The Echosystem is Empress's flagship delay: twelve algorithm types and more than 42 variations, with two delay engines you can run at once. Run them in series, in parallel or split left and right, each engine with its own full set of controls. The range covers clean digital delays, four tape delays including a take on the Echoplex EP-3, a bucket-brigade analog voiced after the Maxon AD9, and Empress's own versions of each. Past those there are multi-tap, modulated, filtered, ambient, reverse, stutter, lo-fi and delay-plus-reverb modes, plus Whisky mode.
Every control sits on a knob in front of you rather than in a menu, and there is global tap tempo with subdivisions on every mode. The dry signal stays analog and is blended with the wet through a VCA, so turning the mix knob makes no zipper noise. Save up to 35 presets on three footswitches, choose true or buffered bypass for trails, and run stereo in and out with a transformer-isolated second output that keeps two-amp rigs quiet. The Control Port takes an expression pedal, tap switch, CV or MIDI on one 1/4" jack, and there is a cab simulator for direct recording. Built in Ottawa.
It is the delay for a player who wants one box to cover slapback, dotted eighths and ambient washes. Its partner on the board is the Empress Reverb, which shares the same layout.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECS
Algorithms: 42+, in 12 algorithm types
Modes: Digital, Tape, Analog, Multi, Mod, Filter, Ambient, Delay + Reverb, Reverse, Stutter, Lo-fi, Whisky
Delay Engines: 2, serial, parallel or left/right
Presets: up to 35
Preset Modes: bank style or scrolling style
Tap Tempo: global and local, with subdivisions
Bypass: True bypass or buffered bypass
Dry Path: analog, blended with VCA
Cabinet Simulator: 3 variations
Output Transformer: on Output 2
Audio: 48kHz sampling, 24 bit conversion, 32 bit internal processing
Signal to Noise Ratio: >104dB
Inputs: Left (Mono), Right
Outputs: Left (Mono), Right
Control Port: expression pedal, external tap switch, control voltage, external audio input, MIDI (1/4" jack)
SD Card slot: firmware updates
Power: 9V DC, centre negative, 300mA or greater
Size: approximately 5.7" x 3.75" x 1.75"
