Strymon EC-1 Tape Echo Pedal

The Strymon EC-1 Tape Echo Pedal delivers the unmistakable warmth, depth, and organic modulation of a vintage tape echo, refined with modern precision. Inspired by the legendary Echoplex EP-2, this tube-driven tape echo recreates the sonic characteristics of classic analog delay units, from crisp slapback to lush, evolving repeats. Designed for stereo operation, the EC-1 is a high-fidelity echo pedal that brings the magic of real tape mechanics into a compact, road-ready format—perfect for both studio and live performance.

Vintage Tape Echo, Refined for the Modern Guitarist

Developed from Strymon’s acclaimed dTape technology, the EC-1 faithfully reproduces the nuances of classic tape echo sound, including subtle mechanical imperfections, tape saturation, and the dynamic response of an analog tape echo machine. With a carefully modeled tube preamp section, selectable stereo delay pedal configurations, and artifact-free tap tempo, this pedal brings the warm analog delay of vintage tape units into the modern era.

Key Features

• Authentic Tape Echo Pedal – Powered by Strymon’s dTape technology for a lifelike analog tape echo experience.
• Dual Tube-Driven Preamp Modes – Choose between bright and articulate or warm and balanced tonal shaping.
• Selectable Tape Saturation – Adjust record level for everything from clean delays to overdriven, compressed echoes.
• True Stereo Tape Echo – Independent stereo processing with multiple routing options.
• MIDI & Expression Control – Full integration for tempo, parameter recall, and real-time expression control.
• Tap Tempo with No Artifacts – Seamlessly set tempos without unwanted pitch shifts.
• High-Fidelity Echo Pedal Components – Premium JFET analog front end, 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA conversion, and 32-bit floating-point processing.

Authentic Tube-Driven Preamp

The EC-1 features two Echoplex EP-2 inspired preamp voicings:

• Bright & Articulate – Adds high-end clarity, perfect for warming up darker pickups.
• Warm & Balanced – A richer, fuller response, enhancing midrange depth and single-coil dynamics.

Each preamp mode provides an optional +6dB boost or can be bypassed for pure guitar delay pedal functionality.

True Tape Saturation & Analog Warmth

Using Strymon’s dTape system, the EC-1 replicates every aspect of a vintage tape echo, from tape age and wear to capstan slippage and bias adjustments. The Record Level control allows players to shape the echo’s tonal response, from pristine repeats to overdriven, compressed echoes.

Stereo Delay Pedal with Flexible Routing

The EC-1 is designed as a stereo tape echo, featuring discrete stereo processing for enhanced spatial depth. Routing options include:

• Mono In – Mono Out
• Mono In – Stereo Out
• Stereo In – Stereo Out (via TRS connections)

This guitar effects pedal integrates seamlessly into mono or stereo setups, offering unmatched flexibility.

Artifact-Free Tap Tempo for Precision Performance

Unlike traditional tape delay pedals, the EC-1 allows players to adjust tempo without pitch shifts, clicks, or dropouts. Tempo changes are smooth and accurate, ensuring rhythmic precision in any setting. The Time knob enables tap division settings, allowing for triplet, eighth, dotted eighth, or quarter-note resolution.

Technical Specifications

Audio Quality:

• 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A conversion
• 32-bit floating-point processing
• 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 116dB

Connections & Controls:

• High-impedance, ultra-low noise JFET stereo input
• Low-impedance stereo TRS output
• MIDI & USB connectivity for firmware updates and external control
• Expression pedal input for assignable parameter modulation

Build & Power:

• Compact, lightweight anodized aluminum chassis
• 9V DC center-negative power (250mA minimum, adapter not included)
• Dimensions: 4.6" x 2.7" x 2.5" (11.7 cm x 6.9 cm x 6.4 cm)
• Designed and built in the USA