Korg ToneWorks 301 dl Dynamic Lo-Fi Echo

We’re headed back in time a few decades today, as we explore an echo/delay effect that flew a bit under the radar, and has remained there for many years. When I first saw the Korg ToneWorks 301 dl Dynamic Lo-Fi Echo sitting on the bench at Anthony from Marla Amps‘ workbench, I knew I needed to check it out. He let me borrow it for this review and demo, and I just might have to search the used market to add it to my permanent collection…

The 301 dl is a Dynamic, lo-fi Echo and Delay that provides the kind of features and versatility to make it an essential part of any effects arsenal. This sleeper gem from the 1990s features a toggle switch that lets you adjust eight parameters with just four knobs, opening up new & exciting echo possibilities. A Hi-Lo switch up top also allows you to use both instrument and line level inputs, making the 301 dl perfect for live situations and recordings sessions alike.

The parameters here are fairly unusual as well, which adds to the fun of this effect. Along with 1 second of max delay time, you can adjust the frequency responses of the echoes, brightness/darkness of successive delays, predelay and more. There’s also a rad ducking feature, which is an effect that automatically decreases the level of the delayed sounds while you are playing a phrase on your guitar, and increases the level of the delayed sounds when you stop playing.

There’s even a Program footswitch, which lets you toggle back and forth between two saved preset settings. Pretty advanced stuff for a mid-90s effects pedal, and it still sounds amazing today. Be sure to visit our YouTube channel (and subscribe!) for the full demo – if you dig a good echo and delay pedal, you won’t want to miss this silver gem…cheers!!