The Bel BD-80 Digital Delay is a versatile and high-quality audio processor that can create a range of effects such as delay, echo, flanging, chorus, and sampling. It was released in 1982 and became one of the most popular delay/samplers ever produced12.
The Bel BD-80 Digital Delay features a 16-bit quantisation and a sampling frequency of 26kHz, which allows for a frequency response of 20Hz-16kHz and a dynamic range of over 90dB2. The delay section offers up to 2,047ms of delay time at the full bandwidth of 15kHz, or up to 4,094ms in x2 mode with half the bandwidth3. Some models have an expanded memory that can provide up to 8,191ms of delay time24.
The Bel BD-80 Digital Delay also has a loop edit facility that enables synchronised record and playback (sampling) of up to 8 seconds of audio at 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, or up to 16 seconds in mono2. The sampled audio can be controlled by a keyboard with 1V per octave input, or by the front panel controls. The Bel BD-80 Digital Delay can also create chorus, flanging, and ADT effects by manipulating the delay time, feedback, and modulation parameters2.
The Bel BD-80 Digital Delay is a classic and powerful device that can enhance any audio signal with its rich and warm sound. It is suitable for both studio and live applications and can be found in many professional and home setups. The Bel BD-80 Digital Delay is a must-have for anyone who loves vintage digital effects.
