Back to navigation


Resurrected Iconic Drum Echo ? in Pedal Form





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





The old Binson Echorecs were amazing (originally tube-powered) drum echo machines that made it possible to achieve stunning timed delays of up to 300ms. Dr. Bonfiglio Bini produced well-built, thoughtfully designed mechanisms with beautifully musical output ? even running without the delay engaged would enhance any guitar's tone. But touring was always a sketchy proposition with the fragile vintage machines. So at Sweetwater, we're glad to see that Catalinbread has given new life to Dr. Bini's invention in the form of the Catalinbread Echorec Binson-style Delay pedal. The Echorec delivers a digital replication of the original's 4-head functionality, plus variable timing by way of the Delay Time control ? something that wasn't possible with the Binson machine. You can access all 12 head configurations via the Program Select knob; you also get feedback control with the Swell knob, timbre options via the Tone knob, and a Mix control that's variable from 100% dry to 100% wet.





Intelligent design, then and now





Dr. Bini's early drum echo machine was high-tech in its time and remains a work of art. It was used extensively by psychedelic and rock artists from the 1950s through the 1970s to achieve mysterious swelling echoes and syncopated rhythmic patterns of repeated notes without tape artifacts (like "wow" and flutter). The Echorec's remarkable blend of aesthetic appeal and functional electronics have made it a favorite among collectors and players alike. It gives you all 12 combinations of playback "head" positions (on the original, not all 12 combinations were available for use), and all the function controls are positioned topside for easy manipulation. The Echorec's massive functionality is packaged with unique, attractive graphics (like all Catalinbread pedals) on a durable metal chassis with a high-quality footswitch, for long-lasting, satisfying ownership and performance.





Precise control provides creative freedom





The up-front control knobs are not the only dynamic features of the Catalinbread Echorec Binson-style Delay Pedal. The unit's discrete two-transistor preamp driver circuit adds oomph and lively intensity to your guitar tone, with no buffers. Remove the rear panel and you'll also find an internal trim pot for setting the global gain level, a true-bypass/buffer ("Trails" mode) slider switch, and trim control over the modulation. This all adds up to a robust structure with enough control to catalyze creativity without cramping your style.





Catalinbread: gear that makes you want to play





The self-avowed gearheads at Catalinbread focus on making musical devices they want to use ? "gear that gets us excited and inspires us to play." The result of that authentic focus and unwavering integrity is the type of innovation that isn't market-driven; Catalinbread creates its own market for products players love, whether overdrive, delay/reverb, fuzz/distortion, or tremolo/modulation pedals (many of which are available at Sweetwater). The Echorec is a great example of Catalinbread's exciting, inspiring innovation.





Catalinbread Echorec Binson-style Delay Pedal:


Pedalboard-friendly digital reproduction of the Binson Echorec drum delay machine


Access to all 12 playback "head" combinations for creative freedom that vintage units didn't provide


Swell, Tone, Delay Time, Mix, and Program Select controls mounted topside for easy manipulation


Variable delay timing ? from 40-1,000ms ? for endless musical echo options


Beautiful graphics are unique and visually appealing


All-metal chassis and rugged footswitch are built to last, even on tour


Powered by 9V-18V power supply (not included)


Made in the USA