Can’t find the best Echoplex pedal or a perfect Echoplex pedal clone? We would be glad to help you.
Accomplished guitarists, celebrated musicians, and seasoned recording producers know too well that the ‘delay audio effect’ adds versatility to guitars. The introduction of tape loops in the ’60s came in immensely handy for legendary guitarists to create signature tunes using delay/echo effects. Players were amazed at how the echo effects reproduced by a tape loop could thoroughly upgrade a guitar’s timbre.
The tape units gave way to BBD (bucket-bridge) analog delay pedals, replaced by later-day versatile digital delays. Unfortunately, though the digital delay pedals generated clean, shimmering sound, these units fell short when reproducing vintage-style delay. To get around this problem, many pedal producers in the 21st century started installing DSP (digital signal processing) chips to simulate the effects of the Maestro Echoplex EP-3-the most iconic analog pedals.
In this review, we look closely at some top-notch modern Echoplex-type pedals.
Best Echoplex Pedals (Comparison Table)
| Image | Model | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop EP103 Echoplex (Top Pick) | 4.5 x 2.5 x 2 | Check Price |
 | Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe (Best Echoplex Copy) | 6 x 5 x 4 | Check Price |
 | Xotic EP Mini (Best on a Budget) | 5.6 x 3.2 x 2.8 | Check Price |
 | Strymon EI Capistan dTape Echo (Awesome but Expensive) | 8 x 8 x 5 | Check Price |
 | Wampler Faux Tape Echo V2 | 7 x 4 x 7 | Check Price |
 | JHS Milkman Echo | 6 x 3 x 3 | Check Price |
1. Dunlop EP103 Echoplex Pedal (Editor’s Choice)
Record producers, audio engineers, and musicians swear by the Dunlop EP103 Echoplex Pedal for its organic modulation and well-rounded sound. This Echoplex tape echo unit enables your instrument to reproduce the evocative vintage soundstage so extensively popular during the ‘70s. The Echoplex EP103 delivers the original EP-3 unit’s iconic tones through a hi-fi all-analog dry path and a straightforward control interface.
Yet the EP103 is smaller and compacter than the original EP3 models and at the same time much more affordable. Moreover, while the ‘delay’ knob lets you preset the time between repeats-varying from 4 ms-750ms- the ‘sustain’ and ‘volume’ controls allow setting number and output level of repeats, respectively. Nevertheless, the pedal’s sound excels when you manipulate and maneuver the ‘age’ mode.
To make the most of the aging mechanism, you need to push the volume control knob quickly. As you twist the button in a clockwise fashion, you experience tape distress and distortion, rising modulation, tone darkening, and repeat sounds. And if you wish to have an unadulterated EP-3 experience, install the EP101 ahead of the EP103.
Features
- EP 103 Echoplex Delay Guitar Effects Pedal
- Knob-style controls for sustain, volume, and delay
- Delivers modulation and warmth almost resembling vintage Echoplex EP-3 tape echo unit’s soundstage
Pros
- Set the EP-103 in full ‘wet’ mode together with output and stereo modes
- Analog dry path reinforced with CHT™ (constant headroom technology) facilitates a full 20V swing for unprecedented high gain
- Tap temp feature provides 4 seconds delay time for connecting an M199 MXR tap tempo switch
Cons
- If you’re looking for arcane and rarefied delays, then look elsewhere.
2. Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe Pedal (Best Echoplex Copy)
The all-new Belle Epoch Deluxe Pedal by Catalinbread is a carbon copy of the legendary Maestro Echoplex EP-3 of the ’70s. However, the thoroughly refurbished and remodeled Belle Epoch Deluxe Pedal doesn’t feature a tape that differentiates it from the EP-3. The Catalinbread deluxe pedal cannot offer in the form of playback heads and record it more than makes up with a hi-fi 24-bit digital delay lineup.
You can accomplish and experience that vintage EP3 soundscape that foley artists rave about thanks to precision replication of the 22V power rail. The feedback loop, playback amps, high-gain silicon transistor-reinforced record, mixer stage, and EP-3 preamp work together to reproduce warm and full-bodied sounds. Catalinbread has ensured that every component delivers the impeccable and flawless soundstage that the EP-3 pedal is famous for.
Catalinbread has further extended the Echoplex’s heritage by adding delay playback head volume, expression pedal control over delay time, filter sweep actions, and uniform rotary speed. In addition, the Belle Epoch features a momentary footswitch for reverb oscillation which boosts sonic capability-a functionality that even the EP3 didn’t have.
Finally, putting things in perspective, the Belle Epoch Deluxe Pedal pays homage to EP3’s pedigree through accurate and holistic reproduction of the original’s specifications. It’s the best Echoplex preamp pedal on our list.
