As a delay line, the Bel BDE-2400 offers comprehensive control. With a wide dynamic range (better than 90dB) at 15kHz bandwidth, the frequency response is held to ±0.5dB at 15kHz. The unit features regular delay with non-destructive edit modes, including reverse playback.
You can store up to 49 independent programmable patterns, and the built-in sequencer allows for looping, editing, and pitch-bending of sounds. Full MIDI control is standard, enabling you to trigger and loop delay samples as needed. The modulation de-clutch feature provides modulation speed control from 0.5 to 5Hz.
Additional options further enhance the versatility of the Bel BDE-2400. The floppy disk drive option allows delay times to be stored, while the optional remote-control unit provides access to the machine’s editing and sequencing features. The remote control is compact and easy to integrate into your mixing console setup.
Edit Modes
- Reverse Mode
- Programs: 49 independent programmable patterns
- Sequencer: Keyboard control of loop and pitch bend
- MIDI: Full MIDI control
- De-Clutch Modulation Speed: 0.5-5Hz
The Bel BDE-2400 with matching Disc Drive unit
The Bel BDE-2400 functions like an advanced tape recorder but without the need for tape. It allows up to 99 memory slots or “windows” to be set, with durations ranging from as short as 2 milliseconds to the full capacity of the unit’s memory. Once created, these windows can be pitch-shifted and arranged in sequences.
In comparison to a traditional tape recorder, it’s similar to recording music onto a tape that matches the length of the Bel BDE-2400’s memory. After recording, the sound can be duplicated up to 99 times, with each copy edited to the desired length – some can even be varispeeded. Once everything is arranged in the correct order and pitch, the memories can be played back continuously or in sequence, triggered either internally or by an external signal.
This approach of setting up 99 windows allows for complete rearrangement of phrases or melody lines. By saving sampled sounds and sequences to disk, you can build your own sound library. This storage and retrieval system is also ideal for broadcast applications, enabling quick access to sound effects and similar tasks.
Sampled sounds can be triggered via a MIDI keyboard, with the Bel BDE-2400 capable of loading up to 32 individual sounds, allowing you to switch between them seamlessly. This provides a wide range of sounds from a single instrument. With the addition of a floppy disk, the number of possible sounds becomes virtually unlimited.
Beyond sampling, the Bel BDE-2400 serves as a traditional delay line. With careful use of feedback controls, you can set up multiple repeats, while modulation controls provide options for flanging and phasing effects.
In a studio environment, the Bel BDE-2400 excels at creating special effects, including reverse sounds and repeats, enhancing choruses and backing vocals, and swapping out original percussive sounds for improved ones. Sound replacement is achieved by using the original recorded sound to trigger the BDE.
