Boss Space Echo RE-20 vs. ???

[Sorefinger]

Well, I did a search but after much enthusiasm when it came out, there was not much talk about the Space Echo reissue.

I was wondering if anyone has any long-term experience with this thing. What can it do what others can´t? Why did you choose it over other delay/echo pedals?
Or even - why do you prefer something else?

Any input much appreciated, thanks!

[Lindsay]

Hi folks

long time lurker, first time poster...

I'm also interested in this question

Cheers

[CicadaSilence]

It's the only delay I use right now.

I've owned the following:
Boss DD-3
Boss DD-6
Digitech PDS 1002
Digitech PDS 8000
Danelectro Dan Echo
Danelectro PB&J
Ibanez DE-7
Line 6 DL4

Out of those, I like the tone of the PB&J a bit more. The PB&J tone, to me, is the perfect delay tone, but the pedal itself has a few inherent shortcomings that render it useless to me in a live performance environment.

The RE-20 does just about everything I need a delay to do, and the tone is my second favorite. My favorite features:

• Tap Tempo: When playing guitar, I don't mind if the repeat rate is all over the place. But with bass, I've noticed that repeats tend to confuse drummers if they aren't in time.
• EQ Section: Very flexible EQ. I find that delayed bass tends to sit much better in the mix if theres some low end rolloff to the repeats. That's one of the reasons I love the PB&J so much. But then again, sometimes you want "murk-of-doom" delay tones. The RE-20 gives you both options, and plenty more.
• Expression Pedal: I need to be able to control the amount of repeats/oscillation with my foot. This function is integral to the way I use delay. It can also be configured to control the delay time, wet/dry mix, and a combination of repeat rate and delay time. I wish it had separate outputs for each parameter, but you have to make do with whatever parameter you select. Changing parameters necessitates rebooting the pedal, holding down a footswitch, and turning the mode knob, I think. Not very useful for on the fly changes.
• Reverb: Some people really hate the reverb on the RE-20. It's sort of one-dimensional and bizarre sounding, I'll admit that, butI find myself using it quite a bit.
• Multitap. Polyrhythms are fun.

I do wish it had the following features:

• Effects loop.
• Independent expression pedal parameter jacks, or an easier way of switching the expression pedal control.
• A "Tape Damage" knob. One of the cool things about tape delays is how crappy they sound when the tape is starting to go. I wish Boss had made some concession to this.
• More control over the Reverb section. Maybe a tone knob, or longer decay, or something...

All things considered, I would like a couple additional features, but Boss was trying to clone the RE-201 exactly as it is in perfect working condition, so I can't really complain. For what it is, I think it's fantastic. I bought my RE-20 new, but I've seen them used for about $100 off the street price. For what it's worth, I don't regret spending the money.

It's my main delay for now, but someday I'd like to try out a Moog delay and an Eventide Timefactor. I'm not adverse to having more than one delay on my board, so I doubt the RE-20 is going anywhere.

[fuNKmaster83]

danelectro real echo is very good in simulating old tape units...
i had a chance to played on a lot of old units from plate reverbs the size of refrigerators to big tape delay units in a studio that was made in the 70'... danelectro comes pretty close to all the good things that are in the old units!!! it even does the glitch bits in the really short time settings under 1sec

paired up with a danelectro reverb king it makes a killer combination and it doesn't cost you as much as one re20

[Swimming Bird]

There are huge numbers of delay pedals out there, but I assume you want to talk about multitap + tape sim delays. In it's price range, the only real similar competition is the Akai Headrush, but they are still pretty different animals. The Headrush is more versatile because you can choose exactly where the multitaps go and each delay 'head' has a different output. It also has looping, which is very nice.

On the other hand, it doesn't have as much EQing options, reverb, 'twist' mode, presets or external control.

Your call, but personally, I love the Boss twist/warp feature. It's about as crazy as a standard-issue pedal gets.

Of course, the Time Factor is the wet dream of delay pedals. I have tried nothing that even touches it, though admittedly I have yet to test out a Pigtronix Phi Echolution or an Empress Super Delay.

[four2oh]

+1 on what CicadaSilence said..

when i was a wee lad, one of my favorite toys was my dad's Roland RE-201, and the Boss RE-20 does a great job faithfully reproducing that beloved box in a digital pedal format.

[Sorefinger]

Thanks for your replies, helps a lot.

GAS level high and rising...

[Joe P]

Originally Posted by four2oh

+1 on what CicadaSilence said..

Yup.

I sure have been pleased with mine. Not only do the multiple playback heads produce unique grooves for long-delay, interactive stuff, but when you regenerate multi-head modes, all the regening regens clash together into a cool flange/phaser kind of feel.

I love the reverb too. Yes - there's a certain 'flatness' to it; definately doesn't sound like a Lexicon. And the low-lows fall-off bad, leaving pretty much nothing down there in the bassy-bass: just how I like it!

Joe