EVENTIDE ULTRATAP OVERVIEW

The Eventide UltraTap is a creative delay pedal that pushes well beyond the boundaries of traditional echo effects. Built around a powerful multi-tap delay engine capable of generating up to 64 taps, UltraTap (also available as a plugin) functions as a delay, rhythmic processor, ambient texture generator, and modulation tool all in one compact, stereo stompbox. Rather than focusing on repeats alone, UltraTap invites players to sculpt motion, density, and space, allowing delays to smear into reverbs, pulse rhythmically, or dissolve into evolving soundscapes. With onboard presets, expression and MIDI control, and flexible I/O, UltraTap feels equally suited to experimental pedalboards, ambient rigs, and modern studio workflows.

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

The UltraTap unboxing process is very gratifying, as the unit is shipped in well-thought out packaging and includes a power supply and USB cable. UltraTap’s construction reflects Eventide’s long-standing attention to durability and usability. The pedal is housed in a solid metal enclosure that feels robust without being oversized, striking a balance between roadworthiness and pedalboard efficiency. The layout is clear and approachable, with well-spaced knobs and legible labeling that encourage hands-on exploration rather than menu diving. Stereo inputs and outputs make UltraTap easy to integrate into advanced signal chains, while a rear-panel multi-function control jack supports expression pedals, auxiliary switches, or MIDI connectivity. A guitar/line level switch ensures proper gain staging whether UltraTap is paired with a traditional guitar rig, synthesizers, or studio interfaces. USB connectivity allows for firmware updates and preset management via Eventide’s software ecosystem, extending the pedal’s lifespan and creative potential.

EVENTIDE ULTRATAP CONTROLS

UltraTap’s control scheme balances immediacy with depth, offering intuitive parameters that unlock surprisingly complex results.

Knobs

UltraTap’s top-panel knobs govern both the primary tap delay behavior and an additional layer of secondary functions that unlock deeper creative potential when accessed via the pedal’s secondary-function toggle.

• Mix / Tone (Secondary)
  In its primary role, Mix sets the dry/wet balance between your clean signal and the repeats. When you press the parameter toggle button, the knob becomes Tone, letting you shape the brightness of the taps — from darker, more subdued echoes on the left to brighter, more present repeats on the right.

• Taps / Slurm (Secondary)
  The Taps control determines how many individual delay heads are active, from sparse echoes to dense multi-tap patterns. Its secondary mode, Slurm, slurs and smears the taps together, turning precise repeats into lush, blurred textures or even reverb-like clouds.

• Length / Predelay (Secondary)
  Length defines the total time over which the taps are spread, effectively setting your delay timing. In secondary mode, this knob becomes Predelay, adding a gap before the first tap — useful for separating the initial attack of a note from its delayed ambience.

• Feedback / Chop (Secondary)
  Feedback controls how much of the delayed signal is fed back into the system, influencing tail length and density. As a secondary parameter, this becomes Chop, which introduces rhythmic modulation and gating effects, letting repeats be sliced into tremolo-like or envelope-driven pulses.

• Spread / Spd–Rise–Rel (Secondary)
  Spread alters the spacing between taps within the set delay length, from evenly spaced repeats to bunching earlier or later taps together for different rhythmic feels. When toggled into its secondary function, this knob governs modulation and envelope parameters — speed, rise time, and release — giving you control over how modulation affects the tap pattern.

• Taper / Output Level (Secondary)
  In its primary mode, Taper shapes the relative levels of taps over time, letting you have repeats fade in or fade out. In secondary mode this knob becomes Output Level, controlling the overall volume of the effected signal.

This dual-layer knob architecture effectively doubles UltraTap’s front-panel control surface, offering expressive and evolving delay behavior without requiring deep menus. The button that toggles between primary and secondary parameters is simple to reach and provides immediate visual feedback when engaged, encouraging experimentation and unexpected results.

Footswitches 

UltraTap features dual footswitches that support both latching and momentary operation, offering expressive control during performance. One switch handles effect engagement and preset recall, while the other manages tap tempo and secondary functions depending on press behavior. LED indicators provide clear visual feedback for active presets and operational states, helping players stay oriented in live or studio environments.

The UltraTap works just as well in studio settings as it does on a traditional pedalboard.

Routing, Presets, and External Control

UltraTap includes five onboard presets accessible directly from the pedal, making it easy to store and recall favorite settings. Additional presets can be managed and loaded via computer software, expanding the available sound palette well beyond what’s immediately visible on the hardware.

