[The Summary]

The Source Audio Nemesis Delay is a fantastic pedal; one that provides a great range of voice and depth of control thereof, attributes often associated with rack-mountable units, all within the confines of a pedalboard friendly enclosure. To achieve this carefully-honed balance, setting the unit apart from similar options in today’s market, Source Audio provides an expansive set of onboard controls allowing for precise/granular configuration of the effect which is then complemented (read: not required for daily use & operation) with enhanced editing options via both a mobile app and/or desktop software. Almost every parameter and nuanced characteristic of the 24 unique delay engines can be modified to one’s delight. As covered in numerous other reviews and demonstrations, the quality of the various delays algorithms is fantastic, faithfully representing the core delay types and then reaching beyond with some very unique offerings. It is quickly apparent from the second the effect is engaged that Source Audio invested a lot of time and resources in the quality of the delay engines (voicing/characteristics). Much like the Leatherman is to one’s toolbox, the Nemesis serves as the versatile go-to multi-tool for one’s delays needs. It is both a Jack-of-All-Delays & Master of Many.

[Expanded Thoughts]

The Nemesis has been incorporated in my setup for several weeks, waiting until having used the pedal in live performance before writing this NPD (New Pedal Day) review. As the Nemesis has been available for sometime, and with no shortage of coverage, I took pause to consider how I wanted to approach this piece so that it brings a fresh perspective to the conversation. While the quality of the delay algorithms (engines) and their ability to faithfully replicate the characteristics of their inspirational counterparts can be a very subjective observation, my thought was to focus on the controls/mechanics and feature sets of the Nemesis; this assuming a baseline of quality with concerns to the resulting effect tones.

Over the past few years, I’ve partook in a methodical journey into the world of delay, having started with the TC Flashback before moving on to spend time with the TC Nova (In-depth Review), the Strymon DIG, the El Capistan (Quick Review), and the Eventide H9. Yes; certainly there are countless other options to explore but, specific to these pedals, they provide a baseline of high-quality delay, each bringing some different strengths and challenges with respects to how the user can both control and manipulate the effect. To this point, the Source Audio Nemesis replaced the El Capistan on my board because, 1) offered Multiple Pre-Sets and, 2) offered a variety of Delay Voicings. While both pedals produce a beutiful delay effect with solid control options, the El Capistan is limited to one preset (requiring external switch) and I found that, in practical use, it was troublesome to make more dramatic adjustments mid-set/performance (note: I have not as yet needed to switch delay settings mid-song.) The El Capistan has a nice range of the Tape inspired effect, cleaning up nicely to provide a passable digital-esque delay, and yet it always remained close to its inspired roots. The Nemesis, in contrast, offers 24 different delay engines that, while many will probably stick to the most common options for daily use, within that subset, there is a great uniqueness of voice, character, and function. They sound great; period. I’ll leave others to debate how authentic they are but I have to believe that even a more seasoned audience will not find issue.

Diving a bit deeper beneath the surface of the Nemesis, in defining presets in preparation for live performance, I used the desktop software to edit/adjust (in real time) almost every trait of the delay engine of my choosing; quick and easy. Further, and of notable value, the user has the ability to make some key adjustments to the onboard control scheme for both global functions as well as each preset (read: assign the adjustment of a defined parameter to one of the available control knobs.) As I navigated through this process, and in spending a few weeks just having fun with the Nemesis, it really is worth reiterating a point made in the summary above: Source Audio successfully targeted and provided a great balance of on-board controls, allowing for refined and in-depth adjustments, powered with what feels like a rackmount delay system, all so nicely packaged in a pedalboard friendly enclosure. With the presets saved, I was quickly able to deploy the right amount and style of delay as we jumped around through our ever changing setlist. If needed, it was easy to make slight adjustments thereof.

[PC/Mobile In-Depth Editing]
Since placing the Nemesis on my board, I have used both the Source Audio Mobile App (via Ipad) and the newly released PC Neuro Editor. At the time of this review, they both share the same abilities to edit/manipulate the core functions and attributes of the delay engines and global settings but the mobile platform adds the ability to publish/download/and share presets with other users. While both platforms are easy to work with, I found it more preferable to use the PC Editor as it provides live feedback (feeling of interaction) between the software and the pedal. The Mobile app only communicates one-way; settings/adjustment set in the app can then be sent to the pedal while, the PC (via USB) communicates both ways with any changes made on the pedal (turning a knob) showing on the app. Either way works just fine, just my preference shared, but credit given to Source Audio for providing both platforms. SA has shared that they will be bringing the publishing and sharing of presets to the PC application soon. These platforms, factoring in the controls they provide, speak to and enforce both the power and breadth of the Nemesis Delay system, well beyond the confines of the physical package.

[Concluding Thoughts]
In evaluating the pedal on its own merits, I am thrilled with the sound and quality of the delay engines, and the flexibility to alter (if not outright customize the delay effect) to one’s content. The Nemesis is beyond flexible while still providing a concrete foundation that exudes trust in a live performance setting. Routing and global control mechanics can also be tweaked. There are, what feels like, countless possibilities within this pedal — like a leatherman that reveals useful tools and hidden surprises every time it’s opened. Based on the needs and budget of those searching for a powerful delay system, I highly recommend the consideration of the Source Audio Nemesis; a true delay platform that speaks to both performance and exploration.

[Some additional thoughts]
I still love the El Cap., one of the few pedals I’m keeping as part of a slowly expanding effects catalog and, while the H9 remains on my board serving in the ‘Jack-of-all-trades’ role, the Nemesis is now faithfully serving as my primary delay pedal/engine. Taking nothing away from the H9, it is an awesome system and powerful tool, Delays and Reverb is one thing is does master quite well. This does then demonstrate/speak to the quality and strength of the Nemesis Delay (having both on my board.)

This is the second Source Audio product I now own and currently incorporate as part of my rig, the other being the Source Audio Programmable EQ (review here) <– also highly recommended.

Finally, with no previous experience or knowledge of Source Audio, I was invited to participate early last year in a Source Audio Tourbox; funny to note: neither of these products were featured in this particular tour. That said, I really enjoyed my time with their pedals as well as interacting with the Source Audio team who, rightfully take great pride in their products and care in their customer’s experience. It was a very positive first impression; one that opened up the door for these future purchases. The following is my shared thoughts and perspectives on the tourbox: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/i…audio-one-series.1537376/page-7#post-21551283