Multiplex Echo Machine
1776 Effects Multiplex Echo Machine. This is a delay pedal that appears to have been wholly designed and implemented by 1776 Effects. What makes this delay different from other delays available in the marketplace is that it enables emulation of three different magnetic tape-style echo/delays from days past:
- The Binson Echorec
- The Roland RE-201 Space Echo
- The Echoplex Ep3
This is done by using two different ICs (integrated circuits) and controlling the timing and order in which each IC has signal fed into it.
Thermionic Studios has purchased this PCB and sourced the parts necessary to build this pedal. We are in the process of building the pedal and will have more to report upon completion.
- Thermionic Studios has two(2) Multiplex Echo Machines
- One is "standard",
- The other is the "bonus" version which includes an additional 1776 PCB mod-board.
- When we finish assembling them, they will be available for rental.
Controls
- Knob 1 - "Delay 1": Sets the delay time of the first delay - turning the knob clockwise increases the length of the delay.
- Knob 2 - "Delay 2": Sets the delay time of the second delay - turning the knob clockwise increases the length of the delay.
- Knob 3 - "Feedback": Increases / decreases the number of repeats - turning the knob clockwise increases the number of repeats.
- Knob 4 - "Mix": Adjusts the dry/wet blend. Align the knob directly in the middle to have a 50/50 dry/wet mix.
- Knob 5 (3-position switch) - "Tape Mode": Changes the way the signal is routed through the PT2399’s to simulate tape delays of the past:
- Binson Echo rec
- Roland RE-201 Space Echo
- Echoplex v. Ep3
- Footswitch 1 - "Tape Speed": Holding down the momentary footswitch slowly speeds up the delay speed. Releasing the switch slows the speed back down to the time setting of the knob. The tape speed is highly interactive depending on how you have "Delay 2" set.
- Footswitch 2 -"On/Off": This turns the effect on and off in the signal chain
+ Warble Controls
These are the controls made available by including the "MP Modulation Add-On PCB" to a Multiplex Echo effect.
- Knob 6 - "Speed": Sets the speed of the repeat of the warble modification of the echo effect. The period of the warble is made faster as the knob is turned clockwise.
- Knob 7 - "Depth": This control sets the eccentricity of the warble effect. Turning the knob clockwise makes the warble more extreme; counter-clockwise, less extreme.
Bypass: True
The Multiplex Echo Machine is a true bypass pedal.
General Information
One thing to note about the Multiplex Echo Machine is that 1776 Effects also builds a modulation PCB that is meant to compliment it. With the purchase, population, and installation of this additional PCB, it is possible to create chorused, phased, or warbled sounds - sounds that emulate what would actually be created with those old original physical tape echo/delay systems. In many cases on those original units, the addition of some out-of-service modulation was preferred. Delays that end up getting chorused, whether by accident or on purpose, can sound very good to the human ear.
http://1776effects.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Multiplex-Build-Doc-1.7.pdf
Pedal Manual
As of this time, 1776effects.com has not issued a separate manual on how to use the pedal. The best current references that we're aware of are this wiki page, or the build manual linked here to the 1776 Effects website which describes the architecture of, and how to build the pedal.
Phase Inversion: No
From our examination of the schematic below, the Multiplex Echo Machine appears to not invert phase on the output as compared with the signal that goes into the pedal.
Multiplex Echo
| Schematic ID | Electronic Part | Action | Phase State |
|---|---|---|---|
| IC1a | TL072 | Inverts | Inverted |
| IC1b | TL072 | Inverts | Reverted - back to Original |
| Q1 | 2N3904 | Inverts* | Unaffected - please see note |
- NOTE: Q1 modifies the period of the H11F1 IC. Q1 is engaged by means of the momentary switch (the Tape Speed control). So Q1 doesn't actually touch signal - just modifies the delay control. So while the transistor itself inverts phase, because it doesn't ever touch the signal, it can't cause a phase inversion of the signal coming out of the pedal.
MP Modulation Board
| Schematic ID | Electronic Part | Action | Phase State |
|---|---|---|---|
| IC1a | TL072 | Non-inverting | Original |
| IC1b | TL072 | Non-inverting | Original |
- Instructions from the MP Modulation build manual
"To connect the modulation board to the Multiplex, wire the O (out) pad to lug 3 of the delay 2 pot on your Multiplex build. If you want to be able to turn off the mod connect a SPST or SPDT switch between the O (out) and Delay pot. You could also use an On/Off/On switch, connecting the O (out) to the center lug of the switch and connect one outer lug to Delay1 and the other outer lug to Delay2. This will turn off the modulation in the center position, or send it to either delay 1 or delay 2. If only wiring one delay pot you should choose delay pot 2."
As with all schematic observations, the phase state will need to be born out by testing of the actual pedal.
Schematic
Multiplex Echo
MP Modulation
Artists
We are currently unaware of any artists actively using the pedal now, or who have in the past.
- Additional Sources
