The Authentic Space Echo Experience in a Compact Pedal
First released in 1974 and produced for over 14 years, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo remains one of the most iconic and beloved effects units in music history. Known for its distinctive rhythmic echo, warm tone, and musical quirks, this tape-based classic continues to captivate musicians, producers, and engineers more than four decades later.
Now, with the RE-2, you can enjoy the legendary sound and character of the Space Echo in a convenient BOSS compact pedal. Thanks to detailed research and the latest technology, the RE-2 brings the magic of the RE-201 to your pedalboard, recreated in stunning detail by the very team that designed the original.
Key Features
Authentic sound and behaviour of the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo in a BOSS compact pedal
Classic multi-head tape echo with extended delay time
Original three-head setup and 11 different sound combinations
Vintage-style RE-201 spring reverb, now with modern stereo operation
Wow & Flutter control to dial in natural tape-style modulation
Twist effect available via footswitch for expressive swells and pitch shifts
Option to use either the clean analogue dry signal or the modelled RE-201 preamp tone
Tap tempo and carryover functionality
True stereo input and output
Expandable control via external footswitches or expression pedal
A True Legend, Reimagined
Back in the day, tape echo was the go-to effect, and the RE-201 was in a class of its own. With three tape heads and a spring reverb tank, it could produce everything from simple, clean repeats to rich, rhythmic echoes and atmospheric textures. The charm of the RE-201 came from its warm tape compression, subtle modulation caused by the tape motor and mechanics, and the unique character of its analogue preamp.
Carefully Crafted with the Original in Mind
To bring this legendary effect back to life, BOSS engineers studied several vintage RE-201 units, including a pristine model from the Roland and BOSS archives. Every element that shapes its unique sound has been recreated with fresh, cutting-edge algorithms. That includes the tape path, playback mechanism, spring reverb tone, preamp warmth, and the subtle quirks of motor behaviour.
The Sound of Space in the Palm of Your Hand
The RE-2 captures the full personality of the RE-201 in a compact pedal format. Use the 11-position mode selector to choose between virtual tape head combinations with or without spring reverb. Dedicated controls allow you to balance the echo and reverb levels to suit your sound. Just like the original, the RE-2 replicates key behaviours such as pitch drifting when adjusting the Repeat Rate and the self-oscillating feedback when you push the Intensity to the max. You can even shape the modulation with the expressive Wow & Flutter knob.
Modern Functionality, Classic Vibe
The RE-2 expands on the classic with features made for today’s musicians. It includes double the original delay time, tap tempo for easy syncing, and a Twist function for exciting real-time effects. Choose between the warm tone of the RE-201 preamp or a clean, unaffected dry signal. With full stereo input and output, plus the option to mute the dry signal for parallel rigs or studio work, the RE-2 fits seamlessly into any setup. You can also connect footswitches or an expression pedal for hands-free control of multiple functions.
