BOSS RE-20 Space Echo

The BOSS RE-20 Space Echo is a remake of one of BOSS’s most legendary units , the Roland RE-201 Space Echo, a beastly effects box produced from 1974 until 1990 that was made to sit on top of guitar amps. This smaller, newer version boasts both reverb and delay capabilities and gives its user a unique pallet of sonic colors that will transport you to into the not-too-distant past. This retro revival gives a classic feel to any pedalboard, and is a great addition to any effects setup.

External Control: Stereo/EXP
Cost: $$

HornFX Review

Review BOSS RE-20

Interface: 4/5
While still a fairly bulky pedal, the RE-20 has a fantastic and intuitive interface. With a mode selector knob that allows you to choose between four different delay settings, an isolated reverb, and seven different reverb/delay dual settings, it is simple to find your desired effect engine. THe RE-20 has allows for a lot of control that is simple to understand including input volume with a peak indicator, EQ, and an onboard tap tempo. While there are no presets to save and call up, this pedal’s simplicity, especially considering the amount it is capable of, make it easy to manipulate and dial in.

Versatility: 3.5/5
The Space Echo certainly deserves a high score for versatility, as it is a two-in-one pedal. Unfortunately, there is a slight limit to its versatility due to a lack of savable presets. Even with that shortcoming, this pedal can produce a wide variety of sounds, and can be a great option to provide all kinds of contextual color and texture.

Reproduction of sound: 4/5
This pedal is capable of multiple sonic colors. The RE-20 can give you the reverb and delay tones that you want due to its EQ manipulation options. This pedal reproduces sound, especially that of a trumpet, extremely well. It is the go-to reverb-delay combo pedal of trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom from the band Lettuce. He finds some beautiful reverb/delay combos from this pedal that sound particularly good when combined with his wah pedal, the Dunlop GCB95.

Live application: 3.5/5
While this pedal has a select few drawbacks, it has same amazing advantages. On the positive side, it is relatively well sized for a pedal that has two functions, it some of its size is dedicated to an extremely useful tap tempo. Although it does not have a huge foot-print, it is quote heavy and can move you closer to the weight limit for a checked bag. That, combined with its lack of presets may make some pedal users look at other options. But even with its weight and lack of presets, this is a great pedal that can contribute some wonderful colors to your sound, is extremely easy to use, and is an extremely functional pedal.

Interface	Versatility	Tonal Reproduction	Live Application	Total Score
4/5	3.5/5	4/5	3.5/5	15/20

Audio

Input Signal - Trumpet

Product Information

One of the most beloved echo effects ever made, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo, has been reborn as the BOSS RE-20 Twin Pedal! Roland and BOSS have recreated every sonic detail and nuance of the original. Experience the legendary tape-echo sound of the RE-201, and get “lost in space” with this retro-modern marvel.

Amazing simulation of the famous Roland RE-201, with the spacious, analog tone of the original Space Echo
Faithful modeling of the RE-201’s tape flutter and magnetic head sound saturation
Tap input pedal allows delay time to be set by foot
Longer delay time than the original RE-201
Control parameters such as REPEAT RATE, INTENSITY, and more via Expression pedal
MODE SELECTOR knob with 12 placements just likes the original Space Echo

Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu (INPUT VOLUME knob: center), max +4 dBu
Input Impedance: 1 M ohms
Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
Output Impedance: 1 k ohms
Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater
Display: Virtual Tape Display

Connectors

INPUT jacks A/MONO, B (1/4-inch phone type)
OUTPUT jacks A/MONO, B (1/4-inch phone type)
EXP PEDAL jack (1/4-inch TRS phone type)
DC IN jack (DC 9 V)

Power Supply

DC 9 V: Dry battery LR6/R6 (AA) type x 6, AC Adaptor (PSA series)

Current Draw: 75 mA (9 V max.)
* Expected battery life under continuous use: Carbon: 9 hours, Alkaline: 32 hours
These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories

Owner’s Manual
Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”)
Dry battery R6 (AA) type (carbon) x 6

Options (sold Separately)

AC Adaptor (PSA series)
Expression pedal (Roland EV-5)

SIZE AND WEIGHT ( INCL. BATTERY )Width173 mm
6-13/16 inchesDepth158 mm
6-1/4 inchesHeight57 mm
2-1/4 inchesWeight1.2 kg
2 lbs. 11 oz.

Controls

EFFECT ON/OFF pedal
TAP pedal
BASS knob
TREBLE knob
REVERB VOLUME knob
REPEAT RATE knob
INTENSITY knob
ECHO VOLUME knob
MODE SELECTOR knob
INPUT VOLUME knob
DIRECT switch

Indicators

POWER indicator (serves also as battery check indicator)
PEAK LEVEL indicator
EFFECT ON/OFF indicator
TAP indicator

Product Information from the BOSS Website