All user reviews for the Strymon El Capistan

Many possibilities: 10 faders with secondary characteristics, and 9 possible combinations of switch!
Can connect the pedal in stereo.

UTILIZATION

This is a pedal that must be tamed! As mentioned above, there are a lot of possible settings.

The choice of heads defines "rhythm" of the delay.
Very convenient, you can make a delay in black or note, or make syncopated stuff via the multi-heads. You really adjust to the ear and take your time to see what rhythmic form is best suited to what we play.
Note that there is a kind of looper function set, but very special: the recorded signal will gradually deteriorate as a cassette (depending on the settings you have set), and we can add things above. Anecdotal, but can be nice in certain specific cases (I use eg finally to a kind of fade out a song)

Then different potentiometers allow us to set all functions of the tape delay.
- The time sets the pace as feasible using the tap tempo
- Tape age darkens the sound As rehearsals, very nice to differentiate the effect of which is played
- Wow and flutter adds fluctuations associated with tape delays, it sounds like a chorus, very special, but great for creating sound tablecloths
- Repeat the number of repetitions with a high degree can be easily from self-oscillations (also feasible now tap tempo supported) The self-oscillation may also seem trivial, but it can be great to make mounted in a piece for example.
- Mix: the level of delay. Note that you can remove the dry signal completely.

Then press the 2 switches you have access to other functions:
- Spring reverb: it is great to create soundscapes fluids
- Low end contour, can remove the low delay. I have a little more trouble to use it, it can help to reduce the delay compared to the dry signal.
- Bias tape which adjusts the bias of delay (reduces the headroom for a discrete signal)
- Tape crinkle which adjusts the mechanical noise. I have difficulty seeing the effect of this potentiometer Indeed, it is far from the effect "vinyl striped", sounds are light.
- A boost 3Db, nice if you use the delay solo example

Here: needless to say it will have to redouble patience and ingenuity, and can be very precise in setting the tone with this machine! Personally I enjoyed myself as a little crazy to test the possibilities of this pedal, and I am far from having done the trick!


SOUND QUALITY

Frankly the sound is terrible!

We hear about the digital side and "cold" of the pedal, and the famous "veil Strymon" ... Personally, I would say that this is not quite true. I can not find the pedal particularly "cold" with the tape age can be quite warm sounds, even at concert volume levels. Digital by next spring against, but it is not really a problem because we really found the side tape delay of interest.
The "veil Strymon" does not bother me too much, and I think the pedal still respects the nature of the amp and guitar, even if it has that strong personality. See if that bothers you or not though.

It remains that there is a fleshy and organic side in this delay is simply awesome! The ability to fine tune modulations provides access to a lot of different types, and we find all the sound characteristics of tape delay.

For me it is really tip top, listening absolutely!

OVERALL OPINION

Being a fan of math rock, prog and other ambient rock, I was looking for a delay that would be able to perform several functions: a fairly clean delay and delay allowing the creation of soundscapes.
With el Capistan I'm thrilled because I have access to these two types of delay, plus endless variations between the two!

I often use it in again, it really is an excellent tool for creating rhythmic or melodic patterns. The tap tempo is really convenient, and self oscillation holding down the tap tempo can really make original stuff.

My only regret is the lack of preset. It is very easy to tinker a favorite switch (see on the net), but I think it was really more the pedal is directly supplied with. As it stands, it is rather annoying to have to look between 2 songs to change its delay (not counting the number of parameters to be modified). I think I'd be soon, so keep a type delay "sound sheet" on hand.

Another thing I find unfortunate is that the delay "remembers" what is played when changing mode on a head type (eg switch from single mode to B mode), but not when changing head (single multi). Which is a shame because it could have cool stuff with the looper.

The new price seems a little expensive.

Used 200 euros purchased against this is for me a great deal! It acquires énorméments possibilities, without ever returning to the "cliché" because all parameters can be modulated (unlike the delays that make everything, but one way, as the flashback)

Bcp options (for me too).

Digital (and it shows!)

The tap tempo is cool!

UTILIZATION

We turn is modified cool, but get the secondary functions taking the supported switches pff I'm confused.