Feature
- An impeccable reproduction of the Maestro Echoplex EP3 of the 70s
- Echo program control furnishes six distinct modes
- The Depth knob monitors each mode’s operability
- An expression pedal controls the Depth knob’s toggle is on the left
- Vintage preamp operating voltage of 22V
Pros
- Set delay response anywhere between the 80ms-800ms range just like the original
- Separate preamp for enhancing your instrument’s tone from low volume tones to inundated fizz
Cons
- Many recording engineers and musicians may not warm up to the pedal’s dry signal coloring
- A bit expensive
3. Xotic EP Mini Pedal (Best on a Budget)
If you’re looking to enhance your instrument’s EQ and tonal frequencies using a quality delay pedal, then don’t look further. The EP Booster Mini EQ Effect Pedal comes across as a discrete ‘Field Effect Transistor’ (FET) preamp pedal with a low impedance output. A top-notch effects pedal featuring the proprietary Xotic EP Booster, this mini pedal circuitry is based on the iconic EP-3 tape echo’s preamp circuitry.
While the internal DIP switches facilitate choosing EQ settings and distinct boost frequencies, the discrete FET circuit boosts volume up to 20dB. Record producers can operate the EQ booster using 9-18 volts of power supply. In addition, the unit comes with true bypass switching for doing away with the effect from the signal path when switched off.
With the Xotic mini EQ effects pedal, you can have completely neutral and pure guitar tones. The 9V Blucoil power supply includes a 3-meter cable for converting walled AC to 9V DC for ensuring the right amount of power transmission to your device. This discrete FET preamp is encased in a small compact and hardy case with a transparent knob and blue LED.
Last but least, it’s the most affordable Echoplex clone on our list.
Features
- Discrete FET preamp
- 9-18V DC operation
- Up to 20dB of high gain
- True bypass switching
- Input and output impedance: IM ohm and 1k ohm
Pros
- Internal DIP switches for regulating EQ and boost frequencies
- Tone booster with more detailed bottom end and better top-end sparkle
- Reproduces the legendary Echoplex tones of the most acclaimed players of the world
Cons
- Setting it beyond 10 o’clock will make the breakup a bit edgy.
4. Strymon EI Capistan dTape Echo Pedal
The Strymon EI Capistan tape Echo Pedal fully capitalizes on the outrageously potent SHARC DSP (Super Harvard Architecture Single-Chip Computer Digital Signal Processor) for tapping every ounce of processing capacity. As a result, the El Capistan furnishes the versatility of three separate types of tape machines in one single compact unit, each type having three exclusive modes. In addition, you have the leeway of fine-tuning ten different parameters or metrics for fully controlling tone shaping, machine fitness, and tape quality.
With the EI Capistan Echo Pedal, you can look forward to the flavorful, fresh tape sonic as well as the depleted tape’s contorted sounds. But, on the other hand, you also take optimum advantage of a wide gamut of tape experiences unachievable on a conventional tape recorder. And you get to exploit the Strymon EI Capistan Echo Pedal’s versatile features without having to worry about repair or maintenance.
It would be an excellent Echoplex clone pedal, but its price might be a tough choice. It costs twice as much as the original Echoplex we have seen in the first review. It might be a better pedal, but this quality comes at a relatively high price.
Features
- Ultra-performance DSP in a compact package
- 115dB signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio
- Accurate bypass (electromechanical relay switching)
Pros
- D/A- and 24-bit 96 kHz A/D –converters guarantees super low noise performance
- Five knobs for tone modulation and tape adjustment: Mix, Time, Wow & Flutter, Tape Age, and Repeats
- A fabulous effects pedal that simulates the effects of the original EP3 pedals
Cons
- You’ve to individually select the three heads of the fixed single-head tape echo via a second switch.
5. Wampler Faux Tape Echo V2 Pedal
As an audio engineer, if you’re looking to recreate the same tonal depth and signal path clarity on the repeats as the original, you don’t need to look any further. Wampler Faux Tape Echo V2 Pedal lets you repeatedly reproduce the depth of tone and spotless signal path exactly like the EP-3. In addition, the integration of segments on the tape tempo enables the delays to happen at ¼, 1/8, dotted 1/8, and triplet patterns.
This pedal does everything from country slap-back to ambient washes to straight-ahead rock and metal delay.
The Faux Tape Echo V2 Pedal combines an analog dry path’s invigorating warmth with the digital delay’s clarity, extensive delay times, and less noise. The Wampler V2 Pedal takes inspiration from the bestselling earlier models for providing signal-path purity and profound tone depth. At the same time, the incorporation of subdivisions such as — on the tap tempo also adds to V2’s adaptability.
