Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay Tape Reverse Simulator Pedal (Demo by Bill Ruppert)

The circa-1980 Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay is a sought after prize among vintage pedal aficionados. Originally called a Tape Reverse Simulator, it’s known for producing volume and reverse swells, backward tape sounds, artificially short staccato notes and bowed instrument effects. The new Attack Decay reinterprets the classic and keeps its cool factor, but adds some modern features for convenience and enhanced functionality.
Learn more about the EHX Attack Decay tape reverse simulator pedal: www.ehx.com/products/attack-decay
It can produce a single volume envelope like the original, or, with Poly engaged, put separate volume envelopes on each note you play. The built-in Harmonix fuzz is now a fully controllable distortion with gain, tone and volume controls. The effects loop allows the musician or sound designer to place the volume envelope onto whatever signal is present at the Return jack. Expression pedal/CV input and three user presets give the user total control over their Attack Decay!
QUICK SPECS:
-Volume envelope manipulation with adjustable Attack and Decay times.
-Mono mode: one volume envelope at a time, the envelope resets when you play a new note.
-Poly mode: gives each note you play its own envelope.
-Built-in, fully adjustable, Harmonix fuzz enhances the volume envelope effect and produces bowed instrument sounds.
-Built-in effects loop allows for your own pedals to be inserted onto the volume envelope.
-Expression pedal or CV control over every knob on the Attack Decay.
-Save and recall up to three presets.
-Comes supplied with EHX 9.6DC-200 power supply
00:00 - Reverse Tape Emulation
00:31 - Meet the Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay Tape Reverse Simulator Pedal
01:16 - Roy Buchanan Volume Swell effect
02:08 - Slow pedal steel volume swells
02:44 - Staccato decay effect
03:07 - Japanese shamisen effect
03:38 - Harmonix fuzz effect
04:41 - Poly Mode
05:15 - Bowed string effect
05:37 - Guitar synth effect
06:01 - Volume swell with delay
06:30 - Square wave tremolo
07:03 - Vibe tremolo
07:22 - Pedal triggered envelope swells
07:44 - Reverb in effects loop
08:13 - Attack Decay with slide guitar
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[@bugeyedmudafuka2]

I don't need this and I have no room for it on my board. Can't wait to get mine!

[@roughcutguitars]

This might be the best comment - on ANY video - ever :-)

[@luanmisaelgomesdemoura6015]

Exactly

[@johnsavchak8202]

That's the spirit

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

That's the spirit!!!

[@franciscoherrera5577]

🤣

[@qube2106]

EHX staff: " Hey, look, we have a pedal that became legendary and is a collector's favorite, it sells for like 1000 bucks!" EHX boss: "Let's rebuilt it, but like ten times better, and sell it for like 10% of the price!"

[@douglasdog1]

Makes sense for them. They’re not in the used market.

[@r0zemary]

I think its good tbh, taking away the good music equipment from the non collectors isn't something I like too much0

[@leftpastsaturn67]

You know a video is going to be worth watching when you hear Bill's voice.

[@Primus-ue4th]

Left Past Saturn It could be the coolest pedal ever.... but if that dude ain’t playin, I ain’t givin a fuck

[@ChristianIce]

Hands down the most inspiring tools.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Bill you are such a Monster Guitar Player. Probably the most UnderRated " Pedal Demo Guy " on You Tube. I Love you work brother. One Love from NYC.

[@gpu213]

This pedal is godlike. Cant believe more players arent aware of its powers. Such a gamechanger to be able to have control over ur attack envelope

[@jeffreylazzarinisr7419]

Bill Ruppert is THE best product demonstrator, PERIOD! IMHO+ an amazing guitarist!!!!

[@ankleater2112]

this is EXACTLY what i've been looking for to achieve my shoegaze dreams. THANK YOU

[@imantssafronovs9245]

For shoegaze you may also want to look into the EHX Cathedral. It has the sickest warm reverse reverb.

[@beachcomber4141]

I have never heard a more convincing "Breathe" than this!

[@claytonf4452]

0:00 intro 0:51 specs 1:13 effects demo 4:42 poly mode 6:02 delay 6:30 repeat percussion 7:04 vibe trem 7:27 fast/slow attack 7:55 attack decay jumpmarks.in/youtube/fUmS4FLXMMQ

[@BillHustonPodcast]

Bill Rupert is a genius. Another masterpiece. I never would have imagined I'd be addicted to effect demo videos!

