That Pedal Show - Echoplex EP-3 vs Strymon TimeLine, EHX Memory Man & Analogman ARDX20
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2016
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In this episode we start by asking: what’s the big deal about tape echo?
It sounds frikkin awesome, that’s the deal! However, it also comes with its fair share of problems including high cost, reliability issues, fiddly tape replacement and of course, the not-inconsiderable size impact on (or off) your pedalboard.
All that aside, countless players have used - and still use - vintage and modern tape echo machines to create wonderful tones thanks to their unique character, depth and feel.
The pick of the bunch for us is the Maestro Echoplex EP-3, just like the one we have here. We called it in - thanks to Charlie Chandler of www.guitarexperience.co.uk/ - in order to compare it to the new T-Rex Replicator tape delay… but the T-Rex never showed and Charlie needs his EP-3 back for a gig asap. Hmmm. We move to Plan B.
So in this video we ask: how do more modern delays compare to the EP-3 for tape echo simulation?
We’ve chosen the (digital) Strymon TimeLine, (analogue) Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man 1100-TT and (analogue) Analogman ARDX20 to see how they all compare.
We also add the all-important Xotic EP Booster that’s derived from the original EP-3’s much loved preamp circuit, to see what that does to the more modern pedals.
We’re also using a Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem overdrive/distortion to create our gainer tones.
Amps today are a Lazy J20 and a Mallard 20-watt Marshall Plexi clone. They’re both on all the time, set to a fairly clean tone.
Guitars are Dan’s Fender Custom Shop ’63 Telecaster, a Collings SoCo and Mick’s Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster.
As ever, all signal routing and pedal switching is handled effortlessly by TheGigRig G2.
For more on the G2, see www.thegigrig.com
Thanks for watching - we hope you enjoy this video!
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![The Search For Great Tape Delay Tones Part 1 [Fulltone, Roland, Echo Fix, Hiwatt] - That Pedal Show](/img/n.gif)
I have a EP1 that's been in my family since 1965. I inherited it in '78, my uncle showed me how to care for it. He gave me a schedule for cleaning the heads and replacing the tape. I used it for years live, and it never failed me. The tube pre amp sounds glorious into a Plexi with the echo off. I have yet to hear a digital or analog delay that touches it, and I have had ridiculous offers for it. It's all I use at home.
How would you compare the tube preamp of the EP1 to the later solid-state ones?
Nice! any tips on caring for an echoplex?
The timeline is my favorite pedal of all time, just inspiration in a box. Every time you use it you get something you've never heard before.
yes i own one and it is my favorite
The EP-3 Echoplex the sound that made careers.
Oh my lord. That Echoplex had the best delay sound I've ever heard... Great video!
All your videos are outstanding, im learning a lot more from your show than just straight up pedal reviews.
+kingdarko cheers kingdarko, great to hear ;)
Haha, that name dropping horn is just awesome.
It was going to be a gong, then Mick found the horn in a little antiques shop. Bloody hilarious ;)
It's funny but not nice when one is wearing headphones. They tend to use it inconsistently too.
One of the most inspirational episodes yet. The EP3 genuinely knocked my socks off both when used as part of a clean and distorted sound. The description of it being used by Andy Timmonds to create an almost 'halo' effect is spot on. You also absolutely hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that the point of the show is to engender that sense of inspiration in players and not just to 'train spot' the subtle differences between units for its own sake. Excellent stuff!
Sorry, that should have read Andy Timmons.
Ah, cheers Simon, glad you dig it :)
Seriously lads I've never enjoyed my Friday cups of tea more than when watching that pedal show! Never stop.
Ah, cheers mate :)
Ha, Echoplex! My dad used to play through one back in the 70's. Really special sound. And vid is great as always guys, give us more & more!
This is one I've been waiting for!
Does it get any better than That Pedal Show? No, it does not.
+Rafael Andrade Thanks Raf ;)
+Rafael Andrade I second this. This is my favourite UA-cam channel.
