Echofix EF-X2 vs Vintage Roland Tape Echo (Comparison)
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- A comparison of the EF-X2 against a Soundgas Roland RE-201 Space Echo and RE-501 Chorus Echo. To make it a fair comparison that would be meaningful to most people, I used machines we’d serviced some time ago and that have seen regular use since, rather than freshly restored (or our higher priced exceptional/modified) machines. They are both solid Soundgas Roland Echoes, which sound and perform better than most other vintage units, but are not one of our exceptional/premium machines fresh out of the workshop.
The steady background hiss in the recording is not from the echoes - it's a limitation of the unit used to record the audio into the iPhone.
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00:00 - Intro
04:38 - Blind Comparison
06:34 - Noise Floor
07:50 - Echo Comparisons On Beats
10:03 - Switching Between Head Patterns
11:43 - Reverb
13:08 - Self-Oscillation/Feedback
16:22 - Plucked Guitar
17:50 - Timbales
19:01 - Smooth Horns
19:57 - Cello
21:01 - String Textures
21:42 - Marimba
24:03 - Keys
25:31 - Rhythms
26:33 - Piano
28:48 - Vocal Loop
30:54 - The EF-X2 Killer Party Trick!
31:35 - Outro and Final Thoughts - Auta a dopravní prostředky
While the new unit is very good, the 201 has the mojo - a kind of gradual high frequency attenuation that still retains sonic richness. A classic lo-fi, subtly chaotic (in a good way) tape delay sound that seems quite hard to replicate exactly. Cheers for the video.
Thanks for the excellent presentation. IMO the Roland RE-201 is still easily the king across the board, especially in feedback (even the spring reverb has the most character). The Roland 501 is basically a cleaner version of the 201. The Echofix sounds too bland and lacks that classic tone. The whole point of using a tape echo is for the color. The funny thing is when Roland made these units they did everything they could to avoid this distortion yet we now adore this especially in the feedback.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was the high noise floor of the echo fix. This would likely be an issue using it at loud volumes like a slapjack on a lead vocal.
Thank you for your reply and feedback (no pun intended!).
The noise floor isn’t an issue with the EF-X2 in use - I know several people who have them and use them over a 201 for quieter work - showed it for comparison but it’s definitely not a deal breaker.
Yes, have had a couple of TTEs - not the solid state one though - agree it can be a great characterful machine (and is the only other modern tape echo of the past 25 years or so that I felt did not disappoint).
The newi one is amazing on vocals because it so clean. A little bit of delay plus the spring reverb=classic reverb
201 still crushing it. It sounds so distant on the feedback, like a kind of longing as they decay out into the physical distance. Not sure how that is achieved on a mechanical level, but it sounds gorgeous.
It is as if the Echo Fix doesn't have a soul. It sounds similar, but it is SO 2D, while the other two jumps out at you, especially the 201. It must have something to do with the mids.
The Echo Fix replicates the functionality, but is completely lacking that magical musical feel of the 201. Damn. I really wanted to like it.
I think they all sound good. They each have their own characters and pros and cons. I have the EFX2 and have no complaints. In a mix with eq added, I am not sure I would be able to hear a discernible difference.
there is just something more musical on the 201... maybe our ear is used to it from so many classic records...
Blind I actually preferred Echo Fix followed by 501 and 201 the least. Very impressive. Too bad the price still makes the older unit somewhat more attractive due to the long term resale value.
thanks for the comparison. have a 201, had a 301 & 501. the EF-X2 killing the signal at mode switch is a no-go for me. plus I use the 3 input mixer all time, wish more devices had them. But very interesting overall.
Thanks - me too, but there’s a lot to like about the EF-X2
There’s actually a work-around for this, if you switch to sound on sound mode while switching the Mode, then there is no signal cut
Not ideal, but it nevertheless is a solution
Looking at a 301 v 201, any thoughts?
