The Roland RE-150 Space Echo is one of the first units of its kind and is truly a classic piece of gear. It is an all analog unit and actually has a real audio tape inside of it that provides the tape echo. It has 1/4 inch inputs for either your microphones or instrument and also has 1/4 inch outputs for a foot pedal and for both direct output signal and wet output signal. This is not a rackable unit and is enclosed in a box. UTILIZATION The configuration of the Roland RE-150 Space Echo isn't too difficult to understand. Each input has a knob for getting your level, and there is a large knob in the middle to choose between six different modes, three of which are repeat delays and three of which are single delays. It then has other knobs for repeat rate, intensity, and echo volume. It also has a VU meter and a switch with a few options in your output section. I've never seen the manual for the Roland RE-150 Space Echo but it is an easy unit to use and you really don't need it. SOUND QUALITY The sound quality of the Roland RE-150 Space Echo is absolutely awesome. The real tape loop gives it an awesome sound that is warm and vintage sounding, and the vast array of parameters allows for complete control over your tone. This unit is great for just about any application that you would want to use delay with including for vocals, guitars, and just about anything else you can think of. The Roland RE-150 Space Echo is really the holy grail of tape echo delays and truly has one of the best echo tones I've ever heard. OVERALL OPINION I've been using the Roland RE-150 Space Echo for about four or five years and I can't say enough about how awesome this thing is. It has a great reputation and for a good reason - the tone quality is really out of this world. These aren't that hard to find but aren't cheap. If you love that vintage delay sound like I do, there is no better than Roland RE-150 Space Echo.
The Roland RE-101 Space Echo is a real tape delay unit. It was released at the same time as the RE-201 and is essentially it's little brother as it's a bit more limited but still shares the same sort of quality. For those new to the Space Echo units, there is a real 1/4" tape coiled up inside this that runs to give you your effects. You make your connections on the front panel via 1/4" jacks for two separate mic inputs, an instrument input, as well as for an output and a footswitch. There's also a distinct connection for taking a direct line in from your PA. It's not rack mountable as it sits in it's own briefcase style case. UTILIZATION It's not too hard to get used to using the Roland RE-101 Space Echo, but there are of course a few things to know about. If you've ever used the RE-201 before, you'll have no issues here as this is essentially a watered down version of that unit. Parameters include knobs for both of the mic input volumes, the instrument input volume, a six way mode selector, repeat rate, intensity, and echo volume control. That's all about you'll need to know, so I don't think you'll have a need for the manual unless you need to open the lid and do some work inside of it, which in fact will be necessary if you own one. SOUND QUALITY The sound of the Roland RE-101 Space Echo is like no other. It's a super warm and beautiful sounding delay that is perfect for getting that rockabilly slap back delay happening. The RE-201 is definitely more versatile than this, but you can still get a nice amount of varying delay sounds here. I definitely like it most for it's slap back sort of sound, but I'm definitely biased when it comes to this because this is my favorite kind of delay in general. The RE-101 is awesome for longer delays as well! OVERALL OPINION You simply can't go wrong with the Roland RE-101 Space Echo. It's a cheaper way to get that classic Space Echo sound that has been used on so many different records, most without you even knowing that you're hearing it. The RE-201 Space Echo is definitely the best Space Echo out there, but this is a good runner up, at least as far as the models that I've used are concerned. I'm not sure how much one of these would go for exactly, but I'd only say it's worth it if it's a good bit less than the RE-201. Either way, if you're getting this or you spring for the RE-201, you're getting an amazing Space Echo!