[@Nilsson92]

What an awesome creative pedal. That's why i love EHX. Keep rockin...

[@marsmediapro]

I always enjoy Bill Rupert's demos, and seek them out before purchasing a new EHX pedal! This pedal looks versatile enough to use with vocal, synth, bass, and guitar uses! I just ordered one, and can barely wait until it arrives!

[@jergervasi3331]

Everything about this video is amazing. The product, the playing, everything.

[@Richard_Jones]

All I need now is a Bill Ruppert simulator and then these pedals might actually sound like something.

[@fellazuab]

Lol

[@MyPicturesRestoredBedford]

Effortless playing - you do a great demo! Love the Floyd at the end too 👍🏼😊😎

[@marks8413]

Retro artwork is amazing. Please do more pedals that revive the artwork from the classic boxes.

[@chrismcloughlin163]

Bill can sell EHX boxes so well. His playing is really tight and clear too. Drives me mad.

[@donewithmodernlife]

Bill, you have some serious chops my brother. As for the pedal, well, what can I say. I can’t believe EHX came out with the first version almost 40 years ago. Ahead of it’s time is an understatement.

[@mathewcherian9493]

Love you, Mike Matthews for the variety of synth tones, hard to decide which to pick. God Bless you.

[@EHX]

Yo Matthew All of us at Electro-Harmonix are very glad you dig our gear. Rock & Roll Mike Matthews

[@aoxomoxoanyc]

Bill's playing is fantastic in all these demos.

Bill Ruppert, such a stunning axe-man! Thank you for yet another fine demo, good Sir!

[@MatsJonason]

Christian Thöne Bill is the king of pedal demos 😍🎸✌🏻

[@corruptpixel8441]

I love EHX creativity to made pedals, always surprise me

[@stratowhore9051]

Bill: your demos are by far the BEST for EHX products because 1) you know the product inside and out; 2) your musical examples are well thought-out AND they're musical -- not just some guy noodling just long enough to show us he can't play; 3) you show the settings; 4) the editing, sound, and other production values are tops; 5) you don't "rush for the clit" (Monty Python, "The Meaning of Life") by showing us the most extreme settings and sounds the pedal can produce (self-oscillation or diming the gain/fuzz are three of the most popular) and which are likely to be of any musical use. Your Effectology series is also brilliant because of the musical imagination the technological knowledge you show (though I have to say that I couldn't afford to buy two of the same EHX pedals to achieve a specific effect, but that's me).

[@gasolineandwine]

The fact that you can use a repeating AD envelope to create your own bias tremolo effects is pretty genius.

[@folkrod]

SEND RETURN LOOP. YES! I'm more stoked for that than anything else. I've fallen in love with any pedal that has one. Can get trippy real fast. Love Mike, Bill and everyone else at EHX always finding exciting ways to help break musical barriers!

[@geerhoar]

Pre-ordered. Thank you, Bill, for showing the ways this pedal can be used.

[@aguitarrman5867]

Bill is a guitar genius! Best Demos on KZbin!

[@stratowhore9051]

Bill, you make this pedal so easy to use, but I find it really hairy. Your videos as always are pure genius!

[@50Something]

I've had this pedal for a while but I'm just starting to discover it now. I just discovered an amazing ring mod sound by accident, there's trem sounds, stucato vibes, video game bleeps, volume swells, bowed instrument effects and an outrageous fuzz. I swear, I need to take notes so I can recreate these sounds again. All in all, this is a powerful and fascinating effect worth exploring.

[@latenightfortunecookie]

taking pictures is an easy way of saving a preset

[@iosifkalpaktsoglou2045]

I too found the ring modulator sounds. Amazing, powerful tool

[@Ripprock1]

This is definitely going in my system. Thanks Mr. Rupert and EHX🤘🏾

[@andrewjaman4697]

Bill - Awesome as always! It's an elaboration on my favorite Canyon setting. I'm possibly sold on this one.

[@skeletonpete]

Great demo. Had I only read the description of "Tape Reverse Simulator" I would have considered it a one trick pony, but it clearly has a wide range of applications. I can see a lot of sound design capabilities packed in there. Effects loop is a perfect additional perk.

[@ChrisBuonoGuitar]

WOW. I've always failed miserably with envelope controllers in this category. Hats off, Bill. Damn!

