T.Rex: the Binson Echorec Strikes Back!

BTR#60 - Several companies have tried to recreate the legendary Echorec tones but only one was bold enough to chase the dream of reviving the original analogue technology of the Binson magnetic drum echo.
In fact, T.Rex Engineering from Denmark proved to have unrivalled determination. They acquired the rights to the Binson and Echorec brands and embarked on a challenging journey of research and work. Their relentless dedication to this ambitious project makes it feel more like a heartfelt homage than just a commercial operation.
After 8 years T-Rex finally presented the new rendition of the Binson Echorec. The magnetic drum echo was, at last, reintroduced to the market with its original name and operating principle. The long wait earned the title of “the most anticipated effects device of the last 10 years”.
Did T. Rex fully succeed in bringing the original Echorec technology and tones back to life?
We will hear an original vintage Binson Echorec T5E from 1961 and the new recreation by T.Rex, side-by-side.
We’re just about to achieve a deep understanding of the Echorec, then we are evaluating whether the new Binson brand maintains the legacy of its original name and lives up to its great reputation.
#binsonechorec #trexengineering #tapedelay

Scroll Down for chapter list.

-English subtitles available in the options of the player
-Sottotitoli in Italiano attivabili dalle opzioni del player

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Chapter List:
00:00 - The Echorec Strikes Back
04:20 - The Tape Echo, from "Slapback" to "Self-Oscillation"
06:53 - Pioneers of Tape Echo #guitarhistory
08:00 - Binson, Milan, Italy
13:15 - T.Rex Comes In
15:27 - The BTR Echorec Challenge Begins!
19:35 - Technical Details of the T.Rex Binson Echorec
22:02 - Sound Sample 1: Long Echo
22:54 - Controls
24:33 - The Magic Eye
25:21 - Vintage Binson Vs. T.Rex Binson: a Direct Shootout
27:30 - General Impressions
28:00 - Sound Sample 2: Slapback
28:49 - Understanding the T.Rex Binson Echorec
32:53 - Impact on the Overall Guitar Tone
35:25 - the T.Rex Binson Echorec as Outboard Effects Unit
37:10 - Room for Improvement?
38:31 - Bang for the Buck
40:00 - Bottom Line

FAIR USE DISCLAIMER: This video may contain short excerpts of copyrighted material that are used in a transformative manner, intended solely for informational, educational, research, commentary, and criticism purposes. Such use is covered under the provisions of fair use as defined by the United States Copyright Act of 1976 (Pub. L. 94-553, Oct. 19, 1976).

[espinela]

Masterpiece of a video with great detail. Grazie!

[Kreln]

🤔 *I could see a modern version of the **_P.E. 603-Stereo_** unit pictured at the **23:15** mark, with perhaps with two options..., either mounting it in a sliding drawer mechanism for use in industry standard 19" equipment racks, or in a purpose built case with a removable top panel, (to permit access for head and drum maintenance).*

[johnpierson]

Wow! This video is amazing. I was born the year this was invented and have been playing guitar for over 50 years now. And I haven't known about the Binsen Echorec until I saw the T-Rex version or this famous design. I have many solid state delays, but none of them have the warmth and character this device has. I am an engineer and love analog circuitry. Thank you for this video. I love the pictures of the insides of the original designs. I hope I can own a T-Rex Echorec one of these days. I am now subscribed :)

[keiranbradley]

Hello Bob, you are criminally under-subscribed imho!.
It would be great to see you show off some of the other great Italian gear from the 50's and 60's.
Especially the guitars and amps from Meazzi and Galanti.
Peace from Scotland!.

