Ten years ago, the first version of the Utopia was released, a PT2399-based delay that marked a turning point in Anasounds’ history. Alongside the Savage, it helped the brand gain recognition and quickly find its place among boutique pedal makers. Utopia proved to musicians that it was no longer necessary to choose between the organic warmth of analog echoes and the clarity of digital delays. This successful compromise combining musicality, brilliance, and ease of use, allowed the pedal to become a staple on many pedalboards. Today, to celebrate this decade and continue the journey, Utopia returns in a new iteration: the Utopia MK2.
the best of both worlds
The Utopia MK2 carries the spirit of the original version while integrating some of the improvements introduced with the Utopia Deluxe. It preserves everything that made the first generation so successful, while adding modern and inspiring sound-shaping tools. All of this comes in a compact format, staying true to the simplicity that has always defined the Utopia. No unnecessary extras: here, no tap tempo or preamp like on the Deluxe, but the core of its innovations, perfectly suited for those who want a delay that is both intuitive and deeply musical.
getting started
placement in the signal chain
Thanks to its high input impedance and low output impedance, the Utopia MK2 integrates seamlessly into any setup. For classic use, we recommend placing it after drives and modulation effects, and before reverb.
connections
The Utopia MK2 features a mono input and output, both located on the top of the pedal. Be sure to use mono jack cables to ensure proper operation. For power, use a 9V DC center-negative supply capable of delivering at least 50 mA.
If you’re looking for a more vintage flavor similar to 1970s setups where delays were placed before cranked amps without effects loops, you can also run it before your drives. As always with pedalboard routing, there are no absolute rules: experiment and stick with what works best for your playing style.
operation
features
delay time
The Utopia MK2 offers shorter delay times than the Deluxe, making it an ideal pedal for quick and precise slapbacks, but it doesn’t stop there. Thanks to its reduced minimum delay time, you can explore beautiful chorus or vibrato like tones by combining modulation with both Time and Feedback set to minimum. It also delivers lush medium delay times (up to about 400 ms). Unlike the Deluxe, which provides clean and well-defined repeats in this range, the MK2 produces more degraded and textured echoes. It’s up to you to decide whether you prefer precision or the charm of this more lo-fi coloration—that’s the essence of Utopia.
self-oscillation
Like any good analog-style delay, the Utopia MK2 lets you dive into the world of self-oscillation. You can set it right on the edge for dreamy, hypnotic soundscapes, or push the Feedback all the way and play with the Time knob to create more experimental and unpredictable textures.
modulation
The first Utopia simply offered a switch to turn modulation on or off, while the Deluxe introduced a dedicated knob for a wide range of modulation styles. With the MK2, we’ve chosen a middle ground: a 3-position switch that gives you access to two levels of modulation; a subtle, musical version and a more pronounced, expressive one along with an Off position for pure delay tones.
internal adjustments
In true Anasounds fashion, we’ve hidden a few surprises inside the pedal. You’ll find trimpots that let you adjust the speed and depth of modulation when the switch is in the lower position. Finally, a second internal setting allows you to choose between classic True Bypass, which completely cuts the effect when the pedal is off, and Buffered Bypass with trails, which lets repeats fade out naturally.
external controls
feedback
This knob controls the number of repeats generated by the delay. At minimum, you’ll get a single repeat, perfect for a subtle slapback. As you turn it up, the echoes multiply and overlap. At maximum, the pedal enters self-oscillation, creating endless textures, ideal for experimental passages or dramatic tension builds.
time
The Time knob sets the interval between each repeat. At the shortest values, it produces doubling effects or vintage slapbacks, characteristic of rockabilly and early tape delays. When opened up further, it allows for medium delay times of up to around 400 ms: spacious ambiences, perfect for highlighting a melodic solo or expanding your sound in the style of progressive rock classics.
mix
The Mix control adjusts the balance between your dry signal and the repeats (wet). At minimum, only your dry signal is present. As you increase it, the repeats gradually blend into your playing. At maximum, the repeats become slightly louder than the dry signal, creating an immersive, textured effect that can transform your tone into a true wall of echoes.
