It's FUN to do BAD THINGS😑: Roland Space Echo

[@AudioPilz]

Great vintage gear is like that super creative bandmate who really likes liquor;)

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

Hahahaahaha 😅 yeah, I need your Space Echo, mine got too wasted and is face down in the street sometimes

[@tedstahl3794]

🤣 Great comparison Florian! Your sense of humor is always welcome!

[@tedstahl3794]

@@NoirEtBlancVie Perfect response, sir! I bought an old Fender oil can reverb back in the '80s and even though it was fairly reliable, I'm with you on avoiding vintage hardware these days. It's too expensive to maintain. I want to enjoy playing and not spend my time working around failures and trying to get things fixed. Having said that, I've always loved the Roland Space Echo units. In an effort to approach that sound, I got the Digitech Obscura pedal and three years ago I got the Strymon Volante. There is a romanticism about the original Space Echo units until your creative inspiration comes to a screeching halt when they stop working. Nothing kills the flow like misbehaving gear. Great to see a post from you after a while. Your videos are always welcome in my feed. Peace, good sir!

[@erichtisnado1536]

OMG, spot on, man!

[@JohnnyMacaw]

Echo Fix in Australia does a great job in fixing and repairing and restoring Roland space echoes. I sent my RE201 in to them from califrona and the new motor in and tape head is now flawless plus a new reverb tank.

[@awesomeduder]

they also make their own units that mean you don't have to deal with all these vintage problems!

[@JoeHermod]

Wonderful storytelling, love how you never really make it about the gear, but about your journey as a musician.

[@tamthetamtam]

I’m glad they’re making modern tape echo, I don’t need a vintage tape echo, but I do want one one day just because it’s probably the coolest analog effect ever created the Echo fix looks like a cool modern alternative

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

I agree, I just could never do $2000, plus, I’m definitely not gonna suggest anyone buy gear lol.

[@mrdavies7894]

Good to see you back!

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Thank you! I’m never really back though 😉

[@raistaparta]

A good working space echo is the best vocal chain you can have. When I go into a studio session and they have a space echo working I always ask them to set it up and have it ready to patch into anything. It just sounds wonderful on everything, even if it's just for saturation.

[@KattKirsch]

There's so much frustration involved with old gear, like my finicky Poly 800 that cuts in and out on random days, but then you get that lived-in one-of-a-kind mojo, like my warm and smooth Poly 800 that sounds like what all those synthwave sound packs never quite nail. Idk, they're a pain in the ass for sure, but there's something magical about nailing a vibe.

[@davidowle3772]

Right out of the gate the sounds you're pulling out of your gear is giving me goosebumps.

[@jaybird697]

Nice! I totally agree. Bought a DX7 once, got broken. Guy who picked it up, restored a few, and i bought a new version. Yes it did sound better to my ears (placebo most likely), but the headaches of maintaining... In regards to tape echo...still, ... nothing beats real tape to me. So I went a different route. Rather than buying vintage tape delay units, I just bought a cool looking reel to reel recorder. The beauty is that I don't want it to sound perfect... as long as it's fixable and not is completely broken. Just one unit to maintain in my home studio. It's fun...and I'm always just mesmerized when it comes to reel-to-reel tapes. Seeing them move, is just awesome. Need something weird? just grab the reel while it's turning...also when recording, playing back and starting the machine gives a really cool effect. Sure, not the money of a revox, but a cool old Sony is worth it, and with a mini mixer, or feed back with my interface back into the machine, I can create a digital controlled, but so analog and messy tape delay. It's pretty awesome. No delay compensation needed,... just adds to the fun. For anyone wanting to try this, be aware that you get a tape with the machine... cuz tapes are expensive. It does still require maintenance, but a little less than these roland units... On topic; thanks for the video, I always dig yours! Stay good!

[@Roboami]

My experience is the opposite: my vintage gear works perfectly and all my modern equipment breaks down.

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

That’s the worst luck of all time 😑

[@Roboami]

@@noiretblancvie-afterhours I wouldn't say so 😉

[@richardanderson8696]

Similar - my Minikorg 700 (the first one, not the S) is always perfectly in tune and crystal clear. Though, there's not much to go wrong, and perhaps that's a factor. My Yamaha CS15 is also very stable and very consistent. More complicated architecture than the previous, but in modern terms, still probably not that complex. Maybe it's that point - 79-84, when analogue gear got much more complex, that the reliability over longer time periods starts to wane. Or, maybe I've just been lucky - that's certainly possible.

