Rare Tape Echo Units for Studio Recordings

Tapetown
Aug 1
3 min read

In the 1960s, a recording engineer at Jamaica’s Studio One twisted the tape loop on a Roland RE-201 Space Echo, creating the hypnotic delays of Bob Marley’s early reggae hits. Tape echo units, iconic studio equipment, brought lush, organic delays to recordings, defining multiple genres. Used by mix engineers and recording engineers from the 1950s to the 1980s, these units are now rare due to delicate tape mechanisms and limited production. Here are 10 rare tape echo units that revolutionized studio recording and remain prized in modern recording studios.

1. Roland RE-201 Space Echo

Era: 1970s
Notable Use: Bob Marley’s Kaya for reggae delays.
Features: Tape-based delay with warm, modulated echo effects.
Rarity: Tape degradation and limited production make working units scarce.
Why It’s Special: Mix engineers love its organic sound for mixing in music production.

2. Echoplex EP-2

Era: 1960s
Notable Use: Used on Pink Floyd’s Meddle for swirling echoes.
Features: Tube-driven tape delay with adjustable speed for creative studio recording.
Rarity: Early tube models are rare due to heavy use and fragility.
Why It’s Special: Recording engineers value its rich, analog delay for mixing.

3. Maestro Echoplex EP-3

Era: 1970s
Notable Use: Used by Led Zeppelin for Physical Graffiti’s guitar effects.
Features: Solid-state design with cleaner, more reliable tape echo.
Rarity: Limited production; many units suffer tape wear.
Why It’s Special: Mix engineers seek its versatile delays for vintage studio gear.

4. WEM Copicat

Era: 1960s–1970s
Notable Use: Used by The Shadows for instrumental rock echoes.
Features: Compact tape delay with multiple playback heads for rhythmic effects.
Rarity: Early models are scarce due to niche British production.
Why It’s Special: Audio engineers use it for retro effects in studio recording.

5. Meazzi Echomatic

Era: 1960s
Notable Use: Used in Italian studios for Ennio Morricone’s film scores.
Features: Multi-head tape delay for complex, cascading echoes.
Rarity: Limited to European studios; few survive.
Why It’s Special: Mix engineers prize its unique sound for music production.

6. Binson Echorec 2

Era: 1960s
Notable Use: Pink Floyd’s Echoes for lush, swirling delays.
Features: Magnetic drum-based delay for warmer, more stable echoes.
Rarity: Fragile drums and limited production make it ultra-rare.
Why It’s Special: Recording engineers seek its psychedelic sound for mixing.

7. Klemt Echolette NG

Era: 1960s
Notable Use: Used in German studios for krautrock recordings.
Features: Tube-based tape delay with gritty, warm echoes.
Rarity: Produced in small batches for European markets.
Why It’s Special: Mix engineers value its raw tone for vintage recording studios.

8. Vox Echo Deluxe

Era: 1960s
Notable Use: Used by The Beatles’ engineers for early experimental tracks.
Features: Compact tape delay with simple controls for studio recording.
Rarity: Limited production for UK studios; many lost to time.
Why It’s Special: Audio engineers use it for subtle, vintage delays in mixing.

9. Dynacord Echocord Super 76

Era: 1970s
Notable Use: Used in European studios for Tangerine Dream’s electronic tracks.
Features: Tape delay with adjustable heads for creative effects.
Rarity: Niche production; tape wear limits surviving units.
Why It’s Special: Mix engineers seek its experimental sound for music production.

10. Korg SE-500 Stage Echo

Era: 1970s
Notable Use: Used for Jean-Michel Jarre’s Oxygène for ambient delays.
Features: Tape-based delay with modulation for lush, atmospheric effects.
Rarity: Limited production; delicate tapes make it rare.
Why It’s Special: Recording engineers value its dreamy sound for studio recording.

Tape echo units like the Roland RE-201 and Binson Echorec 2 brought magic to recording studios, creating iconic delays that defined music production. Their fragile tape mechanisms and limited production make them rare treasures for mix engineers and collectors. In modern studio recording, these units add analog warmth to digital mixing. Explore our articles on studio effects processors for more on vintage studio gear.