SOUND QUALITY

It is especially at this point that I want to emphasize. I have Subdecay Echobox (analog / digital) and Capistan seems to me ultra synthetic in comparison.

The sound is clean no problem on that, but this is an ultra digital environment that leaves me cold (no heat).

OVERALL OPINION

I am one of those guitarists who pedal = sound, turn on switch and basta.
So Capistan is clearly too much for me level opportunities.

Its level I'm not at all hung ultra digital side of the pedal, synthetic sound with this super cold that does not suit me.

I kept my Subdecay.

This is a simulation of the band echo pedal digital format. Stereo input (since the change in 2012 from the serial number 12-50000) two jacks output and an input for an expression pedal assignable to any parameter. El Capistan is True Bypass but can be passed in "Trail" mode (the delay dies slowly when stopping the pedal) while pressing the ON button when turning. Power only by supplied AC adapter. The pedal comes with pads stickers to paste below a ridiculous sheet quick start and a sticker Strymon. The quality is average, the rotation buttons offers no resistance, the pedal is very slight: ... destabilizing printing when the grip is mixed for a machine of this price ...

UTILIZATION

The setup is rather simple once you understood how Strymon means emulating a venerable tape echo: it is rather well thought out and there are a lot of hidden features and other "tips". There are 2 switches with three positions to choose between different modes, the latter affect how the animal will behave. Simultaneously pressing both buttons (on / off and tap tempo) allows access to other functions ...

SOUND QUALITY

Is it like a tape echo? YES! is that it can replace a conventional delay? too! Is that the sound is as impressive as all the ultra rave reviews suggest: firstly, yes!
This machine cares earful as soon as the branch in his room on his little amp: extreme spacialisation sound, beautiful tablecloths, rendering is extremely flattering. Strymon El Capistan the really lends itself to all experiments and colors the sound to great effect. Control over the quality of repetitions is really total more can be used as a kind of looper since it can restore 20 seconds of delay where you can again and again add layers. Can determine the level of wear of the tread, make self oscillation (quite believable), introduce a natural modulation ... There is also a simulation of reverb, it's really full as a machine ... Now it really remains completely and permanently digital. Use volume scene and then, poof, the curtain falls and charm no longer operates. I use it with a Fender deluxe reverb, a RAT white face (fabulous!) And U.S. (ie front) stratocaster: active as soon as the effect is lost in heat, it is as if the sound became more "polished". By listening we even hear of yet overpowered DSP devices that populate her womb. No, it is not a delay: it is a simulation of delay. This really is the ugly duckling of my chain of sound. Difficult to explain, it's illusion for a while and then suddenly you realize that it is as yet another delay in plug in to 100 million light years away from what a man Memory a Panther cub, Aqua / Supa puss, a maxon or carbon copy can come out. It's a bit like comparing an MP3 and vinyl: it's neat, it sounds impressive but ultimately it REALLY missing something ... there must be something in this box that kills the MOJO ... I'm not too convinced by emulation in amp (my poor DRRI explodes all plug in machines and emulate what I've heard). I guess for this effect is a little similar.

OVERALL OPINION

I tested many models before making the acquisition. For me it rivals with everything I've tried like digital delay (whose boss, T-REX and Eventide). It sounds much better than the Flashback / alter ego of TC too. Hype around this pedal, however, seems to me quite unwarranted. It's not a bad machine, far from it, but it is not yet one who manages to forget his true nature ... I do not think the bear and I intend to return to a good old bucket brigade with 10 times less features but a sound that makes hair stand on end ...

As always with Strymon, the finish is superb and the machine gives a good impression of solidity.

UTILIZATION

As I did not have to worry immediately understand the operation of a Timeline or Brigadier (with its secondary functions) as I had a little more trouble with this model, however the interesting features. I do it found nothing intuitive contrary to what is said in another view, quite the contrary. But I confess that I have little knowledge about the tape echoes.