[@RC_Cola2020]

I just picked one of these up last week as well. Same exact model the 150. I think it’s great. It did have some issues and all of the knobs and jacks needed to be cleaned/deoxidized. The preamp alone make it worth it. It can make my digital hardware sound analog. I will say that I personally repair hardware so I’m not worried about the issues because I know I can personally fix them.

[@TheMKoussa]

Maybe now that this video has been made, behringer will make a version 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@BounceChord]

I had one at my house for about a month. A buddy let me use his for a bit. There truly is some magic to the sound but I felt like if i breathed on it wrong, it was gonna implode. I'm very happy with my Strymon Volante but I'll never forget my rendezvous with the 201.

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

A Rendevous with a 201 sounds so romantic and magical 😊 I’m hoping this video serves as another reminder from me that gear is just that, gear. I think I’d love to use a space echo especially a 201 for an afternoon, and be in awe of it, but then, return it to where I found it.

[@BounceChord]

@ yeah, having it on loan was a perfect experience. No stress of having to pay for repairs. Just recorded a couple things and drove it back to its home. Also I’m stoked to listen to your album. Glad you’re back!

[@midicleric.derekcrockett]

Bro, someone said poor people buy things, rich people buy experiences. Vintage gear is definitely an experience. I recently sold my last vintage piece, the Yamaha RM1x, to fund a non-musical experience with zero regret.

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

Well said! This totally resonates with me, I’m super happy not because I bought the space echo, but because of the fun journey it took me on. 😊

[@xammai9679]

That ending jam was magical. You have one of the best channels out here my guy. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@HazeAnderson]

I am very happy with my Boss RE-20 Space Echo (with external tap mod) 👍

[@aydenwalters7463]

Me buying a 40 yo piece of gear: :D Me realising it came with 40 years worth of problems: D: and yet I still buy them.

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Exactly…. I really am treating like a relationship where I know the person is going to die soon and cherishing every moment 😉

[@AutumnGardMusic]

Loved all the sounds all throughout the video and excellent storytelling!!! Always appreciate your honest thoughts as well!

[@TheMachinesWon]

I bought a vintage vox 305 once after listening to way too many doors tunes in a week having since gotten into synths…it was a nightmare! Had it get it fixed right away, it weighed a ton and fixing them is difficult bc they don’t make most of the parts anymore. Thankful I could sell it for something and found someone willing to pick up without dealing with putting it on a pallet to ship it. Vintage never again

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Riiiiiight, I think most of us love the idea of vintage, but in real life we hate ourselves the minute it actually arrives and shows signs of its real age

[@TheMachinesWon]

@ Yeah, it’s 2024 I’m looking forward now 😂

[@the_washington_monument_am9714]

I appreciate the honesty-I was hooked by that incredible sound at the start, but I’m sure that I’ll create far better with something that brings far less hassle. Fabulous video 😊

[@user-zx5gg8od6l]

Ive always spend the 30 percent more on the "like new" versions of old gear. This has given me enough time to learn to solder, read schematics, and learn more about audio engineering. It also leaves me with a positive ROI and equity for trading for more gear. Stuff rarely breaks, but when it does, i can fix that one thing. It took me much much longer, but the pay off is having an analog hybrid studio with plenty of clean, vintage gear. Much of it punches well above its weight/original price point. This means that i started out with much less gear because i can only afford 1 mint thing instead of 2 fair condition things. Same things with cars. People buy C4 corvettes for 5k and wonder why its not a zr1.

[@MakeSomething]

I have the RE-301. It’s currently at Sweetwater for repair. When it works it’s phenomenal.

[@RC_Cola2020]

Sweetwater does repairs?!

[@MakeSomething]

@ they do. They are also fixing a 4-track for me.

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

Whoa, I’m going to look into this, I had absolutely no idea Sweetwater did that! Thank you!

[@IanWaugh]

Ha! Ha! I don't understand the lust for old gear - not because much wasn't great butfor the headaches and repair and maintenance bills - if you can get them fixed at all. I had an original RE501 back in the day - good fun at the time but sold it along with my Roland 100m system. Quite happy now with software versions - and no one who listens to the music knows the difference 😊

[@ledheavy26]

Thanks for the cold shower, you had me there at the first part. I hate dealing with malfunctioning equipment.