[@toddkmail]

Wow, what a great pedal and great review. I've been searching for something to simulate studio version of Are You Experienced and this might do the trick.

[@AntwhaleNearfar]

I always watch Bill Rupert’s demo videos with mixed emotions: on one hand, he plays so beautifully it makes me want to buy the pedal...but on the other hand, he plays so beautifully it makes me want to buy the pedal.

[@osmaromolina753]

Ahhh...so many wonderful EHX pedals and so little time!

[@rickc2102]

Just when I thought I'd seen everything. Simply stunning, y'all!

[@wearetomorrowspast.5617]

Just what I've been looking for. Ordered. Should be here tomorrow.

[@MoedaParalela]

Que efeito legal! EHX como sempre sendo uma empresa diferenciada no ramo da música e dos efeitos. Parabéns!

[@coolman4202]

This is monster playing, well done EHX!

[@pappsco54]

Bill Rupert = legend

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Loving these pedal reviews.

[@itsnotacello2296]

I picked one of these up yesterday after spending a couple of hours at a store with a very knowledgeable pedal dude. I brought an upright bass and he picked out three pedals to try just because they might sound cool on an upright. I have no idea what all I'm going to do with this yet, but we stumbled on some pretty cool sounds. The E-bow settings when played with a real bow had a fantastically warm sound that really got my attention. And naturally, it's hard to go wrong with the fuzz settings. I have a feeling I'm going to be conjuring some craziness out of this thing.

[@marsmediapro]

Yes, and please share here on KZbin with that upright bass and this pedal! I plan on using this amazing pedal w/an electric bass.

[@imantssafronovs9245]

I'm such a fan of your pedals.

[@Zackabenariah]

The synth sound at 5:40 is insane!

[@dmthandmade5674]

OK, just saw the price. Wow, that's half what I was expecting. It's my birthday next week, I might just treat myself.

[@EHX]

Happy B-Day!!

[@dmthandmade5674]

@@EHX Hey, thanks for the birthday wishes, I had a great day. Finally got my Attack/Decay this week. I'm stoked with it. I hadn't even realised it does trem as well. Lots of fun to be had indoors in these trying times. Stay safe.

[@Glicksman1]

We loves it. We wants it. We will have it. My Precious.

[@johnsabourin4168]

Plenty of use for this one. Thanks for another informative demo

[@1RobbieRoberts]

Bill quick story for you when I was a kid a teenager working at a music store I remember when these petals came out they sat around a few months we had four of them three sold one the guitar teacher took of course as soon as it had come in I played around with it but I had no room on my paddleboard for it. Many many years later I am at a guitar Expo and I see one old beat up and I ask how much it is and I am blown away when the salesman tells me I say to him that’s more than it was new and he goes on to tell me they discontinued them you can’t get them anymore.. well of course I bought it this time I just wanted to take a moment out of my day to tell you I have never heard of you before and I enjoyed your playing very much very much have a blessed day

[@EHX]

Thanks Robbie!

[@rawknotwantnot]

Frickin amazing pedal...and demo

[@shaunw9270]

Awesome demo . I want one !!

[@bobsteingraber]

Wow! Great video. I'm blown away!

[@voiceofexperience]

Why isn't this pedal more popular? Because many guitarists think it's strictly a "one-trick pony". Good. Let them keep thinking that.

[@christofyre]

For real. I’ve passed on this a number of times, unsure how much use I’d get out of it, but after a conversation with a fellow pedal enthusiast on Facebook, I find myself coming back to this demo and giving it another look…

[@chrisnagy1429]

Hi and thanks again for an amazing demo. I love EHX. Almost all their pedals are winners and this is right up my alley.Cuz it's seems to do both heavy and ambient. I ordered it and will figure that it will go nice with some of anything.

[@metasmash]

Wow here we go, some pog2 features are up in this pedal. Pre-ordered. Ty, awesome work!

[@rnemchev]

Great pedal, just ordered mine!

[@stevesmith3990]

This is tempting! Great demo.

[@boyzildjian5207]

wow, super great guitar effects....I'm looking this kinda sound long time ago....

[@mykhedelic6471]

Effin EHX know how to take a small parameter and turn it into 20 different secret tweak effects pedals. Genius. How many of their gadgets have I fallen down the strangest of rabbits holes on...

