Strymon MAGNETO ECHO LOOPER EURORACK

Essential Information About the Strymon Magneto Synthesizer

• Stereo Tape Echo Eurorack Module inspired by the dTape, featuring 4 playback heads and 1 recording head for rich, lively, and modulatable delays.
• 3 Modes in One Module: echo (with inversion), looper, and phrase sampler, ranging from musical delay to experimental sound design.
• Comprehensive CV Control (transport, speed, clock, Tap CV, etc.) to integrate Magneto at the heart of a performance-oriented modular system.
• Pure Analog Signal Path and high-end processing via SHARC processor (Analog Devices), with an independent spring reverb.

A Milestone for Strymon: Entering Eurorack

Introduced at NAMM 2018, the Strymon Magneto marks the brand's entry into the Eurorack world with an ambitious proposal: to recreate the character of a stereo tape echo while opening it up to modular logic (clock, modulation, real-time play). Whereas a classic delay merely repeats, Magneto behaves like a living machine, with its "transport," tape behaviors, and a performance-focused approach.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?

Magneto is aimed at advanced to expert Eurorack musicians, producers, and live performers seeking a stereo delay that becomes an instrument. It excels in techno, ambient, electro, synthwave, dub, and sound design for film music, thanks to its looper/sampler capabilities, pitch control, clock synchronization, and self-oscillation. In the studio, it adds depth and movement; on stage, its transport controls (buttons and CV) transform every patch into a musical gesture.

Features and Innovations

At the core of Magneto is a stereo tape echo simulation based on the proprietary dTape algorithm, with four playback heads and one recording head, enabling the construction of rhythmic patterns, complex ping-pongs, or textured soundscapes. The module offers 3 operating modes: echo with inversion, looper, and phrase sampler. The Varispeed algorithm (8:1 range) allows very musical speed variations, up to a Stop/Start effect, with a maximum delay/loop time of 15 seconds at maximum speed, and up to two minutes at minimum speed, while the minimum delay time drops to 200 microseconds at maximum speed. Parameters dedicated to "mechanical behavior" (tape age/wear, machine condition, wow and flutter, low-cut filter) and repetitions (up to self-oscillation) provide that typical organic grain, from clean delay to saturation. For live play, the transport controls (and their CV inputs) notably include Infinite to freeze a moment or use Magneto as an oscillator, as well as Restart with dedicated CV input. Advanced functions complement the modular approach: pitch quantization, Shift mode for rhythmically pitched delays, 15 scales, control over playback head levels, and individual feedback assignment per head. Stereo is carefully managed with 3 panning options (left/right/left/right, left/right/right/left, and a customizable Center). Finally, synchronization is designed for clocked systems: CV clock inputs/outputs with phase alignment (50 ms to 15 s), Tap Tempo (50 ms to 15 s), and Tap CV (10 ms to 15 s). An independent spring reverb and a self-oscillating sound generator further expand the palette.

Technical Specifications

Engine and Processing

• Tape echo simulation based on proprietary dTape algorithm
• 4 playback heads + 1 recording head
• 3 operating modes: echo with inversion, looper, phrase sampler
• Fully analog untreated signal path
• SHARC processor (Analog Devices) for processing
• Sampling frequency: 96 kHz

Time, Speed, and Synchronization

• Varispeed algorithm: speed range 8:1 with Stop/Start effect
• Maximum delay/loop time: 15 seconds at maximum speed, two minutes at minimum speed
• Minimum delay time: 200 microseconds at maximum speed
• CV clock inputs/outputs with phase alignment and synchronization: range between 50 ms and 15 s
• Tap Tempo: time range between 50 ms and 15 s
• Tap CV: time range between 10 ms and 15 s

Creative Controls

• Control over mechanical aspects: machine condition, tape age/wear, wow and flutter
• Low-cut filter
• Repetitions up to self-oscillation
• Transport controls (buttons + CV inputs) for real-time operation
• Infinite function (event capture / use as oscillator)
• Restart function + dedicated CV input
• Speed control + CV input
• Pitch quantization mode
• Shift mode for rhythmically pitched delays
• 15 selectable scales
• Playback head level control
• Individual feedback assignment to heads independently from playback level
• Sound generator with self-oscillation
• Independent spring reverb
• Recording input level: from clean sounds up to saturation

Stereo, I/O, and Eurorack Integration

• 3 stereo panning options: left/right/left/right, left/right/right/left, customizable Center
• 2 left/right inputs and outputs
• Send and return
• Clock: 1 input and 4 outputs

Format

• Width: 28 HP
• Depth: 41 mm