Audiofanzine FR
Published on 03/17/09 at 07:38
(Originally written by LuK le Brugeois/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
This echo effect is an analog delay system. I don't have any information about how it works. It's not a tape delay. It can't be edited via PC, etc. No Midi... No tap tempo... It has two jack inputs for instruments with different output levels...
It also has a footswitch connector to turn the effect on/off.
UTILIZATION
The setting couldn't be easier. Four controls. Volume, dry/wet balance, number of repetitions, delay time... It's very easy to find the right setting for every application. I don't have the user's manual but it would be useless anyway.
SOUND QUALITY
Effective and versatile effect... But its sound is not as nice as a tape delay effect. I have another BST echo effect, which works with tape and the sound is much better... Anyway the MCE-550 is interesting because it sounds transparent and it doesn't alter the original signal. I tested this effect with several instruments (Farfisa, Nordstage 88, Fender Mustang and Stratocaster, SH-101, etc.) and the sound was pretty good with every instrument.
The sound ranges from a slight reverb to a loud chaos... So the device is versatile and it can be used in many different applications.
I don't give it the best mark because it doesn't sound as good as a tape delay...
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for one year. It's basically a practical and reliable tool... It doesn't sound as nice as other delay effects... but it's easy to use, not expensive and reliable. The BST Echochamber tape echo I own sounds better but it's much less reliable and replacement tapes are difficult to find.
I bought this effect secondhand at a very nice price... So the value for money is very reasonable.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.
This echo effect is an analog delay system. I don't have any information about how it works. It's not a tape delay. It can't be edited via PC, etc. No Midi... No tap tempo... It has two jack inputs for instruments with different output levels...
It also has a footswitch connector to turn the effect on/off.
UTILIZATION
The setting couldn't be easier. Four controls. Volume, dry/wet balance, number of repetitions, delay time... It's very easy to find the right setting for every application. I don't have the user's manual but it would be useless anyway.
SOUND QUALITY
Effective and versatile effect... But its sound is not as nice as a tape delay effect. I have another BST echo effect, which works with tape and the sound is much better... Anyway the MCE-550 is interesting because it sounds transparent and it doesn't alter the original signal. I tested this effect with several instruments (Farfisa, Nordstage 88, Fender Mustang and Stratocaster, SH-101, etc.) and the sound was pretty good with every instrument.
The sound ranges from a slight reverb to a loud chaos... So the device is versatile and it can be used in many different applications.
I don't give it the best mark because it doesn't sound as good as a tape delay...
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for one year. It's basically a practical and reliable tool... It doesn't sound as nice as other delay effects... but it's easy to use, not expensive and reliable. The BST Echochamber tape echo I own sounds better but it's much less reliable and replacement tapes are difficult to find.
I bought this effect secondhand at a very nice price... So the value for money is very reasonable.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.