Description

Universal Audio Orion Tape Echo, $139!

The Universal Audio Orion Tape Echo is a premium tape delay pedal designed to capture the warmth and character of vintage tape echo machines. Featuring controls like Feedback, Wonk, Rec Level, and a unique Tape/Worn/Old switch, this pedal offers a wide range of tape-like delay tones with added flexibility for modern performance. The Orion Tape Echo allows musicians to dial in everything from clean, crisp echoes to heavily modulated, saturated delay effects that simulate the wear and tear of aging tape machines. It’s ideal for players looking for authentic, vintage-inspired delay sounds with modern reliability.

Key Features

  • Feedback control to adjust the number of repeats, from subtle echoes to self-oscillating feedback
  • Wonk control to introduce warble, simulating the tape modulation and pitch instability found in old, worn-out tape machines
  • Rec Level control to adjust the level of saturation and compression, emulating the overdriven sound of classic tape machines when pushed
  • Tape/Worn/Old switch to select between three levels of tape condition:
    • Tape: Clean, modern tape sound with minimal degradation
    • Worn: Adds slight tape warble and mild wear characteristics
    • Old: Heavy modulation and degradation, mimicking a heavily used, old tape machine
  • True bypass switching for preserving the integrity of your signal when the pedal is disengaged
  • Compact, durable metal chassis for portability and reliability
  • 9V DC power supply (not included)

Sound Profile
The Orion Tape Echo delivers authentic tape delay tones with warm, analog-like echoes. The Feedback control allows for everything from subtle slapback delays to endless self-oscillation, while the Rec Level adds tape-style saturation, simulating the natural compression and overdrive of a pushed tape machine. The Wonk control introduces modulation, providing everything from gentle tape flutter to intense, unstable warble. The Tape/Worn/Old switch further enhances the flexibility, allowing users to choose between cleaner, modern tape sounds or progressively more degraded, modulated echoes that capture the feel of worn-out or vintage tape machines.

Applications
This pedal is perfect for guitarists, bassists, and other musicians seeking to recreate the sound of vintage tape echo units. Its versatility makes it a great choice for genres like psychedelic rock, blues, indie, and ambient music. The Tape/Worn/Old switch allows for a wide range of creative delay effects, from subtle, smooth delays to more extreme, experimental sounds. The Wonk control and tape degradation options are particularly useful for adding texture and character to delay trails, making it ideal for live performances and studio use.

Build Quality and Aesthetic
The Universal Audio Orion Tape Echo features a robust metal chassis, built to withstand the rigors of live performances and heavy use. Its vintage-inspired design is visually appealing, with a clean, intuitive control layout. The Tape/Worn/Old switch and large, responsive knobs make it easy to fine-tune your sound in real time. The pedal’s compact size ensures it fits comfortably on any pedalboard, while its rugged construction guarantees long-term reliability.

Country of Manufacture
USA

Collectibility and Market Value
The Orion Tape Echo is valued for its ability to authentically recreate vintage tape delay sounds while offering modern features like the Tape/Worn/Old switch and Wonk control. Although not necessarily a collectible, it holds strong appeal among musicians who appreciate high-quality, vintage-style delay effects. Its modern flexibility, combined with its vintage sound and Universal Audio’s reputation, ensures that it maintains good resale value, making it a popular choice for both performers and studio musicians looking for an authentic tape echo experience.

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