Discover the Strymon EC-1: A new Era in Tape Echo Pedals
Infused with the legendary touch of Cesar Diaz, the Strymon EC-1 Single Head dTape Echo pedal is here to captivate guitarists. Diaz, renowned for shaping the sounds of iconic musicians like Stevie ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards, has left an indelible mark on this latest addition to Strymon’s esteemed effects pedal lineup.
From Concept to Creation
The journey of the EC-1 began with Strymon’s ambition to create a single-head tape echo pedal, leveraging the acclaimed dTape algorithm that powers their El Capistan stompbox. However, the project took an intriguing twist when strymon’s CEO and analog circuit expert, Gregg Stock, decided to delve into the preamp of a classic tube EP-2 Echoplex.
“I acquired an original Echoplex EP-2 to kick off the project,” Stock recalls. “It arrived in immaculate condition and produced an remarkable sound.”
Uncovering the Modifications
Upon inspection, Stock discovered that the unit had undergone significant modifications by Diaz. “His enhancements combined the finest qualities of both tube and solid-state Echoplexes into a single unit,” he explains. “We dedicated considerable time to replicating its unique behavior.”
Pete Celi, co-founder of Strymon and a digital signal processing expert, noted that the EP-2’s clarity and mechanical stability allowed for more pronounced nuances, particularly the capstan-induced variations that broaden the echo spectrum.
Innovative Features of the EC-1
with their newfound insights, Strymon has integrated advanced features into the EC-1 Single Head dTape Echo pedal.It offers two models of the EP-2’s tube preamp with adjustable gain, alongside a three-position Record Level switch for enhanced gain control. The pedal also boasts a glitchless tap tempo,enabling users to set tempos without introducing tape artifacts. Additionally, the Tape Age and Mechanics controls allow for fine-tuning of various internal parameters, ensuring authentic tape behavior across all settings.
Celi emphasizes, “Setting the Mechanics control around 1 p.m. delivers an incredibly accurate representation of that iconic EP-2 unit, complete with a high-speed flutter that enriches the echoes.”
True Stereo Processing
The EC-1 is designed as a true stereo pedal, featuring TRS stereo inputs and outputs that independently process left and right signals, providing versatility in the signal chain. Other notable features include comprehensive MIDI implementation, TRS MIDI, a rear-panel audio routing switch, USB-C connectivity, and an notable 300 presets.
Availability and Pricing
The Strymon EC-1 is now available for purchase directly from Strymon and authorized dealers worldwide, priced at $279 USD. For further details and audio samples, check out Strymon’s official website and their YouTube channel.
Part of a Legacy
The EC-1 joins an impressive array of pedals from Strymon, including the NightSky reverb, Iridium Amp and IR Cab pedal, and the Compadre Dual-voice Compressor and Boost, solidifying Strymon’s reputation as a leader in the effects pedal market.