[@Wolf_K]

Note: Everyone needs to study the manual as there’s a ton of info in it to change internal settings. Also, the fuzz in this is great. I use it on its own with no other parameters.

[@joewalsh8217]

Ehx is always killer

[@wjcolclasure]

You gotta love Bill Ruppert demos

[@eeajikofficial]

love it. can't believe this pedal re-maked..

[@neilmacmusic]

Bill Ruppert always amazing!

[@masontomlinson4646]

The repeat percussion feature has a lot of my attention. With that fuzz and dreamy tone it’s essentially gonna be like Spacemen 3 or Sonic Boom type stuff in one box... plus I mean there wasn’t one bad example of any of its other features too

[@nicksimms3771]

The poly mode on this pedal will surely be a lifesaver for me when I’m playing lap steel instead of console steel. Always a bit nerve wracking to be futzing around with a volume pedal when doing faster stuff on the lap steel

[@MikeyMike706]

Extremely cool pedal. Very necessary to have on my board......

[@jackpops3613]

Looks superb!

[@ebeep]

Short decay FTW!!! I need this pedal for my guitar AND my DX7!!!

[@johnberg1326]

All of us must bow low to Mr. Rupert. He is a monster. I wonder if pedals are even aware of all they can do before Bill gets his hands on them... The pedal is great and I will have one.

[@pjnewman5947]

Got mine today. Hendrix in a box for $125. Lots of fun.

[@unfair_potato]

I feel like the name of the pedal could have been more descriptive, I have skipped past this in the ehx catalogue so many times, thinking it was "just an ADSR", and now I'm thinking that if a person was to put in a weekend or more in learning, it's going to pay off big. Just incredible.

[@markcave2]

Love this pedal and going to get one. Awesome

[@Luis-ih6lb]

you've done it again. thank you ehx

[@devilsdoorbell]

Lots of interesting features for a perfectly reasonable price. Dig it.

[@twilightbin]

I love Kitaro and this can make your guitar sound like him. Cool!

[@bluerick]

Well I got me mine...can't wait to start experimenting and using it...

[@TheNewYearsEve]

works with chords as well?

[@joethompson2910]

Got one comin, will b here this thurs March 21 Jazzed!

[@dantemancini6036]

Me too! March 21st!

[@frog4722]

That guitar player is amazing.

[@mikeylas100]

Such a good review🎉

[@briansbrain426]

Nice playing, to whomever it is playing the guitar.

[@JoelGilardini]

Only that fuzz alone makes this pedal veeeery intersting!

[@Robdust]

two for one!

[@3tmbn429]

This is magical 💡

[@nine9whitepony526]

I just ordered this pedal. Ill have it in two days

[@marsmediapro]

Please share your results!

[@russianvideovlogguy]

Wow it does absolutely everything

[@DrRussPhd]

Nice demo, Bill. I've been wondering when EHX was going to get around to re-issuing this pedal. Great touch on the Roy Buchanan stuff. I thought you were going to break into Al Hirt's "Flight of the Bumblebee" with the short staccato stuff. I thought I saw on the EHX website that these were going to ship at the end of February. Guess I'll be pre-ordering one of these buggers .

[@josephpickard3108]

Bill Ruppert could make a Gonkulator sound good

[@nine9whitepony526]

Omg i bought the EHX microsynth years ago because i was trying to achieve this sound. The microsynth gets close to it, but this is exactly what I'm looking for

[@nine9whitepony526]

Update. I just ordered this pedal

[@Brayden329]

what is happening right now!?! haha I have enough to learn with playing my electric unplugged let alone mixing in crazy pedals like this thing... always excited to see what EHX puts out. What a cool pedal.

[@stevieraveon]

Just amazing!!!

[@eronackerman565]

This pedal kicks ass

[@markwood3389]

huh huh

[@richardhawley8041]

That's a cool effect!

[@alexwalton593]

man i was thinking that this fucken rips but the reverb in the effects loop really sold me damn

[@sonambula69]

EH, you all are the number one in this f ... world ok? love you

[@KitchenDog03]

This has Adrian Belew sounds written all over it

[@martynkentfrancis]

Super versatile, I like it 👍

[@Eddyperoguitars]

That's a good video. I want it now...

[@mindprobe5774]

Wow , now I must have this

[@guitarball]

Well this sounds amazeballs