Roland Cloud – RE-201 for WiN

Introduced in 1974, the RE-201 Space Echo is one of the most famous and iconic effects processors ever created. It uses analog tape to create a distinctive multi-head delay effect, and has been used by performers, producers, and mixing engineers for the last fifty years. Lovingly designed by the creators of the original Space Echo, you can now experience the authentic character of this ultra-versatile and transformative effect in your DAW.

Key Features

• The only original Roland RE-201 Space Echo plug-in
• Iconic tape delay and echo sounds with multiple head combinations and spring reverb
• Resizable, high-resolution interface creates the feel of using the original gear
• Highly detailed and historically accurate graphics with pristine and distressed looks
• Explore over 50 expertly crafted presets
• Ideal for all types of sources, including keyboards, guitars, drums, vocals and more
• Advanced parameters for new sounds and modern recording technologies
• Six tempo-synced LFO shapes, plus speed and depth controls
  • Adjust device physicality, tape vibration and motor torque
• Supports VST3, AU and AAX plug-in formats
  

ECHOES 1974

The mid-70s were an exciting time for music performance and production. Artists began to pay more attention to acoustics and experiment with new technologies to exploit new sounds. Tape echoes were the first affordable delays, developed back in the 1940s. But a few decades later, modern technology made them more usable. Enter the Roland RE-201 Space Echo.

PULSE. WARP. COLLAPSE. REPEAT

The original RE-201 was one of the finest tape echo machines of its day, and remained in continuous production until the late 1980s. Its three evenly spaced heads produced a wider range of echo effects than typical single-head models, and its innovative tape recording system delivered superior performance with minimal tape wear. It also featured a spring reverb, making it a versatile tool for creating anything with ambience. Convenient controls provide quick access to individual delays, different head combinations, and cool real-time effects like abrupt pitch shifts and intense self-oscillations.

THE GENUINE ROLAND ORIGINAL IS NOW IN YOUR DAW

The RE-201 is a sophisticated hardware effect, from its preamp design to its unique multi-head tape mechanism and built-in spring reverb. Using the latest modeling technology and exhaustive analysis of multiple vintage RE-201 models, including the original unit from the Roland Factory Archive, the RE-201 Space Echo plug-in brings the authentic feel of Space Echo to life like no other plug-in.

Every element and interaction must be accurately reproduced to accurately convey the unique analog atmosphere. As the creators of the original, we used decades of research to create a complete recreation right in your studio. Our engineers have completely reproduced everything that defines the timeless character of the RE-201, including the tape track, record/playback mechanism, motor variations, preamp color, tape age, and more.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

The RE-201’s versatile delays and spring reverb instantly add rich, retro character to any source. You can use delays and reverbs independently or combine them for a more spacious sound, and the extensive front panel controls make it easy to shape your sound for added expression. No matter how you use it, the RE-201 will take your tracks into new and uncharted territory.

PAIRS GREAT WITH EVERYTHING

You might be surprised at how versatile the Space Echo sound can be. It brings life and movement to keys, guitars, drums, vocals and more. From subtle to dreamy to downright bizarre, this coveted effect has been heard on thousands of tracks for decades and remains a secret weapon for legions of producers. It’s immediately satisfying, but also rewards deeper exploration.

WOW. AND FLUTER

Different RE-201 units have unique sound characteristics depending on their age, the age of the tape, and how well they have been cared for. Our plug-in offers controls for adjusting overall condition, tape noise and flutter, and even motor torque, allowing you to use everything from a brand new Space Echo to an older unit with a vintage personality.

INSTANT GRATISEMENT

While you can easily customize your own delay and reverb sounds, the RE-201 plug-in comes with a variety of expertly crafted presets that will add dimension to any source. There are presets designed for channel inserts, and full-effects versions for effect returns, allowing you to apply the Space Echo sound to individual tracks or multiple instruments at once.

COLOR SATURATION

The key factors that define the RE-201’s unique and enjoyable character are reproduced with astonishing realism. The rich sound of tape and the warm, velvety tones of the built-in preamp are worth the investment. In addition, the plug-in module reproduces the three inputs and volume controls of the original equipment. By selecting an input and making almost complete use of the classic 70’s transistor design, you can give the echo tones all sorts of shades – from warm overdrive to total distortion.

INCREASE THE INTENSITY

The RE-201’s beloved signature sound is the result of using—or abusing—the onboard controls. By adjusting the intensity and level of delay and saturation in real time, you can create bizarre, sweeping effects that take things from smooth to wild. You’ve been warned.

ICON OF MUSIC

The RE-201 has found its way into a variety of musical genres, including dub, trip-hop, alternative, punk, rockabilly and more. It has been used by many iconic artists, including dub pioneers Lee “Scratch” Perry and King Tubby, who used the unique feedback and richness of the sound. The space echo has become a staple of Portishead recordings, responsible for everything from the dreamy atmosphere of Vinnie Reilly’s Durutti records to the distorted, feedback-induced loops of Radiohead.