Old Blood Noise Endeavors Bathing Liminal Delay

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Bathing Liminal Delay: Multi-Effect Flexibility in Stereo

The Old Blood Noise Endeavors Bathing Liminal Delay enters the market as a high-end multi-function delay pedal for musicians seeking both robust stereo delay and advanced modulation. Priced at $349 and hand-assembled in the US, it targets users who demand a versatile sonic palette and modern connectivity for pedalboards spanning guitars, synthesizers, and studio setups.

Feature Set and Connectivity

The Bathing Liminal Delay combines classic delay, fully-featured modulation, and expansive stereo processing into a single unit. Every function, including flanger, phaser, and modulated delay, plus a spatially-rich, multi-tap reverb, can run at once. This means users can blend delay, swirling phase, and 3D textures without juggling multiple pedals.

• Inputs/Outputs: Stereo input and output (quarter-inch TRS jacks) allow integration with dual-amplifier rigs or stereo setups, with full analog dry-through for maintaining signal integrity.
• MIDI and Expression: MIDI in and out (mini jacks), USB-C for firmware or connectivity, and an expression pedal input provide deep real-time and preset control. Three quick-access onboard presets can be toggled via a dedicated button.
• Bypass Options: Switchable between true bypass and buffered bypass, adapting to various signal chain needs.
• Physical Specs: Solid build at 454 grams, dimensions 108 x 126 x 69 mm, and a vivid control surface with ergonomic footswitches for bypass and tap/aux functions. Power requires a 9V DC supply (350 mA), not included.

The unit offers dedicated controls for delay time, number of stages, feedback, filter, LFO rate and depth, waveform shaping, dry/wet level, and a spatial "dimension" parameter, all available simultaneously. Combined with stereo configuration and analog dry preservation, this ensures both modern and classic tonal flavors are available in a single compact enclosure.

Sound and Modulation: Depth With a Learning Curve

In use, the Bathing Liminal Delay excels at both straightforward and experimental delay effects. The delay section covers everything from tight slapbacks to immersive echoes (up to roughly 800 ms), with nuanced control over repeats and brightness using feedback and filter knobs. The tap-tempo footswitch streamlines live use.

What sets the pedal apart is its modulation flexibility. Despite the lack of a standalone chorus, it delivers a lush stereo "dimension-style" chorus effect via dedicated controls, effective for adding subtle movement or thickening the overall mix. More advanced sonic sculpting emerges from the phaser and flanger sections; the phaser is especially notable, offering adjustable stage count (2, 12) and detailed LFO parameters (rate, depth, waveform shape).

The hallmark sound is the complex blend of delay and modulation. By engaging both Time and Stage controls together, users can achieve evolving, washy textures that veer into experimental territory. For example, with modulation switched off (LFO controls at zero), the ping-pong stereo delay offers pure rhythmic movement from left to right. But with modulation engaged, layers of swirling phase or flanging ride atop the delay repeats, giving diffuse, almost submerged ambiences or metallic resonances.

The multi-tap reverb further enhances these spatial qualities, contributing to a distinct "3D" feel, especially when used with stereo TRS cables. Feedback from users highlights the pedal's adaptability on both guitar and synthesizer, where it handles instrument and line-level signals equally well. Real-time control with an external expression pedal is responsive, allowing live manipulation of filter sweeps, wet/dry mix, or modulation depth without menu-diving.

User Experience and Limitations

Learning the pedal's feature set can be daunting, especially as most controls serve dual purposes and depend on mode context. Some users report that the three smallest knobs (wet, dry, dimension) can be fiddly and less responsive, particularly the wet parameter, which does not react in a strictly linear fashion. The "stage" and "shape" knobs are continuous but yield discrete changes, and some find their tactile feel less than ideal. These design quirks don't compromise the sonic results but stand out against an otherwise pro-level interface.

• Strengths: Wide modulation palette, true stereo operation, deep control via MIDI and expression pedal, usable on both guitars and synths, analog dry-through for clean tone, well-designed for both studio and live scenarios.
• Weaknesses: Small, less ergonomic controls for wet/dry and dimension; some learning curve to unlock full capabilities; 9V power supply not included.

Verdict

The Old Blood Noise Endeavors Bathing Liminal Delay offers a rare blend of classic delay, extensive modulation (phaser/flanger/chorus), stereo operation, and modern connectivity. For artists who appreciate both accessible bread-and-butter sounds and the ability to explore experimental textures, this pedal is a technically ambitious and rewarding addition to a sophisticated pedalboard. While the interface requires some patience, the range and depth of sound on tap make it stand out in a crowded effects market.