Strymon EC-1, Single Head dTape Echo Effects Pedal

Strymon EC-1 dTape Effect Pedal

Strymon EC-1 dTape Echo Pedal. Experience the dreamy sound of a classic ‘60s tape echo complete with the harmonic richness of the accompanying tube preamp. Enjoy organic and ethereal modulation produced by countless subtle mechanical imperfections, and easily dial in anything from warm slapback to expansive echo feedback beds with a strikingly gorgeous stereo image.

With beautifully-tuned low frequency response, lush tape saturation and sublime echo decay, EC-1 provides all the best of what a tube driven tape echo can deliver. Full-Featured Compact Stereo Tape Echo EC-1 offers impressive power and flexibility in a small and elegant form factor: Selectable tube-modeled preamp voices. Artifact-free tap tempo.

Discrete stereo operation for independent processing of the left and right stereo inputs. Straightforward controls and expression pedal capability. High-impedance, ultra-low noise discrete Class A JFET stereo input preamp for exceptional touch sensitivity, dynamics and feel. MIDI control of tempo, patch save/recall and more. Premium components, rugged construction and a USB jack for performing firmware updates or controlling the pedal from a computer.

Tape, Tubes, and the Best of the Best Development of EC-1 started with the groundbreaking single moving head algorithm originally developed for our El Capistan pedal, which is renowned for its lifelike reproduction of vintage tape echo. From there, we were fortunate to acquire what turned out to be a very special Echoplex EP-2, as the unit was in amazingly good condition and had been worked on by storied technician Cesar Diaz. We discovered that several purposeful and skillfully-implemented modifications had been made to the unit, including tweaks to the tube preamp for a warmer sound closer in frequency response to an EP-3.

The modifications seemed aimed at bringing the best aspects of the various vintage Echoplex models into a single unit, and the inspiring result significantly informed development of EC-1, imbuing it with a special character that is immediately nostalgic.

• Impressive power and flexibility in a small and elegant form factor.
• Two authentic preamp voicing options reproduced through meticulous tube modeling techniques.
• Our proprietary dTape system, developed for El Capistan, allows precise replication of tape echo characteristics such as tape condition, capstan slippage, the mechanical effects of motors and more.
• Record Level feature provides three unique and tailored tape saturation settings at the flip of a switch.
• Mechanics reproduces motor and mechanical component fluctuations, allowing for truly gorgeous, organic stereo modulation effects unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
• Discrete stereo operation for independent processing of the left and right inputs.
• Mono-to-Mono, Mono-to-Stereo and Stereo-to-Stereo back panel switch.
• True Stereo In and Out via TRS jacks to make connections easy.
• Full MIDI integration: save up to 300 presets, real-time parameter control and more.
• TRS MIDI/Expression pedal jack allows easy control over most pedal parameters.
• Integrated USB-C connection for firmware updates and MIDI control.
• Premium analog JFET input circuit ensures superb responsiveness.