Indeed, my favorite UA-cam channel as well
I have to Agree !!! - I Love these guys. They are so Passionate about Pedals & Effects ( as am I ). Great Show. Great Information. Great Presentation. - Michael Caz - NYC - Songwriter / Musician / Producer
It does, go pick up your guitar
Man I love your videos, looking forward to how this channel is going to evolve!
Good job guys!
Cheers Chris, we have some fantastic stuff coming up :)
...and there are people on the planet who have no concept of rewinding a cassette tape with a #2 pencil.
Dang. I did that by hand.
andrewt248 Or by Bic pen.
I usually just use the cassette deck itself to rewind.
And yet it only worked about 40 percent of the time haha
What's a #2 pencil?
Is that bad?
Echoplex, every time...time...time...time...Would really enjoy seeing a demo comparing the EP3 and the Binson Echorec. Thanks for the great vid guys!
Always have to come back to these tape and analog delay vids!!!
Love this show. I'd watch it everyday! Great to see you both respond to soo many comments.
Going to spend hours tweaking my tc flashback now. ..
Thanks for watching Simon!
I have the Maestro Echoplex EP4 that belonged to Chet Atkins, I have to agree that it adds a certain warmth even when the echo is off. I love that you guys featured the EP3 on your show
Glad you liked it Andy :)
this video has totally changed my mindset on delay, brilliant stuff
;)
The EP 3 sounds amazing. The one thing is, there are points in the mechanism that require a touch of oil or grease, so to avoid ruining a vintage unit it is wise to look up the proper maintenance before operating it for too long at any time.
Dan! Mick!
I just happened to play a real EP-3 today and it blew my mind how incredible it sounded. I'm now in the market for one. Just kind of funny how I played it today and immediately afterwards, found your video.
Truly, it's a beautiful thing. Absolutely incredible.
Ah, yep, there's nothing quite like it :)
The EP-3 has such an evocative ambience, so rich and gorgeous.
This is yet another video that confirms to me that I need an EP Booster in my life!
Thanks Luke. Yeah, great pedal to have
I dont know why but the memory man just resonated with me. def my next pedal purchase. thanks always for the vids guys!!
Getting into Gilmour territory once you kicked in the overdrive.
Thanks guys, great lesson and very much enjoyed. I use an Xotic EP into a El Capistan and have now used the secondary function of the Tape Age control to brighten the repeats and its sounds 'extra' killer now!
Never realised just how full and equal the repeats are with the original Maestro Echoplex EP-3 till your video clearly demoed !
That's great Kosofffan, yes, the repeats are so full, really important part of the equation to get that magic :)
Congratulations, great review on Echoplex EP 3 and other pedals . The best review of all I've seen. Beautiful work. I also have a Echoplex EP3 I love and not undo me for anything in the world. You have done an exquisite work , in great detail. It was great wow!!!! Thanks.
Our pleasure Marcelo :)
That Pedal Show is the best channel.
My god...I was just transported back in time to the 1970s and Rush's peak prog era...
Lifeson was a huge lover of the EP3 as I recall. His sound back then is one of the primary reasons I picked up the guitar.
Thanks so much guys - just another clear example of why, sometimes, old stuff can be just so incredibly sublime. :D
There is just quite often a fantastic amount of good-ness in the "imperfections" of analog/mechanical tech.
A digital reproduction of the Mona Lisa can be terrific. But there only ever will be one original Mona Lisa, with all its "flaws" and inherent character.
Lifeson is my biggest inspiration and I love every tone he's ever had. I must have a clone of this pedal. Must.
I think he's more known for using Roland RE-201 space echoes.
Fantastic tones, guys! Dan's Tele through the Carpe Diem drive sounded really great. I can't wait for you guys to do a show on the Replicator! As always, best guitar show on UA-cam!
Cheers Phil, I have the tracking info for the Replicator so I am beyond excited :))
Loving all of these videos, amazing work guys! Probably late to the party and still saving the many requisite pennies for an EP3, RE 201 and EchoRec 2... In the meantime, Preset 45 B on the Timeline (EEPlex) with a Wet Dry Wet rig is keeping me very happy indeed :)
I Loooooooooove your show! More power to you guys!
thank you guys!!
