Boss RE-202

The return of a masterpiece to modern times

Since 1974, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo has been one of the most legendary and sought-after effects units around. Produced for 14 years straight, the analog tape echo classic has inspired musicians, producers and sound engineers for decades with its rhythmic, warm echo sounds and distinctive, highly musical quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Thanks to intensive development work and new innovations, the RE-202 delivers the original Space Echo sound more authentically than any other device before it. Developed by the maker of the original, the modern pedal captures the magic of RE-201 down to the last detail - from the magnetic tape and motor to the dynamic spring reverb and tone-coloring preamp circuitry. To further enhance the classic Space Echo experience and adapt it to modern music, we've added a host of new features to the RE-202.

The magic of tape echo

Tape echo (tape echo) was the first delay effect and was among the first effects processors for electronic musicians. Unlike today's CPU-based tape echoes, it is a comparatively simple technical device that uses a motor to pull a tape across one or more recording and playback heads. The warm, full and dynamic tape echo sound is influenced by many factors. The constantly varying input level means that the amount of tape saturation and compression is also constantly changing. In addition, variations in motor speed, friction, wow, flutter and other elements create an interesting and subtle modulated sound character that never sounds the same.

RE-201 Space Echo: Simply Legendary

The RE-201 was a milestone for Roland and was one of the best tape echoes of its time. It featured three equally spaced tone heads that delivered a variety of echo effects. It also featured an innovative free-running tape system that offered top-notch performance with minimal tape wear. Controls on the unit provided quick access to clean single delays or different tone head combinations for dense, rhythmic echo effects. With the spring reverb tank also integrated, the RE-201 also delivered high-quality ambience effects. The final crucial ingredient for the Space Echo's sonic diversity was the analog preamp circuitry.

The rebirth of a masterpiece

The RE-202 is the result of cutting-edge technologies as well as extensive analysis of several RE-201 vintage units, including an original unit from the archives of BOSS and Roland. In this way, the RE-202 brings the true Space Echo experience to life in a flexible, modern pedal. Already in the past, BOSS has captured the sound and essential characteristics of Space Echo close to the original. Now, through new technological developments, we've managed to delve even deeper into the sonic magic. With the RE-202, our designers have captured in full detail the complex, non-linear behavior of the RE-201 that directly contributed to its legendary status. All factors affecting the sound have been meticulously studied and recreated with entirely new algorithms - including tape run, record/playback mechanism, variations in motor run speed, coloration from the preamp, magnetic tape wear, spring reverb character, and much more.

Retro sound at your fingertips

The RE-202 offers the full vintage vibe of the RE-201 - without the magnetic tape replacement and hardware maintenance that was a regular occurrence with the original. The central controls of the original have been carried over, including the signature 12-mode selector switch. Every behavior is recreated in great detail, such as the gradual change in pitch when the Repeat Rate knob is turned, or the great, uncontrolled feedback when the Intensity knob is turned all the way up. The adjustable Band Age and the different controls let you create a wide range - from the brand new Space Echo to the typical sound of a worn vintage unit with all its beloved quirks. The saturation control has been calibrated based on the RE-201's actual magnetic tape and preamp behavior. The more you turn up the knob, the warmer and more compressed the sound becomes. In addition, the Wow & Flutter knob lets you create all the natural modulations that are essential to the original Space Echo sound.

Advanced Sound

The RE-202 includes many new features to adapt Space Echo to the needs of modern musicians. In addition to a doubled delay time, the pedal has a fourth virtual tone head that allows for five additional sound combinations. There is even an echo type where the spacing between the heads changes. An effect that was not possible with the original hardware. Unlike the RE-201, the RE-202 has true stereo inputs and outputs, as well as switchable modes for guitar or line-level devices. For the dry sound, you can choose between the warm and fat preamp of the RE-201 or a clean signal without any processing. The RE-202 offers a stereo version of the original RE-201 spring reverb. Even more flexibility is offered by the reverb, plate, room and ambience modes. You can also use the expressive Warp and Twist effects to take your sound to sonic new heights with just the click of a foot while playing.

Advanced controls

The heart of the RE-202 beats in vintage time. At the same time, it offers all the features you'd expect from a modern delay pedal. In addition to the four built-in memory locations for storing and recalling your sound favorites, you can access 123 additional memory locations via MIDI Program Change. Tap tempo is available as well as adjustable carryover behavior when switching memory locations. For parallel effect setups and studio use of RE-202, you can even mute the dry signal completely. Extensive control options are available via external footswitches, an expression pedal and MIDI, including simultaneous control of multiple parameters in real time.

Features:

• Authentic recreation of the sound and effect behavior from the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo.
• Classic tape echo sound with extended delay time
• Original configuration with three reverb heads and additional tone head for 12 unique echo combinations
• Independent stereo reverb section with original spring reverb plus reverb, plate, room and ambience
• Saturation controls for controlling magnetic tape compression and preamp coloration
• Wow & Flutter control for individually adding natural tape modulation
• Tape state selection: new and old
• Selectable input modes for optimal processing of instruments and line-level equipment
• Warp and twist effects, controllable via footswitches
• Choose between unprocessed analog signal or the processed sound from the original Space Echo preamp
• Four integrated memory locations plus current knob positions on the control surface
• Save and recall 127 memory locations via external MIDI program change messages
• Tap tempo and carryover function
• Physical stereo inputs and outputs
• Expandable control via external footswitches, expression pedal or MIDI
• Dimensions: 192 x 133 x 52 mm
• Weight: 860 g

Specs:

• Color: Black
• Effect Type: Delay
• Mono/Stereo: 2x IN / 2x OUT (Mono/Stereo)
• Type: digital Effects Processor
• Theme: Guitars and Basses

Instruction manual / Safety instructions:

• Manual (1.08 MB)

Further links:

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