REVIEW – Universal Audio UAFX Galaxy 74 and Del-Verb
5,0 / 5,0 | 
We give UAFX Delay and Reverb pedals a thorough workout in our review of the Del-Verb Ambience Companion and Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb. Looking for authentic and inspiring emulations of classic delay and reverb units? Then look no further…
UAFX Galaxy 74 and Del-Verb pedals
I’m a big fan of the UAFX series; having reviewed their amp-sim pedals in 2022 I was eager to get my hands on the latest trio of pedals. Here I’m looking at the UAFX Delay and Reverb offerings: The Del-Verb Ambience Companion and the Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo and Reverb. Additionally, there’s the MAX Preamp and Dual Compressor which I’ve reviewed separately.
These new pedals all fit into the same format we’ve become used to with earlier UAFX pedals: a chunky die-cast enclosure with stereo inputs and outputs and plenty of tweakable knobs and switches. The controls are all immediately obvious as to their function and there’s little need to consult the manual.
Before I get into the review, however, I have a minor gripe, and that’s regarding the omission of a bundled power supply with these pedals. Despite each pedal having a USB-C port, you cannot power them via USB-C. Forget powering these pedals off batteries either…
While I applaud UA for the inclusion of an industry-standard 9V, centre-negative power jack, there’s a catch! Each pedal requires a whopping 400mA, with no power supply daisy chaining supported. For the price of these pedals, I’d like to have seen a bundled power supply. As it is you’ll need a beefy power supply to run one or more of these pedals such as the Harley Benton Spaceship Powerbar.
With that minor rant out of the way, let’s plug up the pedals and take a listen!
Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb
You’l find clear inspiration for the Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb in the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo; widely regarded as one of the finest tape echo machines ever made. It’s a multi-head machine with varispeed and an integrated spring reverb with original units highly prized and commanding large sums of money on the used market.
There have been a number of recreations of the Space Echo, some virtual, some digital, and even Echo Fix’s physical recreation of the original machine. Finally, however, we get UA’s version of that classic machine in a pedal, and I can tell you, it’s superb!
Space Echo Speciality
It’s a long time since I last had my hands on a genuine Space Echo, but the Galaxy ’74 brings all the positives flooding back. Just like the real machine you can select from one of the 3 virtual tape head positions. Equally, you have control over the virtual tape speed. The way the Galaxy ’74 replicates the physical and mechanical nuances of these controls is very impressive. For example, adjust the echo rate control and there’s a modelled physical latency and pitch shift.
UA’s tape emulation and physical circuit modelling are highly regarded with good reason. If you turn up the input gain turning the input gain the signal progressively fattens. It all happens in a very realistic analogue way, adding harmonics and compression to your source signal. Want the sound of an old, worn-out tape loop? Simply twist the tape age control! I occasionally find myself instinctively looking around to untangle a tape following a chewing noise; but no, it’s just the algorithm!
You’ll also find UA’s model of the Space Echo’s spring reverb tank, which I found sounded superb on keyboards. Every tonal corner of this pedal is eminently useable… just like an original Space Echo!
Performance Potential
One of the unique aspects of the original Space Echo is how you can use it as a performance tool. Just take a listen to Sigue Sigue Sputnik’s Love Missile F-111 for a great example of how the Space Echo can be “performed” in real-time. As you would hope, you can do the same with the Galaxy ’74. Dub echos and 90s lo-fi textures are just a twist of the knob away. Equally guitarists searching for that classic 50s rockabilly slap-back will be enthralled.
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Del-Verb Ambience Companion
The Del-Verb Ambience Companion is a superbly and aptly named pedal. You’ll find tape and analogue delay models, through to models of classic reverb units and even some chorus and vibrato thrown in! The Del-Verb offers two, independent delay and reverb sections which can be run individually or combined.
The delay side of the pedal gives you recreations of the classic Echoplex EP-III tape delay, EH Deluxe Memory Man, and UAs own “precision” style digital delay. In terms of reverbs, we’re treated to digital recreations of an EMT Plate reverb, A Lexicon digital reverb, and a Fender tube-driven spring reverb.
Plugging into the Del-Verb is the very definition of “immediately impressive”; for the first 15-20 minutes all I did was play keys through the pedal in the boot-up preset patch! It doesn’t matter what keyboard sound you throw at this thing, you’ll instantly be rewarded with a rich, dreamy and dramatic ambience. Equally, I tried the pedal in-line between a guitar and amplifier and it was just as inspirational.
Seeing how the Del-Verb is both a delay and reverb unit combined into one pedal, let’s take a deep dive into the two effects engines and the sounds on offer…
Del-Verb Delays
Looking at the delay section by itself for a moment, each virtual delay unit has its own very unique character. The EP-III tape delay can be coaxed into everything from rockabilly slaps through to warbly and spooky tape textures. It’s fun to virtually age the tape and hear the sound of a tape splice going over the head! Great for short, characterful echoes or warm modulation effects.
The Analogue DMM setting is the place to look for analogue oddness. The original Deluxe Memory Man can be a bit of an acquired taste, and in that regard, this model recreates it perfectly! There’s the classic BBD character on offer here along with signature EHX oddness!
Meanwhile, the innocuously labelled precision delay quickly became my favourite; whether on keys or guitar, it wooed me with its huge dynamics and subtle shimmer. There’s a beautiful balance between warmth and shimmer here that in itself deserves to be known as the “Del-Verb” delay. Absolutely glorious!
Del-Verb Reverbs
Moving onto the reverb section, again each model had its own unique character. The plate reverb has a beautiful musicality and warmth; like a real plate reverb, it never obscures the original source. Hall 224 has all the pristine lively drama you’d hope from a top-class digital reverb. You’ll find both models hugely inspiring to play through; I did!
If I have a criticism, it’s levelled towards the Spring 65 reverb model, which to my ears and fingers lacks the depth and character of a real spring reverb. I own and have used spring reverbs of many kinds, from vintage Fender and Hammond units to solid-state studio tanks. With that said, it does offer another useful character and tonality to explore.
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More winners from Universal Audio?
So what’s the verdict then? Well, you’ve probably already guessed that I was very impressed with the Echo and Reverb sounds from these pedals. But which one is best? Are they worth the money? Should you go out and buy one?
If you’re seeking the Space Echo sound, then there are few pedals that do it better than the Galaxy ’74. Vintage RE201 echo units command four-figure prices, not to mention the ongoing maintenance and upkeep. The Galaxy ’74 offers a compellingly accessible alternative.
The Del-Verb is the pedal that’s surprised me most, however. You’ll find a huge sonic palette of echos, reverbs, and modulation effects in one box. I. In terms of sheer versatility, I think it’s a very well-priced pedal.
Both of these pedals get a very honest and hearty “thumbs up” from me.
More about the UAFX Galaxy 74 and Del-Verb pedal:
- More about Universal Audio
- All about pedals
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- Del verb: Universal Audio
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