Stardust 201 Tape Echo is a hot-rodded interpretation of the classic Roland "Space Echo" tape echo effects of the 70s and 80s. Compared to earlier tape echo devices, the Space Echo units represented a step forward in reliability with their solidly built tape transport mechanisms, and with the inclusion of a spring reverb and chorus effects in some models, they were capable of a multitude of sound colors.
Prior to the advent of solid-state devices, echo effects were created with tape machines by recording an incoming signal, then playing it back slightly later via a playback head situated after the record head. The length of the delay time was dependent upon the speed of tape transport. Additional echo repeats were achieved by mixing (i.e. feeding back) a portion of the delayed signal back into the signal input. This may sound like a somewhat crude affair, but it somewhat accidentally sounded fantastic for a number of reasons - the limited fidelity of audio tape provided a natural rolloff of bass and treble frequencies, and a "warm" tonality, and the inherent instability of the mechanical tape transport added (ideally) minor speed variances, lending an organic chorusing effect to repeats. Adding large amounts of feedback would overload the circuit and tape itself, resulting in wild, distorted "runaway" feedback effects.
Cherry Audio's Stardust 201 Tape Echo cherry picks (heheh) features from the original RE-201 and RE-301 Space Echo units, and we've added some of our own to create a great-sounding, super-flexible, ideal tape echo effect that never breaks down and never needs demagnetizing, all for less than the price of a Space Echo replacement audio tape loop!
Pre-Purchase Demo Mode
If you haven't purchased the full version of Stardust 201 Tape Echo, it will run in demo mode. All functions will work, but bursts of noise will occasionally be heard (the LED next to Demo in the top toolbar will illuminate when the noise is sounding). We've also added a handy button to make purchasing easy, so you've got no excuse! As you might expect, all this demo nonsense disappears once Stardust 201 is purchased.
Technical Assistance
Cherry Audio's unique online store and automatic updating should make operation a smooth experience, but if you run into any issues or have questions, you can discuss issues online at the Cherry Audio forums at:
https://forums.cherryaudio.com/viewforum.php?f=58
... or you can communicate directly with our difficult and-easily triggered outgoing and friendly tech support staff at: