A faithful software recreation of the Binson Echorec2 analog delay, praised for its dreamy, psychedelic character and distinctive unpredictability.
Purpose and Character
The ERS EchORek2 is a plug-in designed to emulate the sound of the classic Binson Echorec2 delay unit. This hardware device became famous through early Pink Floyd recordings, prized for its ability to add a dreamlike and psychedelic quality to music. The plug-in aims to capture that unique sound and its gentle unpredictability.
Developed from careful study of the original schematics, the recreation seeks to leave nothing to be desired compared to the hardware. It serves musicians and producers who want to incorporate a well-known analog delay flavor into their work, offering a distinctive alternative to more conventional delay effects.
Core Audio Controls
The plug-in provides hands-on control over the input and delay volume levels, letting users shape the balance between dry and delayed signals. A dedicated tone control shapes the character of the delayed sound, allowing darker or brighter repeats. The tube emulation in both the input and post-delay sections adds warmth and harmonic coloration.
A delay selector determines different delay times and patterns, covering everything from short slapback echoes to longer, sweeping delays. The unit can reach characteristic auto-oscillation, a welcome feature for those seeking experimental sounds. These controls mirror the original hardware’s functionality while adapting it for modern use.
Enhanced Flexibility and Workflow
Unlike the original hardware, the plug-in adds three channel selector knobs that enable stereo crossing effects. This unique software-only feature allows for creative spatial movement, where delayed signals can cross between the left and right channels. This expands the sonic palette beyond the hardware’s mono capabilities, offering new creative options.
Delay timings can be synchronized to the host’s tempo or set to a specific BPM chosen by the user. This ensures rhythmic precision when working on tracks with a fixed tempo. The combination of hardware-style controls with these flexible timing options makes it easy to integrate into various production workflows.
Practical Applications
This delay excels in genres that benefit from lush, dreamy spaces, such as psychedelic rock, ambient, and shoegaze. It can add depth to guitars, vocals, and synthesizers, creating atmospheric textures. The stereo crossing feature is particularly useful for widening mono sources or creating evolving stereo effects.
Its ability to self-oscillate makes it a tool for sound design and transitions, generating swooping feedback washes. The tempo-sync feature allows for rhythmic delay repetitions in electronic music, while the tonal controls can shape delays to sit naturally in a mix. It is a versatile effect for both subtle enhancement and bold experimentation.
Key features
- Careful reproduction of the original Binson Echorec2 schematics
- Input and delay volume controls for dry/wet balance
- Tone control for the delayed signal
- Delay selector for multiple delay times and patterns
- Tube emulation in input and post-delay sections
- Three channel selector knobs for stereo crossing effects
- Delay timing adjustable to host BPM or a custom BPM
Best for
This plugin is ideal for musicians and producers seeking a classic analog delay sound for psychedelic rock, ambient textures, or creative sound design. Its tape-like repeats and ability to self-oscillate make it a valuable tool for adding dreamy, unpredictable depth to guitars, synths, and vocals.