#21

I guess the question with the generalissimo is, do you really need all that CV control? otherwise the el capistan might aswell already do it… with a way cleaner layout. all those options on the generalissimo don’t seem so intuitive to me.
nevertheless, they know dsp. I never had a space echo to compare, but it sound’s awesome.
(and saves you all the maintenance trouble with a physical machine)

#22

right - I mean, at least they’re doing the right thing in terms of “if you’re going to make it modular, you had better give it CV control” - I am so tired of people saying things are modular when in fact it’s a pedal in Euro format with no CV control.

And then, when you look at it: do you really need all that? I wonder if something that sounds great, which is smaller, and has CV of carefully chosen parameters - possibly in a more macro-like way - might be the sweet-spot.

#23

amen
if only somebody

#24

After reading this thread again last night and being like “damn it, maybe I should finally get that re-201”, I see that our local synth store has a good condition one recently serviced tested [other than broken VU meter] going for $650.

Consequently what I just sold my mc-202 for.

Oyyyy.

4 Likes
#25

So @udbrud, quick Q: are there any notable differences between the RE-200 and the 201 aside from the endless Sony tape? I read something about the 201s having a superior motor, but who knows…

#26

Re: motor, I really don’t know. Both are/were running perfectly fine for me. The RE-200 is a bit noisier though, gotta give it that, but it is also an older machine + mine is fairly beat up to be entirely honest, so there’s likely some maintenance that would do it good.
Main difference apart from the tape transport itself, is that the RE-200 has a standby function allowing you to stop the tape from running, while it is still powered on - in practice this allows you to use the spring reverb by itself without wearing on the tape, which the 201 doesn’t allow.

#27

Sounds like the 200 would be a better buy. I have an opportunity to pick one up in good condition for less than $500 versus the 201. I’d have to spend quite a bit more on the 201 to get one in similar condition.

#28

I’d say that’s a no-brainer if you have the chance to get a good functional one.
Do keep in mind that its an older machine though and that the tape loop cassettes can be pretty hard to find; unless you modify the transport to work with a regular tape loop, like I did, that can prove to be a hassle after a little while.

#29

I am having second thoughts because I can’t find any cartridges. I read that I could splice tape as long I have the original Sony cartridge, which is the case.

#30

That could possibly be, although the cartridge has some sort of loading spring mechanism in it, right? Don’t know if that would get in the way of a regular loop and not entirely sure how you’d load a moebius loop in there.
I added a couple of rollers to the top to keep tape tension and just use a regular 1/4" tape loop that way. since I couldn’t get a cartridge. Not the hardest mod.

#31

Yes, it does. To be honest, I’d rather get something that doesn’t need a mod - I am not that great at fixing things. I can tweak, clean, etc. - just not overhauls. Not that I can’t learn - I just don’t feel comfortable doing it and lack the time. The tape thing could really be an issue if splicing doesn’t do the trick. I’ll probably end up with a 201 or 301 if / when I can find one at a reasonable price. There is a seller in Japan that does a lot of business on eBay that asks quite a lot of these units.

#32

Check Reverb.com too, I purchased an RE-301 a couple months ago from a seller on there and see them occasionally turn up.

#33

I really love the Catalinbread Belle Epoch (Echolplex sim)
http://catalinbread.com/product/belle-epoch/ Its a really lovely sounding pedal.

Also use (hear me out) a behringer digital echo pedal (the one that is a carbon copy of line6’s echo park). Thats been great as well. Albeit that i use it in addition to the belle epoch and on top of a neunaber wet reverb. The three of those are a great triple threat on guitars.

#34

Thanks - actually went ahead and bought the RE-200 :smile:

I did this for a few reasons:

  • price was great considering the condition
  • found out one could re-spool the RE-4 Sony cartridge
  • confirmed the 200 is just a good as the 201; maybe slightly better if you care about the ability to turn off the motor while on reverb mode (thanks to advice from @udbrud and others on here + the good folks at SwitchedON)

Excited for my first tape delay!

4 Likes
#35

:floppy_disk: Floppy Drive Reverb/Echo :floppy_disk:

9 Likes
#36

Rad!! I really love some of those sounds you’re weaving~

1 Like
#37

so cool!
can’t wait for the max patch/monome
floppy drive delay emulator :slight_smile:

image.jpeg3024×3024 1.9 MB

#38

I don’t have first-hand experience with real tape delays, but I really like the Strymon El Capistan. It sounds really nice and smooth to my ears.

1 Like
#39

really like those sounds, too
but this is not me in the video…sorry if that was misleading

#40

ah no worries at all. i appreciate you sharing, i simply assumed it was you, my wrong :slight_smile: