Echo Fix ushers in next gen of tape echo with EF-X2 unit
The classic effect is reworked for modern users.
Echo Fix is best known for servicing vintage tape echo units, but now the company has built on its experience by launching its own take on the classic effect. Built from high-grade, bespoke components, the EF-X2 is a tape echo unit designed to produce a warm cavernous sound that’ll sit comfortably in a recording studio, live guitar rig or bedroom setup. Here are the details:
Core design
The EF-X2 houses three main functions: a tape echo, a DSP-based reverb and a preamp. To arrive at the tape echo’s warm character, Echo Fix engaged in three years of R&D. This research yielded three custom echo playback heads, which can be combined with a switchable sound-on-sound head for a total of 11 head combinations. The tape loops have also been formulated to both last longer and sound great, according to the brand.
Controls
The tape echo can be shaped with a variety of controls. You can tweak its signal with a two-band EQ as well as adjust the Time and Feedback parameters with control voltages or compatible expression pedals. To sculpt the reverb effect, on the other hand, you can tweak dedicated volume and decay controls.
Besides the above, a Motor switch can be toggled for a tape “slow-down” effect, or to help conserve tape when you’re only using the reverb or preamp functions.
Ins/Outs
On the front panel, the EF-X2 boasts independent inputs – each with level control – for instrument-level and line-level sources. Adding to these are balanced I/Os at the rear.
Hear the unit’s tape echo sounds below:
Pre-orders at $1,450. More info at echofix.com.