tone
The Tone knob acts as a Tilt EQ filter on the repeats. Turned all the way up, it produces clear, detailed, and bright echoes, fully showcasing the precision of the PT2399 chip. Dialed back, the repeats gain roundness and warmth, approaching the darker, organic character of classic analog delays. It’s the perfect tool to sculpt your delay between crystalline modern tones and warm vintage flavors.
modulation
The Modulation switch adds movement to the repeats. In the center position, modulation is disabled, keeping the delay straight and precise. In the upper position, it applies a subtle tape-echo style modulation—smooth and musical, perfect for thickening the sound without overloading it. Finally, the lower position gives access to customizable modulation via the internal Rate and Depth trimpots, ranging from a gentle chorus effect to a much stronger lo-fi vibrato.
hidden features
trimpots
rate
The Rate trimpot adjusts the speed of the modulation when the Modulation switch is set to the lower position (custom mode). This lets you choose between a slow, subtle modulation or, on the contrary, a faster and more energetic movement.
depth
The Depth trimpot sets the intensity of the modulation in the same custom mode. Combined with the Rate, it allows you to explore a wide range of textures from a gentle shimmer that thickens the sound to a pronounced lo-fi vibrato that borders on instability.
tails
The Tails parameter determines the type of bypass used by the pedal. In True Bypass mode, the delay stops instantly when the effect is switched off, giving a dry, direct signal. In Tails mode (buffered bypass), repeats continue to fade out naturally even after the effect is disengaged, allowing for smoother and more musical transitions.
factory settings
Straight out of the workshop, your Utopia MK2 is configured to provide an instantly musical and versatile experience. The Bypass is set to True Bypass, ensuring a dry and transparent signal when the effect is off. The Modulation is set to a lo-fi vibrato, with Rate almost maxed and Depth around two-thirds. This setting produces a pronounced and expressive movement on the repeats, offering a clear contrast with the upper switch position, which delivers a more subtle tape flutter.
some usage suggestions
rockabilly slapback
Perfect for making your riffs dance and capturing that little bounce that creates all the magic of slapback. To recreate the signature sound of the 1950s, set the Time very short and the Feedback low to get a single repeat, with just enough Mix to thicken your playing without drowning it. Finally, roll back the Tone slightly to get closer to the dark, warm grain of vintage tape echoes.
lead delay
For your solos and melodic lines, increase the Time and Feedback slightly to create repeats that support your playing without muddying the harmony. Set the Modulation switch to the upper position to enjoy a subtle tape-flutter effect, adding gentle movement and giving depth and life to your leads.
ambient
For dreamy, immersive textures, turn up the Time, Feedback, and Mix, then set the Modulation switch to the lower position to add a lovely vibrato to the repeats. The Utopia MK2 then becomes a true soundscape generator, perfect for post-rock, interludes, or cinematic atmospheres.
dub
Make use of the Tails mode to let the repeats fade out naturally when you disengage the effect and return to your rhythm playing. Set a medium Time and generous Feedback to create echoes that overlap and blend into the mix, delivering the unmistakable feel of dub and reggae productions.
faq
the pedal has no sound / won’t power on
The Utopia MK2 must be used with mono jacks only, which allow the circuit to be powered. You must also use a 9V DC center-negative power supply with at least 150 mA. Otherwise, a protection circuit will cut the power to keep the pedal safe. Power supply quality is essential, you can find more details here.
the switches and trimpots don’t change the sound much
The purpose of the switches and trimpots is to fine-tune the sound with great precision. The difference can sometimes be subtle and not immediately obvious to the ear. They are factory-set by our team to ensure the best sound out of the box. We recommend adjusting them only after carefully studying the pedal so you know exactly what you’re doing.
enjoy Your utopia mk2!
Now that you know everything about your Utopia MK2, we hope you’ll make the most of it and that it will fit perfectly into your pedalboard. Don’t hesitate to share your Utopia experience on social media!
