Space Echo Alternatives for the Studio and Stage
Methods for getting that classic tape echo sound.
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We’re checking out some of the best Space Echo Alternatives for recreating Roland’s classic tape echo effect in studio and on stage.
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Loved for its unique sound, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo is one of the most famous effects units ever created. Introduced in 1974, it provided a tape echo stable enough to take on the road and the flexibility of 3 tape heads with a variable repeat rate.
Space Echo Alternatives
The Space Echo also has a spring reverb that you can blend with the echo signal or use exclusively. Although it may have been originally intended for use as a guitar effect, the Space Echo has been used on vocals, drums, synths, and keyboards.
The RE-201 and the other models in the series (RE-150, RE-301, and the RE-501) have become synonymous with Reggae, Dub, Shoegaze, Psychedelic Rock, Post-punk, Trip-Hop, and many different styles of electronic music.
There are many options available in each category we looked at, so we made sure our choices included some of the latest and most innovative recreations of the Space Echo, as well as those that offer live usability and all-round value.
Space Echo Alternatives: UA Galaxy Tape Echo
When you’re looking for a straightforward software recreation of the classic Space Echo, you can’t go wrong with the Galaxy Tape Echo from Universal Audio.
Of course, it mimics the sound and interface of the original and its echo/reverb settings. Furthermore, you also have some additional creative features that add to the overall versatility of the plug-in.
This includes the ability to offset the delay time of each of the 3 tape heads and use tempo sync if you wish. Also, you can splice the tape loop and adjust its level of degradation as well as pan the echo and reverb signal separately.
- More from Universal Audio
Space Echo Alternatives: Soundtoys EchoBoy
If you want something slightly more involved as an echo effect, while still remaining in the vintage dimension, look no further than the Soundtoys EchoBoy.
Rather than simply being a recreation of the Space Echo, the EchoBoy plugin is modelled on a collection of 30 different types of echo effects and pedals, including the Echoplex, Space Echo, EHX Memory Man, DM-2, and many more.
From the tonal aspects to the rhythmic component, the EchoBoy has all the features to build your own unique echo effects and gives you room for creative mistakes.
- More from Soundtoys
Space Echo Alternatives: Roland Cloud RE-201 Space Echo
If you need a plugin version of the classic Space Echo, look no further than the Roland Cloud RE-201. As the creators of the original hardware version, you’d expect Roland to pay close attention to emulating every aspect of the design, and you won’t be disappointed. All the original controls are included, as well as a range of modern additions with a high-res interface.
Besides stereo operation and tempo sync, the plugin also has a Tape Speed LFO, which allows you to modulate the Repeat Rate with six different LFO shapes. This opens up the potential to use the Space Echo in a modern context, as you have more precise controls to shape the sound over time.
In addition, the Roland Cloud RE-201 has a Block Diagram section that allows you to alter the internal signal path of either the left or right channel inside the plugin. With this level of customization, you can create sounds in music styles you would never usually associate with the Space Echo. Get it at Thomann.*
Space Echo Alternatives: Line 6 DL4 MkII
The DL4 MkII is the latest edition of this now-legendary delay-and-echo modeling pedal from Line 6. The DL4 delivers all the classics with 30 delay modes in one easy-to-use pedal that allows you to access vintage echo and delay effects from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, ranging from tape echoes to digital delay units and guitar pedals.
Among the wealth of different models, there are versions of the RE-201 (COSMOS) and RE-101 (MULTI-HEAD) that give you different ways to use the Space Echo with BPM sync, tap tempo, and a pair of mode-specific controls that select the various tape heads. The DL4 can be used as a mono or stereo effect, and there is an XLR input for mic signals too.
However, besides the range of effects, the most impressive thing about the DL4 is the two looper channels and how they can be fluidly incorporated into a creative workflow. There is up to 240 seconds of loop time available on each channel, and you can extend this considerably with an optional microSD card. Get it at Thomann.*
Space Echo Alternatives: Boss RE-202
With a subtle rebrand, the RE-202 brings the Space Echo into pedal format in fine style. Besides the ability to save patches, the fact that the RE-202 is stereo adds another degree of dimensionality to this classic effect.
There are also additional controls for adding Saturation as well as Wow & Flutter, and you can add expressive flourishes to your sounds with the footswitches and external pedal inputs.
In addition, you have the option of MIDI I/O for parameter control or program changes during live performances.
- More from Boss
Space Echo Alternatives: Universal Audio UAFX Galaxy ’74
When it comes to building convincing recreations of classic gear with analogue modeling, Universal Audio is one of the best in the business. The UAFX Galaxy ’74 is a stereo emulation of the Roland Space Echo in pedal format, with an accessible control set that makes it easily usable in live performance situations.
Naturally, guitarists will love the Galaxy ’74 like the rest of the UAFX pedal lineup, but it will also be exciting for keyboardists who can use it to add spatial depth, character, and movement to synth and electric piano sounds. You can create sounds with different tape head selection modes, and the LED indicators let you know which of the three tape heads is active.
The Galaxy ’74 actually provides two separate instances of the Space Echo emulation, so the wow and flutter effects you get across the stereo are incredibly authentic. For access to the more advanced controls, you can use the accompanying UAFX Control app, and there is extensive MIDI control supported, too. Get it at Thomann.*
Space Echo Alternatives: Echo Fix EF-X2
The Echo Fix EF-X2 captures all the authenticity of the Space Echo, with the added utility and durability of a modern instrument. The expanded range of features includes tape echo, spring reverb, digital reverb, and chorus, as well as an FET EP Guitar Preamp and a Modern FET Line Input Preamp.
Additions like balanced XLR I/O are also welcome, and you can also control the effect via CV I/O and hook it up to your modular synth rig, which sounds fun.
Before Echo Fix designed units like the EF-X2, the company actually repaired and modified Space Echo units. So you can rest assured that all of the shortcomings and impracticalities of the RE-201’s design have been improved.
- More from Echo Fix
More about Space Echo Alternatives:
- The Roland Space Echo RE-201
- All about tape echo
- More from Roland
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6 responses to “Space Echo Alternatives for the Studio and Stage”
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Hi,
Great article! But it’s a bit odd that you’d feature the UAFX Orion, which as you say is based on the Echoplex, when the pedal version of the Galaxy had been out for about 5 months at the time of this article.
Also worth mentioning as a Space Echo alternative is the Strymon Volante. It also covers Echoplex and Echorec sounds but definitely captures SE tones too.
Before I bought Soundtoys full bundle, for me fulfilling Space Echo needs, there was the $20 Cherry Audio Stardust 201. It combines tape echo, spring reverb, and a chorus. Easy to set what you want.
I too use the Cherry Audio Stardust 201. Great sound and price. Reminds me of my old Echoplex days 🙂
I have had a RE-201, and later a RE-501. The 501 isn’t really interesting, too clean and no self-oscillation.
My best alternative of RE-201 until now : Ibanez DE7
Valhalla Delay : the only 50USD plugin you’ll ever need to emulate any delay/echo, especially (Roland) Space Echoes.
I just don’t understand Roland’s positioning of their Space Echo plugin, it’s way to expensive compared to the competition (heck you can even buy the Line6 pedal for the same money) and they don’t even include it in their cloud subscription unless you pay for the highest tier. I’d be willing to give it a try, but this is just ridiculous.