The legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo, which captivated musicians for over 14 years from 1974, has been faithfully recreated in the compact BOSS RE-2 pedal format. This tape-based echo unit became one of the most coveted effects in music history, renowned for its distinctive rhythmic echoes, warm magnetic tape character, and unique sonic quirks that continue to inspire artists decades later. BOSS engineers have now made this iconic sound accessible to modern pedalboards through intensive research and development.
The original RE-201 set the standard for tape-based delays with its three evenly spaced tape heads and built-in spring reverb tank. Its appealing sound came from multiple factors including warm tape saturation, motor speed fluctuations, friction-induced modulation, and analogue preamp circuitry. BOSS meticulously analysed several vintage RE-201 units, including a pristine factory archive model, to recreate every complex behaviour that contributes to the Space Echo’s immortal character through all-new algorithms.
The RE-2 packs the complete RE-201 experience into the classic BOSS compact format, featuring an 11-position mode selector for different virtual tape head combinations with or without spring reverb. Independent level controls allow precise echo and reverb balancing, while the Wow & Flutter control adds essential natural modulation characteristics. Modern enhancements include doubled delay time, tap tempo support, the creative Twist function for special effects, and the choice between the original RE-201 preamp tone or clean unprocessed signal.
Additional contemporary features include full stereo input and output, dry signal muting for parallel setups, and expanded control options via external footswitches or expression pedals. The RE-2 maintains all the authentic behaviours of the original, from gradual pitch changes during Repeat Rate adjustments to the characteristic runaway feedback when pushing the Intensity control to maximum.
- Authentic sound and behaviour of the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo in a BOSS compact pedal
- Classic multi-head tape echo sound with expanded delay time
- Original three-head configuration and 11 different sound combinations
- Vintage RE-201 spring reverb sound with modern stereo operation
- Wow & Flutter control for introducing varying levels of natural tape modulation
- Twist effect with footswitch control
- Select between the unprocessed analog dry signal or the modelled sound of the original Space Echo preamp
- Tap tempo and carryover functions
- True stereo input and output
- Expandable control via external footswitches or an expression pedal