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utopia mk2 – user manual
general information
utopia turns ten
Ten years ago, the first version of the Utopia was released, a PT2399-based delay that marked a turning point in Anasounds’ history. Alongside the Savage, it helped the brand gain recognition and quickly find its place among boutique pedal makers.
Utopia proved to musicians that it was no longer necessary to choose between the organic warmth of analog echoes and the clarity of digital delays. This successful compromise combining musicality, brilliance, and ease of use, allowed the pedal to become a staple on many pedalboards.
Today, to celebrate this decade and continue the journey, Utopia returns in a new iteration: the Utopia MK2.
the best of both worlds
The Utopia MK2 carries the spirit of the original version while integrating some of the improvements introduced with the Utopia Deluxe. It preserves everything that made the first generation so successful, while adding modern and inspiring sound-shaping tools.
All of this comes in a compact format, staying true to the simplicity that has always defined the Utopia. No unnecessary extras: here, no tap tempo or preamp like on the Deluxe, but the core of its innovations, perfectly suited for those who want a delay that is both intuitive and deeply musical.
getting started
placement in the signal chain
Thanks to its high input impedance and low output impedance, the Utopia MK2 integrates seamlessly into any setup.
For classic use, we recommend placing it after drives and modulation effects, and before reverb.
connections
The Utopia MK2 features a mono input and output, both located on the top of the pedal. Be sure to use mono jack cables to ensure proper operation.
For power, use a 9V DC center-negative supply capable of delivering at least 50 mA.
If you’re looking for a more vintage flavor similar to 1970s setups where delays were placed before cranked amps without effects loops, you can also run it before your drives.
As always with pedalboard routing, there are no absolute rules: experiment and stick with what works best for your playing style.
operation
features
delay time
The Utopia MK2 offers shorter delay times than the Deluxe, making it an ideal pedal for quick and precise slapbacks, but it doesn’t stop there.
Thanks to its reduced minimum delay time, you can explore beautiful chorus or vibrato like tones by combining modulation with both Time and Feedback set to minimum.
It also delivers lush medium delay times (up to about 400 ms). Unlike the Deluxe, which provides clean and well-defined repeats in this range, the MK2 produces more degraded and textured echoes. It’s up to you to decide whether you prefer precision or the charm of this more lo-fi coloration—that’s the essence of Utopia.
self-oscillation
Like any good analog-style delay, the Utopia MK2 lets you dive into the world of self-oscillation.
You can set it right on the edge for dreamy, hypnotic soundscapes, or push the Feedback all the way and play with the Time knob to create more experimental and unpredictable textures.
modulation
The first Utopia simply offered a switch to turn modulation on or off, while the Deluxe introduced a dedicated knob for a wide range of modulation styles.
With the MK2, we’ve chosen a middle ground: a 3-position switch that gives you access to two levels of modulation; a subtle, musical version and a more pronounced, expressive one along with an Off position for pure delay tones.
internal adjustments
In true Anasounds fashion, we’ve hidden a few surprises inside the pedal.
You’ll find trimpots that let you adjust the speed and depth of modulation when the switch is in the lower position.
Finally, a second internal setting allows you to choose between classic True Bypass, which completely cuts the effect when the pedal is off, and Buffered Bypass with trails, which lets repeats fade out naturally.
external controls
feedback
This knob controls the number of repeats generated by the delay.
At minimum, you’ll get a single repeat, perfect for a subtle slapback. As you turn it up, the echoes multiply and overlap. At maximum, the pedal enters self-oscillation, creating endless textures, ideal for experimental passages or dramatic tension builds.
time
The Time knob sets the interval between each repeat.
At the shortest values, it produces doubling effects or vintage slapbacks, characteristic of rockabilly and early tape delays.
When opened up further, it allows for medium delay times of up to around 400 ms: spacious ambiences, perfect for highlighting a melodic solo or expanding your sound in the style of progressive rock classics.
mix
The Mix control adjusts the balance between your dry signal and the repeats (wet).
At minimum, only your dry signal is present. As you increase it, the repeats gradually blend into your playing.
