians and set a standard for analog delay that endures to this day.

The Nano DMM is the latest version of this classic, and, along with a compact housing, it now includes a rate control for the modulation and an internal switch located on the foot-switch board for selecting true bypass (the default stock setting) or buffered bypass, which preserves the delay tails when the effect is switched off.

Electro-Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man

(Image credit: EHX)

The unit has blend, feedback, delay, level, rate and depth controls, a pair of LEDs for status and overload, a front-mounted jack for the nine-volt DC power input, and side-mounted input and output jacks.

Plugged Fender Deluxe Reverb or Victoria Double Deluxe 2x12 combo amplifiers, the Nano DMM proved itself an excellent delay that sounds lush and crystal clear at settings ranging from slapback echo to long ambient delays.

Electro-Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man

(Image credit: EHX)

Even the repeats stay very clear when the feedback knob is turned up to around four o’ clock, where the echoes start drifting into self-oscillation. The noise level is also practically nil at high delay/feedback settings, which is very cool.

The addition of the rate control is a great feature that allows you to adjust the modulation for everything from tape-like wobble to shimmering vibrato.

Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man

The new Nano Deluxe Memory Man takes up less than a quarter the floor space of older 'big box' units (pictured) (Image credit: Future)

Delay always sounds better with some modulation, and now you can dial in the speed for exactly the modulation and feel that works best for you. In addition, the level knob lets you set the perfect volume for when the effect is activated.

The Electro-Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man brings a new level of enjoyment to this classic effect, and it’s a must-have for anyone who thrives on the lush, organic vibe of analog echo.

Specifications:

  • BUILT USA
  • CONTROLS Blend, feedback, delay, level, rate and depth
  • FOOT SWITCHES Mechanical, true-bypass (buffered bypass selectable with internal switch)
  • POWER SUPPLY 9VDC external power only
  • EXTRAS Extra control over modulation via the Rate knob. Handy level control. Internal switch for true bypass or “tails.” 9VDC adapter included

Visit Electro-Harmonix for more information.

Art Thompson
Art Thompson
Senior Editor

Art Thompson is Senior Editor of Guitar Player magazine. He has authored stories with numerous guitar greats including B.B. King, Prince and Scotty Moore and interviewed gear innovators such as Paul Reed Smith, Randall Smith and Gary Kramer. He also wrote the first book on vintage effects pedals, Stompbox. Art's busy performance schedule with three stylistically diverse groups provides ample opportunity to test-drive new guitars, amps and effects, many of which are featured in the pages of GP.