A Masterpiece Returns in the Modern Era
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.
Backed by intensive R&D and our latest innovations, the RE-202 faithfully delivers the authentic sound and behavior of the Space Echo like never before. Built by the company that designed the original, 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 colorful preamp circuit. And to take things even further, we’ve expanded the vintage Space Echo experience with lots of new features tuned for today’s music.
Standard 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
Tape Echo Magic
Tape echo was the first delay effect and one of the first effect processors available for electronic musicians. In contrast with today’s CPU-based digital units, a tape echo is a simple machine that uses a motor to pull magnetic tape across one or more record/playback heads. Warm, full, and dynamic, the tape echo sound is influenced by many factors. The ever-changing input level colors the sound with varying amounts of tape saturation and compression. In addition, motor speed fluctuations, friction, wow and flutter, and other elements introduce an appealing modulated character that’s subtle and continually evolving.
