• Incredible character & versatility

  
  As reviewed by Joel Melton on 12/21/2011

  First things first, its important to understand that the RE-20 Space Echo is digital recreation of the original analogue tape-based echo machine that attempts to stay as true to the original as possible in format (notwithstanding the cool updates like the tap switch). With this in mind, you won't find some of features you might expect from other digital delays in this price range, such as the ability to save presets, models of other delay types, etc. However, what you will find is a very impressive and deep recreation of a tape delay echo + spring reverb. Far from being a one trick pony, the RE-20 is a tweekers dream with only the controls you actually need laid out in a logical and easily understandable fashion. The experience is highly organic and interactive allowing you to shape the echos to your liking with simple EQ, tempo, volume, intensity, and so on. And if you are already accustomed to working with analogue delays you will feel right at home with the RE-20, and honestly you will forget relatively quickly that you are working with a digital pedal and not an analogue creation. Not only does it sound beautiful and warm (I have used on both guitar and keys), but it responds to your interaction in a very satisfying and believable way. If you are looking for a delay/echo that is straightforward with always predictable results, the RE-20 may not be the perfect fit for you. However, if your imagination feels limited by a lot of the stale and uninspired delays out there, you will find the Space Echo to be a play ground for experimentation and expression, able to take you into chaos and wrapped goodness should you have the inclination. Because this is a Boss Pedal, you know its made to use and last. You would be hard pressed to find a more solid, rugged housing for a pedal of this nature. Easily the coolest pedal I own and the most fun to use.

  1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
  Was this review helpful?
  Thank You for rating this review!

• Feels Reel

  
  As reviewed by Scott Payer on 8/27/2007

  I?m limited to 1000 Characters and I have so much more to say about this pedal. The Echo is wonderful. When adjusting the rate of the echo, the audio signal ramps up or down to simulate the real mechanical bits behind the original Roland and the signal pitch wavers and changes while it is catching up. When I close my eyes while playing, the echoes seem warm and it?s easier to get to that place I?m looking for. I?ve never experienced anything quite like it with other delays. You can use an expression pedal to control four different parameters. One of the four is a ?Twist? which makes the oscillation rate ramp up like mad as you put the tow down. (A wall of high pitched noise which you can then back off of.) Anyway, While I hate to spend the full price on a pedal like this, I have been waiting for years to find a more natural electronic echo and this is it. I LOVE this freakin? pedal.

  88 of 99 people found this review helpful.
  Was this review helpful?
  Thank You for rating this review!

• Awash in echo

  
  As reviewed by Chris Veon on 5/5/2008

  I would like to commend Boss on recreating a wonderful vintage pedal in an affordable package. I have played space echos, and I have played echoplexes. They sound great, but at this time they are priced out of my range. I have been searching for a truly flexible warm sounding echo/delay, and I have finally found it. Let your ears guide you, and you will find everything from quick slapback, to chorus, to spaced out mayhem. If you understand how the playback heads function in the original effect, then you will not have any trouble dialing in exactly what you want, but the real joy lies in just plugging in and spinning the dials. I love the fact that Boss modeled all of the functionality of the original. My only complaint is that the alternating light seems to suck the life out of batteries very quickly. I am dying to try this in conjuction with the expression pedal for live settings.

  8 of 9 people found this review helpful.
  Was this review helpful?
  Thank You for rating this review!

You must be logged in to write a review. Please click here to login.