Sound Pure's Take
Condition: Used, Excellent
Engineered for uncompromising signal purity, the USA-made Strymon EC-1 combines pristine digital processing with boutique analog feel in a compact anodized aluminum chassis. At its front end, an ultra-low-noise discrete Class A JFET circuit provides 1M Ohm input impedance for exceptional feel and clarity, leading into 24-bit 96kHz converters with a 116dB signal-to-noise ratio. Powered by a 520MHz ARM Superscalar processor using 32-bit floating-point math, it delivers an expansive 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response across full stereo TRS inputs and low-impedance TRS outputs. Modern routing capabilities include USB MIDI control, firmware update functionality, and a multi-function jack supporting expression pedals, MiniSwitches, MultiSwitch Plus, or TRS MIDI integration.
From Strymon Pedals
A Timeless Classic Reborn
Experience the dreamy sound of a classic ‘60s tape echo complete with the harmonic richness of the accompanying tube preamp.
Enjoy organic and ethereal modulation produced by countless subtle mechanical imperfections, and easily dial in anything from warm slapback to expansive echo feedback beds with a strikingly gorgeous stereo image.
With beautifully-tuned low frequency response, lush tape saturation and sublime echo decay, EC-1 provides all the best of what a tube driven tape echo can deliver.
Strymon EC-1 on top of an amp against a dark wood wall.
Tape, Tubes, and the Best of the Best
Development of EC-1 started with the groundbreaking single moving head algorithm originally developed for our El Capistan pedal, which is renowned for its lifelike reproduction of vintage tape echo.
EC-1 with an Echoplex in the background.
From there, we were fortunate to acquire what turned out to be a very special Echoplex EP-2, as the unit was in amazingly good condition and had been worked on by storied technician Cesar Diaz. We discovered that several purposeful and skillfully-implemented modifications had been made to the unit, including tweaks to the tube preamp for a warmer sound closer in frequency response to an EP-3. The modifications seemed aimed at bringing the best aspects of the various vintage Echoplex models into a single unit, and the inspiring result significantly informed development of EC-1, imbuing it with a special character that is immediately nostalgic.
Full-Featured Compact Stereo Tape Echo
EC-1 offers impressive power and flexibility in a small and elegant form factor.
Selectable tube-modeled preamp voices. Artifact-free tap tempo. Discrete stereo operation for independent processing of the left and right stereo inputs. Straightforward controls and expression pedal capability. High-impedance, ultra-low noise discrete Class A JFET stereo input preamp for exceptional touch sensitivity, dynamics and feel. MIDI control of tempo, patch save/recall and more. Premium components, rugged construction and a USB jack for performing firmware updates or controlling the pedal from a computer.
High impedance ultra low-noise discrete Class A JFET TRS stereo input
Low impedance TRS stereo output
Expression pedal input allows the connection of a TRS expression pedal, MiniSwitch, MultiSwitch Plus, or TRS MIDI connection
USB jack for controlling via MIDI from a computer or for performing firmware updates
Premium JFET analog front end
Ultra low noise, high performance 24-bit 96kHz A/D and D/A converters provide uncompromising audio quality
520MHz ARM Superscalar processor
32-bit floating point processing
20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Audio Input Impedance
- 1M Ohm
- Audio Output Impedance
- 100 Ohm
- Typical signal to noise ratio
- 116dB
Strong and lightweight anodized aluminum chassis
- Power requirements
- maximum 9 volts DC center-negative, with a minimum of 250mA (power supply NOT included)
- Dimensions
- 4.6” deep x 2.7” wide x 2.2” tall
11.7 cm deep x 6.9 cm wide x 5.6 cm tall
Designed and built in the USA
Warranty
This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Returns
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Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
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