Strymon Deco V1 Vs V2: Deciding Between The Original And Updated Tape Saturation Pedal
The Strymon Deco is a highly-regarded tape saturation and double-tracker guitar pedal. Originally released in 2014, the Deco allows guitarists to replicate vintage tape sounds and textures with warm overdrive and rich harmonics.
Strymon updated the pedal in 2020 with the Deco V2, retaining the core tape effects while upgrading other features.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: While the core tape saturation sounds remain excellent on both, the Deco V2 offers worthwhile upgrades like pre/post effect positioning, stereo I/O, and deeper tone-shaping parameters.
V1 users won’t gain a ton from upgrading, but new buyers may want to go for V2.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll unpack all the key differences between the original Deco V1 and the updated V2 version.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first Deco or considering upgrading from V1, you’ll have all the details to choose the best Deco for your board.
Tape Saturation Sounds: V1 vs V2
When it comes to tape saturation effects, the Strymon Deco pedal has become a popular choice among guitarists and producers.
The Deco V1 and V2 are both known for their ability to add warmth, depth, and vintage character to audio signals. However, there are some key differences between the two versions that may influence your decision when choosing between them.
Let’s take a closer look at the tape saturation sounds of the V1 and V2 models.
The Strymon Deco V1
The Deco V1 is the original version of the pedal and has gained a reputation for its authentic tape saturation emulation. It offers a wide range of sonic possibilities, from subtle saturation to full-on tape distortion.
The V1’s tape saturation effect provides a warm and smooth tone reminiscent of vintage tape machines. It can add a touch of vintage charm to your recordings or live performances, giving your guitar or other instruments a classic, analog feel.
One of the standout features of the Deco V1 is its “lag” control, which allows you to adjust the amount of tape delay and modulation. This feature can create a sense of movement and depth in your sound, making it feel more organic and lively.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle tape effect or want to push your sound into a lo-fi territory, the Deco V1 delivers with its versatile tape saturation sounds.
The Strymon Deco V2
The Deco V2 is the updated version of the pedal, offering some new features and improvements over its predecessor.
While still maintaining the vintage tape saturation sound, the V2 introduces a Hi-Fi mode that provides a cleaner and more transparent tape emulation.
This mode is perfect for those who want the benefits of tape saturation without sacrificing clarity and fidelity.
In addition to the Hi-Fi mode, the Deco V2 also includes a built-in stereo mode, allowing you to use the pedal in stereo setups for a wider and more immersive sound.
This is particularly useful for recording or live performances where you want to create a stereo image and enhance the spatial dimension of your audio.
Comparison: V1 vs V2
When comparing the tape saturation sounds of the Deco V1 and V2, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific sound you’re looking to achieve.
The V1 offers a more vintage and lo-fi tape saturation effect, while the V2 provides a cleaner and more versatile tape emulation.
If you’re after that classic tape warmth and character, the Deco V1 will be your go-to choice. Its lag control and ability to create subtle tape delays and modulation make it a great tool for adding depth and movement to your sound.
On the other hand, if you prioritize clarity and fidelity in your recordings or performances, the Deco V2’s Hi-Fi mode will be a better fit. The stereo mode also adds an extra dimension to your sound, allowing for a more immersive listening experience.
Whichever version you choose, both the Deco V1 and V2 are highly regarded tape saturation pedals that can elevate your audio with their unique and vintage-inspired sounds.
New Features on the Deco V2
The Deco V2, the updated version of the popular Strymon Deco tape saturation pedal, comes with some exciting new features that enhance its functionality and versatility.
Here are the key enhancements you can expect from the Deco V2:
Expanded Tape Saturation Options
The Deco V2 offers a wider range of tape saturation options compared to its predecessor. With the addition of new saturation types, you can now achieve a greater variety of vintage tape effects.
Whether you’re looking for warm, subtle saturation or gritty, distorted tones, the Deco V2 has got you covered.
Improved Dynamic Response
The updated version of the Deco pedal boasts an improved dynamic response, allowing for even more nuanced and expressive playing.
The enhanced dynamics help to capture the intricacies of your playing style, adding a touch of realism to your tone.
Whether you’re playing softly or digging in with intensity, the Deco V2 responds accordingly, resulting in a more organic and natural sound.
Enhanced Stereo Imaging
If you’re a fan of stereo effects, you’ll be delighted to know that the Deco V2 now offers enhanced stereo imaging capabilities.
With the updated pedal, you can achieve a wider and more immersive soundstage, making your guitar tones sound larger than life.
Whether you’re recording in the studio or playing live on stage, the Deco V2’s improved stereo imaging adds depth and dimension to your sound.
Additional Control Options
The Deco V2 also introduces additional control options, giving you more flexibility in shaping your sound.
With the added controls, you can fine-tune the tape saturation, adjust the blend between dry and wet signals, and tweak the stereo width to your liking.
These extra controls allow for greater customization, enabling you to achieve the perfect balance and texture in your guitar tone.
Overall Performance Enhancements
In addition to the new features mentioned above, the Deco V2 also benefits from overall performance enhancements.
Improved signal-to-noise ratio, lower latency, and increased headroom are just some of the improvements that contribute to a better user experience.
Whether you’re a recording artist, a live performer, or a bedroom guitarist, the Deco V2’s enhanced performance ensures that you can achieve exceptional sound quality in any setting.
For more detailed information on the Deco V2 and its new features, you can visit the official Strymon website here.
