Boss RE-202 Space Echo

The Boss RE-202 captures the magic of the RE-201 with impeccable detail, from the magnetic tape and motor properties to the vibrant spring reverb and colorful preamp circuit. And to take things even further, the Space Echo features have been expanded and adapted for today’s music.

The RE-202 delivers all the vintage vibe of the RE-201, without the need for regular tape replacement or hardware maintenance. All the original’s main controls are here, including the iconic 12-position mode selector. Every behavior is precisely replicated, from the gradual tone shift when adjusting the repeat frequency knob to the runaway feedback when the intensity knob is maxed out.

With selectable tape age and variable controls, you can dial in everything from a fresh Space Echo to the worn character and quirks of a beloved vintage unit. The saturation control is carefully calibrated based on the actual behaviors of the RE-201’s magnetic tape and preamp, and the sound grows warmer and more compressed as you turn it up. And with the expressive Wow & Flutter control, you can conjure all the natural modulation characteristics essential to the Space Echo sound.

• Controls: Reverb Volume, Treble, Bass, Echo Volume, Intensity, Repeat Frequency, Wow, Flutter, and Saturation
  
• Rotary mode switch
• Effect on/off LED
• Pedal switch for effect bypass (tempo set: 'Hold')
• Mono and stereo inputs (2 x 1/4" jacks)
• Mono and stereo outputs (2 x 1/4" jacks)
• CTRL 1,2/EXP output (1/4" TRS jack)
• Micro USB Type B port
• Operates on 9V
• Consumes 140mA

About the RE-201

Introduced in 1974 and produced for over 14 years, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo is one of the most legendary and sought-after effects units in music history. Known for its distinctive rhythmic echo sounds, warm character, and highly playable sonic quirks, this tape-based classic has inspired musicians, producers, and audio engineers for more than four decades.

When tape-based echoes were the industry standard, the RE-201 was the benchmark. Equipped with three evenly spaced tape heads and a spring reverb tank, it could produce everything from simple, clean delays to dense, atmospheric echoes. The RE-201’s appealing sound was shaped by many factors, from the warm compression of tape saturation to the evolving modulation caused by motor speed fluctuations, friction, and other elements. Last but not least, the analog preamp circuit was a key ingredient in the Space Echo’s rich sonic recipe.

About Tape Echo

Tape echo was the first delay effect and one of the earliest effects processors available to electronic musicians. Unlike today’s CPU-based digital units, a tape echo is a simple machine that uses a motor to pass magnetic tape over one or more record/playback heads. Warm, full, and dynamic, the tape echo sound is influenced by many factors. The constantly changing input level colors the sound with varying amounts of tape saturation and compression. Additionally, motor speed fluctuations, friction, wow and flutter, and other elements introduce an appealing modulated character that is subtle and continuously evolving.

About Roland and Boss

Boss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass. It is a division of Roland Corporation, a Japanese company specializing in musical equipment and accessories. For many years, Boss has produced a range of guitar effects products, including "compact" (single) and "twin" (dual) pedals, multi-effects units, electronic tuners, and pedalboards. Recently, they have expanded their product line to include Digital Studios, Rhythm Machines, and other electronic gear.