Of all the vintage effects ever made, the holy grail is probably the tape echo. Modern DSP's (Digital Signal Processors) have pretty much nailed every other type of effect, but a really good tape echo simulation still eludes most manufacturers - except for Boss. The extravagantly-named RE-20 Space Echo bears the legendary effect of the Roland RE-201.
All the sonic details of the original echo have been magnificently recreated in the Space Echo. That includes spacious ambient effects, tape flutter and true tape saturation. Set the repeats, rate and intensity to your taste with 12 variations to dive into on the mode selector - just like the original.
Why is Tape Echo so hard to reproduce?
The way a tape echo works means that each individual echo is slightly different from the last, which is tricky for a DSP to simulate. Boss' premium DSP captures the warm goodness of an echo in one of the best recreations we've ever heard.
As the tape passes through each tape head, the echo gets a little more fuzzy (in a nice analogue way), and a little less transparent. All those classic '50s and '60s style slap back echos do this and players love the warmth and character.
Key Features
- Amazing simulation of the famous Roland RE-201, with the spacious, analog tone of the original Space Echo
- Faithful modeling of the RE-201’s tape flutter and magnetic head sound saturation
- Tap input pedal allows delay time to be set by foot
- Longer delay time than the original RE-201
- Control parameters such as REPEAT RATE, INTENSITY, and more via Expression pedal
- MODE SELECTOR knob with 12 placements just likes the original Space Echo