@@FakeGlasses I'd go 201 but if you had the 301 modified so that the sound on sound doesn't get erased on each pass through then that might make it more tempting. Overall I just like the way the inputs on the 201 I have overdrive than on the 301 I had. 3 outputs from the drum sampler into the 201 and 3 into the telefunken echomixer is perfect for me.
Excellent stuff.
Didn't Echofix manufacture the heads specifically for the EFX2?
Really great video …. The 201 still sounds sweeter to me but the RFX is a close 2nd in my opinion..
Great comparison. I just posted a video showing the newer EFX3 in action for anyone that might be interested.
Awesome Jamie - looking forward to updating this comparison also.
Please do! @@Soundgas
Coming soon - our EF-X3 is on the way!@@dingbatjack1234
Every comparison I chose the 501 first, the EF-X2 second and the 201 last. Guess I just prefer the clearer repeats of the 501.
The 501 has some clever filtering and compression that really works for some uses (and people!)
Isn’t switching from the heads and all the analog speed up/down kind of part of the charm? Did they address that for the x3?
i own a 201 and yes i did know it was n°3 in the test, the end of the sound gave it away.
Great video! Does the 201 here have the early preamp?
Good question! I don’t think so, but in truth cannot recall. I am going to update this with the latest EchoFix machine and will compare early/original pre 201s soon also.
@@Soundgas Awesome! Looking forward to hearing 🙏
501 all the way. I prefer a clear echo. 201's very good. EF's is too muffled to my taste.
thank you for the interesting comparison, but I want to suggest to make it more obvious to wich anti we're listing in the moment . it's hard to tell ... you make some overlays in editing saying wich anti is currently playing
Initially I wanted people to judge for themselves which they preferred and avoid confirmation bias. We are planning a new comparison with an EF-X3R once Echo Fix get one to us - will heed your comment and aim to make it clearer, thanks
Would love to see this done with an Mx-312 multiecho thrown into the mix
what is the length of the tape loop you have installed in this 201?
Where can I order a pair of those Soundgas dub gloves ?? 💥
For you? I'm sure something can be arranged 😀
Hi! Cool video, but I believe the noise floor section is completely wrong. I own several Roland units as well as an EF-X2. The EF-X2 has much higher echo volume and a much lower noise floor than the 201 with the correct gain staging. The 501 has the lowest noise floor, but they used a compander circuit which sucked the life out of an otherwise fantastic echo! As I say, cool video, but not a totally accurate depiction.
I am going to do a new comparison with the latest Echofix machine. Most vintage Rolands (especially 201s) will not sound like this without a full overhaul - we put a lot of work into them to get these results - so I can understand your view. I know plenty of people who have both and choose the EFX for lower noise so we do need to look at this again.
nice!
How long before we see an RE-201 motor on/off switch mod? 😉
It’s been discussed - not simple and possibly not advisable for long term space echo health…
…sadly😢
Update, it seems this might be coming soon😉
@@Soundgas OH REALLY?? Do tell.. my RE-201 is currently with you for servicing, as it happens... 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Might be a while yet, but it’s a work in progress!
Sound gas rules
The new one sounds surprisingly muffled.
201 for the win.
IDK what is with these comments? EF-X2 won multiple tests for me.
soundgas is a business that buys old units and refurbishes them and sells them. so the ef-fx2 is essentially their competition. there are multiple opportunities for conscious or unconscious bias to be expressed in the making of this video. not too mention the number of times the guy in the video suggests the vintage unit is better (after reminding us that he is an expert). i think it would be good to see a blind test where the person running the test does not have an obvious conflict of interest and does not express their preference. im not throwing shade on this bloke but this side by side comparison very unscientific and personally I take it with a pinch of salt.
The echo fix sounds horrible compared to the originals. Wanted one of these because they look great, but that sound stinks. Muffled mess!
Does sound way better with guitar. Thankfully that's what I play. Was very disappointing sounding with the drum loop.