Gear Hunter

BOSS - RE-202 Deluxe Space Echo

Description

The legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo experience returns in an advanced delay pedal with modern features.

Introduced in 1974, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo stands among the most legendary and sought-after effect units ever produced. This tape-based classic remained in production for over 14 straight years, and its distinctive rhythmic echo sounds, warm character, and highly playable sonic quirks still inspire musicians, producers, and audio mixers over four decades on.

The RE-202 faithfully delivers the authentic sound and behavior of the Space Echo like never before. This advanced pedal captures the RE-201's magic in flawless detail, from the magnetic tape and motor properties to the vibrant spring reverb and colourful preamp circuit. And to take things even further, the vintage Space Echo experience has been expanded with lots of new features tuned for today's music.

Retro Sound at Your Fingertips
All the core controls of the original are here, including the iconic 12-position mode selector. Every behavior is replicated with complete accuracy, such as the gradual pitch change that occurs when the Repeat Rate knob is tweaked, or the cool runaway feedback that happens when the Intensity knob is maxed.

With selectable tape age and variable controls, you can dial in everything from a brand-new Space Echo to the worn character and quirks of a well-loved vintage piece. The Saturation control has been carefully calibrated based on the actual magnetic tape and preamp behaviors of the RE-201, with the sound becoming warmer and more compressed as you turn up the knob. And with the expressive Wow & Flutter control, you can conjure all the natural modulation characteristics that are essential to the Space Echo sound.

Sonic Enhancements
The RE-202 includes many new features that extend the Space Echo for today's musicians. Twice the delay time is available, along with a fourth virtual tape head that unlocks five additional sound combinations. There's also an echo type that changes the distance between the heads, something not possible with the original. In contrast with the mono RE-201, the RE-202 provides true stereo I/O and selectable operation for guitar or line-level devices. For the dry sound, you can choose between the warm and fat RE-201 preamp tone or a clean signal with zero processing.

Also included is a stereo version of the original spring reverb sound from the RE-201, along with hall, plate, room, and ambience types for additional versatility. Expressive Warp and Twist effects are available as well, allowing you to launch the sound into outer space with the press of a footswitch while performing.

Modern Control
To complement its vintage heart and soul, the RE-202 has all the modern features you'd expect from an advanced delay pedal. There are four onboard memories for storing and recalling favorite sounds, and 123 more are accessible via MIDI program change. Tap tempo is also on hand, as well as selectable delay carryover when switching memories. It's also possible to mute the dry signal for parallel effect setups and studio usage. Expanded control is available via external footswitches, an expression pedal, and MIDI, including real-time operation of multiple parameters at once.

Features
* Authentically recreates the sound and behavior of the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo
* Classic multi-head tape echo sound with expanded delay time
* Original three-head configuration plus additional tape head for 12 unique echo combinations
* Independent stereo reverb section with original spring reverb type plus hall, plate, room, and ambience
* Saturation control for adding magnetic tape compression and preamp coloration
* Wow & Flutter control for introducing varying levels of natural tape modulation
* Choose between new and aged tape conditions
* Selectable input modes for optimum performance with instruments and line-level gear
* Warp and Twist effects with footswitch control
* Select between the unprocessed analog dry signal or the modeled sound of the original Space Echo preamp
* Four onboard memories plus the current panel settings
* Save and select 127 memories via external MIDI program change
* Tap tempo and carryover functions
* True stereo input and output
* Expandable control via external footswitches, an expression pedal, or MIDI
* Rubber foot included

Specs
Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz
AD Conversion:
24 bits + AF method
AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of the AD converter.
DA Conversion: 32 bits
Processing: 32-bit floating point
Modes: 12 modes
Memory: 127 + Manual
Recommended Load Impedance: OUTPUT A/MONO, OUTPUT B: 10 k ohms or greater
Bypass: Buffered bypass
Controls:
ON/OFF switch, MEMORY switch, TAP switch
SATURATION knob, WOW & FLUTTER knob, MODE SELECTOR knob, BASS knob, TREBLE knob, REVERB VOL knob, REPEAT RATE knob, INTENSITY knob, ECHO VOL knob
MEMORY button, INPUT button, TAPE button
Connectors:
INPUT A/MONO jack, INTPUT B jack, OUTPUT A/MONO jack, OUTPUT B jack: 1/4-inch phone type
CTL 1, 2/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo miniature phone type
DC IN jack
USB port: USB micro B-type (program update only)
Power Supply: AC adaptor
Current Draw: 140 mA
Dimensions, including rubber foot (W x D x H): 192 x 133 x 53 mm (7-9/16 x 5-15/64 x 2-3/32 inches)
Weight (including battery): 860 g (1 lb 15 oz)