[Caziolin]

Bob, che dire?!?
Come sempre esaustivo, pieno di info, e in più scorrevole!
Allora...devo dire che dovrò ascoltare di nuovo il video, però con le cuffie, ma mi sembra, molto sottilmente, ma veramente poco, che l'Ecorec originale sia un pelo più caldo, ma molto impercettibile.
Quindi i ragazzi di T Rex hanno fatto un gran lavoro!!!
Avevo letto recensioni poco felici riguardo a questo effetto, ma probabilmente gli utilizzatori pensano che sia uno strumento plug'n'play, cosa che a mio parere non è!
E in più, credo che bisogna sempre capire a fondo uno strumento di questo tipo, e magari avere bene in mente che tipo di suono si vuole ottenere!
Ti ho visto soddisfatto, e mi fa piacere!
Ti invidio perchè hai potuto usare sia l'originale, sia la replica moderna!
Non vedo l'ora di vedere il prossimo episodio!
P.s.: forse sarebbe stato meglio non usare la base per fare la prova, mio modesto parere che può essere anche cestinato da parte tua😂
Grande Bob, contenuti SUPER!!!!

[neonparalleli]

Grazie Bob! Ottimo episodio, come sempre

[gaetanotiberino]

Bellissimo il new Echorec, ma come giustamente osservi....il 'rumore' e i difetti di quello vecchio determinano suoni modello suona diversamente

[carstenmarcussen]

Not to compare too much, as it is two different approaches, but I got the first version of the T-Rex Replicator tape echo. I am very happy with it.
This certain analog echo effect inspires me a lot. And as you say, those machines has "somthing". It is almost an intrument of its own rights.
By the way, I am from Denmark and lives very close to T-Rex in Vejle town. I have been visiting them but that was many years ago. They really seem as very competent engineers.

Best regards from Denmark

[rikeverglade]

Love my T-Rex Echorec and the Replicator. T-Rex got a bad rap on some blogs when a complaint was made about the units noise. There are five internal trim pots. Don't touch the bias one. Don't bother with the two for the Magic Eye. There are two for Output Gain and something (maybe effect level). Those two pots have a lot of interplay, but if you experiment with those settings, the "noise" can be reduced to almost nothing. Also, go ahead and adjust the volume pots at the back of the Echorec.

[liviaontheroad]

facile innamorarsi del nuovo Echorec, caspitina.... Bob, exhaustive as always, you don't leave a stone unturned!! an other engaging review!! thanx Bob!!

[monto]

I was so excited to hear that T. Rex was reissuing this - and I knew you were going to make a video on it! ~$2K for this seems reasonable when you look at what the jacked up price is on a new Fulltone Tape Echo (or the SS one, as the video shows)

[AndrewAHayes]

I have a WEM Copicat, the tape delay and valve sound is awesome, I stopped using it about 20 years ago preferring my digital delay pedals, but after about 3 or 4 years I went back to the WEM, I guess I must be a bit of a WEM fanboy as I have the WEM Dominator MKII 100W amp.
I wish someone would make a 21st century version of the Copicat, just because I love the brand.
I might buy the Binson Echorec though, its cool!

[matttorrence]

Oh... I thought Marc Bolan used this...

[jasonlee]

I have a simulation of this in a Flashback delay pedal. It’s good. But it could never do what the real thing does.

[aminahmed]

Awesome video Bob have a wonderful day and also happy holiday season from Canada and also I will quit YouTube in 2025❤😊🌲🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦🎄🎂

[davidkent]

That is mean, fat tone you can't duplicate with a digital device

[harveycan]

Exhaustive.... And exhausting. The good thing is.. There is a lot of information. The bad thing is... There is too much information relative to sound clips. For the first 25+ minutes there are a few clips of 10-15 seconds each. Also, in the clips he has a metronome or click track that is incredibly loud and annoying, therefore destroying the whole purpose of appreciating the sound of the delay. So this was not the best use of 45 minutes. Could have been 10 minutes of pure playing. The guy's playing is great and the units sound amazing. Leave the captions on to help with his accent but his writing & description is really strong. So if you want to spend 40 of 45 minutes reading about tape delays this is for you!! Maybe just FFwd to 25 minutes to hear more playing.