The expression input allows real-time control over selected parameters, enabling smooth morphing between textures or dynamic manipulation of delay behavior. The same jack can also accept auxiliary footswitches or MIDI control, allowing UltraTap to integrate seamlessly into larger performance or studio systems. Multiple bypass modes and full mono or stereo operation ensure compatibility with a wide range of rigs and signal chains.

With Stereo outputs, an expression pedal input, and USB connectivity, the Eventide UltraTap has all the modern functionality a producer could want.

SOUND QUALITY AND APPLICATIONS

In use, UltraTap reveals itself as far more than a delay pedal. At conservative settings, it delivers clear, musical echoes with excellent note definition and stereo depth. As parameters are pushed further, the pedal opens into a world of evolving textures — delays that smear into reverb-like ambience, rhythmic pulses that shift and stutter, and modulated repeats that feel organic rather than mechanical.

The Slurm and Spread controls are particularly powerful, allowing UltraTap to move fluidly between conventional delay, chorus-like modulation, and ambient pad territory. Chop and envelope-based modulation add rhythmic interest that works equally well for experimental sound design and more subtle motion in a mix. Stereo operation enhances the sense of space, making UltraTap especially effective for ambient, post-rock, electronic, and cinematic applications.

UltraTap pairs well with both clean and overdriven tones, maintaining clarity while adding depth and movement. Don’t limit yourself to using UltraTap on guitar, as it excels on synthesizers, keyboards, and even vocals. Whether used as a primary creative effect or as a subtle spatial enhancer, it adapts easily to a wide range of musical contexts. It’s placed on my board after the Eventide Riptide, a Uni-Vibe and distortion effect, and the two make for a fun combo.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Eventide UltraTap stands out as a deeply creative effects pedal that rewards exploration and experimentation. Its multi-tap architecture, expressive modulation options, and flexible control schemes make it a compelling choice for players and producers who want more than conventional delay sounds. UltraTap excels at blurring the lines between delay, modulation, and reverb, offering a wide sonic vocabulary in a compact and thoughtfully designed format. For anyone interested in rhythmic complexity, ambient textures, or evolving spatial effects, UltraTap is a powerful and inspiring tool.

ABOUT EVENTIDE

Eventide Audio is a company with deep roots in both studio innovation and guitar effects, known for blending cutting-edge digital technology with musical sensibility. Founded in 1971 in New York, Eventide quickly became a respected name in professional audio, initially making inroads with high-end rack processors and early pitch-shifting devices that pushed the boundaries of what studio gear could do.

Over the decades, Eventide carved out a reputation for engineering excellence and sonic creativity. In the recording world, its hardware — and later plugin — effects became staples on countless hit records, prized for their pristine algorithms, flexible routing, and forward-thinking design. Eventide’s influence extended into the guitar pedal realm in the 2000s, where its stompboxes brought the same depth and performance ethos to players who wanted studio-class sound in a robust floor unit.

What sets Eventide apart is a consistent focus on musical usefulness and technical ambition. Whether it’s subtle modulation, complex pitch manipulation, or tightly crafted distortion, Eventide designs effects that reward exploration and adaptation across genres. Their pedals frequently straddle the line between classic inspiration and modern innovation, offering familiar tonal foundations with extensive control and creative potential.

Today, Eventide’s lineup spans analog emulations and purely digital designs, serving studio engineers, live guitarists, and sound designers alike. The company’s commitment to quality, thoughtful user interfaces, and ongoing firmware support has made its pedals, rack units, and plugins enduring tools for musicians and producers who want both precision and personality in their sound. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian Vargo is a Music Producer, Mix & Mastering Engineer, and Multi-Instrumentalist whose work has been heard on broadcast television, nationally televised ad campaigns, award-winning films, and viral web content amassing over 30 million views. His credits include projects for Disney | ABC, Intel, MSNBC, Airbnb, EA Games, and many more.

With over 20 years of experience in the studio, Ian has contributed to major label releases (Capitol, EMI, Fueled by Ramen, Universal, Interscope, Hollywood Records) as well as acclaimed independent projects. His passion lies in helping artists translate their creative vision into professional, release-ready recordings that stand out in today’s music landscape.

Interested in working together? Reach out at ianvargo@gmail.comif you need mixing or mastering for your next project.