The Keeley Halo is the latest delay pedal to pack a true stereo path into a compact enclosure – which is no easy feat. But it’s also a dual-echo delivering up to 1500ms per channel with a ton of features for its size, including presets, tap tempo, delay rhythms, optional modulation and a high degree of tweakability.
Featuring guitarist Andy Timmons’ signature, the Halo has a preset that recreates his modulated dual-echo sound, some sort of previously undisclosed secret sonic sauce involving a delicate balance of two delay lines, modulation, saturation and compression, all things the Halo can deliver.
Although this is not exactly your typical multi-mode delay, it features “Rhythms” that emulate different types of delays and subdivisions, delivering 1/4 notes, dotted 8th but also multi-head tape echos and more classic/predictable stereo echos.
The repeats’ character can be radically manipulated through the alternative controls for saturation, tone, and shelving filters, accessible by pressing and holding the Feedback knob.
The Saturate knob is particularly useful for those who love the character of tape recordings, since it simulates the compression and warm saturation they confer to the signal
The preset system allows to easily switch between two presets, assigning them to each footswitch.
Have a listen to the sounds made by the Keeley Halo in the videos below. We added this pedal to our article about the best multi-mode delay pedals.
Keeley Halo, Builder’s Notes
Andy Timmons’ mysterious sounding “Halo” effect is a modulated dual echo sound that has long been kept a secret by the tone wizard himself. Andy spent decades combining and crafting the sounds you can now get from the HALO. Notes from the HALO dance rhythmically, almost creating a reverb diffusion. Those notes are held together with tape-style effects like modulation, saturation and compression. The results are stunning. The pedal comes loaded with his signature delay tone and you can program your own sounds and save them as presets. Easily bounce between Side A and B on the fly, essentially giving you two delay pedals in one. In addition to Andy’s signature “Halo” sound, there are numerous other rhythmic delays including: quarter note, dotted 8th, stereo rack mount analog delay, and a vintage multi-head tape echo. Stunning stereo and pristine sound quality are further enhanced with controls for saturation, tone, and shelving filters that give you the ultimate delay pedal.
Tone Factory
Use the Saturate control to add tape compression texture to your tone. The Tone and High Pass Filter controls your overall delay shape and mix. The Rhythm Mode selector delivers 5 delay types, including Andy’s unique “Halo” sound. Set the Time and Feedback controls low, and you can open up a world of ambient chorus and flanger effects. Run the HALO in stereo for incredible true-stereo imaging. Save your favorite combination of settings as a preset and the HALO becomes an incredibly compact multi-effect workstation.
The Sound of Two Delays
Use the HALO as two delay pedals that work in tandem, letting you switch between your main delay (side A) and an alternative (side B). With up to 1500 ms of available delay, set sides A and B for different delay times, then simply foot switch between the two. Our Smart Stomp System allows you to press and hold either stomp switch to engage tap tempo mode. Press and hold the alternate stomp switch for infinite repeat/hold. Each Preset bank gives you 2 delays settings for a total of 8 user-storable effects!
Let’s Dance
Use the Rhythm control to select between different echoes like HALO, Analog, Tape, Quarter and Dotted Eighth.
HALO Dual Echo Features:
• Andy Timmons signature “Halo” sound saved as a preset!
• The HALO functions as 2 delay pedals with up to 1500ms of available delay time – save different sounds to A and B – then switch between the two!
• 5 delay rhythms including stereo rack BBD and multi-head tape delay.
• 8 factory presets loaded with new delay and modulation sounds.
• Status light indicates when you’ve adjusted a knob from home settings.
• Soft stomp switches for tap tempo, infinite hold, preset save/recall, and more.
• Remote switching and programmable expression pedal control.
• DREAM multi-core DSP for stunning sound quality.
• True-Bypass or Trails.
• Made in the USA.
