images via this auction. This one was new old stock with a BIN of $1295."The Roland RE-201, commonly known as the Space Echo, is an audio analog delay effects unit.
A tape echo device records incoming audio to a loop of magnetic tape, then replays the audio over a series of several playback heads before it is erased again by new incoming audio. The tape used in the RE-201 is the standard 1/4" tape of the open-reel variety, but made as one, continuous loop. In the Roland 'RE' range there are no reels of any kind, the tape is transported via a capstan drive. The tape loop is contained in a loose, constantly moving jumble in the tape chamber (also known as the tape tank) under a plastic panel which protects the tape and keeps it from getting tangled. The repacement tapes were known as Roland RT-1L replacement tape loops and sold by Roland.[1]
There are several control dials on the device that alter such aspects as tape speed, repeat pattern (an 11-position rotary switch), one instrument and two microphone inputs, a single analog backlit VU meter for all three inputs, wet/dry mix for both echo and reverb, and intensity (number of repeats; in a sense, it actually reduces how much the erase/record head erases the tape), that can be adjusted to a user's liking; and bass/treble controls to EQ the sound, as well as dry and effected "Echo" output jacks with a switch for output setting (-10, -20, -35db levels.)
Used as a delay/echo, the Roland RE-201 is said to produce an unpredictable delay that is warm and gritty sounding. It is also capable of producing a large variety of its own sound effects, even without an input signal (by turning the intensity control to maximum and allowing the unit to self-regenerate, or self-oscillate, while manipulating the tape speed and other controls).The Roland RE-201 was used by musicians like David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) and Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne).
Despite its age, the Roland RE-201 is widely sought after, and still used by many bands to this day, notably in the experimental work of Radiohead, and the rockabilly stylings of Brian Setzer, the latter using one recently to get the slapback sound sought after for rockabilly and such styles of music"
new old stock of these is very cool no doubt, keep in mind that the Boss RE-20 is at hand, it gives everything of the RE-201 but the tape noise (some people NEED tape noise though hehe)
ReplyDeleteBoss RE-20 is to Roland RE-201 as Roland Juno-G is to Roland Juno-106.
ReplyDeleteI agree the company has an unfortunate tactic of using names and numbers of classics on weak new items but in this case I think the RC 20 does OK (especially given the big price difference).
ReplyDeleteDude...why the hell spend over 1200$ on that thing when you can have a Fulltone TTE for 1100$, with a far superior power supply and that it's actually brand new...NOT gathering dust in it's circuit for 35 years.
ReplyDeleteMy own .02
Why spend $1200? Record while inside an empty dumpster.
ReplyDeletewhy record?
ReplyDeletejust go stand around in a dumpster
mr array. The Boss RE-20 attempts to emulate the RE-201, while the Juno-G is not intended to be an emulation of the 106, but just borrows the color scheme and name. I don't think the analogy works.
ReplyDeleteYou could also argue that the Juno-G tries to emulate some of the 106's timbres with some of its synth presets. It doesn't change the fact that they are in the habit of whoring out their old gear in a way that is deceptive and exploitative of people who are new to synths. I.e. they look at names that are popular on synth forums and then brand their new products accordingly, regardless of how dissimilar they may be to the original.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I would love for someone to post comparison clips between the 20 and 201.
As long as we're making analogies, I drive an 88 Lincoln Town Car that is bigger, more solid and leagues cooler than the ones built today, but Lincoln still calls their new Town Cars a "Town Car". To me they just look like a pimped out police cruiser. If they're still making them 10 years from now they'll probably look like a Honda Accord.
ReplyDeleteThe times they are a changin'!
"It doesn't change the fact that they are in the habit of whoring out their old gear in a way that is deceptive and exploitative of people who are new to synths"
ReplyDeleteAgreed. One day I hope they actually make REAL reproduction analogs. I'd love a shiny new Jupe. Actually, I'd take a banged up old one for that matter.