Chase Bliss has introduced Big Time, a hybrid delay pedal that combines digital delay processing with analog circuitry at key points in the signal path.
The design is based on early 1980s rack-style delay systems that combined analog and digital components. The signal chain includes a stereo analog preamp at the input stage and a stereo analog limiter placed in the feedback loop of the delay. The digital section provides delay generation, modulation, looping, and sequencing functions, while the analog stages provide gain shaping and dynamic control within the overall signal path.
The pedal is designed for stereo operation and supports multiple control methods, including expression, MIDI, and CV. It includes internal preset storage and supports additional presets via MIDI. The interface provides a set of controls for shaping delay behavior, modulation, filtering, and feedback characteristics.
Features:
- Signal path and architecture
- Hybrid digital delay with analog input and feedback stages
- Stereo analog preamp at input stage
- Stereo analog limiter in feedback path
- True stereo signal processing throughout
- Analog dry-through design
- Delay and sound shaping functions
- Digital delay engine with modulation and sequencing capabilities
- Variable delay modes including standard delay and looping behavior
- Feedback shaping with controllable limiter behavior
- Diffusion and multi-tap style echo expansion
- Tempo-synced and musical interval-based delay time options
- Controls and modulation
- Dedicated controls for preamp gain and saturation
- Feedback and limiter behavior shaping controls
- Modulation controls including LFO-based movement
- Parameter control via expression pedal, CV, and MIDI
- Tap tempo support
- Connectivity and performance
- Stereo audio input and output
- MIDI input with clock, program change, and CC support
- CV and expression inputs
- External footswitch support
- Preset storage (internal and MIDI recall support)
- Specifications
- 32-bit processing at 48 kHz
- True stereo I/O
- Analog dry signal path
- 9V DC power input
Pricing & Availability:
Big Time is available now for preorder, priced at $999 USD. Shipping is expected to begin around June 2026.
32-bit at 48 kHz is a misleading selling point if it is being framed as delivering higher sonic resolution. The 32-bit format is primarily for internal processing headroom, and 48 kHz only sets the bandwidth limit at around 24 kHz. Neither increases audible detail or “depth” in any meaningful sense.
At $999, the value proposition is questionable, and a small hi-res OLED screen would have made this far more user friendly.
From what I’ve heard it’s the least intresting pedal I wanna throw 1k at. How’s this possible?
The purpose of 32-bit floating point isn’t „higher resolution“ or „depth“, but significantly more headroom, less rounding errors, and less quantization errors.
And thus why I said neither contribute to depth of sound! I was responding to the infomercial claim, at the very least this should have been 96kHz, and yes it makes a difference.
It seems very user friendly to me, how would a small screen improve upon what is already there?
Well, you asked.
A small screen would be useful for:
– Exact parameter readout: Precise values instead of relying on knob position memory or a single digit alphanumeric display.
– Additional Device Reliance: Reduced need for external control devices: Lowers dependence on an iPad/app for editing and management.
– Preset management: Easier browsing, naming, and recall.
– Visual feedback: Clear confirmation of changes in real time.
– Hidden parameters access: Reduces reliance on shift functions or key combos.
– Modulation routing clarity: Helps avoid mistakes in complex setups.
– Diagnostics: Clear error or overload messages.
– Future-proofing: Allows added features without redesigning controls.
And at this price point, this is an awful omission.
In this day and age, $999 for a pedal is way too much. Hello?
And thus why I said neither contribute to depth of sound! I was responding to the infomercial claim, at the very least this should have been 96kHz, and yes it makes a difference!
Hopefully as the technology advances the cost of these newfangled digital delays will come down. Probably will have fewer noise artifacts as well. I’m going to bide my time.