Perfect timing...Just made a mug of tea! I too have the exact same delay units but recently had the EP3 serviced with a must needed change of ropey/aged internals which has changed the sound all for the better (certainly a lot less noisy!). I have to say though that since getting the Replicator all other tape delays are redundant....For now!
Thanks Sam, yeah, can't wait to get it here, sounded amazing in LA
you guys have inspired me to spend all of my money on an EP3
Nice ;)
Oh Lord I love my EP booster, so much that I got one for my small and bigger pedalboard. This pedal just simply makes your tone better ! Some use it as a boost pedal but I have it on all the time, it's my mojo pedal :)
The EP-3 is just sooooo pure! Love all the delays but dat EP-3!
Yeah, it really is something special
Love that echoplex and amazing show guys
Cheers from denmark
Thanks Albert :)
Awesome show; Nice work guys!
Cheers Ben ;)
Great show as always guys! The echo plex sounds incredible and reminds me of being in a Charing Crossroad guitar shop in the mid 70s and hearing a great guitarist play a Roland re201! I have an Empress vintage super delay and ep3 with comes pretty close too.
Cheers Bill, I've had a few Soace Echos, great units. The Empress is fantastic too :)
Glorious Echoplex, not easy to duplicate guys!
+That Pedal Show, could you do a show featuring the legendary Roland Space Echo RE-201?
Every time Mick gets the Strat out...so sweet!
@3:23 Perfect answer to the question! :D
I was never a big fan of tape delay. But mainly because I always heard them through digital pedals. But wow blown away by the Echoplex.
I've spotted a Brazilian pedal on your board, the "Carpe Diem" :) Awesome video as always! Cheers
Great video! Every time I watch I want to buy a new pedal! There is still a lot of tweaking you can do on the timeline, I love being able to really sculpt your tone on your delays.
Me too, so much fun :)
Excellent video guys. I'm looking forward to seeing you play with the Replicator when you get it. I've just found out the Replicator has a Tap Tempo switch... that is unbelievable!
Yeah, it's amazing
Awesome guys! I now appreciate my Timeline more! :)
Couldn't be without mine
Love you guys!! Always anticipating new vids. Great stuff guys! Quick questions... Any possibility you can post the timeline settings you used to get the emulation?? That would be so frickin awesome. Also any way you could get Andy Timmons timeline settings? The tone he gets and the board you did for him were insane! Thanks and keep up the amazing work!!!
That Echoplex EP-3 ... Gosh, it's beautiful.
Sure is :)
I'd love to hear you guys with The Replicator! Just bought one. Killer pedal!
Really enjoyed this one, thanks guys
If you do a part 2, please get ahold of an El Capistan and Belle Epoch! I had my El Cap and real Echoplex side by side and they were very similar in some ways. The El Cap can recreate that unpredictable crinkle and "flutter" sound to some degree. Overall it has a cleaner sort of sheen to it but it's very close.
Certainly, part 2 on the way :)
This video totally changed my way of thinking about analog delays.
And that echoplex sounds really clear and pristine,a bit like a digital delay actually.
+elektrodenio yeah, it's surprising that a great sounding digital delay can actually get closer to tape than many analog delays
That sounds incredible!
+David Hilton yep, the sound of joy
Mick: "Blinking Blimey's". Haha. Soundbite heaven. Great episode mates.
Really useful video as always. I'd like to see something on Mick & Dans personal rigs. Love the name drop horn!
Haha, yes, our personal rigs, has to be done :)
Noted- an EQ pedal, like the Caline 10 band eq or the MXR 10 band eq (via the EQ plus the gain) will function EXACTLY like an Xotic EP boost or the ep-3 preamp, but with more tonal versatility. Just set the EQ pedal to whatever gain you want, and add the low and/or high EQ as desired.
That Echoplex is UNBELIEVABLE.
Sure is :)
Even on UA-cam it sounds glorious! It's really 'amazingness'!
One word for the EP-3... LUSH!! Love it.
Yup :)
super well done guys
Cheers Eric :)
Found a 72/73 ep3 over the summer for $600. Now part of my retro rig. 76 Sg/ 78 Les Paul/78 Marshall JMP and just got Marshall Guv'Nor pedal. Your show an inspiration though my GAS and bank account not happy! Thanks for all your hard work!