SOUND QUALITY

So it may be a matter of taste. But just before I had a Superdelay Empress that enchanted me and which I foolishly separated on a whim. With the Empress, all flowed naturally, editing was simple, and all the sounds were intelligible, distinct and beautiful.
On El Capistan, I have not managed to amuse myself for a moment. Worse, I have not managed to find one satisfying sound. There as a "veil" on the Strymon delays. it tends to embellish apparently sound, but in my case, it ended up tired. I find it disturbing side is even more present on the El Capistan delays than other brand. In addition, I find that the three functions of El Cap, one is drinking. And there was a big lack of understanding in rehearsals, no matter the settings (failed model? Config 'not fit?)
So I do not know, maybe by dint of having heard so much good I was expecting too much of this delay.

OVERALL OPINION

Used fairly long, I am rapidly removed without being convinced. I suspected he fell on a failing model to say ...
I liked him a beast multi Zoom effect received the same day. I had tons and tons of delays. Almost all what you might think, but really, I have rarely been so disappointed!

I would add though that they do not care about the mouth of the Strymon in world: have to buy or make a switch to save a favorite preset miserable, this is clearly abuse! El Cap for me is not worth a single second price. A look into opportunity after having tried.

I do not go over the features, everything has already been said!

Too bad she is not a midi but good decision ...

UTILIZATION

First ultra intuitive (if you know the minimum operating principle of tape echo chamber)
Sub settings are accessible after it is working on sheet (no digital display) ...

French manual found on audiof '(thank you "nowhereman"!)

I found all the possibilities for my RE201 Space Echo, without the disadvantages (fragility due to his age), and Tap Tempo and more!

SOUND QUALITY

Tip top, nothing to add!

Used with guitar, bass and contrabass

Not a fart breath, many settings allow to go from bright and clean and a good crados strongly modulated the delay.

I find again the sound of my old Space Echo!

OVERALL OPINION

I just bought it, having had and / or tested:

-Roland Space Echo RE20 1978 (see above)
-Ibanez DE7 (Delay my first, it's still my favorite curiously after Strymon of course)
-Line6 Echo Park (although for very electric guitarist)
Tc Electronic Vintage Delay (very neat and some possible settings)
Tc Electronic Flashback (well, but no tap tempo)
-MXR Carbon Copy (ditto)
-Boss DD20 (very digital, and bulky)

I have wanted to test:

Empress-Tape Delay (equivalent to Strymon enough in advance)
-Eventide Time Factor (gas plant)
-Boss RE20 (bulky in the pedal)

but I wanted to stay on the analog spirit ', without programming, with everything at hand to play the knob in Live ...

I think I have finally found the Holy Grail!! (At least compared to what I was looking for)

Digital delay pedal reproducing a tape delay. Full specs have been posted below. Since mid-2012 entry is now stereo and switches are not click.
The ELCAP seems very solid, while brushed aliminium. He needs 250 mA 9V, center negative, but it seems that 200 mA is sufficient according to some tests.
The system preset with Favorite swicth is well thought out, you can enjoy more opportunities pedal. And it builds very easily for a few euros

UTILIZATION

5 knobs (double function), 2 toggle switches, two foot switches, it starts to make the world. Provided it is not pert, in the sense that the annexes settings will not be changed every 4 mornings. The main thing is before us. An indication of 2nd function on the pedal would have been useful, you need to open the manual every time. Mention spring reverb reverb can make a fortune without any worries with ultra short delay.
For the rest, the knobs are responsive, pleasant, do not make noise when turned, digital forces.
Good point, setting mix is ​​100% dry to 100% wet, it will be possible to use it in a parallel loop. The 50/50 is reached at about 3.
As described below, it is possible to assign an expression pedal to any knobs, I will not go over in detail.

SOUND QUALITY

This is clearly where the ELCAP makes the difference. I have owned a lot of delays lately (standard Flashback and X4, Eventide Timefactor, Strymon Timeline) and no faces in terms of tape. The Flashbacks are excellent but despite Toneprint I never found my shoe foot (or so via the PC editor), the Timefactor is mainly oriented digital delay though his tqpe is very good fashion, and I have not at all like the ergonomics of the Timeline and how tape cut against the ELCAP.
I use the serial loop of my Diezel Hagen, no worries. I have two settings: a short and discrete delay with a lot of modulation for lead (Single, B-mode) and another with a longer and more repetitions to get a clean singing (multi, B mode). The fact that the dry signal is not converted helps.
I love playing with the settings of age and Wow & Flutter giving lots of personality delay, without going overboard.

