Anasounds releases Two MK2 Compact Editions of its well loved warm and lush Utopia Analog Style PT2399 Modulated Delay

It’s been a while since we got the Deluxe and Dystopia Utopia Editions - December 2023 in fact. Where Anasounds has now decided to update and upgrade the original 3 knob compact - where the Tone Control is a further addition.

I was sorely tempted by the 2 mid-size editions - possibly leaning slightly more towards the Dystopia at one stage. But it’s a Mono format, and so not ideally suited for my board - which final 1/3rd is in Stereo!

For the new Compact MK2 - the visible difference is in its having 4 knobs instead of its predecessor’s 3 - no doubt there are some further internal changes too - and most Anasounds pedals seem to feature a whole lot of internal controls - trimmers and switches. Those pedals are a little like icebergs at times - with only a relatively small part of visible controls above the surface - and more below!

Deep down though this is a smart Modulated PT2399 Delay - with a choice of 3 Modulation styles. Also - and since being introduced on the 2 Deluxe models - we now have a super smart Tilt EQ Tone controls which pivots around 540Hz. Therefore a really smart take on an analog style modulated delay - getting the maximum flavour out of those 5 controls!

MK2 Controls - Feedback, Time (80ms to 1000ms), Modulation Type : Tape / Chorus / Vibrato, Mix, Tone (Tilt EQ around 540Hz).

Compared to :

Deluxe Controls - Mix, Feedback, Time (80ms to 1000ms), Preamp } Off / Active On / Always On, Preamp Level, Bliss (Modulation : Tape / Chorus / Vibrato, Tap Subdivisios : Eighth / Quarter / Dotted Eighth, Tone (Tilt EQ around 540Hz), Bypass Footswitch, Tap Tempo Footswitch.

I believe the Dystopia is mostly sold out by now - there are odd examples still in the wild - while the Utopia Deluxe is a permanent part of the catalogue and supplies remain plentiful.

PT2399 delays can be so lush and magical - as exemplified by the Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay, and the recent Black Mountain Roto Echo delay for Jack White also.

The standard Utopia MK2 is €229 and the While Limited MK2 is @ €249 - available from the Anasounds Webstore and at international dealers. The Deluxe mode is just a little bit pricier at €299 - or this you get Tap Tempo, Subdivisions, and an onboard further warming preamp. For me the bamboo-fronted editions always look more attractive than the black and white editions - so if I was in the market for a PT2399 Delay - I would likely get the Standard version, or he Deluxe one even!

Anasounds pedals are unmistakable - and always sound full-fat and beautifully textured. The MK2 Editions are very obviously improved over the MK1 - but you will likely get the maximum benefit if you go for the Deluxe!