+Bruce Wayne well, sorry to your bank account, but happy you're enjoying the show :))))
As mentioned below - would love to hear comparison to Catalinbread Belle Epoch.
Great work Dan & Mick - top show!
22:08 mick you nailed it !!! what a sound an playing. loved it
+Manuel Borges I ment 22:42
What's 34 seconds between friends Manuel? :0) Thank you for the kind words. Those tones are very inspiring I have to say!
+That Pedal Show 25:43 stole that lick! would love to hear some new pedals like some of bogner or suhr :)
I'ts fabulous vintage sound using Carpe Diem of Fire Custom Shop with EP3....great tones and so clear beams .....Congratulations!!! Awesome video.
Thanks Marcel :)
I've noticed the Tube Echo setting on the Line 6 M5 has a definate tone-colouring that I love using with the delay turned down after my overdrives to shape the tone. Worth checking out for a budget option.
That Echoplex is something else.
That EP-3 is fucking GLORIOUS!!! Love it!
I am just really impressed by the level of knowledge this video presented (except that Dan got the term "flutter" wrong regarding the tape noise. I believe the blip they were hearing was actually a splice or kink in the tape, not flutter.
Flutter is actually pitch variation caused by inconsistent tape travel in the tape path, and it's just like Wow, which is simply a slower pitch variation. The cause of wow and flutter is simply the tape speed being slightly inconsistent as the tape travels along the pinch roller, guide arms, tape heads, etc.
Hi guys great show love to see a demo with the JHS Panther Cub
8:14 - I totally agree with you.But I'm not sure it's fair to compare the ep-3 with the memory man since it is BBD(Bucket-Brigade-Delay) technology.Both delays have their character though and I too love both of them.
6:26 - I have the same reaction every time I hear a good vintage delay.
Great video!
Please do a show with that echoplex compared to the Dunlop Ep103, Belle Epoch, El Capistan, and such, along with the Ep101 preamp, Xotic EP booster and any other pedals of that vein. Would love to hear what you guys come up with. Love the show
The echoplex sounded absolutely amazing, but once the dirt was thrown in I think I liked the ep booster + timeline a little more. I think it had to do with that little bit of high end roll off. The cleans on the EP3 though... just unbelievable. Great video and made me really want to go out and spend some money...
Have an early 70's EP-3...love it, used it for years. To my ears, the Belle Epoch is the closest I've ever heard to it.
I'd love to see with these "Let's see if this gorgeous old analogue pedal sounds like this nasty new solid state one" videos, a blind test. It's all good and well getting all gushy about old tech, but unless you're a seasoned pedal expert (Dan) I reckon most folks couldn't tell the difference. (I do really love your videos btw!)
The time line and the EP Xotic seems to add a lot of mid rangy noise. That Hendrix tune with the Memory Man and EP Boost
sounded good! This was almost as much fun as playing it myself.
Lucky enough to own at least 3 of these: the Echoplex EP3 the Timeline and ARDX. The EP3 is a wonderful thing but it mainly stays at home for recording purposes and I love it, but I must say I was impressed with the EP booster and Timeline as a reasonable compromise. I also like how it sounded with the Memory man and ARDX , I reckon it would sound fine with my old Boss DM2 as well!. Thanks for the video gents always hitting the mark! :-)
Cheers mate. Yeah, great compromise, they sounded great, but as a tape machine junky like yourself, there's just something about the real thing ;)
Nice beard! Mick's playing is sounding quite tasty as well, feeling more confident this season? Great job, both of you!
Gotta fire up my dusty Echoplex again! You guys are great.
I agree with Mike, there's something about the echoplex... if it sounds like that on youtube it must sound magical!! Timeline + EP Booster really surprised me. You guys are great, thanks!!
It's the sort of unit that just makes you want to play, so inspiring :)
+That Pedal Show sorry about Mike instead of Mick!
Great comparison! Those dropouts in the repeats in the EP3 is usually the tape loop splice running over the record head the exact moment it records the signal. Super tight splice can sometimes avoid this if you don't like it but hey, it's tape!