[@MreenalMams]

Hope people grabbed the Arturia emulation when it was free some time back

[@jmalmsten]

"Way more fun to look at than to actually use" Reminds me of the old answer to why one gets into these things in general. "Honestly, it's mostly the excessive cost and inconvenience." Because. Yeah. They are fun to have and look at. But... One need to be honest and say that it's not because it makes thing cheaper or easier.

[@niceheartwhitesuit]

After getting relatively deep into the vintage synth world, I also came to the same conclusion. If time and money were no issue I'd love to collect all the gizmos and gadgets, but sadly I spent more time trying to fix them than getting to just play.

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

I think the older I get the more I see time as so valuable and not wasting any is imperative…. While I think my Supa Puss sounds like 80% as good as this space echo, but the supa puss is always working easily replaceable and smaller… I feel like the Supa Puss values my time way more 😉

[@robertsyrett1992]

You don't even need to use the RE-201 just watch the tape spooling. edit: loving 'Mom, It's Me"

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Hahaahahah, yesssss, it’s hypnotic 😮 AND thank you so very much! I’m happy to still see you here!❤

[@saphronsquares]

This was a really pleasant video, and a good GAS deterrent. To anyone reading this: if you enjoy REALLY distorted and messed up sounding repeats the monotron delay is pretty cheap and capable of some tape -adjacent sounding delays, though maybe a better use of your money would be a behringer vintage delay idk

[@jamesmcn0000]

Great video. Care and maintenance of vintage gear is its own hobby. It can be a lot of fun to learn how to fix old stuff, but that can be a big distraction if your goal isn't to become a skilled gear tech.

[@100ThingsIDo]

Always love to see a new video from you! I wish I could join the live stream mroe often. Stay cool Stephen......... Great video really enjoyed :D

[@mikenoface]

I have Strymon Magneto in my eurorack setup and it definitely scratches that "tape echo" itch for me.

[@VIRALBEATS360]

I really miss the days of physical reverb. I know that availability and stability are factors, but there is a connection that is completely lost, with a VST. This is inspiring.

[@edwin-zone]

Sure sounds nice tho. Think I'll experiment with some random automation to 'break' my tape echo plugins.

[@piktormusic2538]

I bought a used 101 in 1981. It’s still functioning, but should be serviced. I also bought a half dozen brand new tapes before the machines went out of production. I still have them, unused, in a storage box. I wonder if the tape oxide has all fallen off by this point. Your video reminds me that I am at the point in my life where I need to get my old Rhodes, Space Echo, Multimoog, and Clavinet serviced and start clearing my basement before I start looking at condos. I’ll probably have to give my Hammond away at this point.

[@0x0777]

I just snagged the EF-X3 from Echo Fix. Why buy a $50 plugin when you can get $2600 hardware?

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

lol. You know people watching the KZbins, mostly gear and plugin obsessed…. They’ll hear me say “don’t buy a vintage space echo” they’re already on Reverb with on in the cart 😏

[@InFamousProductions]

I love your channel bro. Your at the top in the game. And you create some swweeet sounds. And now i really need a space echo from roland. That sound is just out of this world. I think its flaws are the best part

[@wilorules]

My favourite KZbinr returns! I was listening to your Subharm/Labyrinth jam the other day and was thinking - 'I love how this guy posts gold but rarely'. Keep up the good work! (Sorry Florian, you're always my second favourite!)

[@abstractdrumz]

How can you say that you'd never own another Space Echo when you make so many beautiful sounds with it? I own one myself and I understand the inconveniences, but the sound is unbeatable. I love your videos btw, big ups!

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

I mean I love it, but only because I got it for $400, which space echo model do you have?

[@daccrowell4776]

Funny thing: after years of encountering tape echo units of various types (the Roland REs, the horrible little Univox, Multivox's rebadged Roland, WEM's Copy Cat, Maestro EC3, and a few others), I didn't go for any of these. I got a Dynacord Echocord Super 76 instead. For one thing, it's as much a "known quantity" as the Rolands, thanks to it being used by loads of Krautrock artists. And it allows one specific thing that all of the others except the Echoplex can't do: glitch the tape! The Echocords and the Echoplexes only use a single playback head. But they have them on sliding mechanisms, which is about as close as you'll get to being able to GRAB the tape...well, except for the Copy Cat, where you can literally do that with the risk of ruining the loop. The Dynacords, however, maintain the tape path when you're going bug-nuts with the time slider, making loop damage much less likely. As a result, the Dynacords are more like tape delay + spring instruments; they even have a tone stack, plus dual speed. Are they more reliable? I think so, actually. About the only thing more smashproof would be Maestro's Echoplex models, which were designed primarily as live effects...tape echo in the studio at that time was mainly done with a spare 2-track, maybe with a Varispeed. Not saying they're as reliable as a solid state pedal, no. But if you want to cover, say, the intro to Kraftwerk's "Ruckzuck"...yeah, nothing else nails the feel.

