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REPLICATOR TAPE ECHO
There once was a time when a ”bucket brigade” was a handful of firemen and digital processing was only used by computers the size of a house. Echo effects were largely done by using magnetic tape run by a motor – it was such a cool sounding concept, but the size, weight and ease of use was always a challenge for the players.
That was then, this is now!
The Replicator is T-Rex Engineering´s take on the ultimate tape echo unit, complete with a motor, magnetic heads and a tape cartridge. The goal was to make a tape echo unit that could nail the sound quality of the old echo units, but surpass them in features. Size, ease of use and super-fast tape replacing were obvious areas of improvement, but we also put in tap tempo, two playback heads for three output modes and a chorus mode that modulates the pitch of the echos.

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Two expression pedal inputs allow the player to control delay time and feedback in real time for instant synth-noise at your feet.
The tape cartridge (available separately) can be replaced in seconds and the high headroom of the circuit will allow you to use this pedal for processing line signals as well (keyboards, P.A. aux sends, preamps, etc.).
The difference between a super precise, accurate digital echo and the Replicator is that there is a certain amount of unpredictability in the sound of tape. It has its own life, almost. And that personality translates into a very natural sounding echo that we think feels more like an instrument than a sound effect.

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Replicator aims at pairing the sonic qualities of a pure analog tape echo with modern features - some of them announced as unique on a tape delay. Hence, the Replicator is announced as the first analog tape delay to feature a Tap Tempo footswitch, allowing users to easily adjust delay time on the fly.

Two playback heads mounted at different distances from the record head offer a wide range of delay time going from 125ms to 1200ms - giving users a wide range of possibilities going from quick slapback to long, ethereal repeats. Head 1 is used for longer delay, while Head 2 handles shorter repeats ; both heads can also be used in tandem for a unique rhythmic feel.

A Chorus control gives users the possibility to vary the tape speed in very small amounts so as to provide pitch modulation of the delays. The Replicator also features adjustable Master Volume and Saturation controls, plus standard delay controls (Delay Level, Feedback, and Delay Time). A "Kill Dry" switch provides one-touch elimination of the dry signal - a useful option when used in effect loops. Two expression pedal inputs allow the player to control Delay Time and/or Feedback via an expression pedal (not included).

The circuit is also said to feature a high headroom, making the pedal suitable for processing line level signals as well (keyboards, P.A. aux sends, preamps, etc.).

Replicator uses a proprietary tape cartridge which features 1/8" tape made in Germany by BASF. Replacing the cassette is said to be particularly easy and quick, and replacement cartridges are to be sold separately for a $30.00 MSRP.

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HANDCRAFTED IN DENMARK

• 100% analog signal
  
• True bypass
  
• Two playbackheads for three modes of operation
  
• Tap tempo
  
• Kill dry switch
  
• Expression pedal control of time and feedback

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TECH SPECS

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User Manual
Hi-res images: part 1 - part 2
Low-res images
Info sheet

Suggested retail price: $799 VAT

More details: T-Rex Engineering

 

That's pretty sexy! Pretty expensive though.
I own a few T-rex pedals (aswell as TC Electronic ones). Very good pedals by crazy danes. I will try to test this one out.