At maximum, the repeats become slightly louder than the dry signal, creating an immersive, textured effect that can transform your tone into a true wall of echoes.
tone
The Tone knob acts as a Tilt EQ filter on the repeats.
Turned all the way up, it produces clear, detailed, and bright echoes, fully showcasing the precision of the PT2399 chip.
Dialed back, the repeats gain roundness and warmth, approaching the darker, organic character of classic analog delays.
It’s the perfect tool to sculpt your delay between crystalline modern tones and warm vintage flavors.
modulation
The Modulation switch adds movement to the repeats.
In the center position, modulation is disabled, keeping the delay straight and precise.
In the upper position, it applies a subtle tape-echo style modulation—smooth and musical, perfect for thickening the sound without overloading it.
Finally, the lower position gives access to customizable modulation via the internal Rate and Depth trimpots, ranging from a gentle chorus effect to a much stronger lo-fi vibrato.
hidden features
trimpots
rate
The Rate trimpot adjusts the speed of the modulation when the Modulation switch is set to the lower position (custom mode). This lets you choose between a slow, subtle modulation or, on the contrary, a faster and more energetic movement.
depth
The Depth trimpot sets the intensity of the modulation in the same custom mode. Combined with the Rate, it allows you to explore a wide range of textures from a gentle shimmer that thickens the sound to a pronounced lo-fi vibrato that borders on instability.
tails
The Tails parameter determines the type of bypass used by the pedal. In True Bypass mode, the delay stops instantly when the effect is switched off, giving a dry, direct signal. In Tails mode (buffered bypass), repeats continue to fade out naturally even after the effect is disengaged, allowing for smoother and more musical transitions.
factory settings
Straight out of the workshop, your Utopia MK2 is configured to provide an instantly musical and versatile experience. The Bypass is set to True Bypass, ensuring a dry and transparent signal when the effect is off. The Modulation is set to a lo-fi vibrato, with Rate almost maxed and Depth around two-thirds. This setting produces a pronounced and expressive movement on the repeats, offering a clear contrast with the upper switch position, which delivers a more subtle tape flutter.
some usage suggestions
rockabilly slapback
Perfect for making your riffs dance and capturing that little bounce that creates all the magic of slapback. To recreate the signature sound of the 1950s, set the Time very short and the Feedback low to get a single repeat, with just enough Mix to thicken your playing without drowning it. Finally, roll back the Tone slightly to get closer to the dark, warm grain of vintage tape echoes.
lead delay
For your solos and melodic lines, increase the Time and Feedback slightly to create repeats that support your playing without muddying the harmony. Set the Modulation switch to the upper position to enjoy a subtle tape-flutter effect, adding gentle movement and giving depth and life to your leads.
ambient
For dreamy, immersive textures, turn up the Time, Feedback, and Mix, then set the Modulation switch to the lower position to add a lovely vibrato to the repeats. The Utopia MK2 then becomes a true soundscape generator, perfect for post-rock, interludes, or cinematic atmospheres.
dub
Make use of the Tails mode to let the repeats fade out naturally when you disengage the effect and return to your rhythm playing. Set a medium Time and generous Feedback to create echoes that overlap and blend into the mix, delivering the unmistakable feel of dub and reggae productions.
faq
the pedal has no sound / won’t power on
The Utopia MK2 must be used with mono jacks only, which allow the circuit to be powered. You must also use a 9V DC center-negative power supply with at least 150 mA. Otherwise, a protection circuit will cut the power to keep the pedal safe. Power supply quality is essential, you can find more details here.
the switches and trimpots don’t change the sound much
The purpose of the switches and trimpots is to fine-tune the sound with great precision. The difference can sometimes be subtle and not immediately obvious to the ear. They are factory-set by our team to ensure the best sound out of the box. We recommend adjusting them only after carefully studying the pedal so you know exactly what you’re doing.
enjoy Your utopia mk2!
Now that you know everything about your Utopia MK2, we hope you’ll make the most of it and that it will fit perfectly into your pedalboard. Don’t hesitate to share your Utopia experience on social media!