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About the Roland SPACE ECHO RE-201
The Roland SPACE ECHO RE-201 is a reverb-equipped tape echo that debuted in 1974.
About the Configuration of the Tape Echo/Reverb
The tape echo section features an erase head, record head, and three playback heads
arranged sequentially at equal intervals, such that a sound is played back three times
at equal intervals.
The three playback heads are switched with the MODE SELECTOR knob, making it
possible to create different variations (patterns) of echo intervals.
The reverb section is equipped with a spring reverb. The reverb signal path is
connected in parallel to the tape echo section.
Changing of the Echo Sound’s Pitch When
REPEAT RATE is Changed
Turning the REPEAT RATE knob to the right (clockwise) gradually increases the tape
speed. As this happens, sounds are played back more closely together, and the pitch
begins to rise.
Simultaneously, the density of the sounds during recording gradually decreases, so
when those sounds reach the playback heads, the pitches that were raised then begin
to fall.
Oscillation in the Tape Speed
Even without any change in the REPEAT RATE knob setting, the tape speed is always
changing slightly due to the resistance from mechanical friction, tape slippage, and
other factors.
This creates oscillations in the pitch of each of the three echo sounds, automatically
producing the RE-201’s characteristic chorus effect.
About the Change in Sound Quality with Magnetic Saturation
Due to magnetic saturation, recording to and playing back from tape produces a sense
of compression in the sound, giving it a characteristic warmth that is unique to tape.
In addition, the sonic quality of playback and recording also changes with the change
in tape speed.
About the Reverb
The RE-201’s reverb section includes three springs arranged in a “Z” formation. The
vibration of each spring influences the motion of the others to produce the reverb’s
characteristic sound.
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