The Dark Side puts three distinct effect types in one enclosure. It’s a fuzz circuit, a bank of modulation effects, and a tape-style delay. The fuzz circuit is analogue and the delay is 24bit DSP.
Theres a clear inference that this is all about mid-70s David Gilmour tones, though it’s equally at home in many environments.
Key Features
- Analogue fuzz circuit based on a 1977 op-amp design, with a 3-way voicing switch (Flat, Scoop, Full)
- Four modulation effects — Flange, Rotary, Phaser, and Uni-Vibe — selected via a 3-way toggle
- 12-head tape-style delay with syncopated, rhythmic repeat patterns
- Fuzz and Modulation/Delay sides can run simultaneously, with the order between them switchable
- TRS expression pedal input, assignable to Rate or Feedback on the Delay or Rotary/Vibe settings
Two Sides, Built to Work Together
The Dark Side splits into two independent sections that can run on their own or stacked together. The fuzz side is a variation on a 1977 op-amp fuzz design. it’s more transparent than a typical big fuzz, with enough clarity that it holds together whether you’re playing single coils or humbuckers, and enough sustain to carry those singing lead lines.
The modulation side covers a genuinely wide spread. Flange and Rotary Speaker (up position), Delay (mid position) , Univibe and Phase (down position ) and selected with a toggle switch.
Depth and Rate (Time and FDBK ) behave differently depending on which mode you’re in. Modulation depth and speed in the Flange/Rotary/Vibe modes, delay time and feedback in Delay mode.
Newer units have a push-button switch to swap whether the Fuzz or the Modulation/Delay side comes first in the signal chain, on the fly. Older units instead use a TRS insert jack, which lets you patch another pedal in between the two sides but doesn’t allow the same on-the-fly order switching. Worth confirming which version is in stock before publishing this copy.
Controls
Fuzz
- Level: Sets output level of the fuzz
- Fuzz: Set the amount of fuzz/distortion
- Filter: tone shaping
- Voicing switch: Flat (full-range), Scoop (mid-scooped), Full (heaviest voicing)
Modulation & Delay
- Level: Sets the output level of the modulation or delay effect
- Blend (Tape Head): Sets blend between the two effects sharing a switch position (Flange/Rotary or Phaser/Uni-Vibe), or selects between the 12 delay heads in Delay mode
- Depth (Time): Sets modulation depth in Flange/Rotary/Vibe modes, or delay time in Delay mode
- Rate (FDBK): Sets modulation speed in Flange/Rotary/Vibe modes; feedback/repeats in Delay mode
- Mode switch: Selects Flange/Rotary, Delay, or Phaser/Uni-Vibe
- Order switch or TRS insert: Lets tou insert and external pedal between Fuzz and Modulation/Delay circuits .
Power
Runs on a standard 9V DC centre-negative supply and requires 75mA current.
Who Is This For
Obviously for Gilmour / Floyd fans but also worth a serious look if you want fuzz, modulation, and delay covered by one pedal rather than three. Those layered, atmospheric 1970s tones are really very cool!
Watch The Keeley Dark Side In Action
FAQs
What effects does the Keeley Dark Side combine?
Fuzz, delay effects (Flange, Rotary, Phaser, Uni-Vibe) and a 12-head tape-style delay. The fuzz and modulation/delay sides can run together or independently.
What power supply does the Dark Side need?
A standard 9V DC centre-negative supply. It needs 75mA supply.
Is the Keeley Dark Side true bypass or buffered?
This is a true bypass pedal.
Can I run the fuzz and modulation sides in a different order?
Yes. Units have a push-button switch to swap the order on the fly.
Does the Dark Side work with an expression pedal?
Yes, via a TRS expression input. It can be assigned to control Rate or Feedback on either the Delay or the Rotary/Vibe settings.
How does the Blend knob work?
It changes function depending on which mode you’re in. In Flange/Rotary or Phaser/Uni-Vibe mode, it blends between the two effects sharing that switch position. In Delay mode, it selects between the pedal’s 12 tape-style delay heads.
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