Flexibility: Switching Order of Effects
One of the key considerations when choosing between the Strymon Deco V1 and V2 is the flexibility to switch the order of effects.
Both versions of the pedal offer the ability to blend a tape saturation effect with your dry signal, but they differ in how they handle the signal flow.
Strymon Deco V1
The original Deco pedal has a fixed signal flow, with the tape saturation effect always coming before the dry signal.
While this can provide a unique and vintage sound, it limits the options for experimenting with different sonic possibilities.
If you prefer having the tape saturation effect in front of your dry signal, the Deco V1 might be the better choice for you.
Strymon Deco V2
The updated Deco V2 pedal offers greater flexibility by allowing you to switch the order of effects.
This means that you can choose whether the tape saturation effect comes before or after your dry signal, giving you more control over your sound.
Whether you want a subtle tape warmth blending with your dry signal or a more pronounced saturated tone, the Deco V2 gives you the ability to achieve the desired effect.
The ability to switch the order of effects can greatly enhance your creativity and enable you to explore new sonic territories. It allows you to fine-tune your tone and adapt the pedal to different musical contexts.
Whether you are looking for a classic vintage sound or a more modern approach, having the flexibility to switch the order of effects is a valuable feature to consider.
For more information on the Strymon Deco V1 and V2, you can visit the official Strymon website.
Tone-Shaping Parameters: V1 vs V2
One of the key factors to consider when deciding between the Strymon Deco V1 and V2 is the tone-shaping parameters offered by each version.
Both pedals provide tape saturation effects, but there are some differences in how they allow you to shape your tone.
V1: Simplicity and Warmth
The Strymon Deco V1 is known for its simplicity and warm, vintage-inspired tone.
It offers two main parameters for tone shaping:
- Saturation: This control allows you to dial in the amount of tape saturation effect. Turning it up adds warmth, compression, and subtle distortion to your tone.
- Blend: The blend control lets you mix the saturated signal with your dry signal, allowing you to find the perfect balance between the two.
The V1’s simplicity makes it easy to dial in a classic tape sound, and its warm tone is beloved by many guitarists.
V2: Enhanced Control and Flexibility
The Strymon Deco V2 takes the tone-shaping capabilities of the original and adds some enhanced control and flexibility.
In addition to the saturation and blend controls, the V2 offers:
- Wobble: This control introduces a subtle modulation to the tape saturation effect, simulating the wow and flutter of vintage tape machines. It adds a touch of movement and character to your tone.
- Low-End Contour: This parameter allows you to shape the low-frequency response of the pedal. You can choose between a classic flat response or a boosted low end for added richness and depth.
- Secondary Functions: The V2 also introduces secondary functions accessible through the Alt switch. These functions include a tape bias control for adjusting the overall tonal balance and a tape crinkle control for adding texture and grit to the saturation effect.
The enhanced control and additional features of the V2 provide greater flexibility for shaping your tone and experimenting with different tape saturation sounds.
Making Your Choice
Ultimately, the decision between the Strymon Deco V1 and V2 will depend on your personal preferences and the specific tone-shaping capabilities you desire.
The V1 offers simplicity and a warm, vintage tone, while the V2 provides enhanced control, flexibility, and additional features for a more versatile tape saturation experience.
If you’re a purist who values simplicity and a classic sound, the V1 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more control and the ability to explore a wider range of tape saturation sounds, the V2 could be the perfect fit.
Remember to try out both versions if possible and consider your own playing style and musical preferences to make an informed decision.
Is the V2 Worth Upgrading From the V1?
When it comes to deciding between the Strymon Deco V1 and V2, many guitarists find themselves wondering if the updated version is worth the upgrade.
While both pedals offer tape saturation effects that add warmth and character to your tone, there are some key differences that may influence your decision.
Improved Sound Quality
One of the main reasons why guitarists choose to upgrade from the V1 to the V2 is the improved sound quality. The V2 features upgraded audio components and a refined circuit design, resulting in a cleaner and more transparent sound.
The tape saturation effect is more accurate and detailed, allowing for a more realistic vintage tape machine experience.
According to Strymon’s official website, the V2 also offers increased headroom, which means it can handle higher input levels without distorting.
This is particularly useful for players who like to push their pedals to the limit and want to maintain clarity and dynamics in their tone.
Additional Features
While the V1 and V2 share many similarities, the V2 does come with some additional features that may sway your decision.
The V2 includes a dedicated tape age control, allowing you to adjust the amount of tape wear and degradation applied to your signal.
This feature adds even more versatility to the pedal, allowing you to dial in the exact amount of vintage character you desire.
Another notable addition in the V2 is the ability to switch between stereo and mono operation.
This is particularly useful if you have a stereo setup or if you want to experiment with different stereo imaging effects.
The V2 also features an improved bypass system, ensuring that your tone remains unaffected when the pedal is disengaged.
Price Considerations
Of course, one of the factors that may influence your decision is the price difference between the V1 and V2.
As new versions are released, the price of the older models tends to decrease. This means that if budget is a concern, you may be able to find a good deal on a used V1 pedal.
However, it’s important to note that the improved sound quality and additional features of the V2 may justify the higher price tag. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and budget constraints.
Conclusion
With its gorgeous tape and flange effects unchanged, the Deco V2 smartly augments the original’s tones and flexibility.
While V1 users may not gain enough to warrant upgrading, the V2 makes sense for first-time Deco buyers wanting the full feature set.
By understanding these key differences between the two versions, guitarists can better choose which Deco truly deserves a spot on their pedalboards.
