Erica Synths Echolocator is a new flexible shimmering stereo delay FX box in collaboration with developer 112dB
Some time ago, Erica Synths partnered up with the Dutch plugin developer 112dB. The outputs so far are pretty impressive: stereo effects modules for Eurorack, the Nightverb desktop reverb, and the Steampipe physical modeling Synthesizer.
The latest result of this close Latvian-Dutch collaboration is the Erica Synths Echolocator, an exciting desktop delay processor.
Erica Synths Echolocator
Nightverb is getting a company; honestly, it was expected that the two companies would collaborate more. The distribution of roles remains the same for this release. Erica Synths designed the hardware, while 112dB provides the algorithm for it.
Erica Synths Ecolocator is a new original hardware stereo delay. Like the Nightverb, the EchoLocator is a desktop unit with hands-on character. It hosts 12 parameters, allowing you to craft delay timbres very intuitively on the fly.
The user interface is divided into two sections. On the left, you can control the built-in filter with classic cutoff and resonance (Q) controls and add modulation if desired. The latter also has dedicated controls for mod speed and mod depth.
Nice. You can choose between two filter routing options, either in the feedback loop or in series with the audio signal, giving you different sound design options. In the middle and right, you can tweak the original delay algorithm developed by 112dB.
Erica Synths Echolocator’s delay effect is based on tape delay emulation. Alternatively, you can switch to a BBD delay emulation called dirty mode. The delay also ships with various controls: big time knob (4ms – 4 seconds), feedback (amount of reflections), and a dry/wet mix control.
Creative Delay Extras
Additionally, the Echolocator features creative ingredients for taking the tape delay, or BBD delays further. First, you can dial in a ping-pong behavior to the delay using the dedicated knob.
Then, you can work with two shimmer types (A/B) that differ in how a pitch-shifted signal is mixed with the non-pitch-shifted signal. The pitch shift knob sets the simmer pitch between -12 and +12 semitones, and the shimmer lets you dial in the amount of shimmer effect. Plus, you can add room reverb to your delays.
Once you’ve adjusted everything with the 12 parameters, you can save your settings in 100 preset slots (30 factory + 70 user). Morphing presets is a highlight of the Echolocator, just like in the Erica Synths Nightverb. Instead of an instant preset change, you can set a fade-in time for the next preset that ranges between 0.1 to 10 seconds.
Further, it has a freezer that freezes the audio buffer, which is determined by the TIME potentiometer setting. Yes, everything can be controlled with MIDI, plus you can export your presets via USB.
Connectivity
On the backside of the sleek aluminum case, you can find stereo I/O on 6.3mm sockets, a power supply input, on/off switch, 5-pin MIDI in and thru sockets, and a USB port for data.
First Impression
A very exciting new desktop stereo delay unit from Erica Synths and 112dB. The ability to morph presets and mangle the delay with modifiers is certainly fun. I would have liked a distortion option, which would have allowed for dirtier results.
Erica Synths Echolocator is available now for 490€ + VAT + shipping/$599. Shipping will start on March 17, 2025.
More information here: Erica Synths
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