Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo V2
Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo V2
This is the third time I owned a Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo. I first bought one when it first was introduced, made the mistake of selling it ONLY to buy another one! So I knew eventually had to update to the new V2 model that features some improvements from Strymon.
V1 (left) V2 (right)
One of the most desired features of the V2 is to have a dedicated Spring Reverb knob. No more diving into “secondary settings” to adjust the reverb. Also can easily run the pedal is stereo and back to mono from the rear panel.
I have always loved the size, impressive sound and features.
From Strymon:
Plug in, play a note or chord, and you feel it: All the warm, saturated, distinctive qualities and subtle nuances of vintage tape echo combine to instantly create an unmistakable atmosphere.
Everything from classic slapback echoes to psychedelic space explorations have stunning richness and depth, responding to each note and knob turn in a musically inspiring way.
Turn up the repeats for organic delay feedback with just the right amount of grit. Dial in some spring reverb to further enhance the sense of space. Effortlessly create multi-layered ambient soundscapes with the tape-style sound on sound looper.
Magnetic Monster.
El Capistan provides three different tape machine types in one pedal, each with three unique modes and extensive control over tape quality, machine health and tone shaping.
Classic Sound
Our second generation El Capistan keeps the same rich magnetic tape echo tones from our original and adds significant new features, incorporating technological advancements, hardware improvements and design enhancements to give you additional flexibility, power, and ease of use on stage and in the studio.
MIDI
Full MIDI implementation means you can control just about every switch, knob, and setting remotely by sending MIDI commands from your controller or DAW via El Capistan’s EXP/MIDI jack or USB-C connection.
Hardware Improvements
A premium analog JFET input circuit ensures superb responsiveness to your playing, and you can select mono or stereo input with the flick of a rear panel switch.
Spring Reverb
Some classic tape echo machines included small integrated spring reverb tanks tuned for limited bandwidth.
Echo Through Eternity.
Classic single-note slapback. Rhythmic multi-head delays. Ambient, washed-out echoes that dissolve into waves of noise. El Capistan’s three different tape machines provide a huge variety of vintage delay sounds, offering unique functionality depending on what the Mode switch is set to.
Delay Controls
A full suite of traditional delay controls make El Capistan a practical addition to any board.
Set your preferred delay time using the dedicated Time knob, and dial in everything from snappy slapback delays to long, spacious echoes. Need to dial it on the fly? Use the dedicated Tap switch to lock in to your desired tempo without needing to turn a single knob.
Spring Reverb
Use it to add subtle space and dimension to your delays at lower settings, or turn things up a notch for big, splashy waves of old-school spring reverb.
Wow & Flutter
El Capistan captures the nuances of the dozens of moving parts that contributed to the sound of classic tape echoes.
Tape Age, Crinkle, and Bias
Go from the full-range sonic stability of a fresh-from-the-factory echo machine, to the heavily fluctuating sound of a road-worn unit in need of service. Enjoy the full bodied sound of fresh tape, or dial in the dark, gnarled and vibey qualities of worn out tape.
Our meticulously handcrafted dTape technology and powerful ARM DSP give you a range of tape experiences that would be unattainable with a single traditional tape machine. Plus you get sound on sound looping, all without the headaches of tape machine maintenance and repair.
Better With Age.
Our goal with El Capistan was to offer the most authentic tape echo experience in a modern, compact form factor. A component of that was replicating the tonal effects that the tape medium itself can have on your signal depending on the age and condition of the tape itself, as well as taking into account the significant effect of the bias setting of the tape machine.
Low End Contour
El Capistan’s Low End Contour secondary function gives you an extra layer of tonal control by shaping the low frequency content of the echo repeats.
At the far left of the control, you get extended low frequency bandwidth for full, deep repeats.
Sound On Sound
Just like one of our favorite moving head tape echo machines, El Capistan gives you a Sound on Sound mode, but with some cool new features.
MIDI
Our new generation of El Capistan features full MIDI implementation, allowing you to control just about every switch, knob, and setting remotely by sending MIDI commands from your controller or DAW via El Capistan’s EXP/MIDI jack or USB-C connection. Delay time can be synchronized via MIDI Clock Sync, and the sync setting can be saved for each preset. 300 MIDI preset locations are available for loading and saving your favorite settings.
Choose Your Bypass Mode
El Capistan lets you choose electromechanical relay switched true bypass for a 100% untouched, unprocessed signal when the pedal is bypassed (this is the default setting), or you can opt for our premium quality buffered bypass that conditions your signal to preserve its integrity by preventing the high end roll-off that can happen due to longer cable runs.
JFET Input Analog Touch
Uncompromised dynamics and feel. Exceptional touch sensitivity and responsiveness. El Capistan feels just as good as it sounds, thanks to a high impedance ultra-low noise discrete Class A JFET preamp input
Boost/Cut
We all need a lift every once in a while. El Capistan features a +/-3dB boost/cut secondary function that lets you add a little extra “oomph” when you engage the pedal
Stereo
No need to make compromises when it comes to signal routing or pedal placement — El Capistan features full stereo in/out capabilities.
Line/Instrument Level
Pedals aren’t just for guitarists. El Capistan’s adjustable input signal level makes it a versatile tool for endless applications from the studio to the stage.