MXR Model 113 Digital Delay

The MXR Model 113 Digital Delay was an advanced rack-mounted digital delay processor released in the early 1980s, designed for professional studio, live sound, and PA applications. Engineered with cutting-edge technology at the time, it offered musicians and engineers access to a wide palette of time-based effects with precise digital control, low noise, and remarkable versatility.

At its core, the MXR Model 113 Digital Delay used digital random-access memory (RAM) rather than older shift-register designs. This allowed higher fidelity audio delay with minimal signal degradation, even at longer delay times. The incoming analogue signal was digitised, stored in RAM, then reconverted to analogue for output.

This allowed clean, repeatable processing over a wide range of delay times from just 0.08 milliseconds up to 320 milliseconds with the standard configuration. By adding up to three optional plug-in memory boards, this could be expanded in 320 millisecond steps to a maximum of 1280 milliseconds.

The delay time of the MXR Model 113 Digital Delay was dependent on the selected bandwidth. Users could trade bandwidth for longer delay, adjusting between four selectable bandwidths, 20kHz, 10kHz, 5kHz, and 2.5kHz, with the lowest offering the longest possible delay times.

In addition to simple echo and slapback delays, the MXR Model 113 Digital Delay provided tools for complex audio effects including flanging, vibrato, pitch bending, frequency modulation, and repeat-hold for infinite looping.

These effects were made possible by additional modulation circuitry built into the unit. Vocal doubling, reverb-style ambience, and tight echo repeats were easily achieved, making the unit suitable for a wide range of sources including vocals, guitar, synthesiser, drums, and full mixes.

The MXR Model 113 Digital Delay was designed for both fixed installation and touring use, with optional road case support and full rackmount integration. Its ease of use and expandability made it a practical and forward-looking choice for professional users at the dawn of the digital audio era.

Features

• Digital delay processor: Converts analogue signal to digital and back for high-fidelity time-based effects
• Variable delay time: 0.08ms to 320ms standard, expandable to 1280ms with memory cards
• Selectable bandwidths: 20kHz, 10kHz, 5kHz, and 2.5kHz for adjusting quality versus maximum delay
• Expandable memory: Accepts up to three optional plug-in memory boards
• Multiple effect capabilities: Echo, doubling, flanging, vibrato, pitch bend, modulation, and infinite repeat-hold
• Low noise design: Maintains signal integrity even at long delay times
• Studio-ready: Rackmount format for professional studio and PA setups
• Touring option: Optional road case for live performance use