Gearank

Gearank Recommendation

The EP103 Echoplex appeared on our recommended list for Digital Delay Pedals from September 2019 until November 2020.

Overview

The Dunlop EP103 Echoplex is an attempt to recreate a vintage delay called the Echoplex.

The Echoplex itself has attained legendary status for its usage in many landmark albums by bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Queen. Unfortunately, vintage Echoplex units were also very sensitive and prone to malfunction.

The EP103 is a digital reproduction of those vintage units by Dunlop which has a distinctly warm tone.

The “age mode” switch adds more high frequency roll off and simulated tape wow and flutter. It also reproduces the gradual trailing off of a tape delay which compresses the tone as the repetitions continue. The mode also simulates the degradation of tape, so as you turn the volume knob up (when age mode is engaged) the tone gradually gets darker.

While the pedal is true bypass, it gives you the option to change the bypass configuration so that the repetitions gradually trail off.

The pedal also comes with tap tempo, stereo mode, and “wet mode” which removes your dry signal.

While the tone of the unit is a good approximation of the original Echoplex, Jim Dunlop also sells a preamp pedal which further models the tone of the Echoplex. You don’t really need this to get a good tone, but if you’re looking for the true Echoplex sound it might be worth considering. With that being said, expect to spend at least $120 on the preamp. This brings the total price up to somewhere in the neighborhood of $300, which still isn’t a terrible deal considering that the original echoplex can cost as much as $1,500.

If you need a pedal to take you back to the 60s and 70s, the EP103 is definitely a trip.

Specifications

• Controls: Sustain, Volume, Delay, Age
• Delay Time: 750ms stock, 4000ms with tap tempo switch (sold separately)
• Switching: True Bypass and Buffered Bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Adapter

Demo