Essential Information About the BOSS RE-2 "Space Echo" Pedal
- The legendary RE-201 tape delay recreated in a compact format, ready for the pedalboard.
- 11 head + spring reverb combinations, with dedicated control for echo and reverb.
- Modern controls: "Wow & Flutter," tap tempo, "Carryover," and "Twist" effect via external control.
- Stereo inputs/outputs, dry analog signal, or selectable Space Echo preamp coloration.
The "Space Echo" Legend in a Compact Unit
Since 1974, the Roland RE-201 has set the standard for tape delay with its three playback heads and organic spring reverb. The BOSS RE-2 condenses this heritage into the Compact series, capturing the characteristic grain, compression, and micro-modulations of the historic circuit while offering modern ergonomics. It stands as the "pedalboard-friendly" option compared to the more extensive RE-202.
Who Is It For and Which Styles?
Ideal for guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and sound designers, the RE-2 excels from rockabilly slapback to ambient textures, including dub, indie/shoegaze, and post-rock. Its ease of use makes it suitable from home studios to live stages, and its true stereo opens the door to modern setups, both solo and in dense mixes.
Features and Modern Control
The 11-mode selector combines three virtual heads with or without spring reverb. The "Repeat Rate," "Intensity," "Tone," "Echo," and "Reverb" knobs precisely shape the diffusion and tone. The "Wow & Flutter" control introduces the organic modulation typical of tape. "Carryover" allows effect tails to continue during bypass, while tap tempo facilitates live synchronization. The RE-2 accepts external footswitches and an expression pedal to control, among other things, the "Twist" effect and key parameters.
Sound
Warm, three-dimensional, and musical, the RE-2 delivers repetitions that are both smooth and present, with subtle compression and a halo of spring reverb. Depending on the "Wow & Flutter" setting, it ranges from a clean, precise delay to a singing instability close to a real tape machine. The modeled preamp adds, if needed, slight saturation and a silky midrange that helps the guitar sit in the mix while remaining responsive to playing and dynamic nuances.
Technical Specifications
Processing and Modes
- Effect type: multi-head tape echo with built-in spring reverb
- Modes: 11 head/reverb combinations
- Functions: "Wow & Flutter," tap tempo, "Carryover," "Twist" effect (via external control), selectable dry analog signal or modeled preamp
- Bypass: buffered bypass
Levels and Impedances
- Nominal input level: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: -20 dBu
- Maximum input level: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: +7 dBu
- Input impedance: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: 1 M ohm
- Nominal output level: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: -20 dBu
- Maximum output level: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: +7 dBu
- Output impedance: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: 1 k ohm
- Recommended load: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: 10 k ohms or higher
Controls and Indicators
- Knobs: MODE, REPEAT RATE, WOW & FLUTTER, INTENSITY, TONE, ECHO, REVERB
- Switches: CARRYOVER, footswitch
- Indicator: CHECK (battery check)
Connections
- Inputs: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B - 6.35 mm jacks
- Outputs: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B - 6.35 mm jacks
- CTL/EXP: 6.35 mm TRS jack
- DC IN for power adapter
Power Supply
- 9 V alkaline battery (6LR61)
- PSA series power adapter (sold separately)
- Battery life (continuous use, varies by conditions): approx. 4.5 hours
Power Consumption
- Consumption: 75 mA at 9 V DC
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
- Weight (with battery): 450 g
Included Accessories
- User manual
- Leaflet "Safe Use of the Device / Important Notes / Information"
- 9 V dry battery (6LR61)
Options (sold separately)
- Power adapter: PSA series
- Control pedals: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7
- Expression pedals: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
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