OVERALL OPINION

In the end, it's just a great delay, both rich and fairly simple to use. The only real complaint is the lack of management of the MIDI protocol, to enable / disable the pedal and change the preset (but fall into the technological frenzy kind Timeline).

The Strymon El Capistan is essentially the best tape echo emulation on the market. Strymon delivers a feature packed offering that is a dream of knob fiddlers. The El Capistan can toggle between three different tape head settings (Fixed,Multi, and Single) each having their own variance on the 3 available modes A,B, and C. The front panel controls include Time, Tape Age, Repeats, Mix, and Wow & Flutter. Holding the bypass and Tap tempo footswitches enables the "hidden" parameters of Low end contour, Tape bias, Tape crinkle, a +/- 3db cut/boost, as well as spring reverb. The pedal's looks, like all Strymon pedals, are elegant and clean. A great looking unit to add to your board.

UTILIZATION

The versatility of the I/O allows you to run the pedal in a stereo environment. It also allows you to connect an expression pedal to be configured with any parameter or one of strymon's favorite switches to recall a particular patch. The amount of control Strymon gives you makes it very easy to get a good sound out of the unit. The El Capistan runs 9v power.

SOUND QUALITY

The Strymon delivers excellent sound utilizing the SHARC DSP. Matching the single tape head with mode C selected offers sound on sound mode. This mode acts like a pseudo tape-looper. Using the Tap tempo switch you can control "splice" points and then use the parameters of the pedal to alter the loop. Taking advice from the Strymon website directly, setting the pedal up with a single tape head on mode A can elicit very subtle, natural sounding echoes with distorted guitars. You can use the Tape age knob to dial in the right amount of crispness desired.

OVERALL OPINION

The Strymon El Capistan is a very impressive delay. The only thing that comes close to it's sound quality is the JHS Panther which dwarfs the Strymon in price. The amount of control you are given is very inspiring and gives you a sense of fulfillment in your purchase. I am very awed by this company's work. Top notch pedal indeed.

See other reviews

UTILIZATION

Attention is a pedal to DSP, it consumes a lot. You need a power supply providing 250 mA. Do not expect to put on an octopus with a poor power supply at the end boss and four other pedals ... it will not work.

So, I cleave to a power supply Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 + (and most important is to have two out at 250 mA, the standard version with only 100 mA outs in analog pedal).

Well I took the pedal "Favorite" but I think I would have done better to take a pedal instead.

SOUND QUALITY

I have already said WOUAHOU! That's it.

(Provided we are looking for a tape delay of the course)

My favorite knob (y 'was always one) is the "Tape Age". The color gives it leaves me on the ass.

OVERALL OPINION

I just have it. I played for hours. Nothing is missed in this pedal.

The sounds are fabulous. The possibilities sound inspire new research. We go from the pure vintage psychedelia to modern research in every sense.

And if I were to cite a single killer-feature that would be the fact of having endless repetitions of the foot by holding down the TAP TEMPO switch (which is more limited with the output level so as not to blow up the speakers).

I'm already in love with this pedal and my Duesenberg Starplayer also (she always has the last word in the pair).

Write a review smarter and laid back again Here I just wanted to scream WOUAHOU!

I will not dwell on this subject, it was done before me.

UTILIZATION

The bug is not easy at first because there are a lot of settings but in fact it quickly and it is difficult to have a bad sound.

About the manual, there is a French version as nowhereman kindly translated. (There is a link to his opinion)
With this release, it comes out easily.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is really very nice, very organic.
I think that next to an analog tape echo, it must seem a bit cold and synthetic, but its flexibility and its reliability in August for the true u live.

We can go to the delay repeats pretty clean (with color anyway) to the echo machine LOFI overused.

OVERALL OPINION

Super delay with its grain color while preserving the maximum dry signal.

El pedal Capistan Strymon, is an emulation of different types of rooms Echo (echoplex, copycat, space station, etc.) ..
the original echo chambers have major drawbacks: not found / expensive, fragile, unreliable

unlike his illustrious model is solid and compact digital.

level functions: 2 footswitch (bypass and tap tempo)
5 knobs dual functions:
- Time / spring reverb
- Mix / boost - cut
- Tape age / low end contour
- Repeats / bias tape
- Wow & flutter / tape crinkle
Switch 1: tape head
A switch: mode

level connectivity: a mono input
2 outputs left & right
A connection to switch or expression pedal (favorite

the expression pedal can be assigned to any fader!! I think that's the only pedal that offers this possibility!

for food lovers here are some specifications from the manufacturer ...

