Why I Keep Going Back To The Real Thing (tape echo) // TRAIN BRAIN

Why I Keep Going Back To The Real Thing (tape echo)

I’ve been obsessed with tape echo for over a decade — and it all started with one sound on a digital delay.
In this video, I’m breaking down how real tape echo works, why it’s still relevant, and showing you the three units I actually use in my studio: the Multivox MX201, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo, and the modern Echo Fix EFX3.
Whether you’re into vintage gear, chasing lo-fi texture, or just curious about what makes these machines so special, this is your Tape Echo 101.
⸻
? Tape echos featured in this video: [affiliate links]
Multivox MX-201
→ https://tidd.ly/3Ut4f8R
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
→ https://tidd.ly/46kMGz8
Echo Fix EF-X3 Chorus Echo
→ https://tidd.ly/3TYDTvn
? Some of my favorite tape echo pedals: [affiliate links]
Strymon Volante
→ https://tidd.ly/3TVoufe
Boss RE-202
→ https://tidd.ly/3UrJBG7
Boss RE-2
→ https://tidd.ly/451cbTJ
Strymon El Capistan V2
→ https://tidd.ly/4f30Irj
Catalinbread Belle Epoch
→ https://tidd.ly/3GGGOWF
⚙️ Other gear I used today: [affiliate link]
Synergy SYN20 IR Amp Head
→ https://tidd.ly/3GEcADG
Synergy Tone King Imperial MKII Preamp Module
→ https://tidd.ly/3Uy1CTa
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
→ https://tidd.ly/44O6eLb
Gretsch G6128T-GH George Harrison Signature Duo Jet
→ https://tidd.ly/46ryrbU
Shabat Lynx Mary Kaye S-Type
→ https://tidd.ly/44Nev1Y
Go watch the amazing @jhspedals video about the history of tape echo here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bja7B3uR6QI&t=188s
? My guitar courses:
https://rhettshullguitarcourses.com/l/products
? Listen to my music:
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/artist/5llKYgJlzPpMaDPmuATus5
Apple → https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rhett-shull/990499912
?️ My podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@DippedInTone
⸻
Thanks to @Reverb for sponsoring this one — and thanks to you for watching.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro Jam
1:22 Thanks to Reverb
2:20 House(ish) Jam with the Echo Fix
2:59 How tape works
5:50 How Tape Echo Works
13:19 this machine has a flaw
15:29 an ambient jam with Digitakt and Echo Fix
18:04 the RE-201 Space Echo
21:05 Tape echo as overdrive
23:38 The Echo Fix EF-X3
25:17 Sound on Sound looping is amazing
28:30 Outro

Rhett Shull

Gear reviews, how to, lessons and vlogs from Atlanta/Nashville based guitarist Rhett Shull. Subscribe to stay up to date on everything happening in Rhett's musical endeavors....

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