[@Brokeninc]

Have you tried the boss version? I like the older one texture and sound wise vs the newer one and they both are a lot cheaper.

[@stephenparry6811]

I like that opening sequence v nice

[@mvsr990]

My favorite tape echo is the Korg Stage Echo SE-500 - it ran quieter than the Rolands I've had and had the sound on sound head. It got stolen out of my car a few years go - when it wasn't working! Whoever jacked it probably ended up throwing it in a dumpster.

[@TheLordcasio]

In the 90’s I played in a project with the (at the time) guitar player of the Flaming Lips guitarist, Ron Jones’s little brother. The “little brother” Mikey, had access to ALL the gadgets his older brother had amassed. A Roland Space Echo 301/chorus being one of them. It was great. My OG EHX Memory Man (hardline power cable….real old school) did not come close…but once a song was under way, you’d never know. My big “hell no” moment with your vid, comes with the Way Huge Supa Echo Puss. Maybe I received a bum unit, but that box CAN NOT achieve half of it’s intended functionality. Set the drive above 8’o clock, and it oscillates to no end. The feedback control allows for ONE solid “echo” and the rest are quiet. Again…maybe I have a faulty unit. I am an analog delay snob. My fav units are the Ibanez/Maxon AD 202 and (on the cheap end) the DOD Rubberneck. If I were to spend money on a tape echo, the Fultone Tube stuff would become before the modern EchoFix stuff. Just one obsessive nerd’s 2 cents.

[@stopmikeandjim3196]

0:49 PREACH! I thought I was the only one who wasn't interested in vintage hardware. There isn't much that can be created with old hardware that can't be reproduced by modern equipment more easily. Plus there's the expense, and the constant fear of getting left holding the bag when it finally gives up the ghost

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Exactly, I’m very gentle with my gear but this is beyond the state of fragile that I imagined. So many moving parts, I feel like I’ve said that I don’t like gear and especially vintage gear because anything that stifles creative juices from flowing is not worth the trouble

[@stefangieck2914]

I had the RE-201 and basically never used it. Reason was, I always thought that it's "too good" to use on a "normal" session and that I should come up with something really special to make it shine in an arrangement. It was a piece of gear that totally intimidated me, a car you would only drive on a Sunday. I found the noise of the motor distracting and it made me worry that the treasure I had in my collection could eventually break..

[@iantanner7579]

Quality content Honestly, for the money, I think it was worth it. I've still got my old RE-301, bought it in '91 for £350, - which was the average price back then, for a relatively decent example. Some, turn their nose up at the 301, saying it sounds weak, etc, compared to the other models, - but hey, if it's okay for Jack Dangers, it's okay for me. Personally, I haven't turned it on for a couple of years now, probably needs another service too. The RE-20 was a good substitute, but the RE-202 is simply sublime, especially with the added saturation control. The only two things missing from the 202 are, imo, the Peak indicator, and a physical Direct Signal on/off switch. god bless

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

100% for $400, it was like “ya know what, I’ll do it!”

[@DR-es5ey]

Have you tried the Echo Fix? It’s a work of art

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

It’s like $2000, I just wouldn’t, I’m not really into gear that much, but hey, maybe they see this and feel back for me and send me one 😂

[@TheSnowLeopard]

We all have weaknesses from time to time.

[@WilliamStewart-op2dz]

Thanks for experiencing buyer's regret for me. I almost bought one of these but was worried I'd have your experience.

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Yeah, I mean, I know everyone is big on watching YT and buying gear, but I always hope I can just tell stories about my experience as a musician and that almost everything you buy isn’t going to ultimately do much and you should just use what you have like in this video my 10 year old Supa Puss is always a better alternative simply because it’s reliable.