- Algorithms hand dTaP designed to offer thorough and nuanced recreations
systems, tape echo.
- Three tape machines in one: stationary (a fixed reading head), multi (heads
read multiple) and single (recording head sliding)
- Each machine has three modes for tape echo options
extremely flexible
- Five adjustment band shape and tone knobs: Time, Mix, Age band
Again, Wow & Flutter
- Five "hidden" to polish your buttons vast: Crinkle Tape, Tape Bias,
Contour Low End, Spring Reverb, + / - 3 dB Boost / Cut
- Its the sound mode with instant Splice Tape and delete in bulk. a short looper!
- Stereo output, high input impedance mono
- Entry for expression pedal control with selectable on any
what button
- Connect switch our preferred option to save a preset Favorite
- Tap Tempo and Bypass switches to settle the secondary functions
- True Bypass Switching (electromechanical relay)
- Select "tracks" on an analog with high quality buffered bypass
- Press and hold to Tap the feedback becomes infinite!
- 9V DC negative center. Minimum of 250mA
- Made in the United States

UTILIZATION

this looks like a gas plant, but what works!

I urge you to read the user manual (translated by me ...)

https://www.fichier-pdf.fr/2011/08/18/elcapistan-usermanual-fr/elcapistan-usermanual-fr.pdf

otherwise you will have access to only half of available functions and it would be a shame ...

handling of different settings is intuitive if you understand the following operation: simultaneously hold down the TAP and BYPASS to set the secondary functions ...

potentiometer to define what is assigned to the pedal:

Hold down the TAP, by plugging the power supply and then turn the knob you want ...

you can also let the rehearsal when the pedal is bypassed: to do: keep down the BYPASS, by plugging the power supply and wait a few seconds ...

you are holding nine different delays and possibilities will very extensive!

the pedal is the icing on the cake, depending on the selected potentiometer, you can DePace the read head, the tape speed, get an infinite feedback, clear sound mixer / effect, age band, chorus l effect, ....

the pedal reacts differently on each type of delay selected ...

if you hold down the tap, it's like you turn the feedback thoroughly! the effect disappears naturally if the APR is released ...

ha yes, the APR is of course to define the intervals of repetitions ...


* Publishing of sound effects or is it easy?

if you understood what I said above ... Yes!

* The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

the manual is very clear and complete, no need of having an engineer to understand, there are even settings in the end pdf

but hey, saw the possibilities, it is inevitably a delay less simple three-button ... but it's still very intuitive (there are no menus and sub menus in ...)



SOUND QUALITY

marking in the first place is the beautiful sound of this delay: hot air, natural!

rather listen to ...





you have in your hands, the best of both worlds: a great delay sound tape without the disadvantages (high price, change bands, fragile and unreliable)

over the almost endless possibilities ...

you can use it on stage without fear and to share with your audience what nirvana sound!

you control at any time, the characteristics of your sound ...

brief is happiness in its purest form! (And I mean it ...)

OVERALL OPINION

* How long have you use it?
1 week

* + The

The sound! not breathing and more!
assignable expression pedal.
Elementary & Secondary functions
extensive opportunities (over 20 combined functions).
the price / quality ratio (justified) is the same price as EHX deluxe memory man


l * les -

Euuuuuu .... a small switch to access the second settings? it's greed ..


* Have you tried many other models before buying it?

I have 3 other delays: Boss DD3, Boss RV3, EHX Deluxe Memory Man ... El Capistan surpass them by far ...

* How would you rate the quality / price?

it's not cheap, but worth it ... 280 euros ...

* With experience, you do again this choice? ...

eyes closed!

Digital delay to simulate the tape delays.
3 types of delay, three modes.
Mono stereo output. Tap tempo.