Ah yes of course, the splice :) cheers Jonne
Amazing! The echoplex is killer, but the timeline isn't half-bad either! Thanks for the vid, guys!
+Alex Michael yeah, they're all great, but when hear them right next to each other its amazing ;)
Looking forward to part two, I'd love to hear your take on the Strymon El Capistan, especially on whether you think it would still benefit from a Dunlop Echoplex preamp pedal.
I've been checking out a lot of modern stuff that aims to replicate older equipment. While searching I stumbled across the Fulltone Solid State Tape Echo. I'm surprised you didn't mention it (unless you did and I wasn't paying attention).
Yes! Compare to the solid state and tube versions of the Fulltone Tape Echos
It's like the cars of the 60's and 70's if you still have one.Ok for a Sunday drive,but you wouldn't trust it to get to work everyday.Timeline all the way for me, it's simply the best all round delay pedal.
Says you and only you
Chris Legge... 60's & 70's American cars will still be running reliably long after whatever POS your currently paying off for the next 5 years is recycled for scrap metal. So will that Echoplex.
I hate to keep repeating myself (boom!), but great show! With clean tones the Echoplex was undisputed for me, but when Mick started playing with the overdrive before the Timeline and Memory Man I totally forgot about listening to the repeats and just enjoyed that glorious sound!
Cheers Jonny. Yeah, it's the EP3 for me everytime. Certainly one that needs to be experienced:)
The TimeLine got way closer than I thought it would. Wow.
You might already know this, but the EP Booster has two dip switches inside that can be adjusted to cut off the brightness (it is set in bright setting as default). I have two EP boosters just because one is in default settings and the other one is set with the bright switch off. Great show as usual.
Cheers Ove :)
6:43 YES! Well said.
One of the finest sounds I've ever heard was my lap-steel through a WEM Copycat tape echo - nothing in the world like it!
+Howard Sinclair nice
Ep3 and the analog man love it. Got to get the ep3 boost though.
That Echoplex makes me speechless...
I recently picked up a T Rex Replicator Jr. Honestly it is fantastic.
Probably best show yet...IMO.
That echoplex is beautiful. Wow.
So inspiring
What stunning tones! The timeline with the ep boost and carpe diem sounded a better balance than the memory man to me, the memory man just sounded a bit too dark. Might have to give Dan a call when the time comes for his geniousness...
As always , beautiful and very useful video. Use here a Strymon El Capistan and Maxon AD10 ( analog delay) . And today , not separated from the Xotic EP Booster Xotic and SP Compressor ( low compression) . The SP comes immediately after guitar, and the EP Booster after the overdrive ( J.Rockett Audio) , and before the delays . For some of the Echoplex magic, it would be appropriate to connect the EP Booster AFTER the delays , preceding the amplifiers ( 59 Bassman and Deluxe Reverb RI) ? Thank you for your attention , and lots of music in our lives ;-)
This video changed me, that original amp is amazing, I picked up Dunlops Ep3 and Preamp, but the original Ep3 amp is my favorite pedal, not that I have one. The Dunlop Pre was pretty nice, can't quite make out what its doing until you turn it off, then you never turn it off again.
Yeah, those original preamps are so great
Real nice. Good little pedal the EP booster. All of it was routed by the gigr through the front of the amp/s ...... Looking forwards to you guys looking at the Rep when it tips up, but it 's not cheap at £599 !!!!!
Yeah, not cheap but truth be told, a pedalboard friendly tape delay that sounds awesome, I'm very happy to pay top dollar for that :)
Sweet, You have my guitar! Nice COllings.
When i was growin up echoplex(i think by gibson) is all there was that i knew of for a while.
Great video, too bad you did not include the Catalinbread Belle Epoche... which has an inbuilt EP pre-amp.
Imagine that sound set up with a Strymon BlueSky, on either a mod or plate shimmer sound. Heavenly.
Guys, I really enjoy your videos. So, as a delay lover we all know that Binson Echorec 2 is the king. However, try out a Skreddy Echo if you get a chance. Thanks again!