Echo Fix has introduced the EF-X2 Tape Echo, described as ‘A classic effect, built for modern users’
Echo Fix got its start as a source for service and spare parts for vintage tape echo units. Now, they’ve introduced a new techno unit, designed to be an update on classic designs. It offers multiple delay heads, CV control, DSP reverb and more.
Features:
- Three core functions – tape echo, reverb, and preamp.
- Independent inputs (and level controls) for Instrument-level and Line-level applications, plus balanced input and output at rear.
- Three echo playback heads, and a Sound On Sound Head, giving 11 Head combination Settings in total.
- Adjust the echo’s Time and Feedback with Control Voltages (CV) or Expression Pedals.
- Bass and Treble control of the echo signal.
- Motor ON/Switch for tape slow down effect – or to conserve tape when only using the EF-X2’s reverb or preamp.
- State of the art DSP Reverb with independent controls.
- Mute the reverb or echo signal with a dual foot switch pedal.
- Comes with a worldwide-compatible, 100 – 240v power supply (no step-down or other transformers required).
- 3 Years Warranty
Here’s a guitar demo, with Joji Malani of Gang Of Youths:
Pricing and Availability
The Echo Fix EF-X2 Tape Echo is available for pre-order for $1,450 + $110.46 Shipping.
What an unfortunate demo – not one nice delay sound, which is saying something compared to the giant sweet spot this a Space Echo
What a great idea making a modern real deal tape echo and I think it sounds good from what I’ve heard in these brief demos.
It’s very cool to do such modernisations of classic and vintage gear. But this is as expensive as a RE-501, so why taking a modern one? I don’t get it.
“But this is as expensive as a RE-501, so why taking a modern one?”
A vintage tape echo will be more desirable if you’re a collector, but it looks like this runs circles around what vintage tape echos are capable of doing. The developers also claim that it will be more durable and reparable, because of what they’ve learned repairing vintage devices – but time will tell on that.
>>> “But this is as expensive as a RE-501, so why taking a modern one?”
Simple. First, anything tape-based has an inherent maintenance/breakdown problem, even when well-tended. Second, old tech demands old tech *accessories*. Anyone who possesses old 501 tape cartridges in usable shape can charge the Moon for them, which they will. Same for people who still use QuickDisks for old Akai and Korg gear. Third and most important, I love my hardware, so I understand the fascination with vintage items, but we’re all better off for the software versions. They’re mostly 90+% of the way there in sound quality. I have a couple of hardware synths that feed a small mixer which feeds a Focusrite’s audio inputs. The rest is in software. If you go hybrid, just pick the old pieces after some careful forethought. That $1,450 can buy you a lot of variety. Its also *your* business, because if That Sound speaks to you that loudly, that’s Art and the rest of us can STFU over it. 😀
I think T Rex had the right idea with the Replicator. That was still authentic tape delay but with more up to date features, more versatility, more portability, more user friendly. This thing doesn’t even appear to have tap tempo….
“Anyone who possesses old 501 tape cartridges in usable shape can charge the Moon for them,”
30€ for 5 of them currently.
DSP Delay.So where’s the tape?
Marketing..
DSP Delay? WTF? Did you read the text? It’s a DSP-REVERB but a Tape Delay. Check out their photos and you will see it.