UTILIZATION

Nothing is easier than to walk the machine, turn the knobs that's all!
Full of parameters but very intuitive.
Warning! Instructions on the web only and it is useful! Strymon on the site can be recovered a blank sheet on which you can record your favorite settings eight (or more yaka print). Good idea Mr Strymon.

SOUND QUALITY

Kaamelott to parody:
Here, there's jellyfish, insects. Here, there's the glandus, the messenger boy. Here, there's normal guys. Here, there's knights. Here, there's kings and princes. And after, well above, there's Mr. Strymon and "El Capistan!"
Signal / noise ratio of 115 db!
The sound is a pure magic! Not a sound parasite, not a breath! Nothing! That tile! Nothing!
La Bestia then claims to be digital and you could blame him given the usual pats who usually sound the death knell so the sound is cold!
Here's all the opposite! In the heat you want in here and given the name it is rather "mucho calor caramba!"
In short the sound is incredible purity and repetitions that can be sharper or more blurred, are you crying on your pedals so qu'c'est beautiful!
The settings allow you to simulate even a strip crumpled, wrinkled middle destroy you see! If it does not c'n'est professionalism, then what is it?

OVERALL OPINION

Finally I hesitated a lot with the timeline from the same manufacturer but a priori there are more types of delays but less time settings and as I was boiling hot on the time vintage of the demo I decided to "El Capistan ".
The only downside is the stereo that is rather a personal dual mono output but I have a Carbon Copy left and right Capistan El mono and it is the bomb!
knob "Flutter & Wow" ... I love you! The chorus that you deliver them makes me Kifer too!
Finally, listen to the demos on the site Strymon is super well done and very realistic!
One thing is certain, I ordered a deluxe memory boy that I returned because it was so rotten illico but now I'm not about to return it and I'll probably buy the optional foot pedal that allows you to have two "El Capistan".

There are three modes available. These are fixed, multi and single. They each emulate different types of tape echo such as the Echoplex and Space Echo. Of course this emulation is digital.
A complaint I have is the lack of MIDI and lack of stereo ins. This would bring the functionality level much higher, though it's not the biggest of deals. You at least get stereo outs and tap tempo and can purchase the Favorite Switch if you want a preset. Downside is it's $50 extra.
There are five knobs, mix, time, repeats, wow & flutter and tape age. Each knob has a secondary function to control parameters such as crinkle, bias, spring reverb, etc. These allow detailed control over your echo tone.
You also have the ability to switch between buffered and true bypass operation.

UTILIZATION

The primary knob functions are self explanatory, though those unfamiliar with tape echos may not know what the effect of tape age and wow & flutter are. Fortunately, the manual explains these. The secondary knobs are a bit trickier since you probably won't know about them without the manual. The manual explains them and how to access them, though it is a bit of a PITA to actually do it.
Set up is easy, though as before it may cause some problems in a stereo rig since it doesn't have stereo ins. It's easy to incorporate in any other rig though and the favorite switch is a breeze to hook up should you choose to purchase it.
The high current draw can give you problems depending on your power supply and other pedals, though I just run it off output 5 or 6 on my Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2+.

SOUND QUALITY

I use the El Cap with a THD Flexi 50 and a Strat. The dry tone remains unaffected when I kick the El Cap on due to the analog dry path. This gives it the edge over several similarly priced units such as the Eventide Time Factor in my opinion.
The echo quality is great. It can get very close to the EP-1 that my friend owns. If it had a similar preamp structure in place, I believe it could nail it no problem. There's a thread on the Gear Page that compares it to several real tape echo units that gets the point across very well.
My only complaint sound wise is that the self oscillation is a bit weak. Nowhere near as prominent as a real tape echo or even most analog and digital echos. This isn't a deal breaker for me or most others but it is nice to have around for when you want to go crazy.

OVERALL OPINION

I absolutely love the El Cap. It does everything I need and it's built incredibly well. My favorite thing would have to be the multi head setting. It gives a great ambient feel to my tone that I love for when I'm the only guitarist. My complaint is still the oscillation. I feel like Strymon could have done better.
The value might not be as good as something like the Time Factor since it only does 3 types of delays but it does those 3 types so well that if you're only looking for tape echo, I'd buy this any day over the TF.
I'd buy another if it were ever stolen or broken. The former is considerably more likely.