[Context]

– I’ve taken two extended test runs separated by a few weeks; this, to allow some time to form some thoughts and reconsider first impressions.

– I would like to thank my friend, and owner of https://www.zstringmusic.com/, who helped facilitate this review in allowing me to demo the pedal. As both of us are self-confessed Gear Nerds and musicians, we have enjoyed many an in-depth conversation about such pedals and, when the MAKO D1 Delay was announced at NAMM, it peaked both or our interest. Once in hand, he challenged me to identify what other similar delay pedals this would best compare to … and/or … to be a replacement for on one’s current board; I’ll try to address these questions below.

[First Impressions]

The MAKO D1 High-Fidelity Stereo Delay has some fantastic sounding Algorithms, well thought-out and innovative control schemes, and a solid build quality. The design aesthetic is clean, simple to understand, and easy to navigate; something I find helpful when there are a lot of options for one to work through. The combination of the [TWEAK] Dial with three-way switch provides a fresh approach to secondary functions while affording one clearly labeled controls; this, to also include a 3rd function, all assigned to one dial.

The choices of Delays cover many of the most common/desired types of Delay: Digital, Modulation, Vintage (almost a blend of characteristics between Analog & Tape), Dual (Digital), and Reverse. While one can quickly dial in some very straight forward and great sounding delays, there are some unique twists provided to indulge those seeking some fun and creative exploration. The most obvious example would be the inclusion of the [ATTACK] control which softens the initial repeats allowing for more ethereal washes. In addition, each algorithm provides some more unique and off-the-beaten-path control parameters/adjustable attributes via the tweak knob. An example: the Tweak/Age control on the [DIG]ital setting introduces a Bit Crusher effect and intensity thereof.

To the question I was asked as to what other pedals I would most likely compare this to … my feeling is that this would find a comfortable position somewhere between a TC Flashback and a Source Audio Nemesis. While it has more on-board controls and utility functions than the Flashback, it has less depth of editable options (many thanks to the APP editors) than the Nemesis.

In some respects, the MAKO D1 has an identity crisis to contend with. It’s design and implementation speak to being a compact, WYSIWYG pedal, with a lot of great options and yet … the way the presets work, the MIDI implementation, and the way that the Tweak Knob controls differ as to some of the attributes assigned per algorithm, there is some hidden complexity.

[Second Thoughts]

After really enjoying the first go-around with the D1, there were some things that didn’t quite vibe with me and, I tried to revisit these sticking points before posting this review.

Before I continue, let me pause to say: much of this is simply personal preference.What I might think does not work well, others might prefer or love. At the end of the day, this is a great pedal that many people will love and create great music with.
​One of the first things to catch my eye (I had actually assumed it was just there and was not), was the omission of a USB port. My personal opinion is that, for these more complicated, multi-algorithm, midi capable effects pedals, a USB port should be almost mandatory if, for nothing more, as a ‘just in case’. With highly sophisticated coding involved, one never knows what issues or desired tweaks might be brought to light once the product makes its way out to a creatively diverse marketplace. To update firmware with a USB port is so easy and extends the potential life of most electronics.

As I continued to explore and dial-in some fun delays, the second thing to nag at me was the prominence given to the [ATTACK] control. While it certainly is a touch unique, allowing for both nuanced delays that fit well in the mix and/or more ambient washes, this was a control that I didn’t use as frequently when just dialing in the standards. As I interacted with the on-board controls, I felt like the [TONE] control on the tweak would have been much better served, this as a more standard delay attribute, to have its own dial, while swapping the [ATTACK] function to that of a secondary [TWEAK] settings. Again — all personal preference.

My final sticking point felt the most bothersome although, to be honest, through the second demoing session, it seemed to subside a touch — this addressing the implementation of presets (hence the identity crisis). For a pedal that appears to embrace a design and implementation that seeks to provide a balance between WYSIWYG controls and that of affording one great many adjustable attributes, the fact that it always boots to the first preset (whatever that was saved to be) feels disorientating (read: no reference point to what one sees on the controls as currently set on the pedal). A bit more frustrating, if you dial in a delicious delay and forget to save it as a preset before powering down the pedal, one will have effectively lost those settings when it boots back to the preset. Perhaps WALRUS can provide a bit more clarity on this concern/observation. My preference would have been for the pedal to always start in the last settings it was, whether that be a Preset or WYSIWYG mode (as the dials are set on the face of the pedal). In this were to be the case, by default, the WYSIWYG mode could effectively behave like a temporary preset.

[Quick Conclusions]

The MAKO D1 is a great multi-delay pedal in an uber-compact format that retains some solid depth of controls and utility function. From standard delays to more creative effects, the pedal has a lot to offer and can faithfully fulfill the primary role for said effects on one’s pedal board. As to some of my sticking points, I still believe them both valid concerns and worthy observations for future consideration. A sincere thanks again to my friend at https://www.zstringmusic.com/ for making this quick review possible during ‘Stay at Home’.

** Please note: As shared, it’s my opinion that the delay voices/algorithms are of fantastic quality. Already subjective in nature, to compare and contrast them against other pedals speaks more to an exercise of determining one’s taste. As one of the defining philosophical ideals of this pedal centers around the control, mechanics, and general simplicity of function, I seemed counter-productive not to go into a complicated in-depth review of every little nuance **