[@WilliamStewart-op2dz]

I really enjoy your stories, and I find your experience extremely relatable. I've been using a Chase Bliss Tonal Recall RKM since the first day they were released. It always works and sounds great, but the lore and hype of the Space Echo is insane. I've looked into owning one a few times, and it's hard to find the full story and heartbreak of owning one of these. So, I am genuinely thankful that you shared your experience.

[@midnightsocean2689]

These echos usually go for 2 grand refurbished/in good working order. Dude buys one for 400 and is surprised when it's half broken? For 400 I'm surprised it worked at all. That's like buying a vintage car for dirt cheap and complaining when it doesn't work properly. Vintage gear gets a bad rep because it's all so old now, it's difficult to experience it exactly as it originally was. Not that people don't do it. You just need to know a good shop. If you could go back in time though and buy a brand new top of the line tape delay, it would serve you well and I'm guessing you would never want to use anything else. That fact that a lot of these units still work at all after all that time, is testimony to how well they were build. I doubt most new stuff, like a T-Rex Replicator, would still be working after a fraction of that time. H3ll, from my experience, the replicator barely works brand new. :/

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Yeah, components degrade. Time marches on. Parts no longer made… One restores a power supply and then notices the crystal spilled out on the board. Grr.

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Hey hey!! Great to see you! I’m sitting here realizing this is the ultimate “fingers crossed effect”. Never had something so delicious and fragile at the same time.

[@willswitchcraft]

had an RE:101, 201, 301..............all the way up to a 555 or whatever they were called..............the simple reality is: back in the late 70's there was no other option. Love those tape flutter fx, as used so brilliantly by Nils Frahm...................................

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Man, I would LOVE a 301, it’s so gorgeous

[@willswitchcraft]

yeah, I really loved the chorus echo............nothing else quite sounded the same, (and back in the day, I also had a Korg Stage echo, which was similar)

[@hanzvolt]

Sad to hear you didn’t have great experiences with vintage gear… my studio is mainly vintage synths and I’ve had so few problems. And I adore my vintage EM-1 tape delay 💪🏼 I hope your tape echo serves you well✌🏼

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

I can’t lie, I love this thing, and at the price I couldn’t beat it, but after owning a dozen vintage stuff I just don’t wanna spend time repairing anything 😢

[@ChainsawCoffee]

Heeheeheehee 😂 Oh, the inflationary term "vintage!" Buy something because your music needs it. "My music relies on smears of sound, forming sonic clouds" is a great reason to buy an echo like that, _because you already have and use simultaneously a bunch of cheap echo units_ and the new one fits in nicely. For cheap seats, there is also the Replicator, based on cassette format. I bought my Replicator because I also have a Strega, a Bruxa, a Soma Lyra8-FX, and of course normal cheap echos. Patch in parallel to get instant Ligeti. Think about your music, only buy gear according to your music, and remember that it's all about the music you make.

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

Exactly! But then again, peeps love and no hate….. I just make music 😊

[@MaLiCeCoLtRaNe]

so many shady things happening on craigslist. "I'll meet you with $400 at the police station," hahahaha

[@MaDmanEXE]

"It is easy to just talk about it…"

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

Haha

[@DanielHuman1996]

Vintage gear sounds great, but beware of moving it!

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

SERIOUSLY!!!!! I’m so scared for my precious $400 steal. I have it permanently placed in a safe spot 🙏🏾

[@AbolishAbolish]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

🙏🏾

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Only band I’ve seen use these are Boris

[@Dawhud]

400 bucks is 400 bucks tho

[@synthsamuraiproductions]

We the Hybrid/digital Army. U should grab a boss RE202 and see if better. Awesome video

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

I feel like I needed to make this video since Audio Pilz made everyone want to buy a space echo, I had be play devils advocate 😂

[@zamplify]

Do bad things and record them

[@noiretblancvie-afterhours]

I like to do bad things… hopefully this will be the last time. Lol

[@klinkske]

Nonsens. Just add a 301 and a multivox and a dynacord and some revox a or b 77’s! Not the re 5xx - too clean

[@thawkil]

I picked up a Korg SE-500 a few years ago and put a dozen hours in getting the mechanics working nicely before realizing that I prefer the lofi, percussive sound of the early Ibanez and Roland rack mount delays I already owned. Ope!

[@The_Invisible_Hand_Of_CV]

Universal Audio Galaxy '74 pedal is an outstanding RE201 sound clone. Great spring reverb algo in it, too.