Expect this Wampler Tape Echo V2 delay pedal to generate a “slapback” effect leading to the production of a smooth soundstage. Excepting the ‘delay line,’ almost all components of the signal path of this delay pedal are analog. However, thanks to the delay line being digital, you can look forward to a level of focus and clarity that bucket bridge devices (BBDs) can rarely match.
Features
- Version 2 delay guitar effects pedal from Wampler
- Handcrafted in the US
- 100% authentic bypass (soft relay switching)
- Included premium components for ensuring better-quality sound and response
Pros
- The hybrid layout offers the best of analog and digital delay pedals
- Tap tempo subdivisions enable delays to take place ¼, 18th, triplet patterns and dotted 1/8
- Signal path purity and tone depth on the repeats are almost as good as with the original Echoplex pedal
Cons
- Seasoned musicians will feel the need for a USB interface
- Expensive
6. JHS Milkman Echo Pedal
Tim Marcus of Milkman Sound joined forces with Josh Scott of JHS Pedals for developing the Milkman Echo and Boost Guitar Effects Pedal. The duo wanted to create a delay pedal capable of pairing up impeccably with the reverb and tremolo on preamps. The endeavor led to the creation of the Milkman, which tends to be a performance-driven stompbox effectively blending sparkling boost and slap delay of original Echoplex pedals.
Audio engineers and musicians can use the Milkman as a standalone pedal that provides an echo/slap delay and a boost for delivering as a consistent enhancer. On the other hand, this echo pedal from JHS works as an overdrive for amps with a small wattage. In addition, it is a user-friendly 2-in-1 echo/boost pedal with a small footprint that easily matches any discerning player’s rig.
On the pedal’s left side is the echo/slap delay control that helps replicate an analog BBD delay and tape echo hybrid. While the boost circuit on the right end of this pedal serves is a tactful amp-based circuitry offering plenty of character and power. Just set the ‘boost’ at low gain to make it function as an always-on enhancer for clarifying and fattening tone.
Features
- Echo and boost guitar effects pedal from JHS
- Fine-tuned for sounding perfect in any environment
- Distinct controls for EQ, repeat, mix, and slap
- Delay pedal for slap-back aficionados
- Compact size and pedalboard-friendly
Pros
- It comes with controls to dial in the right level of tone’s time, sound, and volume
- Boost function foot-switchable on its own
- High-quality bypass construction
Cons
- The pedal’s design makes it difficult to access the knobs with your feet
- Pretty expensive for what it offers
What’s So Special about Echoplex Pedals?
Conceptualized, designed, and created by Mike Battle in 1959, the Echoplex, universally popular as EP-3, is acclaimed for enabling guitars’ deliver well-rounded and melodic tunes. The EP-3 Echoplex tape echo machine has been an integral part of the vintage guitars and basses since the 1970s. Unfortunately, the initial EP-3 units that recorded audio on magnetic tapes later played back were bulky and expensive.
The introductory Echoplex promoted for the first time in 1961 had vacuum tubes, and its USP was the turning head. The turning or rotary head came in perfectly handy, enabling the user/operator to adjust the delay time. However, the EP-3 was highly sought-after by audio engineers, record producers, and musicians for its delay functionality and for allowing the reproduction of full-bodied and rich sounds.
Nevertheless, the solid-state version of Echoplex marketed by Maestro (and hence its name Maestro EP-3) attained peak popularity chiefly due to its noticeable upgrades such as echo, reverb, and tremolo.
Over the years, the innovative EP-3 underwent many improvements following recommendations from guitarists and musicians who wanted a more compact and user-friendly stompbox. Over time, delay pedal manufacturers came up with digital and analog-digital models (like Dunlop EP 103 and Wampler Echo V2) that effectively captured the original’s tape vintage echo effects.
The contemporary delay pedals happen to be hybrid versions capable of throwing up anything from protracted reverbs and echoes to in-your-face slapback effects.
Conclusion: The Best Echoplex Pedal Is…
In this review, we took a close look at some of the premium mini pedals and stompboxes that nearly conjure up the original EP-3’s delay effects. At the same time, these present-day delay pedals come encased in sturdy enclosures, are pedalboard-friendly, and calls for minimal maintenance.
It’s not a big surprise that our winner is the EP103 pedal from Dunlop. It’s the best Echoplex pedal available on the market at the moment. Two best-sounding Echoplex type delay pedals worth mentioning are Catalinbread Belle Epoch and Strymon EI Capistan. These are definitely two great pedals overall, but their price is rather uncomfortable for an average musician, in our opinion.