Re: Analog Echoplex

[The Man Himself <altruist@shoko.calarts.edu>]

On Thu, 17 Oct 1996, Victor Fiorillo wrote:

> I just found an analog echoplex in mint condition for $250.00.  Is that 
>a good price?

I've seen mint Echoplexes for sale around LA for as much as $450.  That's 
a very good price, I'd say.  However, I'm led to believe that the 
original tape 'plexes needed to have their tapes changed periodically.  
Can anyone back me up on this?

> Also, I hear so much about the digital echoplex.  Is the digital echo an 
>attempt to emulate the analog, or is it just a different effect?  So much 
>of the analog effect is due to its mechanical and temperamental nature, 
>so I wonder about the digital's efficacy.

They're two very different beasts.  The reason the Oberheim has the 
"Echoplex" name is because Gibson owned the rights to the name when they 
were developing the looper a few years ago.

As far as differences between the two units, I'd say the tape echoplex
compares to the digital pro unit in roughly the same way that a biplane
compares to a stealth fighter. 

--Andre