Gearank Recommendation
The El Capistan dTape appeared on our recommended list for Digital Delay Pedals from September 2019 until October 2021 when it was out-ranked by 3 other Strymon pedals: Volante Magnetic Echo Machine, TimeLine Multidimensional and DIG Dual.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Premier Guitar | Jordan Wagner | 100/100 |
| Tone Report | David A. Evans | 97/100 |
| TapeOp | Alex Maiolo | 94/100 |
Overview
The Strymon El Capistan brings classic tape delay and echo sounds into a modern digital format.
Emulating every stage of the signal as it passes through an analog piece of gear like a tape echo is no easy task.
The El Capistan employs powerful processor chips to handle every nuance in replicating a good tape unit.
Controls for Tape Age, Wow and Flutter, Tape head, and Mode support the usual Time, Mix, and Repeats controls on modern delay pedals.
A Tap tempo is included as a second footswitch; a feature that is impossible on vintage tape units.
The El Capistan is your ticket aboard warm slapback echos and lush soundscapes. While not the most versatile delay out there, the richness and ambience the El Capistan brings to your pedalboard is worth the price of admission.
Specifications
- Controls: Time, Mix, Repeats, Tape Age, Wow & Flutter, Tape Head and Mode toggle switches, Tap Tempo
- Delay Time: Max 770ms for standard delay mode, 20s for sound-on-sound (looper) mode
- Switching: True Bypass (electromechanical relay switching) or Analog “trails” Bypass (selectable)
- Additional Inputs/Outputs: Input, Left out, Right out, EXP in
- Power: 9-Volt DC Adapter
Demo
About the Author
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
