GSi Echo B2 is an authentic digital reproduction of the iconic Binson Echorec B2 echo processor for macOS, Windows, and iOS with AUv3 support.
The Binson Echorec is an echo machine originally produced by the Italian company Binson. Unlike most other analog echo machines (Roland RE-201…), they used an analog magnetic drum recorder instead of a tape loop.
Bands like Pink Floyd or Led Zepplin used these to create their psychedelic, rich, delayed sounds. GSi (Genuinesoundware) recently released an emulation of this classic, even for iOS.
GSi Echo B2
Echo B2 is a digital reproduction of a particular unit of the Binson B2 from 1965. Since every original hardware device sounds slightly different today, you can’t exactly emulate “the on and only B2”, but rather a particular one. GSi, the developers, says:
This unit, despite being so old, still has its original tubes and has had very little service in the last 30 years. We don’t know how this unit sounded when it was new, but this is how it sounds today, in 2022. It has to be said that the Echorec B2, despite being less famous than its big brother the Echorec 2, shares with it the same magnetic drum, the same magnetic heads, same mechanism and pretty much the same circuitry, practically the same sound in a more compact unit.
The plugin includes all controls found on the original unit. The developers also added four extra knobs that allow you to adjust the alignment of each head (aka Azimuth on tape machines). There is also an option to slow down the drum motor up to half the normal speed. Great for doubled delay times. Further, there is also a knob to adjust the level of the audible circuit hiss.
The developers have focused on the essentials in their emulation. Deep changes like modulation and other effects like an additional reverb are not included. They stick to the basics to stay as close to the original as possible. I think this way is good as it gives you a very authentic effect.
GSi Echo B2 is available now for 30€ + VAT and runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugins and standalone on macOS and Windows. It is also available as an iPad app on iOS with AUv3 support for $13,99 USD.
More information here: GSi
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