Prime Delay (Mono, Stereo)

Prime Delay (Mono, Stereo)

The Lexicon Prime Time is a vintage digital delay unit renowned for its distinctive modulation and rich, textured repeats. Introduced in the late 1970s, it features variable delay times, modulation controls, and the ability to create lush chorus and flanging effects. Its analog-style warmth and unique character have made it a favorite for experimental and ambient guitarists, as well as producers seeking classic digital delay sounds. The Prime Time is celebrated for its creative potential, offering both clean and degraded repeats, and is considered a pioneering device in the evolution of digital effects.

Fender Model Guide

Mono: Produces clear digital repeats with distinctive character, modulation and variable fidelity options that range from pristine to intentionally degraded.

  • TIME Adjusts time before first repeat is heard.
  • TAP DIVISION Synch delay time to the beat by selecting a subdivision of the current tempo.
  • FEEDBACK Adjusts number of delay repeats.
  • MIX Adjusts delay effect level.
  • MULTIPLY Adjusts multiplier factor for current delay times. Works in tandem with the Lo-Fi switch to determine high-frequency filtering. X1: Multiplies delay times by 1, high-frequency filter at 12kHz X2: Multiplies delay times by 2, high-frequency filter at 6kHz X4: multiplies delay times by 4, high-frequency filter at 3kHz X8: multiplies delay times by 8, high-frequency filter at 1.5kHz Multiply setting has no tonal effect when Lo-Fi set to OFF
  • LO-FI Enables high-frequency filtering depending on which Multiply setting is selected. Delay is full-bandwidth when Lo-Fi is disabled.
  • MOD TYPE Selects sine or triangle delay modulation type.
  • MOD RATE Adjusts delay modulation speed.
  • MOD DEPTH Adjusts delay modulation depth.
  • HOLD When enabled, repeats delay buffer contents until Hold is disabled.
  • SPILLOVER SWITCH Select to continue hearing delay repeats after effect has been bypassed.

Stereo: Adds stereo routing flexibility and wide imaging to the distinctive character of Prime Delay. **CONTROLS** • TIME A: Adjusts time before first repeat is heard for Delay A. • TIME B: Adjusts time before first repeat is heard for Delay B. • FEEDBACK: Adjusts number of delay repeats. • TAP DIVISION A: Selects subdivision of current tempo to use for setting effect speed for delay A. • TAP DIVISION B: Selects subdivision of current tempo to use for setting effect speed for delay B. • MIX: Adjusts delay effect level. • PAN A: Adjusts delay A stereo panning. • PAN B: Adjusts delay B stereo panning. • ST MODE: Adjusts how both delay lines interact in the stereo field. Parallel: Delay lines are independent and do not interact. Prime: Both delay feedback paths are summed and fed back to both delay inputs. Criss Cross: Delay feedback paths are swapped, delay A feedback path is fed into delay B input; delay B feedback path is fed into delay A input. Series: Delay A feeds directly into delay B input; feedback paths are independent Ping-Pong: Delay feedback paths are swapped as in Criss Cross, except that the input signal only feeds delay A. • MOD TYPE: Selects sine or triangle delay modulation type. • MOD RATE: Adjusts delay modulation speed. • MOD DEPTH: Adjusts delay modulation depth. • MULTIPLY: Adjusts multiplier factor for current delay times. Works in tandem with the Lo-Fi switch to determine high-frequency filtering. X1: Multiplies delay times by 1, high-frequency filter at 12kHz X2: Multiplies delay times by 2, high-frequency filter at 6kHz X4: multiplies delay times by 4, high-frequency filter at 3kHz X8: multiplies delay times by 8, high-frequency filter at 1.5kHz Multiply setting has no tonal effect when Lo-Fi set to OFF • LO-FI: Enables high-frequency filtering depending on which Multiply setting is selected. Delay is full-bandwidth when Lo-Fi is disabled. • HOLD: When enabled, repeats delay buffer contents until Hold is disabled. • SPILLOVER SWITCH: Select to continue hearing delay repeats after effect has been bypassed.

From the Fender Tone Master Pro Model Guide

Based on
Lexicon Prime Time Delay
Effect type
Delay
Real gear released
1978